The outside-in method of teaching introductory programming

Abstract

The new design for the introductory programming course at ETH relies on object technology, Eiffel, extensive reuse, a graphics-rich library (TRAFFIC) built specifically for the course, a textbook ("Touch of Class") and an Outside-In approach based on "inverted curriculum" ideas. This article presents the key aspects of the approach. Note: readers interested in following the development of our course, the "Touch of Class" textbook and the supporting TRAFFIC software project may look up the page se.inf.ethz.ch/touch, where they can also subscribe to mailing lists connected with the approach. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2003.