[Cse461] First day of class questions

From: Janet Davis (jlnd_at_cs.washington.edu)
Date: Wed Jan 07 2004 - 19:03:08 PST

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    As I mentioned, there were far too many questions from the first day
    feedback to answer them all in class today. Here are your questions and
    my answers.

    * Will there be a forum for finding project partners?

      You are welcome to use the mailing list to look for a partner, as
      Lawrence already has. I'll also call for any remaining partnerless
      students after class on Friday (please remind me if I forget).

    * How can I learn more about Ruby, aside from the book?

      This will be the main topic of quiz section tomorrow. You may also find
      reading the Fishnet source informative.

    * Why are we using Ruby and not C?

      We like Ruby. Ruby is designed to be convenient for the programmer,
      so it is very fast to get something working and try out your design
      ideas.

    * When will iPAQs be handed out?

      We'll be doing this next Thursday and Friday (a week from tomorrow).

    * What's on the homework?
      
      You will soon find out. :-) You will work through concrete examples of
      protocols we discuss in class, analyze existing systems, and think
      about system design.

    * Do you grade on a curve?

      My intention is to grade on the basis of points earned, as stated on the
      syllabus. I'll only use a curve if it helps everyone.

    * Will there be extra credit?

      There will be some opportunities to implement extra features in the
      programming assignments. If there is interest, there will also be
      opportunities to read and review historical research papers for extra
      credit. Extra credit will be added after all grades are computed; hence
      doing extra credit is entirely optional, and not doing extra credit will
      not hurt your grade even if everyone else does it. The intention is to
      give those who want it a chance to stretch a little further.

    * How much outside help will be available?

      You will have an opportunity to ask questions in quiz section, in
      addition to all of our office hours. If you feel you will need more
      help, you might consider either forming a study group with some
      classmates (feel free to use the mailing list for look for others who
      are interested). Also, the department has a tutoring program---ask an
      undergraduate advisor.

    * You should print slides 4 to a page, to save paper.

      There is a tradeoff (that word again!) between saving paper and having
      enough space to write your notes. Let's give 4 to a page a shot on
      Friday and see what everyone thinks.

    * Should I take this at the same time as Algorithms and OS?

      Sounds like a tough schedule to me.

    * Yes, there is really no midterm.

    * There are four programming projects and three written assignments,
      for seven assignments in total.

    -- 
    Janet Davis
    jlnd_at_cs.washington.edu
    http://www.cs.washington.edu/homes/jlnd/
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