My Office Hours:

Important Dates:

Delivery of Content:

In addition to in-class activities course schedule and content, assignments, tests, and grades will all be made available through Angel. Assignments will be submitted using Angel. Feedback for assignments will be through Angel email. It will be a good idea to check you Angel email regularly.

Text:

Visual Basic 2008 for Windows, Mobile, Web, Office, and Database Applications: Comprehensive

Shelly/Hoisington (ISBN 13: 978-1-4239-2716-7; ISBN 10: 1-4239-2716-8)

Software requirements:

Windows XP or later

We will be using Microsoft's Visual Basic 2008 language to explore programming fundamentals. As a CSIT student at Parkland College you have access to VB 2008 Professional free of charge via the MSDN Academic Alliance agreement. You may also download a limited but adequate free version (Visual Basic 2008 Express) at http://www.microsoft.com/express/download/        

Catalog Description:

Introduction to logic and fundamental programming concepts using a common computer language with emphasis on syntax and structure. Design tools such as structured flowcharts and Pseudo code. For students in science, mathematics, or technical programs, Prerequisite: MAT 095 or equivalent.

Objective:

The purpose of this course - Introduction to Computer Programming is to acquaint students with the programming concepts common to all computer languages. While we will be using Visual Basic as the language to practice the fundamental programming concepts and necessarily will cover "the basics" of Visual Basic this IS NOT a Visual Basic course. CIS211 is the Introduction to Visual Basic course.

My Assumptions:

• This is your first programming class.
• You are interested in pursuing a career in which computers are a central focus or you are genuinely interested in learning how to write computer programs.
• You will read the textbooks as directed,
• You will read your Angel email regularly.
• You will attend class regularly.
• You will pay attention in class
• You will spend time as needed to complete your assignments.
• You will seek help when needed.
• Assignments will be turned in on time.
• The work you turn in will be your own. Projects are to be completed by YOU. Although I encourage students to seek help when needed from myself, other students, peer tutoring, or friends and family please be aware of there is a fine line between someone “helping” you with your assignments and someone “doing” your assignments. Discussing projects is appropriate but giving code (electronic or hard copy) to or receiving code  from  somebody else is inappropriate.

Class Projects:

All programming projects will be submitted electronically using Angel. Be sure to include appropriate documentation at the top of all .vb files submitted. Minimum documentation includes

• Your name
• A description of the program
•  record of how much time you spent on the lab

Projects will NOT be accepted late.

Before final grades are calculated I will drop

• the lowest score received on a programming project
• the lowest scores received on Debugging exercise
• the lowest score received on a Walkthrough exercise
• the lowest 50 point test

Projects will be graded on the following:

• Program fulfills all requirements stated in assignment
• Program work correctly
• Source code adheres to common structured programming guidelines as stated in in guidelines found on the course tentative schedule.  

IMPORTANT: Each program assignment will have a "grader" link. This grader identifies the specific items I will be looking for when I test/grade your programs. I STRONGLY encourage you to use the grader to test your programs prior to turning them in.

NOTE: In order to pass the class student must have a passing average on the tests and have completed at least 2/3 of the programming projects. To receive an A all programming projects must be completed.

More than half of the testing will be done via Angel with ample to time to complete the test. Parts of the tests will be completed in class. There will be no makeup for missed tests unless I am notified prior to the time of the test.

Caution:

This is a challenging course. It will require a considerable amount of your time.  To be successful you will need to set aside enough time in your undoubtedly busy lives to complete the assignments. Once you fall behind it can be difficult to recover. If you run into problems it is your responsibility to contact me for help. 

Taking this course on-line adds additional challenges. Because you do not regularly come to class it is easy to get stuck and to fall behind. If you run into problems it is your responsibility to contact me for help. When e-mailing me with questions or problems please include the word "Question" in the subject line. You may email me from any email account you wish or use Angel and I will respond to whatever email address the email came from. 

Surfing the Web:

Please don't. Surfing, watching videos, playing games, etc. during class is distracting not only to you but to other students. Not only is very nearly everything I talk about in class directly related to the work you will be doing but I will be telling you everything you need to know to complete the work. You WILL miss something important when you are not paying full attention.

Academic Policies:

Anyone found to be cheating will receive a zero for that assignment and the incident will be reported to the Dean. Cheating includes copying or sharing electronic or hard copies of assignments with other students (from this or previous semesters).  The complete policy is found on pages 3-5 of the Student Policies and Procedures Manual (Fall 2004). 

Disabilities:

If you believe you have a disability, for which you may need an academic accommodation (e.g. an alternate testing environment, use of assistive technology or other classroom assistance), please contact the following person and then inform me as soon as possible:

Becky Osborne Coordinator, Disability Services Room X148 (217)353-2082
bosborne@parkland.edu

Center for Academic Success:

The Center for Academic Success provides a wide range of academic support services to enable you learn well, grow as a student, succeed in your classes, and excel at what you do. These services include the following:

• Tutoring and Learning Assistance: Make use of walk-in tutoring services provided by faculty, staff and trained peer tutors on a daily basis. Many students come to get help in reading, writing, math (all levels), and study skills.
• For-credit Instructional Modules and Supplemental Tutorials: Enroll in one-credit hour Tutorials to supplement classroom instruction in reading, writing, and math. Instructional Modules are also available to eligible students to complete certain coursework requirements.
• Advising and Advocacy: Work with our team of advocates and academic advisor to plan a semester schedule, understand transfer requirements, or manage issues that stand in the way of school.

For more information, please contact

• Anita Taylor - Room: D120; Phone: 353-2005
• Gail Hoke - Room: D120; Phone: 351-2441