CS101

Computer Science 101

Nick Parlante

Class starts February 2012

CS101 teaches the essential ideas of Computer Science for a zero-prior-experience audience. Computers can appear very complicated, but in reality, computers work within just a few, simple patterns. CS101 demystifies and brings those patterns to life, which is useful for anyone using computers today.

In CS101, students play and experiment with short bits of "computer code" to bring to life to the power and limitations of computers. Everything works within the browser, so there is no extra software to download or install. CS101 also provides a general background on computers today: what is a computer, what is hardware, what is software, what is the internet. No previous experience is required other than the ability to use a web browser.

1. When does the class start?

   The class will start in February 2012.

2. What is the format of the class?

   The class will consist of lecture videos, which are broken into small chunks, usually between eight and twelve minutes each. Some of these may contain integrated quiz questions. There will also be standalone quizzes that are not part of video lectures, and programming assignments. There will be approximately two hours worth of video content per week.

3. Will the text of the lectures be available?

   We hope to transcribe the lectures into text to make them more accessible for those not fluent in English. Stay tuned.

4. Do I need to watch the lectures live?

   No. You can watch the lectures at your leisure.

5. Can online students ask questions and/or contact the professor?

   Yes, but not directly There is a Q&A forum in which students rank questions and answers, so that the most important questions and the best answers bubble to the top. Teaching staff will monitor these forums, so that important questions not answered by other students can be addressed.

6. Will other Stanford resources be available to online students?

   No.

7. How much does it cost to take the course?

   Nothing: it's free!

8. Will I get university credit for taking this course?

   No.

via: http://www.cs101-class.org/ <~~WOW ~Check out all the other Free Online courses