Dec. 31. Why is this page purple? To make it different! The course is different! This quarter, the course structure is designed to focus on learning data structures and algorithms in context. The course is designed to give each student an opportunity to learn and use inquiry and communication skills appropriate to 21st century learning:  searching for information and evaluating it, working in teams, taking initiative and responsibility for learning, creating programmatic demonstrations that work on the World Wide Web, writing coherently, and giving effective oral presentations of technical material.  Research in teaching and learning indicates that these kinds of active participation in the educational process by students leads to more effective learning. Furthermore, industrial employers have been asking schools to turn out graduates with these sorts of skills.  If this plan is consistent with the kind of educational experience you would like to have, do try to take the course this quarter.  If you would prefer a more traditional format with student responsibilities limited to attending lectures, turning in written assignments, and taking examinations, consider taking the course in another quarter.