A hands-on overview course for computer science and modern information technologies

This paper describes the logics and experience in piloting a new project-based program overview course to introduce the fundamental computer science concepts, methodologies and technologies underpinning the latest information technologies for students who have just completed CS2 or the equivalent. The course focuses on recurring great computing ideas, motivates computing students with the modern real-world challenges and their innovative solution technologies based on creative application of the great ideas, and shortens the prerequisite chains for subsequent computing courses to support more current and flexible computing curricula. The assessment data indicate that students who have taken this program overview course are better motivated and prepared for follow-up courses and real-world IT challenges.