PRINCE GEORGE'S COMMUNITY COLLEGE

CIS 1030 – Computer Programming in Visual Basic.Net - Section DL01

Fall 2009

INSTRUCTOR:                 Ray Vavrek

CIS OFFICE:                      HT-229G

PHONE NUMBERS:        301 322-0145

                                            301 322-0052 (CIS Department)

EMAIL ADDRESS:          vavrekrx@pgcc.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 

4 credits.  Introduction to computer programming using the Visual Basic.NET language with emphasis on objects and on structured program logic and design.  Topics include variables, operators, control structures, functions, arrays, strings, graphical objects, and the Integrated Development Environment.  (Formerly CIS214; credit may not be received for both CIS214 and CIS1030.)  Prerequisite: CIS101 completed or concurrent, or equivalent. 3 hours class lecture / 3 hours lab.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be able to:

·         Design and build complete applications using the Visual Basic.Net language.

·         Use and adapt the Visual Studio.Net Integrated Development Environment (IDE).

·         Use Visual Basic.Net objects (forms and controls, and .Net Framework classes), properties, events, methods, functions, interfaces, and procedures.

·         Code individual logic modules (procedures)using the elements of the programming language (statements and functions).

·         Explain the nature of object-oriented programming, software reuse, information hiding, and the incorporation of database tables into VB projects.

TEXTBOOK:

Microsoft Visual Basic 2008 For Windows, Mobile, Web, Office, and Database Applications: Comprehensive - Shelly, Cashman, Hoisington - ISBN 10: 1-4239-2716-8

                                                [NOTE: This text is used for both CIS 1030 and CIS 2030.]

Additional Requirements: Portable external storage device such as a key chain usb drive

Class Meeting Dates and Hours:

     On Line

OTHER REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS: Miscellaneous office supplies to complete course projects. Specific details provided with project.

Visual Basic 2008 Editions

Microsoft Visual Basic 2008 is offered in several editions, of increasing complexity, functionality, and cost. The simplest edition is called Visual Basic 2008 Express Edition, available as a free download from http://msdn.com. The Express Edition is essentially a starter kit for novice programmers, useful for programming Windows applications for a standalone desktop or laptop computer. Next is Visual Studio 2008 Standard Edition, which includes several Microsoft programming languages, including Visual Basic, Visual C++, Visual C#, and Visual J#. The Visual Studio 2008 Standard Edition supports Windows, mobile, Web, and Database applications: Windows applications that run on standalone or networked computers, mobile applications that run on a cell phone or handheld PC, Web applications that run on an Internet server and are viewed as Web pages on client machines, and database applications that use a database such as Microsoft Access to store and retrieve information. The Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition, Visual Studio 2008 Team Edition, and Visual Studio 2008 Tools for Office Edition provide specialized features for advanced programming applications.

To create all of the programs needed for CIS 1030, you need to have at least Visual Studio 2008 Standard Edition. You could use the free Visual Basic 2008 Express Edition for most of the course, but you will need the Standard Edition for the mobile applications in Chapter 5 and the Web applications in Chapter 7. (By the way, the Visual Studio 2008 Standard Edition will also get you through CIS 113, Introduction to Programming using C++, and CIS 203, Advanced Programming in Visual Basic. So it may be worth your while to purchase and install Visual Studio 2008 Standard Edition.).  Without the Standard Edition, you would need to use the on campus computers for chapters 5 and 7.

You can do the programming projects on any computer equipped with the requisite software. Most students find it most convenient to work at home; however, some of you may prefer or will find it necessary to work on campus. The requisite software is installed in all of the student labs on campus.

HOW ASSIGNMENTS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED All written assignments, unless otherwise specified, must be typed and will be turned in electronically in Bb.

Computer Labs and Student Files

You are not required to have Office 2007 to take this course but all of the exams may be given on those platforms.  If you do not have this software, you must use the on-campus, open microcomputer labs for the preparation and completion of any projects and or exams that require Word/Excel document to be submitted. You can complete your quizzes and exams in the open labs. See the Information Sheet for CIS Students, Open Computer Labs for lab usage hours. The open computer labs are located on the first floor of Bladen Hall.  Please take notice that you must log into the campus system during the first few days of the semester and setup an account to use the open labs if you have never used them before.

GRADING CRITERIA

Students may earn a possible 1000 points.  These points are earned as follows:

Projects

Each project will consist of a computer program written in Visual Basic 2008. Each computer program is graded based on “whether it works”, minor errors, and major errors. There will be eight chapter projects (one for each chapter) worth 25 points.  There will be one major course project towards the end of the semester that is worth 200 points.

Occasionally, I may assign one of the practice tests from the author’s Website. When these are assigned, they will be graded according to the same scheme as a programming project.

All projects (Visual Basic 2008 computer programs) must be submitted through Blackboard and are due at 11:59 pm on the due date.

Your project must be zipped into a single, compressed file. This zip file must be named as follows: your initials + a hyphen, Ch + the chapter number, p + the page number + a hyphen, and ex + the exercise number or the case name. In the following table, John Smith is assigned exercise 7 in chapter 4 on page 160, and Kathy Branch is assigned the J.R. Bubble Gum Factory Case Project from Chapter 8 on page 278. They would name their compressed files as follows:

You will be given instructions on how to compress the 20 or so files that make up a typical Visual Basic 2008 project into one zip file.

The Assignments area will contain a list of your assigned projects each week:

The following guidelines will followed for the tests:

1.      A student never takes a test late.  However, if a foreseeable problem exists, I will try to arrange for you to take a test early.

2.      Each test is worth the points indicated above.  If you miss a test, you will be given a score equal to the weighted average of your tests taken.  You cannot miss more than one test.

3.      You may not miss the last test (final): it will count as zero.

4.      Tests are returned during the class session after the test is taken (or on another date that I announce.)  Sometimes tests cannot be returned immediately because of time constraints.  In these circumstances, they will be returned at the next regular class session.

5.      During the class session in which we discuss a test or quiz, you may take any notes you wish.

6.      All tests and quizzes are returned to me and remain college property.

7.      In general, tests are not cumulative.  That is, Test 2 covers material covered after Test 1. The final test may cover all chapters and material covered.

8.      Cheating will not be tolerated.  Do not give reason for suspicion.

Grades:

Final grades are calculated based on total point accumulation as follows:

900-1000 = A    800-899 = B    700 - 799 = C    600-699 = D    below 600 = F 

The only exceptions to the above scale are:

I           Incomplete (Student must request and it must be approved by Dr. Grosse)

Q         Administrative withdrawals for students who "disappeared" during the first few weeks of            class but did not officially withdraw.

H         Audit; student pays for and attends class but does not receive a grade or earn credit.

W        Student officially withdrew from the course (deadline this semester is 4/26/01).

EXAMS: There will be two examinations (Tests.)  These exams will count for 30% of the final grade (15% each).

FINAL EXAMINATION:  The final exam will count for 30% of the final grade.

MISSED EXAMS / MAKEUP EXAMS: See items 1 & 2 above.

 CIS1030 Course Outline

This is a tentative course schedule. Study the assigned material according to the list below.

CLASSROOM POLICIES

Attendance

Research on college success demonstrates that class attendance is a significant factor in student success. Considerable material will be covered during each class session. There will be discussion of assignments, and handouts will be distributed. If a student must miss class, it is his/her responsibility to get the notes and assignments from a classmate and check with the instructor regarding any handouts, etc., preferably before the next class period.  To help me fulfill my responsibility to keep accurate attendance records, please initial the attendance sheet circulated at the beginning of each class session.  As a small incentive, I will give you one/half point of extra credit for each class fully attended.  That means being present when the class begins.  Whenever you miss a class or are late, you are not only affecting your grade but the grade of your classmates.  For online students, Bb keeps extensive statistics on the use of Bb (including idle time logged in).  These statistics are the equivalent of attending and participating in class activities.  Attendance bonus points will be awarded based on these statistics.

Pages and Cell Phones

Pages should be non-audible.  Cell phones should be turned off.

Tape Recorders

Tape recorders may only be used with the prior consent of the instructor.

Eating and Drinking in Class

Eating and drinking in the classroom or labs is forbidden. 

Student Handbook

The Prince George’s Community College Student Handbook contains official policies and procedures regarding student conduct, academic integrity, and related matters. You are responsible for conducting yourself in accordance with those policies. The Student Handbook also contains a wealth of information designed to help students achieve success. Please pick up your free copy from the College Life Office in the Largo Student Center (near the bookstore).

Students with Disabilities

Prince George's Community College is committed to a policy of reasonable accommodation and services to persons with disabilities. In order to receive services, students with disabilities must register with Disability Support Services. Call between 8:30am and 4:30pm, Monday through Friday, 301 322-0838 to schedule an appointment.

General Project Guidelines

Required Computer Software

All of the computer projects required in this course must be accomplished using Microsoft Office XP or higher.  Any of the software located on the PGCC lab computers are available for use by the class.

Folders – On Campus Classes only

All projects must be submitted in an approved folder (a 9"x11.5" folder with pockets). On the outside of the folder, print your name, the course name, meeting days/times, and the name of your instructor.

Lateness Policy

Any project not turned in when it is due is late, regardless of the reason that it is late. The penalty (per 100 points) for lateness is a five (5)-point deduction for each class session that the assignment is late. No tears, no excuses, no exceptions.

Caveat concerning cheating

Copying versus helping: It is a very simple matter to copy someone else's project or to ask a friend to write a project for you. It is more difficult to ask that friend to help you understand the concepts and then assist in correcting your project. The former is cheating; the latter is legitimate student-to-student tutoring. The former teaches you nothing, though it may get you a perfect score on a given project; the latter improves your ability to tackle the next project, the next exam, and the next assignment after that. While naturally I do my best to discourage cheating, I also encourage you to work with each other to improve your understanding, that is, to tutor and assist each other. I expect that you will always be able to explain your project. If you cannot explain it, I will assume that you didn't do it, and I will grade it accordingly. If you are unsure of the difference between helping and cheating, it is better to err on the side of caution. Also, review carefully the Indiana University Writing Center’s guidelines concerning plagiarism found at http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/wts/plagiarism.html.

COLLEGE RESOURCES and SERVICES

Important Dates: