This course will emphasize learning by doing, the instructor’s role will be that of manager/coach with virtually no formal lectures.  The student will perform hands-on exercises contained in each chapter of the text. This will be a LAB ORIENTED CLASS.  There are two classes per week in a lab room – a room with a computer for each student.

Each chapter contains several hands-on exercises which lead the student by the hand through various tasks – similar to painting by the numbers.  These exercises will require output (in printed form) to be handed in to the instructor as proof of achievement.  Outputs will be turned in to the instructor in the form of labs. The hands-on exercises are a means of practicing the topics covered in the chapter.  Performing the exercises requires one to carefully and patiently follow a set of directions  - a missed step may require starting over from the beginning.

 

If you are in the midst of a hands-on exercise when the period ends – the following action is suggested:

1. Make note of where you are in the hands-on exercise so you know where to resume the action at the next session.
2. Save your current work on the disk – use an appropriate file name.

Grading will be based on the following:

LABS: approximately 10 – 12 labs; each lab will contain the output from several hands-on exercises in a given chapter – usually this means one lab per chapter with most labs due within a week from the time of assignment – points will be deducted for labs turned in late.

ATTENDANCE: 2 free absences are allowed; thereafter each absence will result in a 2 points deduction from the final grade.

EXAMS:  NO exams are being planned, but the instructor reserves the right to impose an exam(s) if deemed necessary.

Summary: The student’s final grade is primarily determined by the effort exerted in producing the labs.

If you put in the time and effort, there is a good chance of earning an “A” or at least a “B” for the course.

 

Historically this course has had students with wide ranging computer experience – from some who didn’t know how to turn on a computer to those who had used the software covered in the course.  To the less experienced students – do not get discouraged or frustrated, it may take several weeks before you reach a comfort level.  I encourage the more experienced students to help the less experienced students – between the instructor and helpful students, adequate coverage should be provided for those in need.  It may also require the lesser experienced to spend more time (at least initially), which means using the lab during open periods in addition to the scheduled time.

 

The lab sessions are quite informal, giving the student a large measure of freedom and responsibility to determine the value derived from the course.

Instructor:  Jim Savas

Room: 228

Instructor Website: www.geocities.com/jimsavas.

Office Hours: to be announced.