In this class, you program in Squeak. There are many reasons for this.
Smalltalk is more object-oriented than other languages. For a class on object-oriented programming, this is a big plus.
Squeak is a free and cross-platform Smalltalk. Practically, this is a big plus.
Squeak's UI is flexible. You can draw lines on the screen (consider "Joe the Box"). You can use an MVC environment. You can use morphic. So, we can explore user-interfaces from the ground up.
Squeak has great support for multimedia. You can do interesting projects.
Squeak's IDE has many powerful features, like inspectors, MethodFinder, implementors of..., senders of... Having an exposure to these kinds of tools should give you an insight into what is possible in an IDE.
Squeak is different. The faculty felt it was important that Georgia Tech graduates should have exposure to more than just conventional tools.
Now, regardless of whether you agree with these advantages, using Squeak is a little difficult. At the same time, you are learning a new language (Smalltalk), a new IDE (Squeak), and a new programming paradigm (object-oriented). All of these things can make this course a challenging enterprise. This discussion is to help you out.
Part 1: Create and Post a Discussion
For your discussion, create a page off your "Who's Who" page. On it, post one of the two following things:
In detail, describe a problem that you experienced in Squeak. What was the problem? Why did it happen? How did you eventually overcome this problem?
In detail, describe a feature of Squeak that you have found particularly useful. What is the feature? Why is it useful? How do you envoke it?
Whichever one you choose, you need to do a write-up that is useful for others. If appropriate, include a screenshot. The intent here is that others will be able to read your post and maybe pick up something that will be useful to them. Post your discussion at the bottom of this page. This part is due Friday, September 30th. If you have question about this assignment, ask them here.
Part 2: Read Other Posts and Pick a Good One
Next, find two posts that you think are useful. Link to them on your original page and explain why you found them particularly useful. This part is due Monday, October 3rd.