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Module: Javascript 1: Basics

Basic Javascript coding: variables, expressions, conditionals, loops, functions, arrays, objects.

Learning Outcomes

Competent with elementary Javascript

Create high quality technical essays

Readings

Guided tour of the Javascript 1 module

Why, what, how, and when you will learn about Javascript, Phase 1.

Screencast 6 min

7 reasons why Javascript is better than Java and C++

Why you want to learn Javascript (even if you don’t do web app development)

Screencast 13 min

Introduction to JSFiddle

Quick introduction to the JSFiddle Javascript environment

Screencast 8 min

AirBnB Javascript Style Guide

Javascript style guidelines for ICS 314

ES6: let and const

Use let and const for variable declarations, not var

ES6: for-of, for-in

How to iterate over arrays and objects in ES6

Experiential Learning

E06: Introduction to Javascript with FreeCodeCamp

Basic syntax: functions, for loops, while loops, if-then-else, arrays, objects

29 Aug 09:00 AM

E07: Project Euler Problem 1

Solve the first Project Euler problem

Practice WOD 30 Aug 11:30 PM

E08: Project Euler Problem 2

Solve the second Project Euler problem

Practice WOD 31 Aug 11:30 PM

E09: Reflect on Javascript 1

Write a technical essay summarizing your learning about Javascript.

Technical Essay 01 Sep 11:30 PM

Assessments

A02: Assessment of simple Javascript skills

Outcomes assessed: Competent with elementary Javascript

Rx: < 5 min Av: 5-10 min Sd: 10-12 min DNF: 12+ min or incorrect

This in-class WOD assesses your ability to write a simple Javascript program.

Discussion:

  • Actually, these are the best results ever for the first WOD! Usually, about half the class DNFs. This time, less than a third of the class DNF’d, and I think most of those will find they are no longer DNFing within the next WOD or so.

A03: Assess your ability to write effectively about Javascript

Outcomes assessed: Competent with elementary Javascript, Create high quality technical essays

This assessment evaluates your ability to write a high quality technical essay summarizing what you learned about Javascript, athletic software engineering, and JSFiddle.

Discussion:

  • Everyone who completed this assignment got full credit. For this first essay, I am being lenient in the quality of your essays. You’ll have plenty of time to get better during the semester.

  • While many essays were “good”, none got to “Excellent” in my opinion. I hope to see some great essays emerge in future weeks.

  • Many people named their essay “Reflections on Javascript”, which is the name of the experience, or even worse, “E09”. In future, come up with an interesting, provocative, personalized title for your essays!

  • Don’t create files for your essays with spaces in their names.