Class information

How this class will run

As we are still in the middle of a pandemic, this class will be run in a way to facilitate many modes of participation. I presume that everyone is balancing time zones, caregiving, working, courses, and self care. These can make for a chaotic schedule, and I don't want class to get in the way of being able to pick up a shift at work, play with your kids, or be responsive to your own mental health needs. Many of you will want the self paced format while others desire synchronous time for questions and discussion of the topics.

While we can't be in the classroom together for the foreseeable future, my goal is that everyone can design a learning environment that suits them the best. Will these be as good as being in a classroom together in person? Maybe not. But that doesn't mean it has to be bad.

• All lectures will be recorded and available ASAP at the beginning of Fall term.

• All assignments will be open and ready to be worked on as soon as lectures are available.

• I will leave the deadlines up for all assignments that match the official class schedule, but you can submit as early as you'd like or anytime before finals week. No penalties in either direction.

• Assignments will not be accepted after finals week. This is because we need time to grade.

• Synchronous sessions will be offered for live help, discussion, etc. These will run during our official class times but are optional.

• I will be available to meet for questions, by email, etc. throughout the entire semester. You don't need to wait until our class sessions to ask for help.

• We will grade in batches as people turn in things. Generally about every two weeks, depending on demand.

What I need from you to make this work

In person classes offer an easy method of accountability. You have to be in class, it's your one opportunity to learn the material, and you must be prepared. Without that pressure, we sometimes have a hard time getting started on something.

• Create your own accountability. Look at your schedule for the term and figure out how you want to complete the class. Give yourself deadlines and stick to them. For example, you might want to tackle all the technical content in the first two weeks of class while your other classes have less work, and all the written content spread out over the rest of the term. Or you want to spend two weeks on each week of material.

• Have agency in this experience. Understand, learn, and watch how you learn the best. Is watching the lecture first better for you, doing the readings first, etc. This flexible format is asking that you curate an experience that works the best for you, which means you need to have an idea of what that is and make changes if things aren't working for you. Don't do it if I suggested it but it just doesn't work for you.

• Remember that this work time is still class time. While you can watch the recordings anytime/anywhere, you still need to do so with the same focus as you would have in the classroom. This means you need to have notes open, follow along as much as you can, play with the code, write down questions, etc. Just because you can watch the lectures while washing dishes doesn't mean it will be an effective use of your time.

• Actively read the lecture notes and book. Type in and play with the code, write notes, etc. Don't focus on facts, focus on usage and the facts will make more sense.

• Plan ahead for synchronous sessions. Keep a running list of questions, concerns, curiosities, etc. Have them ready for the session. Alternatively, if you get stuck on a problem, work on something else and take that work up again during session so you can ask questions as you work on it.

• Communicate with me. Talk to me if you are having trouble, confused, or unsure. I can't help if you don't talk to me about things. I can usually find a solution to everything, but it always requires a conversation. Come to me before things are dire.

• Understand what is and is not possible. It will not be possible to complete the assignments all in a weekend. You could get a bunch done, but not all of it and certainly not the best quality. Don't plan on doing this.