Textbook

We will be using online interactive learning environment that is called Zybook and that is both a textbook and a programming environment. The cost to subscribe for one semester is 68$:

1. Sign up at zyBooks.com with your Tulane email
2. Enter zyBook code TULANECMPS1500SummaSpring2020
3. Click Subscribe

The first graded homework will be assigned on the first day of class and will be due before the Wed. lecture. Hence, it’s important not to delay signing up for the book.

• If you receive financial aid for books, and are still waiting for it to arrive, you should write to the publisher and explain the situation. In the past they were able to give the students an opportunity to pay later.  
• If you drop the class within the first few weeks of the semester, you can write to publisher and receive a refund.
• You will only need the book for one semester, so buy only one-semester access.

Computers

We will not be using computers in lectures (MWF). In fact, the use of computers (and other electronics) in lectures is not allowed to minimize distraction for the class, and to benefit from handwritten note-taking.

We will be using computers in the labs (on Thursday). You should bring a charged laptop to each lab.

• If you don’t have a laptop, you will be able to work on the loaner laptop in lab and use shared campus computers or your desktop computer to complete homework. Not having a computer will not impact your progress in the course.
• It doesn’t matter which operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, etc) your computer uses and what type of computer (Mac or PC) you have.

Software

Python

Starting with the first Thursday lab, we will begin writing computer programs in a computer language called Python. You should download and install Python 3 before the lab:

https://www.python.org/downloads/release/python-362/

• If you have problems during installation, don’t worry, the TA will help you get set up during the lab

Arkaive

We will be using Arkaive to automatically track attendance. Before first Monday lecture, go to https://arkaive.com  (or directly to your appstore) and download a student app on your smartphone. Then sign up for the right section:

enrollment code LQZ8

• If you don’t have a smartphone, you can check in using your laptop or a classroom computer.  
• The app functionality required for participation in this class is free. If the app offers you some paid features, you don’t need to purchase them to participate in this class.

Missing first class(es)

If you have problems with arrival or otherwise have serious reasons to miss the first classes, you refer to course page and course schedule, and course Canvas page, to follow along the material and to get the administrative info that you missed. You can come to my office hours or TA office hours to resolve the questions, doubts or concerns regarding the missed material (but only after you had a chance to familiarize with it on your own). Unfortunately, I will not be able to answer individual emails like “Please let me know what I missed”.