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 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 9/4/2023.
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 Tuesday discussion sections are optional, and attendance is not required.
On Tuesday 8/22/2023 you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions of the course staff and get to know some of your fellow students.
During subsequent weeks:
- In CIF 4025 course staff will be available for individual tutoring
- In CIF 4029 we’ll hold small group discussions about the role of technology in society
Space-permitting, all discussion sections are open to all students. However, please plan on attending during your assigned discussion time if possible.
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 as soon as you can.
All homework from the first two weeks are due Monday September 4th. After that point homework are due a few days after each lesson is released.
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 quiz tool that we’ll be using this semester! Note the official quizzes will be given in the CBTF.
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.
9. Schedule Your First Quiz9. Schedule Your First Quiz
Note that we are giving our first quiz in the CBTF Monday through Wednesday of the first week of class: Monday 8/21/2023 through Wednesday 8/23/2023. Please use PrairieTest to register to take the assessment. The first quiz is all syllabus material, and every question can be answered an unlimited number of times for full credit. All to say: An easy 100 / 100. So you don’t want to miss it!
If you missed the first quiz, please read on…
10. If You’re Joining Late10. If You’re Joining Late
First, you probably need to create a temporary account, as described above. It can take a day or two for your registration to show up in our systems. But the temporary account will let you get started with everything you need to do.
Second, we gave our first quiz of the semester during the first week. If you missed that quiz—no worries! You’ll have the opportunity to make it up during any of your next quiz sessions. Quiz 0 is short and easy, and 100 free points. So you don’t want to miss it!
Finally: CS 124 moves swiftly. If you joined late, you’re already behind! Please catch up as soon as possible. Note that you have until Tuesday 9/5/2023 to complete all of the initial set of homework.