Course Description:

Introduction to Java Programming provides the entry level Information Technology Professional with a conceptual overview of programming. Writing, compiling and running Java programs is covered in detail.

Course Objectives:

The Introduction to Java Programming course is designed to give the entry level Information Technology Professional a basic understanding of the the industry's leading programming language. Students should be able to identify, write, compile and run basic code. Students should also be able to use the Internet to maintain their Information Technology skills.

• Math - Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division

• Math - Percentages, Equations and Problem Solving

• Introduction to Java and Program Design

• Create Java Applications and Applets

• Manipulating Data Using Methods

• Decision Making and Repetition with Reusable Objects

• Arrays, Loops, and Layout Managers Using External Classes

The prerequisite for Introduction to Java Programming is a well rounded knowledge of basic windows operating systems.

Major course topics include the general overview of Java to include the following:

Module 1 - Math (23 clock hours)

• Addition

• Subtraction

• Multiplication

• Division

• Percentages

• Equations and problem solving

Module 2 - Chapter 1 - An Introduction to Java and Programming Design (14 clock hours)

• Characteristics of Java
• Java Program Types
• The Program Development Cycle
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Encapsulation, Inheritance, and Polymorphism
• Java Software Development Kit (SDK)

Module 3 - Chapter 2 - Creating a Java Application and Applet (16 clock hours)

• Java Applications and Applets
• Using TextPad
• Coding, Compiling, Testing and Debugging
• Running Programs
• Creating a HTML Host Document
• Flow Charting

Module 4 - Chapter 3 - Manipulating Data Using Methods (16 clock hours)

• Java Data Types
• Declaring Variables
• User Input
• Operators
• Expressions
• User Output
• Swing Components

Module 5 - Chapter 4 - Decision Making and Repetition with Reusable Objects (15 clock hours)

• Writing Methods
• The If ... Else Statement
• Exception Handling
• Repetition Structure
• The Case Structure
• Formatting Numeric Output

Module 6 - Chapter 5 - Arrays, Loops, and Layout, Managers Using External Classes (16 clock hours)

• Arrays

• Constructing an Instance

• Counter-Controlled Loops

• Instance Methods

• Creating Windowed Applications

• Layout Managers

• Window Event-Handling Methods 

• Coding the Main () Method

Students should begin reading modules as outlined under the modules listing in the menu. Modules should be completed in order and all assignments and quizzes should be completed in order.

Specific Course Requirements:

Students should have a well rounded knowledge of Microsoft Windows Operating Systems. Students should also be familiar with maneuvering around on the Internet in order to complete the course materials and requirements.

None

The minimum requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm.

Recommended browsers; Internet Explorer (Version 4.0 or above) or Netscape Navigator (Version 4.7 or higher)

Students should also have Real Player, Windows Media Player and Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on their computer.

Instructor: Natalie Austin, RODP - COT Instructor at the Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville.

Email Address: natalie.austin@shelbyville.tec.tn.us

Office Phone: 931-685-5013

Fax: 931-685-5016 (please e-mail instructor through Web-CT e-mail before sending fax)

I am on-line on a daily basis.  I will e-mail you if I am going to be away for over 24 hours.  All e-mails are replied to within 36 hours with a solution or to inform you that I am working on a solution.

 

Quizzes:

There will be six quizzes, each covering a different module of the course.  All six quizzes will be similar in format and difficulty.  Module 1 quiz will consist of 60 math questions, you will be required to provide the answers.  The remaining 5 quizzes will be multiple-choice and consisting of 25 questions each.  There will be a 50 minute time limit per quiz (except quiz 1, which is 75 minutes).  If you do not complete the quiz in the 50 minute time frame, your quiz will not be accepted for grading.   Quizzes must be taken at the allotted time unless other arrangements have been approved by the instructor. 

Assignments:

Students will have assignments at the end of each module to complete.  These assignments must be submitted by the due date unless other arrangements have been approved by the instructor.  If you are unable to meet an assignment deadline, please notify the instructor.  The instructor reserves the right to deduct points from late assignments.  To avoid having points deducted, please communicate with your instructor.

Class Discussions:

Students are required to participate actively in 6 discussions. Periodically during the semester, the instructor will post questions concerning a specific topic. Students will have the opportunity to respond to these topics and to other students' responses. Students may also begin their own discussion.

Grading will be based on a straightforward point system. Course grades will depend on students' total scores on the six exams, eighteen assignments and six discussions. Note the scheduled dates for exams and assignments and plan now to complete them. Below is a listing of points assigned per task:

Assignments - Module 1 (70 points); Module 2 (21 points); Module 3 (35 points); Module 4 (35 points); Module 5 (30 points); Module 6 (37 points).

Quizzes - Module 1 (60 points); Modules 2 - 6 (25 points each).

Discussions - Module 1 - 6 (10 points each).

The following scale will be used to calculate final grades.

Total Points	(%)	Final Grade
440 - 473	93-100	A
403 - 439	85-92	B
365 - 402	77-84	C
332- 364	70-76	D
331 or lower	0-69	F

 

Students must read the assigned modules, participate in the discussions and complete each assignment and test associated with each module.

 

Check calendar for due dates.

Students are required to participate in the class discussions. Even if students do not actively participate in all discussions, they are expected to read all of them and be familiar with their contents, as exam questions may be drawn from the discussions. Students are also expected to communicate with the instructor as a learning resource and check the course bulletin board frequently for announcements.

Students need to consult the Course Calendar for the readings, exam, assignment and other due dates. 

The following are recommendations for students taking this class:

Learn how to navigate in WebCT as soon as possible. (Very important!)

Consult the Course Calendar for dates for readings, exams, and assignments.

Check the Discussion Board 2-3 times a week to see if the instructor or another student has introduced a new topic for discussion.

Manage your time wisely. Give yourself enough time to read the assigned text chapters and lessons before an exam.

See the Course Calendar for suggested due dates for completion of reading assignment.

Keep abreast of course announcements.

Keep in contact with the instructor on a regular basis.

Use the assigned e-mail address as opposed to a personal e-mail address.

Address technical problems immediately.

Observe course netiquette at all times.

• Columbia Guide to Online Style by Janice R. Walker and Todd Taylor
• Citation Styles Online http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/online/cite6.html

Library

The Tennessee Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in the Regents Degree Program. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading must be included in all courses. 

Students With Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) on the course bulletin board.

Technical Support