Programmer/Analyst Consultant
A.K.A. Computer Guy
A.K.A. Internet Grandpa
Resume
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James Larson Programmer/Analyst Consultant A.K.A. Computer Guy A.K.A. Internet Grandpa Resume |
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| Remember, it takes hard work to make computers easy to use. | ||
I am scheduled to teach JavaScript Programming starting this September via the Internet through The Potter's School, a Christian home school curriculum provider.
I'd like to convince you to get your parent or guardian to sign you up for this important and useful course.
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Here is the course description as it appears in The Potter's School 2007-2008 catalog:
Here is a link to the syllabus,
This page intends to explain who can take the class, course prerequisites, my teaching perspective, list examples of my JavaScript programming, justify using game programs as a teaching tool, and conclude on a God affirming note. I apologize for its length, but I would rather say too much than not enough.
As programming languages go, JavaScript is probably the nicest I've ever mastered. It has much of the power of C/C++, but with a simple string data type, and non-strict variable typing. It makes it very easy to concentrate on the logic of your problem. I like being able to put the entire project into a single disk file. Also, graphics are very easy to add.
When I originally designed the course, it was recommended that I make HTML/CSS a prerequisite. I still believe such experience would be helpful, but I intend to teach the course from the "ground up," presenting all the HTML and CSS needed to build exciting JavaScript web pages! If you are literate, can reason logically, are willing to study the material, prepare assignments, participate in class, and comport yourself in a civilized manner, then you have all the required attributes to take this course.
To be honest, I come to this subject not as a web developer, but as a programmer and computer scientist. My goal is to teach the subject of programming -- from statement of problem to working program. The vehicle used will be HTML/JavaScript (Please, for the technically picky among us, don't say HTML/Java, as that is a different, competing technology! ;) Once learned, these programming skills will open many opportunities at work, at church, at play, or at school.
I have used HTML/JavaScript for many interesting personal applications. Here are some examples of my work.
I wrote a page that speaks the answers to a 100+ question exam that I grade. This jewel allows me to:
Anyone who has tried reading test answers into a tape recorder should appreciate this feature list. What would you give to create one for yourself? There probably is a commercial package that does this, but I could -- and did -- write my own custom version!
One of my first productions helped me solve the old "Bad coin" problem. Please see:
www.dst-corp.com/james/coins/
I wrote an HTML/JavaScript assembler for the micro code included with my calculator circuit:
www.dst-corp.com/james/mmlogic.html
Included in the package is a simulator written in HTML/JavaScript that I needed to debug the micro code.
Here is a primer on Digital Logic with exam:
www.dst-corp.com/james/LogicPrimer
I wrote a utility to "Prettify" JavaScript programs to better read and understand them.
I wrote a HTML/JavaScript picture album for scenes from the life of Jesus:
www.dst-corp.com/james/PaintingsOfJesus
And here is a psychological profile exam:
www.dst-corp.com/james/DrPhil
Plus all the games at:
www.dst-corp.com/james/ClassicGames.html
Then, of course, there is my chess board at:
www.email-chess.com/v2.html
Writing computer games is a longstanding tradition for teaching programming. And, for many talented individuals, it is a profession in its own right -- think XBOX. I believe H. S. students would be more interested in games than in boring, data entry validation routines. Also, most business applications are heavily server oriented -- mastering client side scripting is challenging enough, and is an excellent place to start learning
The Potter's School is intended to deliver high-quality Christian High School curricula via the Internet to the home, but there are no religious requirements to attend. Just understand the instructor will be a practicing Christian dedicated to a Christian witness. Otherwise, all are welcome!
Computers are tools that can be used to further God's kingdom on earth. But using these machines to their fullest potential requires mastering computer programming. I hope to teach all comers the basics -- problem analysis, data types, expressions, variables, program flow control constructs, etc. so that they can apply the resulting skills to problems important to them.
Please forgive the long dissertation -- the point is, once you have the skills to write HTML/JavaScript, your imagination is the limit! Also, I am allays interested in new program ideas to challenge my coding skill. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to send them to me. If I like it, I might just do it!
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I truly thank God I live in this era of ubiquitous computers. Programming has brought me closer to Him by helping me appreciate His creative powers. When I look at a living cell, I see an incredibly complex "computer" designed and programmed by a Master Engineer -- and my jaw just drops to the floor -- which isn't really all that far since I'm already on my face before His throne!
In Jesus' name, and in His honor,
Respectfully,
James Larson
TPS CS Instructor
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