Computational Thinking

Agenda

1. Updates & sharing SMART goals
2. Discussion: How Computers Work
3. Introduction to the Command Line Workshop

Meeting notes

Note-taker: Jeff

Updates & SMART Goals

• Charlie: They have made progress on their shape file for ancient political boundaries. The borders are hand-drawn, however, so they want to find something more precise.
• Jennifer: She hasn’t had as much time for working on the project. However, she has watched videos from Chris Boyland and creating videos. As a result, she feels more prepared to start with video-making next semster when she’ll have more time.

Command line

• Jennifer & Charlie both have limited experience using command line, but it’s limited.
• Knowing how to use command line opens up a wider world of specialized software packages that people have developed without dealing with a Graphic User Interface (GUI)
• Alice emphasizes that learning command line also helps someone better understand file structures on their computer.

Command line resources

• Introduction to the Command Line Workshop, Tri-Co DSRI adapted from DHRI @ CUNY.
• Introduction to the Bash Command Line, Ian Milligan and James Baker, The Programming Historian
• Software Carpentry’s tutorial on the Unix Shell (for more advanced tutorials, see the “Loops” and “Shell Scripts” sections)
• Terminus command line game (a fantasy choose-your-own adventure like game) (good for getting use to navigating file structures–uses only a few commands)

Spring Planning

• Charlie will have a 7-hour time difference. Which can be worked around, but only so much. They may only be able to come to certain sessions
• Jennifer doesn’t know her schedule for the spring. She won’t know until closer to the start date for class (Jan. 20th).
• Tenataive schedule for spring sessions is posted in the syllabus. Jeff & Alice will double check it to make sure nothing needs to be substituted for new topics.
  • Digital storytelling & data visualization may get combined into one session.
  • In its place, we may put a generative AI session. This may also be something open to the community.
    ## Action items
• Updates to logs due on 12/19
• Command line follow-up
  • Finish going through the Command Line Tutorial & post any questions to Slack
  • Optional: look at the other command line resources
• Logs
  • Update your logs by 12/19
• General Reminders
  • Set up a meeting with Alice or Jeff via Zoom Scheduler if you need any help.
  • Send your spring schedule when you have it