Stanford University — Computer Science 101

In an effort to teach myself some computer science. I came up with the idea of taking the Stanford University MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) Computer Science 101. I greatly enjoyed this course. I believe the instructor, Dr. Parlante, spent ample time developing the basic skills of computer science. The class was not very difficult, but it was both interesting and engaging. Once I started the first lecture, I did not want to stop. Even now, after having completed this course, I am still left wanting to learn more from him. He covered a wide array of topics ranging from computer security, csv (comma separated value) files, excel, introduction to coding, pixel manipulation, and more. The course was taught to a level that anyone can understand and has built a strong desire in me to study computer science even more since I have completed it.

Course Description: In the words of Stanford University, “CS101 teaches the essential ideas of Computer Science for a zero-prior-experience audience. Computers can appear very complicated, but in reality, computers work within just a few, simple patterns. CS101 demystifies and brings those patterns to life, which is useful for anyone using computers today.

In CS101, participants play and experiment with short bits of “computer code” to bring to life to the power and limitations of computers. Everything works within the browser, so there is no extra software to download or install. CS101 also provides a general background on computers today: what is a computer, what is…