Section 5 How will I succeed in this class?
Keep up with content.
As you will notice, attendence in class is not mandatory. However, I hope you will realize that showing up to class will actually benefit you in several ways. You will learn from the content introduced, planned activities in the class, as well as interacting with me and your classmates. You will have you plenty of opportunities to work on problems both in and outside of class.
There is a lot of material to cover throughout the semester, so please keep up with the class. If you are having difficulties keeping up or understanding the materials, get help early. Visit the teaching team during office hours, we are here to help you.
Do not leave all the learning for the night before the exam. You may not get the help you need last minute.
Be respectful.
You can expect that as the instructor, I am concerned about the educational experience of each student in the class, respectful of individual differences, encouraging of creativity, reasonably open and accessible to discuss material and assignments, thorough in evaluating assignments, and supportive in maintaining high standards for performance.
As a student, you are expected to work individually and with others, to create an atmosphere that is safe, to value one another, and be open to diverse perspectives. Everyone is expected to show courtesy, civility, and respect for one another. Comments or postings that degrade or ridicule another, whether based on individual or cultural differences, are unacceptable.
Participation/Engagement.
Thinking is not a spectator sport. You need to participate in class by communicating your understanding and others’ understanding with questions and dialogue. This course requires active participation, which is crucial to your success in this course and your career in CS. The more you put into it, the more you will get out of it. Active participation includes being prepared to discuss pre-lecture videos, assignments, and concepts, engaging yourself in classroom activities and discussion, and putting your best effort in both formal and informal assignments. Regardless of the format we use to conduct class sessions, consider your participation to be the equivalent to a face-to-face class session and be prepared to engage actively and thoughtfully with me and your peers.
Keep an open mind.
I am constantly working on giving you the best experience I can during this semester. Class logistics may need to be tweaked if they are not working. Please keep an open mind and be patient and flexible, while we work through the class.
Talk to me.
I always want to hear from you! This is a big class, but I do still want to get to know you. Ask me questions, introduce yourself, and do not be shy. This is a judgment-free zone.
