CS2 Data Structures Activity

(Difference between revisions)
Jump to: navigation, search
(updating with activity template)
m (Evaluated for adoption readiness)
(29 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 +
__NOTOC__
 
{| border="1"
 
{| border="1"
 
|-  
 
|-  
Line 9: Line 10:
 
|'''Learning Objectives''' ||  
 
|'''Learning Objectives''' ||  
 
#Describe the difference between a data structure and the implementation thereof.
 
#Describe the difference between a data structure and the implementation thereof.
#Explain the application of a data structure in a specific large complex software system  
+
#Explain the application of a data structure in a specific large complex software system.
 
#Evaluate tradeoffs in selection of data structures.
 
#Evaluate tradeoffs in selection of data structures.
 
#Analyze the time complexity of an algorithm that uses the data structure.
 
#Analyze the time complexity of an algorithm that uses the data structure.
Line 15: Line 16:
  
 
=== Background: ===
 
=== Background: ===
Is there background reading material?
+
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 and order of deletions, insertions, updates, etc.).
  
Are there other activities the student should have done first?
+
This activity will explore a class within the OpenMRS code base where a number of data structures are utilized. As such, it is expected that the students will have some general knowledge about the OpenMRS project.
 
+
What is the rational for this activity?
+
 
+
Include helpful hints to faculty here.
+
 
+
=== Directions: Working Ideas Stage 2 activity (2.3) from POSSE 201405 ===
+
#Identify the course(s) the activity would be appropriate for.
+
##CS2 Data Structures Project based on the work of Darci's student [https://github.com/marvinyan/openfe/blob/master/Examples%20of%20Data%20Structures.md Data Structure Example]
+
# Briefly describe the activity.
+
##Find use of a specified data structure in the OpenMRS code base using a tool like [http://geoff.greer.fm/2011/12/27/the-silver-searcher-better-than-ack/ 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.
+
# 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?
+
##One homework assignment or lab activity.
+
# How does this activity relate to course goals/objectives?
+
##Describe the difference between a data structure and the implementation thereof.
+
##Explain the application of a data structure in a specific large complex software system
+
##Evaluate tradeoffs in selection of data structures.
+
##Analyze the time complexity of an algorithm that uses the data structure.
+
# What will students submit upon completion of the activity?
+
##A link to a place where the code is found in the codebase [1]
+
##A written description of the data structure used within the code and how the code works.
+
# How will you assess the submission?
+
##Students will get into groups of three and assess each other's work based on rubric provided by professor.
+
##Each group will provide a group response
+
##Each student will turn in the original response.
+
# List any question or concerns you have about implementing your activity.
+
##N/A
+
# What type of support will you need to implement your activity?
+
##Darci will provide all support.
+
  
 +
=== Directions: ===
 +
# Go to the [https://github.com/openmrs/openmrs-module-reportingcompatibility/blob/master/api/src/main/java/org/openmrs/module/reportingcompatibility/reporting/export/DataExportFunctions.java DataExportFunctions] class and examine the import statements found at the beginning of the file. Provide the class names of four data structures that are used in DataExportFunctions.java. Note: You may need to refer to the Java APIs and should recall that an interface is not a class.
 +
# Go to the following link and then answer the questions below: 
 +
#: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/8315116/what-is-a-key-object-use-in-hashmap
 +
## What is meant by the term ''key''? The term ''value''?
 +
## Given,
 +
##:'''Map<String, int> populations = new HashMap<String, int> ();'''
 +
##:'''populations.put(“11530”, 27273);'''
 +
##:'''populations.put(“28601”, 50026);'''
 +
##:'''populations.put(“38111”, 41742);'''
 +
##:What would the following call to the get method return?
 +
##:'''System.out.println(“The population for Memphis, TN is “ + populations.get(“38111”);'''
 +
## If you wanted to store student information such as a student id, name, major, and gpa, which one of these would you choose as a key? Given that choice of a key, which of the remaining ones could be used as the associated value?
 +
# The data structures within the DataExportFunctions class are used in a multitude of ways and it is likely that you are unfamiliar with some of the syntax. Go to the [https://github.com/openmrs/openmrs-module-reportingcompatibility/blob/master/api/src/main/java/org/openmrs/module/reportingcompatibility/reporting/export/DataExportFunctions.java#L754 clearMap method]. You will find that it uses wildcard characters (‘?’).
 +
#: Briefly explain what each of the following means and explain the benefit of using them.
 +
## ‘?’ (hint: wildcards)
 +
## ‘? Extends Map’
 +
## Determine whether each of the following calls to '''clearMap''' is valid or invalid. If a call is invalid, explain why.
 +
### Map =
 +
### Call 2
 +
### Call 3
 +
### Call 4
 +
## Write a Javadoc comment for the clearMap method.
 +
# Go to the [https://github.com/openmrs/openmrs-module-reportingcompatibility/blob/master/api/src/main/java/org/openmrs/module/reportingcompatibility/reporting/export/DataExportFunctions.java#L352-L387 getLastEncounterAttr method]. There are two reference variables declared, ''types'' and ''encounterTypes''.
 +
## Can you determine what type of object each refers to? If yes, then specify the type of object. If not, then in your opinion what type of object is it most likely to refer to. Explain your answer.
 +
## Why do you think these data structures were selected by the developers?
 +
# Analysis question…I’m not sure this method is a good choice for analysis. Thoughts? Would some other code segment within this class be better suited for this type of question?
  
 
=== Deliverables: ===
 
=== Deliverables: ===
Line 82: Line 82:
  
 
=== Comments: ===
 
=== Comments: ===
What should the instructor know before using this activity?
+
# You may choose to leave out analysis.
 
+
# Depending on how many data structures you have covered, you may choose to reduce the number of data structures you are asking your students to identify.
What are some likely difficulties that an instructor may encounter using this activity?
+
# This activity may be useful even for students who are not learning Java. For example, students who know C++ can, with reasonable effort, can learn enough about Java to complete the activity. The added benefit is that they can learn that concepts transcend the language.
 
+
  
 
=== Additional Information: ===
 
=== Additional Information: ===
 
{| border="1"
 
{| border="1"
 
|-  
 
|-  
|'''ACM Knowledge Area/Knowledge Unit''' || What ACM Computing Curricula 2013 knowledge area and units does this activity cover? [[ACM_Body_of_Knowledge]]
+
|'''ACM Knowledge Area/Knowledge Unit''' || Programming Languages / Object-Oriented Programming
 
|-
 
|-
|'''ACM Topic''' || What specific topics are addressed? The Computing Curriucula 2013 provides a list of topics - https://www.acm.org/education/CS2013-final-report.pdf
+
|'''ACM Topic''' || Using collection classes
 
|-
 
|-
|'''Level of Difficulty''' || Is this activity easy, medium or challenging?
+
|'''Level of Difficulty''' || Medium
 
|-
 
|-
 
|'''Estimated Time to Completion''' || Varies, designed as one assignment or laboratory activity  
 
|'''Estimated Time to Completion''' || Varies, designed as one assignment or laboratory activity  
Line 100: Line 99:
 
|'''Materials/Environment''' || Access to OpenMRS codebase  
 
|'''Materials/Environment''' || Access to OpenMRS codebase  
 
|-
 
|-
|'''Author''' || Who wrote this activity?
+
|'''Author(s)''' || Darci Burdge, Patricia Ordóñez, Jeff Ward, Mezei Razvan, Stewart Weiss, Joanna Klukowska
 
|-
 
|-
 
|'''Source''' || POSSE 201405 Workshop Activity  
 
|'''Source''' || POSSE 201405 Workshop Activity  
Line 118: Line 117:
  
 
[[Category: Learning_Activity]]
 
[[Category: Learning_Activity]]
[[Category: LEARNING_ACTIVITY_SUBCATEGORY]]
+
[[Category: CS2]]
 +
[[Category: Good Draft]]

Revision as of 17:28, 8 March 2017

Title CS2 Data Structures Activity
Overview Using the HFOSS OpenMRS project to illustrate the use of data structures in a complex system
Prerequisite Knowledge CS1 and Java
Learning 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.

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 and order of deletions, insertions, updates, etc.).

This activity will explore a class within the OpenMRS code base where a number of data structures are utilized. As such, it is expected that the students will have some general knowledge about the OpenMRS project.

Directions:

  1. Go to the DataExportFunctions class and examine the import statements found at the beginning of the file. Provide the class names of four data structures that are used in DataExportFunctions.java. Note: You may need to refer to the Java APIs and should recall that an interface is not a class.
  2. Go to the following link and then answer the questions below:
    http://stackoverflow.com/questions/8315116/what-is-a-key-object-use-in-hashmap
    1. What is meant by the term key? The term value?
    2. Given,
      Map<String, int> populations = new HashMap<String, int> ();
      populations.put(“11530”, 27273);
      populations.put(“28601”, 50026);
      populations.put(“38111”, 41742);
      What would the following call to the get method return?
      System.out.println(“The population for Memphis, TN is “ + populations.get(“38111”);
    3. If you wanted to store student information such as a student id, name, major, and gpa, which one of these would you choose as a key? Given that choice of a key, which of the remaining ones could be used as the associated value?
  3. The data structures within the DataExportFunctions class are used in a multitude of ways and it is likely that you are unfamiliar with some of the syntax. Go to the clearMap method. You will find that it uses wildcard characters (‘?’).
    Briefly explain what each of the following means and explain the benefit of using them.
    1. ‘?’ (hint: wildcards)
    2. ‘? Extends Map’
    3. Determine whether each of the following calls to clearMap is valid or invalid. If a call is invalid, explain why.
      1. Map =
      2. Call 2
      3. Call 3
      4. Call 4
    4. Write a Javadoc comment for the clearMap method.
  4. Go to the getLastEncounterAttr method. There are two reference variables declared, types and encounterTypes.
    1. Can you determine what type of object each refers to? If yes, then specify the type of object. If not, then in your opinion what type of object is it most likely to refer to. Explain your answer.
    2. Why do you think these data structures were selected by the developers?
  5. Analysis question…I’m not sure this method is a good choice for analysis. Thoughts? Would some other code segment within this class be better suited for this type of question?

Deliverables:

Written artifact to Instructor


Assessment:

How will the activity be graded?

How will learning will be measured?

Include sample assessment questions/rubrics.

Criteria Level 1 (fail) Level 2 (pass) Level 3 (good) Level 4 (exceptional)
The purpose of the project
Why the project is open source

Comments:

  1. You may choose to leave out analysis.
  2. Depending on how many data structures you have covered, you may choose to reduce the number of data structures you are asking your students to identify.
  3. This activity may be useful even for students who are not learning Java. For example, students who know C++ can, with reasonable effort, can learn enough about Java to complete the activity. The added benefit is that they can learn that concepts transcend the language.

Additional Information:

ACM Knowledge Area/Knowledge Unit Programming Languages / Object-Oriented Programming
ACM Topic Using collection classes
Level of Difficulty Medium
Estimated Time to Completion Varies, designed as one assignment or laboratory activity
Materials/Environment Access to OpenMRS codebase
Author(s) Darci Burdge, Patricia Ordóñez, Jeff Ward, Mezei Razvan, Stewart Weiss, Joanna Klukowska
Source POSSE 201405 Workshop Activity
License Licensed CC BY-SA

Suggestions for Open Source Community:

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



This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License

CC license.png

Personal tools
Namespaces
Variants
Actions
Events
Learning Resources
HFOSS Projects
Evaluation
Navigation
Toolbox