CIT 129

CIT 129
Introduction to Programming

Vital Questions

What if I am absent?	The due dates are absolute. If you are gone, you need to make sure the assignments are in on time.
Can I turn in late assignments?	Yes. Each week an assignment is late, its worth drops 5 points. Since most assignments are worth 20 points, this means after 3 weeks late, the assignment won't be worth enough to bother turning in. The late assignment is graded and the result reduced the 5, 10 or 15 points. Any last, late assignments must be turned in no later than Dec. 7.
How will I turn in assignments?	During the first half of the class, you work with JavaScript. You will create web pages on a server containing JavaScript code and I will view these web pages through the Internet. During the second half, you work with Excel VBA. You will create Excel workbooks with embedded code and send these files to me through WebCampus.
Where are the tests?	The traditional class tests are replaced with projects. The midterm is replaced by two projects worked on by a small group of students. The final project will be an individual effort.
When are assignments due?	Assignments are always due on the day specified in the class calendar. Since in an online class, assignments can be turned in any hour of the day or night, it is necessary to have a time due. Messages placed inside WebCampus and containing assignments can have a time stamp of 11:59:59 pm. as long as the date is the due date. A message containing a time stamp of 00:00:01 and a date showing the next day will be considered late. The moral of this is finish up the assignment and send it during the day it is due.
What is this individual project?	You will be expected to build a working program designed to solve a specific problem. it will be worth more than other assignments. It will be due on Dec. 13. More information will be given out half way through the semester.
Can I do extra credit to improve my grade?	Yes, if your average is below a C and if you have turned in all assignments. It does no good to do extra credit if you are not turning in regular assignments.
How do I get help with my work?	Do not expect much help from the lab aides. This is too advanced a subject for them to know. Come in and see the instructor, is the best. Communicate with the instructor through e-mail, and telephone calls. Talk to other students, form study groups.
When can I see my composite grade?	Periodically, about three times a semester, I will figure average grades and show them to the class.
What software is covered in this class?	HTML/JavaScript, and Visual Basic for Applications are the programming languages. To access these, you will need access to Front Page or Dreamweaver (or others). MS Excel 2007.
What should I know as I begin this class?	This is a beginning course in computer programming. No prior programming knowledge is expected. You need to have good skills working with files and folders. You will need to organize all the files necessary to complete this class.

Text books:

JavaScript for Dummies, 978-0-7645-7659-1

Excel 7 VBA Programming for Dummies, 978-0-470-04674-6
- Both available in the college bookstore or from various online bookstores.
- To find cheaper textbooks, click here

Course Description:

HTML/JavaScript, and Visual Basic for Applications programming languages will be covered in this class.
Computer programming languages are a set of skills. All of these languages produce interactive projects which run under Windows. It is important that good programming habits be learned in Basic that will carry over to other computer work.
There is much to be learned from Basic besides the ability to program a computer. A logical approach to a problem, good problem solving strategies and how a computer performs programs are all learned, along with the language itself.

Course Objectives:

At the end of the course, each student should be able to/ measure by:

Work with the many files and be productive in the Windows environment./a-d
Look at a problem and see a way of using a computer to solve it./a-d
Develop a procedure (algorithm) to use in order to solve the problem./a-d
Enter good, well-documented code into a program or macro./a-d
Build a usable form, containing controls, text boxes and command buttons./a-s
Enter the code into command buttons and debug it./a-s
Develop programs that work correctly, are efficient, easy to use, and easy to understand./a-d
Work as part of a small group to create working programs to solve stated problems./c
Work alone to create working programs to solve problems of your own choosing./d

The above objectives will be measured using a combination of:

Create programs in JavaScript.
Create programs in Visual Basic for Excel.
Create programs as part of a small group in one of these languages.
Create programs as part of an individual project in one of these languages.

Catalog Description:

CIT 129: INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING
3 credits. Prerequisite: IS 201 or approval of instructor.
A first course in programming. Offers a language-independent, introductory course on computer program design and development. Emphasizes identification and solution of business problems through various design tools.

Fall 2009	Revision date: Aug. 27, 2009	Credits: 3
Instructor: Larry Hyslop	Office: High Tech Center- 132	Office hours: M-W,F 10-11 am (Best time to call)
Great Basin College	1500 College Pkwy.	Elko, NV 89801
Phone: 775-753-2305 (office)	753-8095 (home, before 8pm)	775-753-2160 (college fax)
Email (outside of WebCT): larryh (at) gwmail.gbcnv.edu	Note: I check my email M-F only.

___________________________

Instructional Methods:

The class will be taught by introducing a new skill or concept. The student practices on the computer by going through a tutorial in the book. Assignments are completed and turned in.

Assignments:

The assignments will consist of exercises from the instructor and/or the book. Each assignment will be graded on a points system. The assignments can be completed on your own time, and will require substantial time spent in the computer lab to complete. Team assignments will require two students to work together in completing a task.

Grading:

Cumulative grades will be determined as follows:

100-98 A+
97-93 A
92-90 A-    Worth:
89-88 B+    Assignments: 65%
87-83 B         Group Projects: 15%
82-80 B-        Project: 20%
79-78 C+
77-73 C
72-70 C-
69-68 D+
67-63 D
62-60 D-
<60   F

Cumulative grading will use + and - on assignments, tests and the final, recorded grade.
Some times, and for very good reasons, a student is not able to finish a class, and needs to withdraw from the class.
- Through week 12:
  - A grade of W (withdrawn) will be recorded for anyone who formally withdraws by meeting with the instructor and filling out a withdraw form.
    - A grade of F will be recorded for anyone who simply does not come to class any more.
    - It is important to realize that for any one withdrawing from the class, the difference between earning an W on the official class record or earning an F is the process of formally withdrawing
  - After week 12:
    - Anyone withdrawing will receive a grade based on all assignments, including those missed.
Extra credit may be earned if your grade is currently a D or below.
Before doing anything regarding this class, please consult with me. It is my job to assist you in making class decisions.

Privacy:

Some times during the class, your completed assignments may be displayed for the benefit of the entire class. If this bothers you, please notify me in writing during the first week of class.

Study Tips:

Do not allow yourself to get snowed under by a command or concept you do not understand. Meet with the instructor and get it straightened out. Expect to spend considerable time on the computer outside of class.

Special Needs:

GBC supports providing equal access for students with disabilities. An advisor is available to discuss appropriate accommodations with students. Please contact the ADA Officer (Julie Byrnes at 775-753-2271 at your earliest convenience to request timely and appropriate accommodations.

Perseverance:

This is a full semester class requiring considerable time spent on the computer each and every of the 16 weeks. You must be prepared to make this commitment.