COMP B10 - Spring 2024 - Bakersfield College

Welcome and About Me

My Contact Information

A photo of Bill Moseley

Bill Moseley, Ph.D.

bmoseley@bakersfieldcollege.edu
www.bmoseley.com
Phone (Voice and Text): 661-376-0010

Instagram Link Linkedin Link Twitter Link

 

  Student / Office Hours

 As your instructor, it is important that you are able to reach me with questions, concerns, or other ways I can support you.  I am always available via text or email, and if you want to schedule a zoom or phone call I will do that as well.  There are no scheduled zoom office hours, but I have a lot of flexibility and I can work with you on finding a time that works.

I can also be reached in my office (B3E in the business building) on the Panorama Campus During the following days/hours:

Watch this space for updated office hours during week 1. Until then, email or text me for an appointment.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays I teach at the BC Southwest Campus from 9:35 - 11:00 am in room 221.  I will be available for 15 minutes before and after class for students who want to meet with me at this location.


Professional Info.

Professionally, my journey has been intertwined with my personal life and interests.  I've loved technology for as long as I can remember, and my appreciation for video games goes all the way back to the Pong console my family had when I was 4-5 years old.  It could play about 5 games, but all of them were basically "Pong".  

Games and art were driving interests throughout much of my life, and inspired me to try programming (to make my own games, of course).

I did my undergraduate work in Psychology with a minor in Art/Design (I loved computers, but hated school, and had convinced myself in high school that I didn't have the math chops for a computer science major - bad call, and dead wrong). My M.A. is from Pepperdine in Learning Technologies, and my Ph.D. is from University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Educational Leadership.

Learning doesn't stop when school is over, so I have continued to push myself to learn new things after my doctorate.  I love learning, and hope I never stop challenging myself.

The rapid growth of the Web in the late 90's sparked my renewed interest in computers after a detour to study psychology, and in 1998 I took a job as the Internet Services Specialist at Bakersfield College.  In the 23 years that followed, I became a faculty in the Computer Science Department and then in 2017, the college's first Dean of Academic Technology. In January 2022, I became the college's first Vice President of Innovation and Development. Later that summer, I was informed that the college was heading in a different direction, and so rather than returning to a dean role, I decided to give myself the gift of returning to the classroom, and here I am.

I have also taught at Pepperdine University, in the Graduate School of Education and Psychology, since Summer of 2003.  My favorite teaching moments at Pepperdine were in 2007, when we held a virtual hot tub discussion in Second Life with Daniel Pink, author of a Whole New Mind (which was covered by the NYT),

A hot tub discussion in the virtual world of second life

and holding discussions on Learning Theorists in various locations in World of Warcraft.  

A discussion group in World of Warcraft

I've also invested a fair amount of time in Minecraft as a platform for teaching things like computational thinking

A class project in minecraft testing computational thinking

and user experience design

A maze in Minecraft

You can read more about the wide variety of things I like to work on, and access some of my professional wriitng, by visiting my personal web site, at www.bmoseley.com 

To me, learning and technology are creative adventures with almost limitless potential.  I'm thrilled to be back in a teaching role.


 

Personal Info.

On the personal side, the most important thing to know about me is that I'm a husband to an amazing woman and father of seven.  Growing up an only child to a single mom, I never imagined what a household of nine would look like, or the many unique situations that only siblings can understand.  However, our life journey often brings us to places we don't expect.

Bill with wife and seven kids
As you can see, five of our seven kids are adopted.  While adoption – especially trans-racial adoption – can be a complicated issue, my wife and I are very open about our adoption journey, and are happy to share on a personal level (It's probably more info than one would normally include on a syllabus, but I will say this:  It's been the most powerful and life-changing experience I've had.)

Ok... you asked for it!

Here are a few more details about me, and my crazy family:
All 7 of our kids are competitive swimmers.  In the group we have Olympic Trials Qualifiers, Junior National Champions, and SEC and WAC champions, and NCAA All-Americans.
 
Samara swimming fly
Our oldest started swimming at 5 years old, and just completed her MA in Industrial / Organizational Psychology, but swam through her undergraduate years at the University of Tennnessee.  Here is a video of her relay team winning SEC Championships (she swims 4th in the third lane from the bottom):

We love this sport, and it's great for big families because we can all go to the same swim meet, race and cheer each other on.

Julian, samara and maya in the pool
As a family, we are intensely competitive.  We will compete at anything, any time.  If there isn't a game, we will invent one.  We love a challenge.

Gabbi, Julian and Samara jumping from a sand dune.
I'm a voracious reader.  My reading interests vary widely, although lately I've been doing a pretty deep dive into books on race, racial equity, and anti-racism.  In that genre, I really appreciate the work of Ijeoma Oluo and Ibram X. Kendi.  

I'm also very interested in the writing process, and writing as a discipline.  I usually have several projects in the works, and a couple of years ago I self-published my first novel.

The cover of La Cuesta Encantada
I don't expect to become rich or famous as a result of my writing, but I really do it for my own satisfaction anyway.
I'm pretty sure that the phrase, "Jack of all trades, master of none." was written about me.  I have a million interests, and more hobbies than I have time for.  I'm not afraid to try something new, to fail at something, or to look silly in front of other people.  I'm pretty sure my last words will include something about wishing I had more time...

 

 

 

  Course Information

COMP B10

I am teaching several sections of this course, which all use the same schedule (except for the late start 8-week course), assignments and grading criteria.  All sections, both in person and online, and use the same Canvas shell. If your Canvas shell shows a CRN different from the one you are registered for don't panic -- This is because I combine the Canvas shells for all six CRNs into one. 

CRNs are as follows:

32696 (BC SouthWest, T/R, 9:35-11:00)
33475 (Panorama Hybrid, M, 1:00-2:25)
33909 (Panorama, T/R, 1:00-2:25): Thurs, 12-1:50

32697 - Online
32698 - Online
32700 - Online

32701 - Online Late Start (3/11-5/10)

 

  This course is... 

  • Zero Cost - The textbook for this class is free, and the assignments for this class can be completed using completely free software.

  • Mobile Friendly - You can complete almost this entire course using a mobile device (both reading and assignments). It might not be ideal, but you can pass this course using only a cell phone. BC Does have a Laptop Loaner program if you are interested. (Chromebooks aren't great for Python, BTW)

  • Competency-Based - Your success in this class depends 100% on your ability to master specific objectives.

 

  My Teaching Philosophy

  1.  I'm here to help you – As your professor, I want to help you succeed. I will schedule student hours both in the physical campus locations where I teach, and online ia zoom or other methods.  I'm happy to help you work through any struggles you have, or in places where you might need additional help.  The ultimate goal of this class is learning, so please tell me how I can support your learning journey.

  2. Just like in the "real world" (whatever that means), cooperation and collaboration with your peers isn't "cheating" – it's good practice.  Also, like in the real world, copying work verbatim and claiming it as your own (from classmates or anywhere), is not ok. What's worse, in this case you are cheating yourself as well.
    Think of this class as a learning community, where we are all here to use what we have to help each other learn.

  3. Every assignment in this course is negotiable.  I hope that you will free to suggest alternate assignments that you think fulfill the course objectives, but suit your interests or personality.  I'd be happy to entertain your ideas, and as long as they fully satisfy the goals of the assignment, let's go for it!

  4. In this class, as in life, diversity enriches our experience. The more perspectives and ways of thinking we bring in to our work and learning together, the better we will all learn and the more robust the product of our work will be. Diversity is a critical part of successful technology work,  and so it needs to be a part of our learning community as well.

 

  Frequently Asked Questions:

 Yes, everything can be done in the first week.  I have even posted lecture videos from last semester so you can work ahead.  It's a lot of work, but if that's what you want to do, then go for it.  
As for waiting, there ARE LIMITS. Every assignment has a due date. However, I will allow you to resubmit every assignment until you fully understand the concept, without any penalty.  The reason for this is that I'm here to help you learn, not give you a grade.  
There are also a few deadlines that are NOT FLEXIBLE:

           - Assignment 1 must be complete by 11:59 pm on Sunday, January 21 (for 16 week classes), or you will be dropped.
           - Assignments 1-5 must be complete by 11:59 pm on Sunday, March 10 (for 16 week classes), or you will be dropped.

The reason for this is that I need to make sure that students are still engaged in the class and actually working to complete assignments.  These are safeguards for you, and they are here to make sure you don't forget about your class and end up with an F at the end of the term.
 While it isn't a requirement, I highly recommend doing them in order. The class is set up so that later assignments build on earlier ones.  So skipping assignments might make things needlessly difficult on you.
Simple - Because believe it or not, some people will want to do what I would call the "bonus material".  The final 3 modules would fall into that category.  They are designed to be more advanced topics, but also a little more on the fun side.  For folks who are already experienced with Python or programming, they provide an excuse to get into some more advanced material.  For those who are just getting started, the first 15 modules should be the priority, and if you only get that far, then you will be just fine.
Everyone starts out with a zero, and we build from there.
For the Panorama and BC Southwest Sections: You are required to be at in-person meetings.  By BC Policy, students who miss more than the equivalent of 2 weeks of class time should be dropped.  There is a significant value in being in class.  If you need to miss, please let me know and I will work with you.  Please try to be there whenever you can.
For the online sections: It's an online class, so we don't have in=person meetings.  However, your attendance is measured by your participation.  See the questions above to make sure you don't get dropped for non-participation.  Also, you are allowed to visit in-person sections on a space-available basis.  Check with me if you are interested.

  Course SLOs:

 SLOs are the critical things you will learn as a result of compleitng this course:

1. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to describe and apply the software development life-cycle to a given problem.

2. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to describe, design, implement, and test structured programs using currently accepted methodology and control structures.

3. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to explain what an algorithm is and then be able to translate an algorithm into a programming language.


 

Getting to Know You Survey

  Please Start Here!

Please complete this Getting to Know You survey.  It will let me know that you have found the syllabus, and that you are ready to get started with the class, and also help me know some more about you, so that I can be prepared to help you learn more effectively in the class.

Getting to Know You Survey Link

Our Learning Pact

Learning in a class like this works best when there are clear expectations for both student and teacher.  I'm hoping that we can agree to the following learning pact for the semester, so that you can get the most out of this class.

What I expect from you:

  • You will treat me and your peers with dignity respect and say thank you when your need has been met.
  • You will strive to be an active participant in this course and aim to meet due dates.
  • You will maintain an open line of communication with me so I understand how to support you.
  • You will contact me if you have a concern with meeting a due date.
  • You will do your best to engage with the material of this course, and will challenge yourself to learn.
  • You will do your best to have patience with technology. There will be hiccups, expect them. We will get through them together.
  • You will give yourself grace. Expect to make mistakes. You are human and mistakes are part of learning and growing.
  • You will breathe and remember that learning is a process that I am part of. It's a partnership.
  • You will not take credit for any work that isn't yours.

What you can expect from me:

  • I will treat you with dignity and respect and be flexible to support your individual needs.
  • I will provide you with a clear, organized online course that is designed to ensure you meet our course outcomes in a meaningful manner.
  • I will provide a variety of assignments to ensure your learning needs are met.
  • I will provide a supportive, safe and brave environment for you to share and discuss ideas with me and your peers.
  • I will reach out to you when I sense that you need support.
  • I won't be perfect. I am human and will make mistakes at times. I will view mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow.
  • I will bring on my A game every week for you.
  • I will trust you.


How Grading Works

First, let me say that I'm not a fan of grades.

I think they are really bad indicators of what you have learned, and take away from the overall learning experience.

Also, research shows that they are bad for students, and tend to be unfair.

If you want to read more, try this starter article.

So the only grade you will get in this class is at the end of the semester.
(because I have to submit something)

Each assignment in this class is worth only one point.  You will have unlimited attempts to master each assignment, and then you show that you understand the concept, you will get the full point.  At the end of the class, your final grade will be determined based on the number of points you have:

Grade Scale

The scale for this class is based on the 13 points from the core assignments.  The 4 bonus assignments don't count against you, but can be substituted for a core assignment.  So 100% in this class is 13 points, regardless of which assignments those points come from.

12 or More Points:  A
11 points:  B
9 -10 points:  C
8 points:  D

7 or fewer points:  I hope none of you fall into this category, but I have to give an F (basically, you didn't master enough of the concepts to pass).

PLEASE NOTE: The above is an example.  Points may change if I add or subtract assignments, so don't assume this will stay static through the term.

** Please note above where I say things like "unlimited attempts".  I'm a firm believer that if you want to learn this stuff, I can help you succeed. In other words, JUST SEND IT and we will figure it out.

*** Also note: I don't do extra credit. This is about learning the main ideas of the class. Just do the main assignments, and you will be fine.

Weekly Schedule

Every assignment in this class has a due date. I will accept late work with the following limitations:

  • Assignment 1 must be complete by 11:59 pm on Sunday, 1/21, or you will be dropped.
  • Assignments 1-5 must be complete by 11:59 pm on Sunday, 3/10, or you will be dropped.

The reason for this policy isn't just to be a mean professor. Rather, it is to protect you from forgetting you have a class and ending up with an F, or getting so far behind that you can't catch up. Be sure that if you are struggling in the class, you reach out to me and get help.

 

Week Starts

First Half

Thursday

Second Half

Week Ends

Week 1

1/15/2024

Module 1 (The Basics)

1/18/2024

Module 2, Part 1 (Variables)

1/21/2024

Week 2

1/22/2024

Module 2, Part 2 (String Methods)

1/25/2024

Module 3 (Operators)

1/28/2024

Week 3

1/29/2024

Module 4, Part 1 (Branching)

2/1/2024

Module 4, Part 2 (Branching)

2/4/2024

Week 4

2/5/2024

Module 5, Part 1 (Loops)

2/8/2024

Module 5, Part 2 (Loops)

2/11/2024

Week 5

2/12/2024

Module 6, Part 1 (Functions)

2/15/2024

Module 6, Part 2 (Functions)

2/18/2024

Week 6

2/19/2024

Module 7, Part 1 (Lists)

2/22/2024

Module 7, Part 2 (Lists)

2/25/2024

Week 7

2/26/2024

Module 8 (String Manipulation)

2/29/2024

Module 9 (Algorithms)

3/3/2024

Week 8

3/4/2024

Module 10 (Exceptions)

3/7/2024

Module 11 (Modules)

3/10/2024

Week 9

3/11/2024

Module 12 (Files)

3/14/2024

Module 12 (Files)

3/17/2024

Week 10

3/18/2024

Module 13 (Recursion)

3/21/2024

Module 14 (OOP)

3/24/2024

 

3/25/2024

SPRING BREAK

3/31/2024

Week 11

4/1/2024

Module 14 (OOP)

4/4/2024

Module 15 (Inheritance)

4/7/2024

Week 12

4/8/2024

Module 16 (Images)

4/11/2024

Module 16 (Images)

4/14/2024

Week 13

4/15/2024

Module 17 (GUI / TKinter)

4/18/2024

Module 17 (GUI / TKinter)

4/21/2024

Week 14

4/22/2024

Module 18 (Pygame, p1)

4/25/2024

Module 18 (Pygame, p1)

4/28/2024

Week 15

4/29/2024

Module 19 (Data Sci, p1)

5/2/2024

Module 19 (Data Sci, p2)

5/5/2024

Week 16

5/6/2024

Final Exam

5/9/2024

Final Exam

5/12/2024

BC Resources and Information for Students

  COVID-19 Information

The Bakersfield College Student Health and Wellness Center (SHWC) provides certain free medical and mental health services to currently enrolled students who have paid their BC Student Health Fee. COVID vaccination and testing services are free and open to the campus and the wider community. 

 

COVID Protocol. Individuals who are not feeling well should test, stay home, contact their health care provider, and notify their instructor(s). If your test is negative you may return to school. If your test is positive, you must stay home for 10 days from your test date. If you test positive or believe you were exposed to COVID-19, contact COVID19@bakersfieldcollege.edu to discuss your options. 

 

Masks are still strongly encouraged on campus and vaccination remains the most reliable preventative measure. Protocols are subject to change. COVID vaccination and testing services are free and open to the campus and the wider community. 

 

Contact the BC COVID Response Team at COVID19@bakersfieldcollege.edu or 661-395-4773 if you test positive or have questions regarding the BC COVID protocols.  

 

Note from Bill on this: If you have to miss class due to COVID or literally any kiind of illness or emergency, please let me know! I'm committed to helping you succeed and complete your work, and I will work with you!  Just make sure you communicate with me!  Help me help you!

  Students With Disabilities

DSPS Disabled Student Programs & Services (DSPS) is available to provide accommodations to students with diagnosed learning, mental, physical, and/or health-related disabilities that are either permanent or temporary. Students with disabilities needing accommodations, including those who had an IEP or a 504 plan in high school, should make requests to the DSPS office by contacting the office by phone call, email, or by visiting their Virtual Lobby. All requests for accommodations require appropriate advanced notice to avoid a delay in services. After completing the intake process with DSPS, please provide your professors with a copy of your DSPS approved accommodation checklist so that we can work together to ensure your access and success at BC. For more information, visit the DSPS Website, email dspsdesk@bakersfieldcollege.edu, visit the DSPS Virtual Lobby, or call (661) 395-4334 (Panorama Campus) / (661) 720-2000 (Delano Campus). 

Renegade Online Hub

The Renegade HUB is a resource for all students who need help with Canvas, App Steam, and any education-related technology. Our accessible and friendly services offer assistance seven days a week (Online Student Resources | Bakersfield College (Links to an external site.)) in various formats: in-person on the first floor of the Library past the Commons in L 130, via phone (661) 395-4477, and virtually by logging into Starfish Kiosk (Links to an external site.), selecting the problem they are experiencing, choosing the course that it pertains to, and specifying the preferred contact method. Our team responds promptly and guides students to resolve technical issues they may be experiencing with technology for their classes. For more information and help please connect with the Renegade HUB StarFish Kiosk

  Student Conduct

Bakersfield College seeks an environment that promotes academic achievement and integrity, which is protective of free inquiry and serves the educational mission of the College. Similarly, the College seeks a community that is free from violence, threats, intimidation, and sexual misconduct; that is respectful of the rights, opportunities, and welfare of students, faculty, staff, and guests of the College, and that does not threaten the physical or mental health or safety of members of the College community.

It is illegal to submit fraudulent or counterfeit COVID-19 vaccine cards (see FBI Guidance). It is also illegal to claim an exemption or accommodation on false, misleading or dishonest grounds. Any student found to have submitted fraudulent or counterfeit records, or false, misleading or dishonest information about their vaccination status, medical need for exemption, or their sincerely held religious beliefs will be referred to the Dean of Student Life. Consequences may include, but not limited, to expulsion from the College.

Students are expected at all times to act in a manner consistent with the Student Code of Conduct, which is set forth by the KCCD Board Policy 4F7. The Student Code of Conduct remains in place for all students whether engaging in co-curricular activities or in a course that is offered in-person, online, or remotely. Students shall respect constituted authority, including conformance to federal and state laws, board policy, college protocols, and applicable provisions of civil law. All forms of misconduct may result in one or more of the following consequences: removal from class, referral to the Dean of Instruction, and/or disciplinary actions by the Dean of Students. A student’s failure to act in a manner consistent with the Student Code of Conduct shall constitute good cause for discipline, including but not limited to the removal, suspension, or expulsion.


 

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