This is a fully online course.
Computer Science 270 is the first course in Computer Programming at MJC that is designed for compliance with the standards of the worldwide Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) organization. This course is for students with little or no programming experience and will serve as a gateway for many of our other Computer Science classes and related programs in our Computer Science department. The journey begins here!
Hello! My name is Brent Wedge and I will be your online instructor for CSCI 270 OL - Introduction to Programming. This website will serve an online portal where you will be able to communicate, access assignments, and find other relevant course materials. Please feel free to use my first name, Brent, when addressing me however I'll also understand if you are more comfortable using a formal title such as Professor Wedge. I will also be happy to address you by the name that you are most comfortable with while we work together in this online learning space.
I realize that every course you take is different. This section will help you understand how I approach my course.
We are a Community of Learners, You and I, and for the Educational Process to be most effective for all of us, together, it is essential for each member of this community to understand our specific roles and expectations for success. Please take a moment to read the following commitments that all of us should be prepared to honor during our time together in this course.
The ancient philosopher, Plutarch, once wrote, "The mind is a not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled." It is with these words that I approach each of my classes during every new semester. A goal that I set for all of my students is that I want them to understand not just WHAT to learn, but even more importantly, HOW to learn so that we can better understand WHY learning matters so much in the modern world around us. I teach Computer Science because I believe it is important to obtain a better understanding about the way technology works and affects our daily life. I want each student in my class to learn, explore, and grow. It is an experience that we can all share and a journey that will take us to new places which we never thought were possible. We are digital citizens, all together, in an ever-changing digital word. Let's spark our curiosities and create a whole new future.
You can always reach me is through the Canvas inbox.
Waiting for my feedback? Here's what to expect.
During the week, I will do my best to return your voicemails, Canvas messages and campus emails within 12-24 hours. Over the weekend, I may not get back to you quite as quickly. If you do not hear back from me in two days M-F, please message me again. I will get back to you!
Use the Q&A Discussion for General Questions
If you encounter a general question about the course, I invite you to ask it in the Q&A Discussion. Your question will be seen by your peers and if anyone has the answer -- by all means, answer it!
If your question is personal in nature, please send it directly to me through the Canvas inbox.
Online courses move quickly and getting off to a good start is the best way to prepare yourself for success. Read this page carefully and you'll have all you need to start this course on the right foot.
*Computers are available for you to use onsite at both MJC campuses if you do not have access to a compatible system.
In week one, you will complete a brief "Getting Started" module and Module 1. A list of the Week 1 assignments and due dates is provided below. We recommend that you add these dates to your calendar now to support your Week 1 success.
Right now, make a commitment to yourself to log into our course by the end of the day each Monday (or as close to that as your schedule allows) and accomplish the following:
Having a mental picture of what's ahead is the best thing you can do to prepare yourself for each week. Also, consider your personal schedule and then plan when you will be available to complete the course work and submit each of the assignments on time.
If you identify a challenge that could prevent you from meeting an assignment, contact me right away to share this concern. I am always willing to be flexible if you contact me in advance of a due date. Be responsible for your own actions.
In your message to me, propose an alternative due date in your email (within 24 hours is advised to ensure you don't fall behind).
Please don't consider that proposal as being approved, however, until you hear from me so that we can talk about your proposal and work out a plan together for your success.
Course Learning Outcomes are the goals you are aiming to achieve by the end of this course.
We have you covered. As a student here, there are plenty of resources to support you towards our course outcomes.
As your professor, I am the person you should contact if you need help with meeting the course goals. I strive to make this course clear and ensure you can see your pathway to success. I understand that each student is different and will always strive to respond to your questions quickly and efficiently. Teaching online can be lonely! It's hard for me to know what's happening on your end if you don't reach out and let me know.
Please use that Canvas Inbox we talked about to drop me a note if you need some support with our course content. We can also arrange time to talk, video conference, or meet in person to work through your challenges.
(209) 575-7900 (regular MJC business hours)
(844) 303-8280 (all night and weekends)
Website: https://www.mjc.edu/instruction/library/
Library Building, North Drive
Library Services: (209) 575-6228
Research Help: (209) 575-6230
Tutoring & Writing Center: (209) 575-6346
Technical Support: (209) 575-6238
Yosemite Hall, Room 235
Library Services: (209) 575-6437
Research Help: (209) 575-6949
Tutoring & Writing Center: (209) 575-6676
Technical Support: (209) 575-6676
Website: https://www.mjc.edu/studentservices/pantry/
Pirates Pantry:
Free Pantry Food
Mary Stuart Rogers Student Learning Center (West Campus)
2201 Blue Gum Ave, Modesto, CA 95358
(209) 575-7902
Monday, Thursday. and Friday: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Tuesday: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesday: CLOSED
Pirates Pantry is a new program open to ALL currently enrolled MJC students.
For more information, visit our locations or call (209) 575-7902
Website: https://www.mjc.edu/studentservices/disability/services_for_students.php
Phone: (209) 575-6225
Fax: (209) 575-6852
TTY: (209) 575-6863
Email: mjcdsps@mjc.edu
On Campus Locations:
East Campus (Main Office)
Student Services, Room 112
West Campus (Testing Center)
Yosemite Hall, Room 115
Hours
Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Summer Hours:
Monday - Thursday (Closed Fridays): 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
I understand that earning good grades can sometimes feel stressful. To help reduce that stress and improve your own likelihood of getting the best grades possible, allow yourself the time and space you need to do your best work possible. Do not procrastinate and if you get stuck on an assignment, please reach out to me.
I welcome your questions and I am happy to help you think through your ideas so you can successfully complete an assignment. Sometimes just a quick conversation or message exchange is all you need resolve a problem. Struggle is a natural part of learning, but if you're feeling frustrated that means it is time to reach out for some assistance.
You know how to reach me, right?
I want you to learn fully and responsibly in my class. Computer Science is considered by many to be both an Art and a Science. We will learn concepts, practice techniques, and assess various learning goals throughout the semester. It is my goal that your semester grade is an accurate and complete reflection of the learning you have successfully attained in this course.
Your grade in this class will be calculated using the following components and their appropriate measure as shown.
** Requirements for Course Participation
At the end of the term, the following scale will be used to assign your final grade.