Large introductory computer science classes

Abstract

Traditionally, a large introductory course meant a lecture hall with a single lecturer talking and students taking notes---but no longer. Today a wide variety of techniques, not only in the classroom but in labs and faculty offices and cyberspace, can make a large introductory course an extremely effective educational experience. We explore these practices, with pointers for further information, as a guide for instructors or departments faced with the large-course model of instruction.