Advanced Topics Syllabus
From WLCS
Paul Bui
E-mail: 
Phone: 703.228.6200 (ask for the call to be forwarded to Mr. Bui)
Website: http://www.paulbui.net/wl/Advanced_Topics
Contents |
Prerequisite
Instructor's permission required.
Description
In this course, students independently explore topics in information technology (IT) that are not covered in the computer science curriculum. Students are given an opportunity to choose and research an area of interest relating to IT. At the end of the course, students will have generated a project or deliverable from their IT area of interest.
Organization
Unless requested, there will be very few lectures in this course. Class time will be primarily lab time during which students will be working on their individual / group projects.
Grades will follow the following guidelines. Please make note of the grading scale because grades will not be rounded up.
|
60% Project Goals |
A 90 – 100 |
Project Goals
At the beginning of each quarter, students are required to generate a list of 10 goals for their project or area of interest. During the quarter, students will work towards completion of the goals, which will be verified at the end of the quarter.
Documentation
Students are expected to maintain a web site that documents their project goals and its progress. Project goals and evidence of their completion will also be found on their website. Students are recommended to use their Google Apps (Sites) account.
Class Performance
Students are expected to maintain a professional and productive work environment. When we are working in the lab, students are to stay on task by either working on their project, or by assisting another student with their project. Tardiness and unexcused absences will take away from class performance.
Example Topics (students are NOT limited to this list)
- Software development
- Web development
- C++
- Perl
- PHP
- Python
- Java
- Objective-C
- Computer security
- Operating systems
- Networking
- Wiimote hacks
- Computer animation (e.g. Flash)
- Computer hardware
- Smartphone applications (e.g. iPhone)
- Cryptography
- Computer graphics
- Game programming
Textbook & Supplies
Students will primarily use on-line resources and web applications.
Students are recommended (*not required*) to purchase a USB flash drive to transport files to and from different computers. They can be used to store work for all classes, and generally cost less than $10.
Lab Schedule
If you wish to schedule time in the lab during lunch or after school, please e-mail or come talk to me.
Expectations
Students are expected to follow the Acceptable Use Policy as well as other school policies
Lab Etiquette
- Please arrive on time
- Be mindful of your neighbors’ workspace
- During lecture time, please take off your headphones and turn off your listening devices
- During work time (not quiz/test time), you are encouraged to work with others, but DO NOT do their work for them
- Please do not spin in the chairs or lean too far back or the desks will be marred
- No food or drink in the lab area
- Keep the lab clean – no trash!
- The lab is used by 5 or more classes, so please leave it in the same condition or better when class is over
- Clean up the workspace
- Straighten the keyboard and mouse
- Push in the chairs
Infractions will be followed by warnings, lunch detention, after-school detention, Saturday detention, or by an administrative referral and parent/guardian conference
Agreement Signature
Please sign below and return this page to Mr. Bui to indicate that you have read and understand the course’s policies and expectations.
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Student’s name (Please print)
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Student’s signature / date
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Parent’s/Guardian’s name (Please print)
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Parent’s/Guardian’s signature / date
