Overview of the First Couple weeks

So far this course has been a lot different than I expected.  I took CSC108 last semester and I was expecting a similar type of course.  However, CSC148 is much different in 108 in the teaching style and the expectations of the course, which has been an interesting change.

CSC148 is run much differently than CSC108 was.  I really enjoyed the "inverted classroom" method of teaching, where the course content was introduced in videos before the week, and the lecture time was spent on review and questions about the material.  Additionally, the exercises after the videos at the end of the week were a good way to reinforce what we learned in class.  This was a good way to teach the basics of python and keep us using it, which seemed like a good way to introduce a completely new subject to people.  However, CSC148 is a very different course.  We have more standard lectures, no videos, and no quizzes to keep the material fresh.  Though it runs like a more traditional course, after taking 108 it feels strange for a computer science course.

One of the main differences I've found so far is that things are a lot more abstract.  For CSC108, there were very specific answers which were expected and we were provided with a lot of help to lead us in the right direction.  The best example of this is the starter code and instructions given to us for assignments.  However, for CSC148, the first assignment had vague instructions and no starter code.  This was a big shock to me, and at first I didn't know where to start.  However, at the end it felt really satisfying to have built the entire program from scratch with my partner, knowing that the end product was entirely our work and ideas. 

So far I would say I've enjoyed the course, and I hope that I continue to learn and improve my computer science skills.