Computer Coding : Introduction to Module One

Step 1: Watch the module overview video

The instructor says the first thing in Module One is the overview video.

This video explains:

what is inside the module
what you need to do
what to expect for Assignment One

Step 2: Do the First Week Introductions discussion

This is a required activity.

You need to go to the discussion board and write a short post about yourself.

You can include:

where you are in your academic career
your professional or work background
your hobbies
anything that helps classmates know you better

So this is not optional. You need to do it.

Step 3: Read the suggested textbook sections

There are readings from the free online textbook:

How to Think Like a Computer Scientist

The instructor says there are only two suggested sections for Module One.

Important:

there may be practice problems inside the reading
but those problems are not required

So the reading is suggested to help you learn, but the embedded exercises are not part of your grade unless your instructor says so somewhere else.

Step 4: Watch the learning videos

The module includes videos to teach the basic ideas you need.

These videos cover:

how to start using PyCharm
what the main() function is
how print() works
what objects are in Python
how to use input()
what docstrings are

This means Module One is focused on basic beginner Python skills.

Step 5: Learn why docstrings matter

The instructor explains that docstrings help document your code.

That means:

they make your program easier to read
they help another person understand your code
they reduce confusion

So your instructor cares not only that the code works, but also that it is written clearly.

Step 6: Learn how submission works

For Assignment One, you will submit through Canvas.

Later assignments will be different:

later assignments will be submitted on GitHub

So for now:

Assignment One → Canvas
Later assignments → GitHub

Step 7: Read the assignment very carefully

The instructor strongly recommends reading the assignment line by line.

They even suggest:

print the assignment on paper
use a pencil
check off each sentence when you finish it

This is because programming assignments often have small rules, and missing one small rule can cost points.

Step 8: Understand the objective section

At the top of the assignment, there is an objective section.

This tells you exactly what skills your program should show.

For Assignment One, the important skills are:

main()
print()
input()
string concatenation
PEP-8 style
docstrings

So your instructor is grading both:

whether the program works
whether you used the correct Python concepts

Step 9: Follow the sample output exactly

This is one of the most important rules.

For Assignment One and Assignment Two:

your output must look exactly like the sample run
punctuation must match
spaces must match
commas must match

So even if your program “basically works,” it can still lose points if the output is not exact.

For example:

Correct:


Please enter your name: Eric
Hi Eric, let's explore some historical temperatures.

If you change spacing or punctuation, it may be marked wrong.

Step 10: Use string concatenation for Assignment One

The instructor says Assignment One must use string concatenation.

That means using the + operator.

Example:


message = "Hi " + name + ", let's explore some historical temperatures."

Do not use an f-string for Assignment One.

Step 11: Use f-strings for Assignment Two

The instructor says Assignment Two is different.

Assignment One → use string concatenation
Assignment Two → use f-strings

This is because they want to see that you understand both methods.

So even if you already know f-strings, do not use them in Assignment One.

Step 12: Check formatting and docstring requirements

Before you submit, make sure you check:

code formatting
docstrings
sample run

Your instructor wants the assignment to follow the required style, not just produce output.

Step 13: Copy the sample run into your code

The instructor says to make sure you copied your sample run into your code.

This usually means putting it in a comment at the bottom or where your instructor wants it, if required by the course directions.

If your assignment instructions specifically say to include a sample run, then do it exactly as asked.

Step 14: Understand what the program should do

The instructor explains the actual program behavior:

Ask the user to enter their name
Store the name
Respond with a friendly greeting using that name

Example:


Please enter your name: Eric
Hi Eric, let's explore some historical temperatures.

So the program is very simple, but the rules matter a lot.

Step 15: Use the questions discussion board if needed

There is also a section called:

Questions on Programming Assignment One

You should use this if:

you have questions
you want to read classmates’ questions
you want to answer someone else’s question

The instructor says this can help you learn faster, because sometimes another student asks something you were also confused about.

Step 16: Check office hours

The instructor recommends joining office hours often.

Even if you do not have questions, you can still join and listen.

This can help because:

you may learn from other students’ questions
you may catch small details about the assignment
you get more comfortable with the course

What your instructor is really telling you

The main message is:

do the introduction discussion
read and watch the Module One materials
learn main(), print(), input(), and docstrings
follow the assignment instructions exactly
use concatenation for Assignment One
make your output match the sample exactly
submit on Canvas
ask questions if you get stuck

Simple checklist for you

Use this before submitting:

Here is the correct code again:


"""
This program asks for the user's name and prints a polite response.
"""


def main():
    """Ask the user for their name and display a polite greeting."""

    name = input("Please enter your name: ")
    message = "Hi " + name + ", let's explore some historical temperatures."
    print(message)


if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()

I can also turn this into a very simple “what to do first, second, third” homework checklist for tonight.

Computer Coding

Friday, April 10, 2026

Introduction to Module One