Taking this Class Online

Expectations 

You will need to do the following in order to complete this class: 

• attend the on-campus orientation session. It is strongly recommended!
• complete a homework assignment each week. Each homework is based on the reading materials for the week and may involve some creativity on your part. For example, you may need to pick a topic for your website or decide on a layout for your web pages.
• take an online quiz each week. Each quiz is based on the reading materials for the week.  You will have at least two days on your own to complete each quiz.
• complete a timed midterm and final exam scheduled on specified dates.  A review will be posted for each test.
• post at least two messages per week to the class forum

Time Management

"Distance Learning" really means that you learn by yourself.  You must arrange your time to study, read the web pages, take quizzes, and write programs.  We meet perhaps one time.  The instructor provides online activities, grades your projects, tests and quizzes, and provides a reasonable amount of guidance by email, discussion group, telephone, or in person.  It is your responsibility to manage your own time and submit all work on time.

"Distance Learning" does not mean self-paced. There are many detailed projects required to complete the class. Every homework assignment, quiz, test, and worksheet will have a deadline.

This first step in time management is to make a schedule for yourself.  Set aside at least 10 hours per week to spend working on this 5 credit course.  One advantage of the distance mode is that these hours can be at any time of the day or night, but it is important to reserve specific hours in advance and make them part of your routine.  To get the most our of the course, spread the hours out over the week -- about 2 hours at a time is a good default.  Try not to allow more than 2 days in a row with no work on the course.

Other suggestions: 

• Think of your study times as "reserved time".  If you miss too many study times, revise your schedule.
• If possible, set aside a specific location for course work.
• Avoid distractions and interruptions while working.
• Plan a study schedule that enables you meet the assignment and quiz deadlines.  These deadlines have been established to help you make steady progress throughout the quarter.

Orientation Session

During this valuable meeting, you will have the opportunity to 

• meet your instructor and the other students taking the course
• learn how to access course resources
• practice working with the software you will use in this course
• practice submitting an assignment to be graded
• practice taking an online quiz
• identify the location of the midterm and final exam

Don't miss the orientation session!  Check the course schedule for date, time and location.

You are Not Alone!

You have the responsibility to organize your schedule, learn and practice the computer programming techniques, complete the assignments and quizzes, and take the tests.  However, you are by no means alone!  If you have difficulty with a topic, don't hesitate to "reach out" and ask a question.  The forum (or message board) is the primary channel for communication, and the first place you should take your question.  Post a message that describes your question in as much detail as possible.  (Don't be surprised if the process of writing out the question helps your answer it yourself!)

In addition to posting a question when you have one, make a habit of checking the forum regularly to see what others have posted.  If you see a question you can answer, do so.  Explaining a new concept to someone else is one of the best ways to solidify your own understanding of it.  Besides, the person you help today may return the favor tomorrow!

Do not post large amounts of code or other information that will solicit or reveal the answer to an actual assignment exercise or quiz question.  If the question you want to ask is more personal in nature, or if it requires revealing details of the work you are doing that should not be shared with other students, then send a private email to your instructor.  However, be aware that it may take longer for you to get a response because other students will not be able to help.  If possible, try to formulate a more general question that will help solve your problem without revealing your code.

I will check the forum at least 2 times each day and respond to questions that have not already been answered or that would benefit from a more detailed response.  I also check email regularly.  Since it may take some time to get an answer to your question, try to organize your work so that you can bypass the place where are stuck and continue making progress in some other area.

The most important message: other people are ready to help you -- you are not alone!