Syllabus — Spring 2019

Introduction to Computer Programming

Teacher: Ms. Lim
Email: elle@mmmanyfold.com

Description

This course covers the basics of computer programming in Javascript, web development, algorithms, and their real world applications.

Goals

• Understand programming concepts such as variables, data types, inputs/outputs, if statements, loops, functions, and modules
• Understand how to break down complex problems into their basic components
• Understand how to write and execute programs in Javascript
• Understand how to debug code, interpret error messages, and use the internet to find relevant answers
• Understand and appreciate the benefits of computational thinking in other areas of our lives

Learning Formats

Presentation

(•¬•) Teacher presents concepts, videos, and/or interactive examples on the projector. Once in a while we’ll have a live video chat with developers who are doing interesting work.

Lab

(╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻ During this time you’ll build your skills through hands-on exercises and self-guided projects. This is designed to be independent work, but you are encouraged to discuss problems and help each other out. Most assignments will be submitted electronically, and graded by the following Monday.

Small Group Project or Game

(۶•̀ᴗ•́)۶ A chance to review and win points for your team.

Survey (every Tuesday)

(•ิ_•ิ)? Each survey has 14 questions — the first 10 ask about the concepts we’re learning, and the last 4 are about your personal experience. You get full credit (7 points) for completing a survey, or no credit (0 points) if it’s not submitted or incomplete. This is not a quiz — you won’t lose points for wrong answers. The purpose of the survey is to help me understand where you’re at, and how we can improve. You can think of it as a practice quiz and also a way to give me your feedback on the class.

Quizzes

There will be 6 quizzes. Open book/internet, worth 14 points each.

Code of Conduct

• I will respect myself, other people, others’ belongings, and classroom equipment. I will not distract or interrupt others. I will support others and meet them where they are.

Source: http://itspronouncedmetrosexual.com/2011/12/the-corruption-of-the-golden-rule/

• I will not present other people’s work as my own. I understand that sharing ideas is essential to great software development, and creativity in general. So when I use other people’s ideas, I will give them credit and cite my sources.

It’s fine to use other people’s ideas — just make sure you cite the source. For example, this graphic is from a video series called “Everything is a Remix” (http://www.everythingisaremix.info/watch-the-series/)

• I will be proactive and ask for help if needed. I understand that I can always talk to or email Ms. Lim if I have any questions or need extra help outside of class.
• If I am absent, I will check in with Ms. Lim to make up any missed work. I understand that assignments may be turned in up to one week after the initial due date for full credit. After one week, only partial credit will be offered.
• I will not use cell phones and/or headphones during class.
• I understand that all other school policies regarding attendance and behavior apply.

Grading

• Lab Assignments | ~54%
  7 points * 3 graded assignments per week * 13 weeks = 273 points
• Surveys | ~15%
  7 points * 1 survey per week * 11 weeks = 77 points
• Quizzes | ~17%
  14 points * 6 quizzes = 84 points
• Final Project | ~14%
  10 points * 7 requirements = 70 points