Coding

1 & 2
Course Syllabus DSMS 2017-2018

Julia Harbert
Email: julia.harbert@dsisdtx.us
Website: juliaharbertdsisd.weebly.com
Phone: 512-858-3441

DESCRIPTION These two courses introduces programming/coding concepts

using the Python language. Graphic Design is a main focus as
well as beginning game design as well as website design.

OBJECTIVES Upon successful completion of this course, students should:

> Understand basic computer science principles

> Be able to develop procedures for problem solving using
computers
> Recognize and correctly use the basic elements of the
Python language
> Be able to debug programs and document programs
correctly
> Be able to design, plan, prototype, implement, test and
document a reasonably complicated website design and
Python program

MATERIALS There is no textbook for this course, although there will be

reference books available in the classroom. Most of the
teaching materials (handouts, presentation slides, resource
lists, assignments, etc.) will be found online, either on my
website, Google Classroom, or other public website resources.

Please be sure to have a composition book for the class (as

well as writing instruments, of course), as you will need it for
notes and keeping a journal. All students must also have a
flash drive to save digital files. All students will be required to
save their work each day to their GOOGLE DRIVE (no
exceptions). No information may be saved on the classroom
computers!

We will be using many different software tools in the course.

All of them are installed on the computers in the classroom.
Most of the software is open source, which means it is free
and available for anyone to download and use on their own
computers. So you can also work at home or anywhere else you
have access to another computer. Work done at home will only
be graded if I (the teacher) am consulted in advance.
Otherwise this is viewed as practice and will not count towards
completion of assignments.
ASSIGNMENTS There will be multiple types of assignments in this class: coding
and web design projects, vocabulary quizzes, concept quizzes
and tests.

This course is based primarily on the philosophy of project-

based learning. This means that students will learn by
designing and implementing programming projects.

There will be regular assignments to complete, typically one

per week or every other week, depending on the topic. These
assignments will involve applying the principles and techniques
of computation, programming, and computer science in
increasingly complicated exercises and small projects.

The final project is an investigation of how to design and

implement a software application. Students will be encouraged
to work in small teams on this project, to gain experience in
working collaboratively, much as software projects are
developed in real companies.

As mentioned above, there will also be a number of short

quizzes and tests during the semester to reinforce and assess
understanding of the concepts and technical details of
programming.

Finally, a component of this course is a demonstration of

professionalism. Students are expected to actively participate
in class, show leadership, and exhibit responsible behavior.
There will be activities and tasks in the classroom that
emphasize these skills.

LATE WORK
and
GRADING Students are able to work at their own pace to a large degree
in this class. However, the amount of work finally
accomplished WILL determine whether or not the student
actually receives full credit. Therefore it is extremely important
that all students taking this course work hard and focus in class
to master all topics in a timely manner. (Please take advantage
of tutorial time if you are having a hard time completing a
project! I will help you!!!)

Quizzes and tests will be given to all students at the same time
REGARDLESS of coding that has been accomplished as these
assessments are measuring concepts and vocabulary. Projects
assigned will be given more time for completion.

Each students Google Drive folder for this class will be graded
each week. Students are required to save all their work to this
folder.
 Projects that are turned in beyond the extended due dates
given will be assessed for a lower grade (max 70).

Projects and Tests = 70% of Total Grade

Quizzes and Small Assignments = 30% of Total Grade

Semester Exam ---Before Winter Break

Final Exam ---At the end of the school year

SUPPORT I will be available Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for

tutorials. Email (julia.harbert@dsisdtx.us) is also a great way
to get in touch with me for questions or problems. Google
Classroom will also be a great place to not only talk with me
about any academic issues but to also communicate with your
fellow students for help.

KEEP
CALM
and
CODE
ON!