Layne Henn Master of Education Instructor

CSED500 - Problem Solving and Algorithms

This course focuses on using computer-programming techniques to build robust computer programs. The course emphasizes a consistent methodology for designing, developing, testing, and refining code, with a primary focus on implementing this methodology in a classroom setting. A text-based procedural and/or object-oriented language will be used to implement solutions to the programming problems. Several classic algorithms will be introduced, with solutions featuring dynamic data structures and complex data types. Multiple solutions will be compared and contrasted to determine their relative strengths and weaknesses. (4 credits)

CSED525 - Computers and Networks for a Connected World

This course is concerned with how computers work and interact on both big and small scales. First, the course covers the machine-level representation of data its abstraction to primitive data types. Next, we consider the role of a computer's operating system in managing the computer's data, memory, and computation cycles. Then, our view of computation is expanded to include many computers communicating via a network, including the client-server paradigm and various protocols used to pass data back and forth. Our definition of "computer" is expanded to include the various mobile devices we use on a daily basis. Finally, we consider the frontiers of computing in an always-on, connected world, investigating topics such as big data and artificial intelligence. (4 credits)

CSED550 - Programming Fundamentals for Educators

This course introduces the fundamental building blocks of programming, including primitive data types, functions, branching, iteration, basic data structures, and common searching and sorting algorithms. Content will be presented primarily using a block-based visual language, but some topics may be presented using, as well. The software, code examples and code projects featured in this course will be appropriate for teaching middle school and secondary students with little to no prior programming experience. (4 credits)

CSED575 - Methods of Teaching Computer Science

This course explores computer sciences as a discipline at the K-8 and 5-12 levels that encourages inquiry, creativity, and collaboration. Given that the nature of computing is investigative, the computer science activities will be hands-on to gain insights about teaching and learning computing concepts in classroom settings. Students will examine a variety of computing tools, virtual environments, and other instructional resources that support learning across disciplines. Students will learn that pedagogical methods in computer science require intellectual rigor in order to develop lessons that are relevant and pertinent to our culturally diverse world today. (3 credits)