This course utilizes a game-based learning methodology to secretly develop your understanding of key Java programming concepts and prepare you to think through coding challenges in ways that more-passive forms of learning simply can't. Topics include:

• Object oriented thinking and class design
• Static vs instance variables
• Inheritance
• Lambda expressions

You’ll also go behind the scenes of the game Java Puzzle Ball to understand development practices and what cloud tools Oracle offers to accommodate developers.

None!  This course is designed for beginners, and for people who periodically edit code and want to develop their understanding of key Java concepts.

This course also gives instructions on how to:

• Install Java.  You'll need this to play Java Puzzle Ball and complete the lab assignment at the end of each lesson.
• Install NetBeans.  This is your development tool where you'll write code.  You're welcome to substitute other development tools if you have other preferences.

Free!

4 weeks

3 - 5 hours weekly.

Each week, one new lesson is published online.  Lesson materials are available 24/7 until the end of the course.  You can access the material any time you want, and interact with other students (and the instructor) through the forum.

A lesson consists of:

1. Playing a series of puzzles in Java Puzzle Ball.  As you play, you'll start to make observations and build a strong conceptual understanding of key Java programming concepts.
2. Watching the short video lectures.  Lectures contextualize your observations in terms of Java code.  We've found that this is where everything really "clicks" for students after playing.
3. Exploring labs.  This is your chance to apply your understanding and knowledgeably edit Java code.
4. Taking a short quiz.  Quizzes assess your learning and measure your progress towards earning a course completion award.

There are 4 course quizzes. You will have 3 attempts to pass each quiz. Score 70% or greater on each of the quizzes and you will receive a course completion award. Quiz questions are based on the course content and the labs.