SIGCSE 2023 - Computer Science with Theatricality

Computer Science with Theatricality: Creating Memorable Moments in CS50 with the American Repertory Theater during COVID-19

In Fall 2020, Harvard University transitioned entirely from on-campus instruction to Zoom online. But a silver lining of that time was unprecedented availability of space on campus, including the university's own repertory theater. In healthier times, that theater would be brimming with talented artisans and weekly performances, without any computer science in sight. But with that theater's artisans otherwise idled during COVID-19, our introductory course, CS50, had an unusual opportunity to collaborate with the same. Albeit subject to rigorous protocols, including face masks and face shields for all but the course's instructor, along with significant social distancing, that moment in time allowed us an opportunity to experiment with lights, cameras, and action on an actual stage, bringing computer science to life in ways not traditionally possible in the course's own classroom. Equipped with an actual prop shop in back, the team of artisans was able to actualize ideas that might otherwise only exist in slides and code. And students' experience proved the better for it, with a supermajority of students attesting at term's end to the efficacy of almost all of the semester's demonstrations. We present in this work the design and implementation of the course's theatricality along with the motivation therefor and results thereof. And we discuss how we have adapted, and others can adapt, these same moments more modestly in healthier times to more traditional classrooms, large and small.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

00:00:00 - Computer Science with Theatricality
00:02:32 - Acknowledgements
00:03:08 - Tearing a phone book to explain binary search
00:04:50 - Opening doors to explain linear and binary search
00:06:29 - Glasses of water to explain swapping variables
00:07:45 - Mailboxes to explain pointers
00:08:15 - Refrigerator and milk to explain race conditions
00:09:48 - Other memorable moments
00:11:03 - Results
00:13:42 - Future work
00:14:07 - Conclusion
00:14:35 - End credits

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This is CS50, Harvard University's introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming.

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LICENSE

CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License

David J. Malan

[johansugarev]

Such an engaging speaker and positive person. Give them all the funding they want, this guy is changing lives!

[nayankumarbarwa]

The amount of efforts poured by him and his team is immensely undisputable. His teaching methods are just different and never seen. I wish if I could have explored to CS50 a bit earlier.

[Elix_y]

Thank you sir David for making this absolute master piece of a course acssible to everyone, I am currently in the middle of the course and trust me when i say this that this is the most fun thing that i have ever done or seen. For me you are the best teacher that I have ever gotten a chance to learn from and the rest of the team as well Brain, Doug and Carter.
Thank you all for making cs50
Now in context to this video, I actually really like the theatricality of the course, it makes me understand and remember the concept throguth for a long period of time

[keinermendoza]

CS50 has given me the opportunity to enter a world completely unknown to me. I don't think we are aware of the social impact of your courses, especially for people in developing countries. Thanks to David J. Malan and the entire CS50 team.

[johnnguyen]

I ❤CS50! Wishing for others to find this amazing course as fun and exciting as I did.

[robertmuchiri]

I would love for David and the team to really understand the many lives they have changed with their course; the energy, vigor and theatrics to engage learner and the quality in production and content...I'm in awe

[SothearithKONGMrMuyKhmer]

He is the best professor! And also the team out there are very supportive and amazing. Best!

[maxchan-]

I like the feeling of having classes in the theater so much that I burst into tears❤

[jspenceryt]

Thank you for everyone involved for making all of this possible

[AKsNotePath]

Excellent presentation, I am falling in love with Computer science

[siiieeem]

David, Brian, and the rest of the CS50 team are absolutely helping a lot of people globally. I'm one of those and I'm even on the other side of the world. Great teachers are hard to find and you can never go wrong with CS50! Kudos

[paulmcdevitt]

Trying to work how someone could 'hate' this approach or find it not helpful at all. Says more about them, I would think. Even when you know how some of these things work, it is still engaging and interesting and will ensure you never forget how these things work,

[AlexTrusk]

Not yet through with the whole course, but I think the style is great. There are always deeper and dryer resources, but for an introductory course this is perfect. Helps alot with my training at as an IT professional here in Europe. Thanks alot.

[so_creepy]

You're one hell of a teacher I'm glad I decided to learn from you

[legomaster]

Literally working on CS50 material as this video came out. o7

[jiangzzi]

Great job, David, Brain, and the whole team! Thank you for bringing us such an innovative CS course! I see passionate educators. Keep moving forward!

[RAMKUMARRAMESHR]

when teacher care more about his students then the student themselves thank you my teacher DAVID J. MALAN

[denisadma]

Thank you for providing us your wonderful help. You are the professour everyone needs and wants, funny, positive and perfect explainer. World needs more professors like you.

[RSkyCar]

Hi, David! Computer Science with Theatricality really is a great approach to studying computer science look forward to continually refining my knowledge with you as a guide in this magical world... Best regards!

[natb]

❣ Thank you for everything, David and Team!