The field of software engineering has always favored people who can learn new things quickly. As the fundamental underlying principles and tools of programming change, especially with the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, what continues to matter most are the foundational ways of reasoning about programs. In this talk, we’ll share how, at the University of British Columbia, we teach a timeless approach to understanding software: one that helps students think about programs the way experts do and prepares them for the future. For students exploring computer science programs, this talk offers a glimpse into what optimal learning in CS can look like, and what to look for in a truly foundational first-year experience.

Susan Chung and Matthew Kang are Co-Lead Teaching TAs for CPSC 110, UBC’s introductory software development course.