CS2 Data Structures Activity

Revision as of 20:13, 17 August 2016

Background:

Data structures are widely used in the development of large complex software systems. The decision to use a particular data structure is made by the programmer or in many cases a development team. Several factors must be considered including storage requirements, time requirements of the various operations that will be performed on the data, and usage patterns (i.e. the number of deletions, insertions, updates, etc.). This activity will explore a class within the OpenMRS code base where a number of data structures are utilized. Students will explore and analyze their use.

Directions: Working Ideas Stage 2 activity (2.3) from POSSE 201405

1. Identify the course(s) the activity would be appropriate for.
   1. CS2 Data Structures Project based on the work of Darci's student Data Structure Example
2. Briefly describe the activity.
   1. Find use of a specified data structure in the OpenMRS code base using a tool like Ag, explain the task that the data structure is used to accomplish, and explain why the data structure is a good or poor choice for accomplishing this task.
3. How much time do you expect the HFOSS activity to take (# classes, # homework assignments, # lab activities, etc.)? Will the activity be completed in class or out of class?
   1. One homework assignment or lab activity.
4. How does this activity relate to course goals/objectives?
   1. Describe the difference between a data structure and the implementation thereof.
   2. Explain the application of a data structure in a specific large complex software system
   3. Evaluate tradeoffs in selection of data structures.
   4. Analyze the time complexity of an algorithm that uses the data structure.
5. What will students submit upon completion of the activity?
   1. A link to a place where the code is found in the codebase [1]
   2. A written description of the data structure used within the code and how the code works.
6. How will you assess the submission?
   1. Students will get into groups of three and assess each other's work based on rubric provided by professor.
   2. Each group will provide a group response
   3. Each student will turn in the original response.
7. List any question or concerns you have about implementing your activity.
   1. N/A
8. What type of support will you need to implement your activity?
   1. Darci will provide all support.

Deliverables:

Written artifact to Instructor

Assessment:

How will the activity be graded?

How will learning will be measured?

Include sample assessment questions/rubrics.

Comments:

What should the instructor know before using this activity?

What are some likely difficulties that an instructor may encounter using this activity?

Additional Information:

Suggestions for Open Source Community:

Suggestions for an open source community member who is working in conjunction with the instructor.

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