Course Changes, March 5
I. Changes
As you'll remember, this is the first version of Interactive Multimedia to use ActionScript 3.0, introduced last spring. While the new language is considerably more powerful than its predecessors, it's also significantly more complex, and in my opinion, much more challenging for those without prior experience in Object-Oriented Programming.
I review and update the syllabus in most of my classes at midterm, so here we go: please see the revised syllabus for details.
I have redesigned the class plan to accommodate a slower and more careful pace. This means (a) reducing the number of labs from 6 to 4, so that you will have more time to work independently; and (b) cutting back the number of demonstrations on non-lab nights to allow a more relaxed presentation, with more time for questions and discussion. I've also adjusted the readings a bit, again to give you more time to code.
II. Consultation
I propose to leave the grading formula unchanged. The four labs still account for 50% of your final mark. Obviously, each one now counts more heavily than it did when there were six. With more time on each assignment, however, your chances of achieving higher marks are correspondingly improved.
It would be unfair to impose this change without discussion and a vote, so please form an opinion and bring it to class March 10. If you'll miss that class, please express any objections in e-mail.
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