Redesigning Computer Intro Course using Supplemental Instruction and Simulation Technology

This course is a required course for Mechanical Engineering majors and a prerequisite to other upper division courses. Most of the students entering this course have had traditional mathematics and physics courses, but this is their first exposure to computer science and programming. Programming is very parallel to learning a new language and many students find a traditional lecture format inadequate to convey the necessary information to meet the learning objectives. Incorporating interactive activities in which the students receive guidance from peers, Supplemental Instructor’s (SI’s), and the course instructor will hopefully strengthen their confidence and improve their performance.