Teach Scheme, reach Java: introducing object-oriented programming without drowning in syntax

Authors:
Stephen Bloch
Affiliations:
Adelphi University, Garden City, NY
Venue:
Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges
Year:
2008

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Abstract

We'll discuss a multi-lingual approach to the first year of programming, starting in a simple, consistent language like Scheme to get across essential concepts (e.g. variables, functions, parameters, data types, composition, testing, conditionals, classes with fields, polymorphism, recursion) and a principled methodology of programming. We'll demonstrate how the same topics can be subsequently covered in a more mainstream, but more complex, language such as Java, taking advantage of students' preparation during the Scheme phase of the course. Participants will be invited to a week-long, NSF-funded workshop in Summer 2008, which goes into much more depth on technical, classroom, and curriculum issues [TSRJ08].