Course Syllabus

Thriving in Our Digital World, is a new Dual Enrollment course that teaches CS Principles, a set of core ideas that shapes the landscape of computer science and its impact on our society. In addition to learning about the magic and beauty of computing, students will acquire essential Texas College and Career Readiness skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving, and communication.

Content

The course is organized around the following eight modules:

1. Impact - Examining the tremendous impact of computing on the world
2. Programming - Coding programs that serve useful functions
3. Representation - Exploring the digital representation of everything
4. Digital Manipulation - Programmatically modifying digital media
5. Computers - Understanding the basics of computer systems
6. Big Data - Discovering new knowledge through the analysis of large data sets
7. Artificial Intelligence - Introducing AI through its modern applications
8. Innovations - Putting it all together by designing future technology applications

College Credit

Thriving in the Digital World is a dual enrollment course, so in addition to high school credit, students will receive college credit through The University of Texas at Austin for CS 302: Computer Fluency. This course counts as a core requirement (Science & Technology, Part II / Texas core code 031) for all undergraduates at Texas public institutions.

Blended Instruction and UT Support

This course uses blended instruction: The course is taught by a high school teacher who receives substantial support from UT. In particular, UT provides curricular material, and teachers of pilot offerings of this course receive two and a half weeks of professional development, as well as on-going support in terms of pedagogy, learning technology, and content matter.

Project-Based Learning

This course uses Project-Based Learning (PBL), a pedagogy designed to engage students in the educational process. PBL frames learning in the context of real-world problems, and there is evidence that PBL improves retention while also developing problem solving, critical thinking, and group communication skills.

Online Learning Environment

UT provides an online learning environment—based on the Canvas learning management software—that delivers content, enables online discussion, facilitates collaboration, and supports essential course administration and clerical tasks. These materials are supplemented with various outside sources, including the following textbook (available for free online)

• Blown to Bits, H. Abelson, K. Ledeen, H. Lewis, Addison-Wesley, 2008.

Grading

High school grades are determined by high school teachers, and may include a greater variety and number of assignment grades, but the UT course grade is based on the following:

• Projects - 60%
• Module Exams - 40%

Additionally, high school grades for projects and module exams may differ from UT grades of the same projects and exams, with only UT grades being considered in such circumstances. 

To officially enroll in the UT course, students must obtain a UT grade of 75% or higher during the first semester. Students who qualify for the UT course may enroll in it as a credit/no-credit course or for a course grade, using grades from the entire course and the following grade scale:

• 100-92% = A
• 90-92% = A-
• 88-99% = B+
• 82-88% = B
• 80-82% = B-
• 78-80% = C+
• 72-78% = C
• 70-72% = C-
• 68-70% = D+
• 62-68% = D
• 60-62% = D-
• 0-60% = F

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is highly valued and seriously regarded at the University of Texas at Austin. Infractions will be investigated and administered by UT personnel as warranted by UT's academic integrity policy. Be safe; ask questions first!