Use graphics when possible to keep students engaged because text-only output can discourage students.
Give students a large data file to sort when teaching sorting algorithms to remind students that computers are great at dealing with a large set of data.
Misconception: Students have difficulty using the correct data types in Java because their go-to data type is int most of the time.
Have students learn to make themselves a profile page with pop-ups using JavaScript for an exciting and relatively fast way to get students engaged and programming.
Encourage students to write clear, well-commented code by having students switch partners in the middle of a project.
Use www.polleverywhere.com as an alternative to iClickers for small groups. It provides a number corresponding to an multiple-choice answer for students to text in using their cellphones.
Balance students’ interest in immediate gratification (writing code) with preparation for the AP CS exam by having students work on and off the computer during every meeting.
Bring in real stories about software, specifically games, sometimes going wrong! It is important for students to learn that development usually takes more than just a day and there is no ultimately correct solution.
Give students a cheat-sheet for how to accomplish particular tasks in Java so that they can create interesting programming from the beginning of a course to keep them engaged.
Give students a caesar cipher to reveal a picture or message in order to teach how characters can be treated as numbers and to reinforce string manipulation.