Getting Started
Welcome to CS 124! We are so excited that you are here.
Here’s how to get your introduction to computer science off to a great start.
1. Explore the Course Forum1. Explore the Course Forum
Your account on the course forum should be ready and waiting. Join us! Most important course discussions take place on the forum, particularly in the announcements category. This early welcome announcement is a good place to start.
2. Complete Your Profile2. Complete Your Profile
We’d like to get to know you a bit better, so please complete your profile. There is 1% extra credit available if you upload a YouTube introduction video and a Gravatar image by Monday 6/26/2023.
3. Browse the Course Calendar3. Browse the Course Calendar
CS 124 moves steadily. However, we have lots of ways for you to get help.
Note that your weekly Monday and Thursday quiz sections are the only synchronous meetings this semester. During that time you will take a 50-minute quiz. All other course activities are conducted asynchronously. This format has proven extremely successful over the past two years.
Quizzes will be proctored over Zoom. Do not report to your assigned room for your assigned quiz section, but do log in to the quiz Zoom link at that time.
4. Review the Syllabus4. Review the Syllabus
The syllabus is packed with useful information. Don’t try and read it all at once. But do skim it now and then refer to it later when needed.
5. Choose Your Language5. Choose Your Language
CS 124 is offered in two programming languages—Kotlin and Java. Before you start the lessons, choose your primary language.
6. Get Started on the Daily Lessons6. Get Started on the Daily Lessons
The daily lessons begin here. Each has a small homework problem to complete. So get started and catch up as soon as you can. All homework from the first two weeks of lessons are due Monday June 19th.
7. Try the Practice Quiz7. Try the Practice Quiz
We’ve posted a practice quiz on the quizzes page. Give it a try get comfortable with the online quiz tool that we’ll be using this semester!
8. Ensure You’re Receiving Course Email8. Ensure You’re Receiving Course Email
While we use the course forum for broadcast communication, we do send important individual messages via email.
Please check to make sure you’re receiving course-related email.
You may need to add challen@illinois.edu to your safe senders list, to make sure that important CS 124 messages aren’t ending up in your junk folder.