Introduction to Programming

Modesto Junior College • Spring 2020

This is a fully online course.

What is CSCI 270 Online?

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!

Welcome!

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.

ESSENTIALS

I realize that every course you take is different. This section will help you understand how I approach my course.

OUR PACT

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.

What you can expect from me:

As your facilitator of this course, I will be actively present in your professional learning experience.
When contacted, I will respond to all of your inquires in a timely manner. You will usually get a response within 24 hours, however, please do not hesitate to follow up with me when the matter is urgent and requires a faster response.
Each week I will provide feedback to you about your progress in this online course. I want you to learn and succeed so do not be afraid to ask for clarification if you have questions about your assignments, grades, and any related feedback.
Your opinions, thoughts and words matter to me and will make a difference in this class. It is my job as your instructor to ensure that you feel safe and supported as you stretch your mind around new concepts in a new learning environment.
Your success is important to me. I understand that there are many challenges for students in today's world and I will be here to support you when questions arise and you need guidance. Please do not hesitate to contact me when you have a concern and want assistance in this course.

What I will expect from you:

A desire to learn and a commitment to obtain skills that you can use in future courses as well as out in the real world.
Be respectful. Technology affects so much in our daily modern life and so it's important that everyone feels secure and comfortable to explore it, talk about it, and ask questions whenever we are learning something new in the class.
Complete all coursework (reading, assignments, assessments, etc.) to the best of your ability and please communicate whenever you have a concern that might prevent you from meeting a particular learning objective or due date.
Computer Science is both fun and creative, yet also analytical and scientific at the very same time. Be ready to embrace new concepts as we work together to solve unique challenges and understand engaging ideas each week in this class.
As a new Computer Programmer, you will be learning some strange and wonderful theories during our semester. You will challenge yourself to keep an open mind and recognize that mistakes are a vital part of the learning process. We all make them and we will celebrate them together.

MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

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.

Have a Question?

Contact Me

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!

Ask a Peer

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.

WEEK 1 SUCCESS KIT

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.

How This Course Works

You will use Canvas to log into the course (the log in link is at the bottom of this page) and all of the course content.
This 12-Week course is organized into 12 individual 1-Week Modules, preceded by the Getting Started module.
Weekly Modules will open and become available to you in Canvas on Monday at 8:00 AM.
Each module will have assignments with staggered due dates, however, after Week 1 most deadlines will be at Midnight on the following Monday from when coursework becomes available to you.

Materials You Will Need for Week One

Access to MJC's Canvas course management system.
Access to your MJC email account.
Access to a Computer that is running Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, or Linux and is connected to the Internet.*

*Computers are available for you to use onsite at both MJC campuses if you do not have access to a compatible system.

Due Dates for Week One

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.

By Wednesday, February 5 at 11:59pm:
- Read the full and complete Course Syllabus (Getting Started Module)
- Submit the Getting to Know You Survey (Getting Started Module)
- Complete the Getting Started Quiz* (Getting Started Module)
By Friday, February 7 at 11:59pm:
- Participate in the Week 1 "Introduce Yourself" Discussion (Week 1 Module)
- Begin reading Chapter 1 in the free online textbook. (Week 1 Module)
By Monday, February 10 at 11:59pm:
- Post two replies in the Week 1 "Introduce Yourself" Discussion (Week 1 Module)
- Complete Quiz 1: Chapter 1 - The Way of the Program (Week 1 Module)
- Complete Lab 1: Installing Python IDLE 3.x (Week 1 Module)

My Advice for 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:

Review all module instructions.
Write the week's due dates on your calendar (or somewhere that you can easily locate).
Assess the workload.

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 GOALS

What's a Course Learning Outcome?

Course Learning Outcomes are the goals you are aiming to achieve by the end of this course.

Upon completing this course successfully, the Course Learning Outcomes state that you should be able to:

Develop solutions to programming problems using proper Syntax and Semantics, and the Program Development Process.
Explain and apply the Programming Cycle to given programming problems.
Describe how pseudo-code and comments are used to better design programs that others can follow.

SUPPORT FOR YOU

We have you covered. As a student here, there are plenty of resources to support you towards our course outcomes.

What's My Role?

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.

Campus Resources for Students

Student Canvas Helpline

(209) 575-7900 (regular MJC business hours)

(844) 303-8280 (all night and weekends)

Library and Learning Center

Website: https://www.mjc.edu/instruction/library/

East Campus Library and Learning Center

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

West Campus Library and Learning Center

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

Food Pantry

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

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

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

HOW GRADING WORKS

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?

My Grading Philosophy

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.

How Your Work is Weighted

Your grade in this class will be calculated using the following components and their appropriate measure as shown.

Code Labs: 30%
Chapter Quizzes: 30%
Exams: 20% **
Learning Reflections: 20% **

** Requirements for Course Participation

Grade Scale

At the end of the term, the following scale will be used to assign your final grade.

90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below %60 = F

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