Introduction to Computer Science – Mr. Holthouse

 Class Policies and Expectations 2013-14

 

 Welcome to ICS (our first TLA).  This serves as our formal introduction to the class – how we’ll try to learn a lot and, I hope, have some fun doing so. 

 Stuff…

 …you need in class EVERY DAY:

·         a notebook for taking notes and working writing utensils

·         Recommended:  a USB "Flash drive", at least 8GB  ($8 at Staples)

 …you need on the internet:

·         A (free) Canvas account linked to your school email address

·         Your WHS Google Drive

 …you need to work at home (see me if any of this presents a problem):

·         Broadband internet access (not dial-up)

·         A computer with MS-Word and Excel. Some of the software used in this course is only available on Windows, not Mac OS-X, or has not been tested thoroughly on OS-X. If all you have is a Mac and you want to be able to work at home for these units you can use Bootcamp as we do with the computers in the lab.           

 

Grading and Assessment

There will be about a number of in-class paper quizzes with varying point values that in total make up 25-35% of your final grade.  I will usually announce these at least two days in advance.  Usually, you will be allowed to use your own class notes during tests, although you may get extra points if you don't. 

We will do lots of in-class computer “labs”.  These will count for 45-55% of your grade. If you have done all the required reading, understood the preceding lecture material, and use your class time very efficiently, you should be able to finish most of these during class.  However, some students will probably require more time at your home PC or in the lab.  The lab is available most days after school, and most days during your free blocks if you work quietly.  On most of these labs you can work with a partner, but you each will need to submit your own work.  Except as noted in the assignment, if two or more submissions would constitute copyright infringement in the Real World, all students involved will receive no credit for the assignment.

Regular homework assignments contribute about 15-20% to your grade.  These include online "Checkpoints" that Canvas calls "Quizzes", but they're part of your homework grade.  You may work with others in completing these assignments, but you must turn in your own complete work and list the names of others with whom you worked.  

IMPORTANT:  Most homework and lab assignments are due at 8PM on the day listed! Late assignments get half credit, and zero credit after we have "debriefed" on them in class. 

There will be no midyear or final exam, but there will be a midyear project for everyone, and a final project for juniors.  In each case, you may choose from a list of "standard" projects, but you may team with another other student and propose a project requiring similar skills and commitment if you wish.  

You can take this course for Level 1 or Level 2 credit. Switching levels requires permission of your parents and your guidance counselor.  To earn a Level 1 “A” you will need to complete additional work on most tests and assignments.  If you are in Level 2, you can do this Level 1 work and assignments for extra credit.  The grading scales are:

 

A

A-

B+

B

B-

C+

C

C-

D+

D

D-

F

L1

>=105%

101%

98%

93%

90%

87%

83%

80%

77%

73%

70%

<70%

L2

>=93%

90%

87%

83%

80%

77%

73%

70%

67%

63%

60%

<60%

 

Class Web Site

The class web site at www.mholthouse.org is the primary source of course information. This provides you:

·          a summary of the topics covered in class each day

·         current project and homework assignments (some via links to Moodle)

·         upcoming test dates and topics

·         pointers to some sites that offer extension, alternate presentations, or more depth on our topics

·         occasionally something humorous (to me, anyway)

If you find a particularly appropriate site somewhere on the web that you think would make a valuable addition, send me a summary of it, including why you think it would be valuable to the class, and I’ll add a link to it along with your recommendation.

The course uses Canvas for most online homework and Google Drive for most lab and project submissions. When possible, the web site will link to assignments on Canvas or Google Docs, and the due date will be indicated in both places, but information on Canvas takes precedence. If there is a technical problem with Canvas or Google Drive that prevents you from submitting an assignment on time, you must email me, or if email is also not working, leave a voice mail on my school phone BEFORE the deadline if you want to be able to receive full credit for the assignment.

If You are Absent

It is your responsibility to find out about and make up work you miss.  You should stay up to speed using the web site. School policy allows you up to two days per day absent to make up homework or a test after returning from an absence, but I hope you won’t let it drag on that long.  In any case, you must arrange to discuss your plan for making up the working within 2 days of your return.  Note that if you are first absent the day of a test, or the day that an assignment is due, you are required to take the test or hand in the assignment on the day you return from your absence.  An assignment due at 8PM on the day before your absence is due at 8PM the day before your return.

Extra Help

I’m available almost every day after school until 3:00 or later.  I’m usually in the Math Office or the Project Lab, and if not I try to leave a note on the board there as to where to find me.  Feel free to drop by anytime, and unless I’m working with another student or otherwise tied up, I’ll be happy to work with you.  If you want to make sure you have my undivided attention, please send me an email the day before with when you’d like to meet, and I’ll hold that time for you on a first-come, first-served basis.  If you send an email, I’ll try to confirm back to you the night before – I generally check my email before dinner, and again around 10:00 PM.

You’re also welcome to send me an email anytime with a question on an assignment.  I may not always be able to answer it effectively via return mail, and I don’t just give out answers, but I have been known to provide the occasional hint.  Note that asking a question at 7:59PM does NOT change an 8PM deadline.

Professionalism on the Web

I use a simple guideline: assume that everything you post to a discussion, send in a message, or contribute in any way online will be reviewed by the admissions committee of your first-choice college, and the person who is thinking of hiring you for your dream job. So, before you hit Send, picture those people, and edit as necessary. This is a good guideline for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media too, OBTW.