Orientation

Introduction to Computer Science and Object-Oriented Programming

COMP 111

George Basham

Orientation Topics

0.1 Introduction

0.2 Resources

0.3 Deliverables

0.3.1 Homework

0.3.2 Programming Assignments

0.3.3 Exams

0.3.4 Reflection Paper

0.3.5 Guided Learning Activities

0.4 Additional Information

0.1 Introduction • Welcome to COMP 111, Introduction to

Computer Science and Object-Oriented Programming

• I am very pleased to help facilitate this learning experience for you.

• My background: 15 years and counting in the IT industry; 6 years teaching OO programming; MIS degree from Franklin University; MBA from the Ohio State University

0.1 Introduction Cont.

• This course is a leading edge introduction to programming using object-oriented principles and a test-driven methodology.

• You will learn how to work with objects first and later on in the trimester you will learn procedural coding concepts.

• Java is the programming language used in this course, although from an academic standpoint, the language we use to explore object-oriented programming and design is of secondary importance.

0.1 Introduction Cont.

• For most students, this course is likely to require a good deal of time and effort.

• The COMP 111 student is expected to be motivated, mature and an independent thinker.

• You will need to be able to do well at reading, researching, analyzing and experimenting to learn the concepts.

• We hope you find the course to be very rewarding!

0.2 Resources

Considerable resources at your disposal:1. Course online instruction (Module 1

through Module 14)2. Multi-media presentations (Modules 1, 2

and 4; 5 presentations in all)3. The course textbook (“Big Java” 2nd

Edition by Cay Horstmann)4. A COMP 111 companion site designed

by the instructor at http://cs.franklin.edu/~bashamg/

0.2 Resources Cont.

5. “Big Java” student online site (available at the COMP111 companion site)

6. Hints and Guidelines and other resources posted on the course BB

7. Course CD ROM so that you can access course material offline

8. A companion manual for the course IDE

9. Weekly Franklin Live! interactive learning session and office hours

0.2 Resources Cont.

10.Deadline reminders and other information are posted on the course announcement page

11.Online tutoring (using Franklin Live!) is available (see BB for details)

12. Instructor can be contacted via e-mail, the BB Q&A posting, or via phone (see announcement page)

0.3 Deliverables

• Homework – 10 @ 15 points = 150 points

• Labs – 5 @ 70 points = 350 points

• Exams – 3 @ 150 points = 450 points

• Reflection Paper – 50 points

• Guided Learning Activities – 14 @ 0 points = 0 points

• Total for course: 1000 points

0.3.1 Homework

• Homework – 10 @ 15 points = 150 points

• Click on the Assignment link for a given module then click on the homework link if applicable

• Format is a Word document that you can save on your hard drive

• Please make your answers a bright blue color so that they stand out

0.3.1 Homework Cont.

• In addition, make any programming/code answers a Courier 10pt font so that the code is spaced evenly

• All coding answers should be a self contained program that I can paste into BlueJ, compile, run and test … no exceptions!

• Submit your homework to me as an e-mail attachment with a descriptive subject line

0.3.1 Homework Cont.

• There is a Homework Hints/Guidelines posting on the class BB that has a breakdown of the point value for each question as well as suggestions and help for the more difficult questions.

• You are to read the homework posting and follow the directions there, regarding it as an addendum to the homework document. I trust you’ll find it to be useful.

0.3.2 Programming Assignments

• Labs – 5 @ 70 points = 350 points• For each lab you will receive requirements

(Word doc) and a start-up BlueJ project file via e-mail

• You will develop JUnit test cases and write additional code in order to solve the problem presented to you

• You must submit your lab to an automated grading utility called Web-CAT

0.3.2 Programming Assignments Cont.

• Make sure to read Appendix B (re: Web-CAT) and follow the troubleshooting guide there if you have problems

• Do guided learning activity 1-2 to make sure that you can submit to Web-CAT

• You can submit a lab to Web-CAT as many times as you’d like prior to the deadline

• Use BlueJ Tools, Checkstyle to save time

0.3.2 Programming Assignments Cont.

• You are responsible for debugging your code, that is an important part of the software development process

• Many students fail to document their lab adequately in the README file

• Time permitting, I will post hints/guidelines for each lab on the course BB

0.3.3 Exams

• Exams – 3 @ 150 points = 450 points

• At this point in time, still “pencil and paper” format

• True/False, multiple choice, short answer

• Most of the questions are derived from the textbook per the reading assignments

• Students in central Ohio are expected to take the exam at the Franklin SLC

0.3.3 Exams Cont

• Distance students must submit a proctor form (Overview, FAQ and elsewhere)

• Ideal proctor is someone at a college test center or a military training center

• The number of questions, sections covered, and point values assigned are posted on the BB

• Time permitting, there will be a review for each exam in the Live! session

0.3.3 Exams Cont

• You will not get the exams back, but you will receive a spread sheet with the number of points you earned by question and the corresponding textbook section to review. Optionally, I may provide more specific comments.

• The exams comprise almost half of your grade, thus adequate test preparation is critical to your success in this course

0.3.4 Reflection Paper

• Reflection Paper – 50 points• The reflection paper is essentially a journal

of your learning experience• Document key learning moments,

revelations, obstacles, triumphs, trials and tribulations, suggestions for improving the course

• The reflection paper is due at the end of the trimester

0.3.4 Reflection Paper Cont.

• Several times throughout the trimester you will submit a draft. The drafts are not graded, but it is in your best interest to have me review your draft and give you feedback.

• A relatively “painless” way to do the paper is to write two paragraphs at the end of each week. Thus, at the end of the tri you will just need to do some editing to produce your 3 -5 page final paper.

0.3.5 Guided Learning Activities

• Guided Learning Activities – 14 @ 0 points = 0 points

• Click on the assignment link for a given module and then click on the Guided Learning Activity to obtain a Word doc

• The GLA is not graded, and you do NOT submit them, they are for your benefit

• Some of the GLAs require BlueJ project files, which are on the student CD-ROM

0.3.5 Guided Learning Activities Cont.

• Feel free to ask me questions regarding any aspect of a GLA

• Do not skip them, or you will be cheating yourself and sabotaging your efforts for this course

• My experience is that there is a correlation between completion of the GLAs and doing well in this course

0.4 Additional Information

• All connectivity or technical problems are to be directed to the Franklin University Help Desk at 1-866-435-7006 or helpdesk@franklin.edu

• Do NOT load software for this course from any other source other than Module 1 “Assignment 1-1: Install Required Software”.

0.4 Additional Information Cont.

• I am required by administration to adhere to the assignment deadlines since it is University policy, and to be fair to all students

• I do not give out a course grade of Incomplete unless you are involved in an emergency situation near the end of the tri and have most of your assignments completed

0.4 Additional Information Cont.

• Traditionally, CS1 has a high attrition rate because students underestimate the amount of time and effort required to complete this course. Are you going to be a statistic, or do you have the time, drive and desire to do well?

• Finally … congratulations on taking a big step in your personal and professional development!