Course Frequently Asked Questions

Instructions - Spring 2013

• Please read this entire page after you finish reading the course plan from the Course Info area.
• Course FAQ returns you back to this page.
• Click on any blue bullet to go directly to that question and answer.

List of Questions

What is the virtual assignment pass?
What should I do to prepare before class each day?
What should I expect during class?
What if an emergency causes me to be late to class?
What if I have a doctor's appointment and need to leave class early?
Can I work with a classmate on assignments?
What about late assignments?
How do I set up my home computer? Where can I work on my computer assignments?
What is your attendance policy?
What if I miss a class?
What if I miss an exam?
What if there is a mistake in grading?
Do you have any tips to help me succeed in this course?

What is the virtual assignment pass?

• You automatically have a virtual pass for this class. This pass may be used for a single assignment, but not the semester project assignment.
• Save your virtual pass for true emergencies.
• To use your virtual pass, email or submit a written virtual pass request.
• If you complete all your assignments on time, then you can use your virtual pass for 10 extra points for your final exam.

What should I do to prepare before class each day?

• Read the previous assignment before class.
• Always come to class prepared with notebook, pen or pencil and completed assignments.

What should I expect during class?

• Here are a few class etiquette rules that help make the class run smoothly and help you learn more.
• Be seated and ready to begin by class start time.
• Treat classmates and instructors with respect.
• Stop talking when the instructor is ready to begin class or lab.
• Don't talk out of turn; raise you hand before speaking to be acknowledged.
• Please ask questions in class. If you are confused, probably several others in the class are too.
• There are no dumb questions. But also remember to listen.
• Don't eat or drink in the computer labs.

What if an emergency causes me to be late to class?

• If you are late, please enter the room without disturbing your classmates.
• Remember to see your instructor after class to be marked tardy instead of absent on the class roster.
• Consistently being late to class indicates to your instructor and prospective employers a negative attitude about your commitment to success.

What if I have a doctor's appointment and need to leave class early?

• If you must leave class early, let your instructor know before the class begins.
• Sit near the door, and leave class without disturbing classmates.

Can I work with a classmate on assignments?

• Yes, you are encouraged to work with a team classmate during this class.
• In the real world, you usually will not be working alone so my philosophy is to work together to learn more.
• However, each student must personally use the keyboard, or mouse for all keystrokes/mouse actions to complete every assignment.
• Any disk that contains a virus will receive a 0 for that assignment. Be sure and scan your disks with a recent anti-virus program. Anti-virus programs are available in the Rooker IST labs.
• All work submitted for grading must be your own.
• If you get help from any one else for programming assignments, you must document this in the banner documentation at the top of your program.
• Assignments will be graded on professionalism, accuracy, style and completeness. Details of the assignments will be provided for each assignment.
• Failure to follow these rules will result in disciplinary action.

What about late assignments?

• All assignments are due at the beginning of the class on the due date. NO EXCEPTIONS.
• Late assignments will not be accepted, and will automatically earn a 0.
• If you have completed an assignment, but it is not given to the instructor on time on the due date, it will be late, and awarded a 0.

How do I set up my home computer?
Where can I work on my computer assignments?

• See the course plan for the software that will be utilized in this class, and the labs where it is installed on campus.

What is your attendance policy?

• You are expected to attend all class meeting unless you are in the DE section of this class.
• I do take attendance every class period.
• Please do not attend class if you are contagious. Respect your classmates, do not make them sick.
• If you have a family emergency, please attend it. You cannot pay attention in class if you are worried about your family.

What if I miss a class?

• If you need to miss class because of a prior appointment, please let your instructor know in advance.
• If an emergency or sickness prevents you from attending, please let your instructor know the first day you return to class.
• Excessive absences (twice the number of weekly meetings) during the first 60% of the semester will result in Faculty Initiated Withdrawal. If you have let your instructor know of problems noted above, those absences will not be counted against you.
• You are responsible for all material and assignments assigned or discussed during your absence from class. The responsibility for obtaining and completing missed work rests solely upon the student.
• You should check the cause web pages, or obtain notes from a team classmate. If the notes and textbook do not provide sufficient explanation, please see your instructor during office hours.

What if I miss an exam?

• If you call or email your instructor in advance of the scheduled exam day and time, then arrangements can be made for you to make up the exam.
• If you do not make arrangements in advance, then you will automatically be awarded a 0 for the exam. NO EXCEPTIONS. I have had students call me from the hospital or from a tow truck.
• You are an adult. If you had to miss work, you should call in. The same applies here for exams.
• If you have a prior commitment on the exam day, you may be able to take the exam in advance. You must let your instructor know well in advance. This decision rests solely with the instructor. The earlier exam may differ in scope and difficulty from the exam it replaces.

What if there is a mistake in grading?

• If you think a grading error has been made, submit the graded sheet and assignment along with a written note explaining why you think the grade is incorrect.
• Any regrades must be submitted to your instructor immediately after class on the day the assignment was returned or the next class meeting. Otherwise the grade is final.
• No regrading will be done during exam week. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Do you have any tips to help me succeed in this course?

• Yes, web design courses are different from most other courses. If you have a week to complete an assignment it is because it takes a week to plan, then add the XHTML code, and then debug the assignment.
• You must start every assignment the day it is assigned to be successful in this course.
• Murphy's Law still lives. The computer will always break down the night before an assignment is due.
• Read the Course Web Page for this class every day the class meets.
• Work smart. Attend every lecture and lab unless you are in the DE section of this class. It takes less time to attend lecture than to track down a classmate and copy notes.
• If you in the DE section, then check the web page every week day for new information.
• Interaction with the instructor and classmates is an integral part of the learning process. Meet your classmates.
• Work with a team classmate as much as possible. See the TEAM assignment for more details.
• Study with a team classmate prior to exams.