WELCOME TO C++

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).

· 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.

· Some version of Visual C++ installed. Download and install Microsoft's Visual C++ Express Edition for free. See WebCT for the link.

· Program files from the author. These can be downloaded from WebCT.

· Self-discipline: are you ready to read the book 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 program in its current state 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! Something like a copy/paste of an error message or a screenshot of a "funky" output does.

I will always be available for help during the lab portion of the class. Bring your "work in progress" with you. Appointments to see me in my office can be scheduled. Contact me to schedule an appointment.

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

How will this class be run?

· Each class will be divided into a lecture portion and a lab. The lecture will run approximately 2 to 3 hours, lab to follow. Attendance is up to you.

· There will be PowerPoint presentations for each class. There is one for each chapter of the book. Video of the classroom lectures will also be available to you through WebCT should you miss a class.

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

· There will be a quiz each week. Watch WebCT for when they are available and due. They will usually be released over the weekend and available until Wednesday night. They are OPEN BOOK but timed. The intent is to alert the students to areas that need more attention. Any missed quiz will be graded 0: no makeups or late quizzes! The two lowest quiz grades will be dropped.

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

· There will be 2 exams. They account for 65% of your grade. More information about their structure later.

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

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

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

BONUS: Send me a WebCT email message and tell me about your programming background: what programming courses you have had and any other programming you have done. When I get this I'll give you 2 bonus homework points!