Synchronous Online Class, i.e. Distance Learning

This is an online class that ACC terms distance learning.  To be precise, this is a synchronous online class.  Synchronous online classes are those that require students and instructors to be online at the same time.  Lectures, discussions, and presentations occur at a specific hour.  The hours that you must be online are shown in the preceding table.

While some lectures may be recorded, do not assume all will be.  Listening to a recorded lecture will not be as rich a learning experience as being present during the lecture.  Additionally, attendance will be recorded for all classes.

Course Description

Introduces the fundamental concepts of structured programming.  Topics include software development methodology, data types, control structures, functions, arrays, and the mechanics of running, testing, and debugging.  This course assumes computer literacy.  This course requires the same math skills necessary for College Algebra.  Students should either have taken or be currently enrolled in College Algebra or a course that requires College Algebra.

Course Rationale

This is an entry level programming course designed to teach students the basic concepts of computer programming.  The course will include designing, coding, debugging, testing, and documenting programs using a high level programming language.  The course is intended to prepare students for a programming-oriented academic path.  This course in include in several degree plans including:

• Associate of Applied Science – Computer Programming
• Associate of Applied Science – Web Programming
• Associate of Applied Science – Game and Visualization Programming
• Associate of Applied Science – Information Technology Application
• Associate of Applied Science – Software Testing
• Associate of Science – Computer Science

Prerequisites

B Course Type: T.

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate problem solving skills by developing and implementing algorithms to solve problems.
2. Derive problem specifications from problem statements.
3. Develop algorithms using modular design principles to meet stated specifications.
4. Create code to provide a solution to problem statements ranging from simple to complex.
5. Test and debug programs and program modules to meet specifications and standards.
6. Create programs that contain clear and concise program documentation.
7. Implement programs that use data types & demonstrate an understanding of numbering systems.
8. Incorporate both basic and advanced control structures appropriately into algorithms.
9. Demonstrate an understanding of structure design by implementing programs with functions, including parameter passing and value returning.
10. Implement programs using classes, including strings and files.
11. Implement algorithms using one-dimensional and indexed data structures.
12. Demonstrate an understanding of array searching and sorting algorithms by desk checking and/or modifying algorithm implementations.
13. Design and implement simple classes.

Instructional Methodology

The course will have both a lecture and lab component:  50% lecture and 50% lab.  Normally, there will be a lecture and lab component each day with the lab occurring at the end of the period. 

There will be team and individual projects, paper writing, Internet research, and oral presentations.

Scans Competencies

SCANS = Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills.

Refer to http://www.austincc.edu/cit/courses/scans.pdf for a complete definition and explanation of SCANS.  The following list summarizes the SCANS competencies addressed in this particular course:

Textbook.  COSC 1336 is a First Day Access course meaning required digital materials and/or an electronic textbook are included with your registration provided at a discounted rate from the ACC Bookstore.  IMPORTANT!   The digital materials fee will be added to your tuition and fees when you register.  You will receive the materials when you register.  You do not have to go to the bookstore.

Note, you will NOT be able to do any assignment, test, project, etc. in this course without access to these e-materials.  You will not be able to pass this course without these materials.

 Note, a print copy of the textbook is not required.  If you prefer to have a print copy in addition to your electronic version, you can easily obtain a used print copy since you do not need the access code with the used book.  Additionally, the book has been in use for many years at many schools.  Specific information for the print copy is:

Software.  Additional software must be downloaded from the Web.  It is free and will be defined in a separate e-mail..

Hardware.  Have a flash drive of 2 GB for class, especially the first day.  This will help you to keep your files separate.

Grade Policy

Grade Scale:
            90%  - 100%         A

            80%  -  89%          B

            70%  -  79%          C                                         I don’t curve.

            60%  -  69%          D

            0%    -  59%          F

Basis for Grades

Warning!  Huge amount of mandatory labs required for this class.  Labs will be 40% of your grade.  Exams, even with excellent grades, will not make up for missed or bad homework.  If you are not disciplined enough to do the labs when they are due, this class is not for you.

ALL homework and Lab assignments are due no later than the start of the next scheduled class period. I will accept late homework/lab until 24 hours after the original due date with a 20% penalty.  No homework/lab assignments will be accepted after the late period.  Scheduling of computer time outside of regular lab time is the students’ responsibility.  Availability of computers is NOT an excuse for being late with any assignment.

Each Exam consists of both a multiple choice and T/F parts and a lab exam. There are NO makeup exams given in this course.  Late exams will receive a zero.

Exception to Grade Reduction

To prevent the 10% or 20% grade reduction, you must meet the following conditions:

1. You must have experienced an unforeseen and sudden emergency.  Note:  getting behind in the course is not an unforeseen emergency.
2. You must present Dr. Daniel documented proof of your emergency.
3. You must contact Dr. Daniel in person, by phone, or by e-mail of your emergency on or before the exam deadline date or the exam administration date and time.

Retesting & Extra Credit

Dr. Daniel does not allow retesting nor extra credit to raise your grade.

Important Grading Notes

Grades will be posted as they are earned throughout the semester.  You must report (in writing) all grading issues within seven calendar days of the grade being posted.  If you have not reported a grading issue within the seven calendar days, then the grade will be final. 

Grades are based on achievement, not effort.

Attendance and Class Participation

Students are expected to attend classes and will be held responsible for all material covered in class.  Regular attendance helps ensure satisfactory progress towards completion of the course.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.  I will take attendance at every class.

In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions being missed.

Withdrawal Policy

The College defines withdrawals as occurring after the official reporting date of the semester, typically the 12th class day.  In addition, the Legislature has mandated the Rule of Six (see the following).  Additionally, there may be financial aid issues.

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is Nov 19, 2020.  The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.  It is not the responsibility of the instructor to withdraw the students from their class even though the instructor has the prerogative to do so under the preceding listed circumstances.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.”

Incomplete

A student may receive a temporary grade of “I” (Incomplete) at the end of the semester only if ALL of the following conditions are satisfied:

1. The student is unable to complete the course during the semester due to circumstances beyond their control.
2. The student must have earned at least half of the grade points needed for a “C” by the end of the semester.
3. The request for the grade must be made in person at the instructor’s office and necessary documents completed.

To remove an “I”, the completion date for unfinished work cannot be later than the withdrawal deadline for the following semester.  Failure to do so will result in the grade automatically reverting to an “F”.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic emergency, there is now a considerable amount of formal paperwork that must be done for this process.  Contact me as soon as you know you will be applying for an Incomplete so this process can be started.

Class Courtesy

Be Punctual!!!!!

We have much information to cover in a very short time.  We can only do this if you are on time.  In addition, being late is disruptive to your fellow students.  The times for this course are shown on the “Tear Off Sheet.”  I start on the dot.

Electronics

Texting, Cell phones.  No use allowed in class.

Laptops.  You are more than welcome to use your own laptop in class.  In fact, this is preferable since you will have the files and procedures on a computer you are familiar.  Yes, you can use your own laptop on the exam.

Electronic note taking:  laptops. PDAs, etc.  OK.

Voice recording.  OK.  Just remember, you cannot use the recordings for commercial use or put them on the Internet.

Photos, videos.  Not allowed at all.

Surfing the net & e-mail.  Not allowed.  The quickest way to get a bad grade is to come to class and do e-mail, Facebook, etc. instead of learning. 

iPods & other digital music.  No in lecture.  OK during labs as long as your next door neighbor can’t hear it, i.e., keep the volume down.

Course and ACC Policies

ACC Gmail

All correspondence from the College, Blackboard, and this professor goes exclusively to your ACC Gmail account; therefore, it is mandatory that you activate and use your ACC Gmail account.  Failure to use your Gmail account is neither an excuse to miss deadlines in this class nor official correspondence from the College, especially from the Registrar’s Office.

Instructions for activating your ACC email account can be found at www.austincc.edu.

I’m always asked can I forward my ACC Gmail account to my private or even business e-mail.  Sure.  Will you receive your ACC e-mail?  Maybe—maybe not.  Colleges and universities are constantly being phished (an identity theft attack).  Unfortunately, many students and even faculty fall for this attack and give out userids and passwords to the phishers.  The attackers instantly turn these userids into spammers.  For this reason, multiple Internet service providers (Time Warner, AT&T, etc.) and businesses will blacklist various colleges and universities.  Blacklisting means they will not accept ANY e-mail from the blacklisted organizations.  This is a nice way of saying those e-mails go into the “big bit bucket in the sky.”

It can take a long time to get off the blacklist.  If you are forwarding your ACC Gmail to an e-mail account that has blacklisted ACC, like Time Warner at one time, you will NOT get your ACC e-mail; then you are back to what was noted in the first paragraph.

Bottom line—use your ACC Gmail account.  If you forward mail, ensure you are getting it.

Personal E-mail and Phone Numbers

There are group projects in this class that require you to work as a team outside of the classroom.  To be effective, group members will have to share each other’s phone numbers and e-mail addresses.  If you object to this, please discuss with me now.  Note, I will not publicize a general class list of phone numbers or the like.  You are just sharing within your group.

Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty

A student attending ACC assumes responsibility for conduct compatible with the Mission of the college as an educational institution.  Students have the responsibility to submit coursework that is the result of their own thought, research, or self-expression.  Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, and falsifying documents.  Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one assignment to an “F” in the course and/or expulsion from the college.

See the Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process on the ACC website.

For this course, the penalty for scholastic dishonesty is a grade of ‘F’ for the course.

Freedom of Expression Policy

It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association.  These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process.  Opportunity for students to examine and question pertinent data and assumptions of a given discipline, guided by the evidence of scholarly research, is appropriate in a learning environment.  This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student.  As willing partners in learning, students must comply with college rules and procedures.

Student Privacy of Files

For academic purposes, an instructor may view a student’s information and data that he/she stores in his/her student volume in the Computer Studies Labs.

Students with Disabilities Policy

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities.  Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through the office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS).  Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester; otherwise, the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from SAS before accommodations will be provided.  Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student.  Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations.

Tutoring

Free tutoring is provided for this course both on line and face-to-face.  For online schedules and details, please refer to http:://www.austincc.edu/cit

Student and Instructional Services

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these services and support systems is available here.  Links to many student services and other information can be found at Current Students. ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in the course to be tutored.  The tutor schedule for each Learning Lab may be found here. For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab.

Internet Policies

My instructor, Professor Dwight D. Daniel, has informed me of the following information:

• This course has an Internet component.
• The Internet contains some Web pages with text, graphic, animation, and video content that are of an adult nature.  Some Web pages contain nudity, sexually oriented text information, and profanity.
• I will not direct you to any information on the Internet that contains sexually oriented material or material that displays profanity other than state and federal statutes, rules, regulations, legal cases, and legal commentary regarding indecency and obscenity laws and their application.  If this is offensive to you, you must inform me in writing prior to the reading assignment and class.  I will work with you to determine an acceptable accommodation.
• Dr. Daniel has advised me to not view any Internet material that may be offensive to me.
• Dr. Daniel has warned me that I could accidentally or intentionally, locate and view offensive material on the Internet.  If this happens, I advise you not to view this material.  Furthermore, I advise you not to view offensive material on any computer in the University.

Holidays and Emergency School Closures

High School Students!

ACC does NOT observe the same holidays and days off as AISD, RRISD, etc.  High schools get many days off during the semester that ACC does NOT observe.  If your high school is closed and ACC is not, you still have to come to your ACC class; and you are still responsible for due dates.

Emergency School Closures

If it is necessary for the school to close due to inclement weather or for other reasons, ACC will make the announcements on the typical radio and TV stations and the ACC website.  It is important to note:

1. Closure of AISD, RRISD, does not mean ACC is closed.
    
2. There are night and day classes at ACC and one or the other but not both may be canceled so listen to the announcement fully.
    
3. ACC has a tendency to close campuses and not the whole system so again listen to the announcement fully.

Course Schedule

The following schedule is tentative. Professor has the right to change dates to meet class dynamics and the level of learning. Precise homework and changes will be announced at the end of every class.

Typically, only the Monday date will be shown.

Writing Quality Policy

Written communication is a key part of any professional’s day‐to‐day responsibilities.  Throughout your career, your writing will be used to assess your priorities, personality, and capabilities.  In today’s world, it is common to have a close working relationship with someone exclusively through e-mail.  To these people, YOU ARE WHAT YOU WRITE!  Thus, it is imperative that you develop the ability to write effective, professional, and error‐free communications in a variety of formats.

You will NOT receive the grade you want in this class if your deliverables contain major grammatical or syntactical errors, spelling mistakes, or poor organization.  Slang, “text speak,” and other highly informal language is not appropriate in any business context (including e-mails to your professor).  I realize that this is not an English or Writing course, but you MUST write well to be successful.  The earlier and more often you practice professional writing techniques, the sooner they will become second nature.

It is perfectly acceptable (and encouraged) to ask a peer to proofread your deliverable before handing it in.  Just be sure to follow the Academic Dishonesty Guidelines – proofreading does NOT mean copying!  The peer editing process helps both participants (editor and edited) improve their writing skills and understanding of the material.  There are also tutors at various campuses that can help you.

Netiquette

Online correspondence can easily be misread and misinterpreted due to the absence of facial expressions, body language, and voice cues. Netiquette is "the rules of conduct as established in a networked society." Netiquette provides a framework for emails, chats, and forum in an online environment.

Netiquette says that you should treat your instructor and fellow students in a professional and respectful manner, similar to how you would treat them in the classroom or face-to-face setting. Following the rules of Netiquette, you can expect your instructor to address all correspondence in a polite and professional manner. Your instructor will expect the same respect and may send a warning, choose not to reply to, or take action against rude, offensive, or accusatory messages. You may report any violations of netiquette to your instructor.

If you have any questions regarding netiquette, please review an online guide to Netiquette at http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html .

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor.  Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course.  In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.  In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC-sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation.

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.  Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

Until further notice, all ACC campuses and centers will have one entrance for students and employees.  The college is limiting facility access to faculty, essential staff, and students who are enrolled in Career and Technical Education courses.  Each person is required to perform the following steps every time they enter ACC:

1. Self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms using the ACC Health Screening App.  There are three secure ways to use the app
   1. download it on your phone (recommended)
   2. download the web link
   3. you may use an iPad that is available at the door. It is easy to download and use.
      
      Answer a series of quick questions and the app will give you results.  Save the results to show at the door upon entry.  Get the app here at:  https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/acc-health-screening-app

1. ACC ID badges or Student ID cards will be required for all employees and students upon entry. Employees and students must display their I.D. at all times.
    
2. Temperature checks will be conducted with a no-touch thermometer. If you have a fever 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, you will not be admitted to the building.
    
3. ACC Health Screen App results will be requested at the door. If you are unable to download the app, an iPad will be provided at the door so that you may answer a series of questions to determine if you have COVID-19 symptoms which include:

   Cough
   Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
   Chills
   Repeated shaking with chills
   Muscle pain
   Headache
   Sore throat
   Loss of taste or smell
   Diarrhea
   Fever
   Have you come into contact with anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days?

If you do not pass the pre-screening, you will receive specific information on healthcare procedures and instructions for what you need to know to be able to return to campus.

1. Facial coverings/masks are required for anyone entering an ACC building.  You must wear a facial covering/mask at all times. In private spaces such as an individual office, your facial covering may be removed if you are alone.  These guidelines are consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which makes clear that facial coverings and social distancing are among the most effective measures for limiting the spread of COVID-19.

TIP—Students should arrive to campus early to ensure enough time to get through the screening line.

On-Campus Protocols

• Wash and sanitize your hands prior to entering a classroom, office, or facility.  Hand sanitizing stations, disinfecting wipes, soap, and water are readily available.
• Continue to practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently for 20 seconds.
• Practice social distancing with all individuals by maintaining at least six feet of separation.
• Follow floor stickers that are placed throughout the campus to help guide social distancing in high traffic areas.
• A maximum of two people at a time will be allowed in elevators.
• Facial coverings/masks must remain on at all times. A facial covering may only be removed as allowed by the course safety plan (i.e., when alone in private spaces such as an individual office).
• For the safety of all who are on-campus, water fountains will be turned off, vending machines will have limited services, all food services will be suspended, and common area furniture will be removed. Please plan accordingly.

Classroom Protocols

• Schedules are staggered and courses have been divided into smaller sections to minimize contact with individuals.
• Seating for standard classrooms is limited to nine students and one instructor unless the classroom is deemed large enough to handle more by the Safety & Operations Office.
• Faculty will assign seats to students to keep them at a safe distance from one another.  It's imperative that students follow seat assignments in order to track any contamination or the possible spread of COVID-19.
• Plexiguards are installed on faculty desks if there is not at least nine-feet between the desk and the first row of students.
• Once inside the classroom, facial coverings must continue to be worn.
• ACC encourages students to wipe down their desks before class begins. Supplies will be provided in each classroom.

Deep Cleaning Protocols

• ACC's Campus Operations Quality Control staff will regularly and frequently disinfect any and all high touch surfaces such as door knobs, tables, chairs, and restrooms.
• Staff will disinfect classrooms as soon as classes are over.
• Students and employees will be reminded to disinfect personal electronics on a regular basis.
• Hand sanitizer will be available in or near every classroom.
• Sufficient disinfecting supplies are available to maintain hygienic standards throughout the day.
• These disinfectant procedures will occur after each class and at the end of every day.

Illness & Travel Protocols

• If you feel sick, feverish, or unwell, please do not come to campus or office.
• You will need to get tested for COVID-19 and report the results (positive or negative) to ACC's COVID-19 Liaison (see following).
• If you become ill in the classroom or inside an ACC facility, you will be asked to go into an isolation room to take the state's online self-assessment.
• Isolation rooms are available on each campus and center with resources and information to help you learn about the next steps and where to go for a COVID-19 test.
• All areas used by anyone who is sick or tests positive for COVID-19 will be immediately closed, waiting for the appropriate period of time before it is thoroughly deep cleaned, disinfected, and deemed safe to reopen.
• If you have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 14 days, you must self-report. ACC's Self-Report form is available online.
• ACC has identified a primary COVID-19 Liaison responsible for communicating and coordinating with local health departments. Our liaison is Michael Garcia, Executive Director of Regulatory Affairs, sem-helpdesk@austincc.edu.

A training video is available here at: https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/health-and-safety-protocols