Class information: in-person classes

How the class works

To help you learn, I'll work hard to prepare the best lectures and class materials that I can. I encourage you to:

• Ask questions in class — lively classes are fun and I enjoy being peppered with questions
• Come into lab when I'm on duty (see my schedule in the Contact Info)
• E-mail me privately at the CATE Message Center. This directs emails to me at creese@santarosa.edu and maintains a log of all communications. Sending an email to me directly without your name/section information in the subject line does not get logged through CATE and may get filtered into my junk mail. Never, ever, send a direct email to me with an attachment as the SRJC faculty email system has limited filespace. CATE has a system for uploading files.

I try to work with all types of learning styles and use:

• Lecture notes for class lecture (bring to class lecture)
• Computer demonstrations in every presentation that coordinate with the lecture notes
• Recorded webcasts (for the online class) can be watched to review lectures
• Hands-on lab exercises outside of class
• Reading assignments in reference books
• Links to websites with current information
• Weekly e-mails with information on forthcoming lectures and labs

Student behavior

Students are required to follow both the SRJC student conduct code and the CIS department conduct codes. Cell phones are to be turned off in the classroom and lab. During lecture, please do not chat with other students and be considerate of others. Be on time for lecture and ready to start — class starts promptly on the hour.

Turning in homework

• Printed labs are to be submitted in a "Pee Chee" type folder where it is easy for the instructor to pull out the content.
• Submit your folder before lecture starts in the classroom.
• The cover of the folder will be decorated with student information as instructed in the first lab assignment
• New work goes in the inside right pocket.
• Do not include work that has already been graded.
• All classes use the CATE student management system to view recorded scores for the class.
  
• Late labs will receive a reduction of points as described in the class syllabus.
• I pick out my favorite labs and display them at the front of the classroom on the "Table of Honor." Students with design skills will find their work is featured often -- but there are no extra points given! The more you look at well-designed documents, the more you absorb design techniques, even though this is a "nuts and bolts" class in InDesign.

Taking tests

Depending on your class, there will be tests, quizzes, and a final. A quiz is a short T/F multiple choice exam and taken at the CATE student management website -- it usually covers 1-2 weeks of lecture material. A test is a more detailed comprehensive exam that covers a larger period of study. The questions on the final exam are cumulative and cover the entire class. The best way to study is to go over the lecture notes, labs, and reading assignments.

The final exam requires a Scantron form, a "bubble in" sheet used with a #2 pencil. Scantrons are available at the bookstore. If you need to erase a response on the Scantron, make sure to erase thoroughly.

Test dates will be announced at least 1 week in advance and are indicated on the class schedule. If you can not attend class the day of the final exam, I must make arrangements with you to take the test at another time before the test is given -- otherwise I will record a grade of 0.