Classroom Mechanics and Ground Rules

Introduction This document will tell you what to expect in Compuer Science classes. It will outline rules that apply in all CS classes. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call, or email, or ask your instructor. Most CS classes meet in the e-lab, although some may meet in other places.

What to Bring to Class Bring your lappy and its power cord. We will use computers most days. Bring a notebook; it is handy to have certain things written down so you can refer to them.

To save precious class time, when you arrive, prepare your computer for the day's activities. Start your machine and open the applications you will need for class. If you are using a remote server, get logged in.

Policy on Lappies

Computers are an integral part of our classes. Their use is permitted except when explicitly prohibited. The School-Wide Policy page contains a section on electronic devices and laptops that applies in all classes.

Whoa! Back up! It is strongly suggested you maintain backups of all of your work on the computer science server, an external drive, or the cloud. You are also required to keep any written graded assignments returned to you, and keep the programs you turn in in your electronic files. This is your insurance against us accidentally corrupting, destroying or misplacing your files. This does happen sometimes!

Class Organization Our classes are at once lab and lecture. We will demonstrate coding constructs and have you try them right away. We often code live in class and we will ask you to contribute ideas to solving the problem we are presenting. You are strongly encouraged to contribute ideas to class discussions. Don't be a saysquat! Asking questions is a great way to contribute to class.

Programming Assignments and Other Assessments No one really understands what is going on in a programming class until they can write programs that compile and work. It's this simple: if you can't do this, you don't really understand the material. The biggest mistake made by many CS students is that they confuse an active understanding of the material with a passive understanding. Until you attempt, fuss over and debug programs, you are nowhere. Therefore, you will see work on a wide variety of programs.

General Computer Science Course Policies

Academic Honesty You are bound by school policy on academic honesty; the discipline's policy is linked here. You are bound by the terms laid out in this document, and are required to review it at the start of each CS class.

Some programming projects will be individual efforts, although there will be a few joint activities (especially in pairs). You are expected to gain an active understanding of the material; this means that you need to be a full participant in class at all times. You are encouraged to share ideas and ask questions. Unless we specify otherwise, you may help each other debug code.

Attendance and Punctuality You should look at he discipline's policy late work. If you miss class for any reason, you are responsible for obtaining all notes and assignments that you missed. This is your responsibility whether your absence is excused or not. We will be posting notes and code on the web or on Canvas; you should look at these every day, especially if you miss class. You must arrange to make up any missed test or quiz in a timely fashion; we will not chase you down. You are bound by the our policy on tardiness, which is outlined in your course syllabus. You must have a note from a teacher or staff member to excuse a tardy. For your convenience some the rules are reiterated here.

Multiple Major Assignments If you have more than 2 major assignments due on the same day as a scheduled major assignment in this class, please let your instructor know and contact Academic Programs at least 48 hours in advance for relief. We are reasonable people as long as this is not abused.

Some General Remarks on Etiquette It is important for us to have a classroom atmosphere that is stimulating, fun and productive. We expect you to be on-task during class time; do not waste class time playing games or going to recreational web sites. Do not distract your classmates when they are trying to concentrate. Be helpful when your neighbor's program has a bug. Share useful stuff you find with your instructors and classmates; we like to post useful resources on our websites. An atmosphere of mutual trust and respect is important to our classrooms; it makes the entire enterprise of learning more fun and fulfilling.

Revised: 2021-06-03