WELCOME TO THE ONLINE C++ CLASS

To participate in this class you will need:

· A book (see syllabus).

· A computer (your own or at CCRI).

· Access to WebCT (which you clearly have if you are reading this).

· A C++ compiler. Microsoft's C++ in Visual Studio.NET is included in the book. Microsoft VS 2005 C++ Express Edition can be downloaded for free from this link: http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/express/aa700735.aspx

· Program files from the author. These are included in the book, downloadable in WebCT, and also installed on computers at CCRI (I:\Simply C++ Examples). They are read-only in this folder; copy onto your own USB drive to work.

· Previous programming experience: You should have completed the Programming Concepts course at a minimum. Any other programming experience will be a real help to you.

· Self-discipline: are you ready to read the book, do the tutorials, and do the assignments on your own? Not everyone is!

· To know when to ask for help – and when to keep trying. If you have spent an hour and feel you have made NO progress, then an e-mail to me is in order. When e-mailing me about a problem, you must send me 1) the project in its current state (zip and upload as for an assignment submission) and 2) as much information as you can give me about what problem you are having. Things like "this doesn't run right" don't help me find the problem!

If you prefer or just feel you need a face-to-face visit let me know that. I can meet you during the office hours listed on the syllabus or other mutually convenient times. In either case, you will need to contact me first to be sure I am there and available for you.

Alternately, a private online chat session can be arranged to work on the problem.

How will this class be run?

· There will be PowerPoint presentations for each class. There is one for each tutorial from the book publisher and one done by me. Be sure to go through them! There are also "live" videos of each presentation too. Give them a try!

· You will be assigned tutorials to work through. There will not be anything to hand in from them, but they will be your primary introduction to the C++ concepts. Not doing them will probably slow your progress down!

· There will be an assignment each week. Watch the syllabus and WebCT for when assignments are due. A late assignment is penalized 10%. Assignment more than one week late will not be accepted unless prior permission has been granted.

· Open chat sessions will be held from time to time, as needed. Times will be posted in advance. A log of the session will be available. Attendance is not mandatory.

· There will be 2 exams. YOU MUST COME TO CCRI for them. They will be during the week of Oct 22- 25 and Dec 17-20. Exact dates and times to be determined. Please plan accordingly. Rooms will be announced later.

· Please do NOT work together on your assignments. You will have to write code when taking the two exams and the best way to prepare for this is to WRITE (not copy) CODE.

· Please communicate with me using WebCT's Private Mail feature (not Pipeline/Internet e-mail). This will get you the fastest reply to your questions.

· You are responsible for checking WebCT's HomePage and your WebCT mail frequently. Announcements will be made there regarding assignments, chat sessions, all sorts of important information!

Ready? Set…Go! You can get the first PowerPoint and assignment any time. Hope you all have a rewarding semester!