Hello & Welcome

COP 2800  Online  @ SCC

    
Thank you for enrolling in COP2800, Java Programming. I would like to welcome you to this on-line course. I am looking forward to working with each of you and hope that you will find the course both enjoyable and informative. My name is Dick Grant and I am the instructor for the course. My e-mail address is grantd@scc-fl.edu. Please visit my web site  and review the syllabus. This site is not password protected. E-mail me with any questions you have. 

     Distance Learning Considerations: To succeed in a Web-based course, you should be motivated, self-directed, and willing to work on your own. This type of course is not for everyone. If you like to interact regularly in person with an instructor and classmates, this is probably not the course for you. If you can solve computer problems on your own without asking for much help, this type of instruction is right down your alley. Good time management skills, self-discipline, and motivation are required to complete this course.

     Course Description:  This is a beginning course in Java programming. It is not a beginning programming course. If you have never programmed before, you must take the prerequisite for this course, COP1000 Principles of Programming. (COP1000 is also offered online.)

This course will introduce you to the syntax and use of the Java programming language. You will be designing, coding, and testing Java applications and applets. It is very much a hands-on course. That is, you will have programming assignments that are due throughout the term. You may submit these projects before their due date. However, late submissions will be penalized as described in the course syllabus. The course syllabus is available from my home page.

To take this course in the on-line format you must have basic computer skills such as using e-mail, navigating the Web, and using the keyboard and mouse. Exams will be administered online. Assignments will be submitted via email or hand delivered to my office.

To Get Started: I recommend you do the following when the term starts : 

    Class Attendance: There are no regularly scheduled class meetings either on campus or online. You can communicate with me and other students via the course bulletin board and email.  You may also contact me by phone (407-328-2055) or stop by my office (office hours). You must login to the class at least once during the first 2 weeks of the term. I will withdraw you from the class if you have not logged in within that time period. I will not reinstate in you under any circumstances.

     Required Materials: You may purchase the required textbook at the SCC bookstore (Java Programming 3rd Edition by Joyce Farrell; ISBN# 0-619-21319-1). You may also visit the SCC Bookstore website to order your text. This text comes with a version of the Java System Development Kit (SDK) which you can use to compile and execute your applications and applets. 

     Angel: Angel is a course management program where much of the course resides. Student tracking, lecture notes, grades, and testing will take place within the Angel environment. You cannot actually enter the course web site until the term begins. You will need an ID and Password to enter the course. If you have never used Angel you may want to visit this student support site for information on using this tool. This site doesn't require a login ID and password.

     The COP2800 site does require a login ID and password. Visit the DL Student Support site for more information on login IDs and passwords.  You must create your login and password by visiting the MySCC site.

     Hardware and Software Requirements: You are required to have access to a computer with the following capabilities: ability to access the Internet; ability to send and receive email with attachments; ability to create and edit Java source code (any word processing package that can save files as text documents will do); ability to compile and execute Java source code. For best results, please use a version 4 (or newer) Internet browser. 

The Java System Development Kit  is available for free in the back of your textbook or by downloading it from the Sun Microsystems's site. You may download more current versions from the Sun site. Make sure you download the Standard Edition not the Enterprise Edition (EE) or the Micro Edition (ME). You may also use Java development tools from other vendors. JEDPlus 2.0 is freeware available for downloading from the class site. The SDK and JEDPlus 2.0 are loaded on the PCs in the classrooms and the open labs at S.C.C. The open labs are available seven days a week if you do not have the necessary hardware and software at home or at work. Check the sign outside the lab for hours of operation.  The CD in the back of the textbook comes with jGrasp which will allow you to compile and run the assignments in the course.

Students occasionally run into hardware or software problems at home or work that impact their ability to complete assignments. These hardware and or software problems are your responsibility. Do not expect extra time to complete assignments. I will work with you as best I can but the solution may be for you to come to the SCC campus and complete your assignments on PCs in the open labs.

You must have everything in place the first day of class. This entire course will be conducted on-line. Good luck and again, I very much look forward to working with you in this course.