July 8th

Here are a few thoughts that I have before the class starts -

I have taught classes "online" several times, using ConferZoom.  Although I don't like teaching that way, it can work out if you take it seriously.  There are some disadvantages:

  1. It will not be as easy to ask questions during the lecture.  Your microphone will be muted most of the time.  And, it not always be so easy to type in a question into the chat box.  For this reason, I am planning to take a break, about 10 minutes, in the middle of the lecture.  This will allow you to take a break if you need one, or to ask questions.  If there aren't too many questions, I can unmute your microphone at that time.  I will also hang out after the lecture for a few minutes to answer questions.  Other than that, you will need to rely on email or the online time.

  2. It will be a little tougher to get help on an exercise or an assignment.  You will need to take advantage of extra online sessions and use email to ask questions.  Usually, when you have a question about your code or an error message, I need to see your program.  It is best if you email me your entire program (and not a screen image of part of your program) and make sure that it is clear that you are asking a question (put "Question" in the email subject).  Usually, I assume you are submitting the code for grading.

  3. The midterm and final will be open book, open notes, open computer, open compiler, open internet.  And also, timed.  Given enough time, you would be able to find the answers to all of the questions.  But you won't have enough time.  The assumption is that you are not going to have to look up everything - that you actually know most of the topics.  The assumption is also that you are honest - that you will not be sharing answers, soliciting answers or having someone sitting beside you doing the test.

At times, I will schedule an extra online session.  This will be done for three situations -
  1. To discuss a topic in detail for which there was insufficient time during the regular class hours.  These extra sessions may cover the review of a prior assignment or to discuss a pending assignment.  If the topic is of interest to the entire class, the extra session will be recorded.
  2. To answer questions for a few students.  This will be an ad hoc session, usually involving assignment questions.  I will schedule such a session when email questions are piling up.  You may be asked to share your screen so that I can look at your code.
  3. To answer a question for one student.  This will usually involve an assignment question.  Most likely, you will be asked to share your screen to examine your code.

As a last resort, I can answer a question on the phone.  I have an iPhone and I can talk, text, and do FaceTime.  But this is a last resort.  Email me first, don't call or text unless I ask you to.  My phone hates me and most of the time I don't know where it is.

I am anxious for the class to start.  This format will be may be new for you.  Is it going work?  I am optimistic that the situation has provided us with a unique opportunity.  Because your life, and mine, is a little more restrictive, most of us have a little more time on our hands.  What do we do with that time?  I'm hoping, C++.  This class will keep me busy - I anticipate about 75-100 emails per week.  It will be a lot of grading and a lot of answering questions.  But the quarter is only 12 weeks long, then we get a break.

Please take advantage of my patience in trying to answer your questions and my attempt to communicate my knowledge and experience.