For 25 years, I taught introductory and intermediate Java programming with an object-first approach. Since retiring, I have reconsidered this method in light of Project Amber's updates to the language. I have watched as Python emerged to, in many cases, displace Java as the language of instruction in courses meant to introduce students to programming. In my presentation I will review what Project Amber has brought to teaching. Some of these changes also have the potential to simplify Java coding for complex problems. I aim to inspire participants to create new open-source libraries to make Java more attractive for teaching and learning.

Talk Level:
BEGINNER

Bio:
Ken was a Computer Science instructor for 31 years and served as Department Chairperson for 25 years at Dawson College in Montreal, Canada. Now a Research Scholar in Residence at Dawson College, he is a Java Champion and lead organizer of the JChampions Conference. He inspired the formation of the Java in Education subcommittee during his five-year tenure on the Java Community Process Executive Committee, earning the JCP Participant of the Year award. His book, *Transitioning to Java*, was published by Packt. Ken has spoken at many conferences on making programming education simpler.