Introduction to Computing Environments

Spring 2025, 8w1

8w2 information (302) will be provided in a separate syllabus, however much of the information overlaps.

Instructor Information

See https://e115.engr.ncsu.edu/lab-instructors/ to get the full list of instructors and TAs.

Office hours: 111 LMP, RM 201

Office Hours

Most office hours are run by the UTAs (undergraduate teaching aides). https://go.ncsu.edu/e115oh gives the updated calendar of availability. You are welcome to drop in to any office hour by any E 115 Lab Instructor. Most office hours are in-person but some are online through Zoom.

You can also make an appointment with the instructor(s), directly, if none of the posted hours work or you need specific help.

Preferred Method of Communication & Response Time

• Preferred method of communication: Use the group support email e-115-302-spr-8w-2025-support@wolfware.ncsu.edu for most communication in class. The first available UTA or instructor will respond. It is recommended that you check your NC State email at least once a day to stay on top of course communications.  If you have a true emergency, use the office phone 919-513-7973 and leave a voicemail message.
• Asking questions about the course: If you have a question about the course or its content, email group support. You can expect to receive a response within two business days. We usually respond faster, but it is not guaranteed.
• Email guidelines: Always include a descriptive, specific but concise subject. Provide adequate context for your question in order to ensure full understanding of your email. Be sure to use your NC State email account. If you email group support, we assume the email is about E 115. For other communications, you must specify what class you are in.

Course Information

Course Website: NC State WolfWare

Meeting Time and Location: Hybrid (LMP 201)

Course Credit Hours: 1

Catalog Description

Introduction to the NC State computing system, and to student-owned computing resources. Includes topics such as maintaining your own computer, learning about campus-based computing resources and applications [how to access and use them], ethics and professionalism in the use of computing resources, introduction to web development and other campus resources.

Structure

This course is delivered in a hybrid format, meaning it has asynchronous and synchronous components. Asynchronous components are delivered through Moodle, an online learning platform.

All students are *required* to go to any E 115 office hour by the end of the first full week of this class to understand how the class works and complete the SWC, Part 1, and attend again by the end of the second week to complete SWC, part 2.

What you can expect to do in the course

There may be other types of assignments and resources, but these are the most common.

1. Required Reading with annotations. We have you read assigned sections per week to help you prepare for the upcoming assignments. The reading is graded through Perusall.The FREE textbook is also available on the E 115 website at https://e115.engr.ncsu.edu/online-textbook/.
2. Problem sets are open-book multiple choice question sets that test your knowledge of the material.
3. Supplemental Lecture Videos are required short tutorials on specific topics/commands. They are useful if you are having trouble with a specific subject, or want to see a demo.
4. Lab assignments are to be completed for every major topic. They can be done in one sitting and are “guided” because while completing the assignment, you should have the corresponding Guided Lab video open. The Lab video will feature a lab instructor doing the Guided Lab assignment along with you, giving a demonstration on their screen while explaining the concept.
5. Problem sets are similar to Labs, but consist of multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and some essay questions for you to demonstrate understanding of the various concepts.

Course Schedule

This is the weekly course schedule, with dates and due dates for the assignments. Please note: the course schedule is subject to change. The Spring semester starts on 1/6/2025. Here is the 301 schedule.

Meeting Time and Tool Used

We meet in person in 111 Lampe, or virtually via Zoom. The office hours run during the time periods of Monday through Saturday for most of the day (9am to 11pm), although the exact availability will vary per week.

Prerequisites/Corequisites

This course has no prerequisites or corequisites.

Restrictions 

This course must be taken BEFORE or in the same semester for the following courses:

CSC 111 (Intro to Python)        CSC 113 (Intro to Matlab)        CSC 116 (Intro to Java)

Students who are co-enrolled in CSC 111, 113, and/or 116 must be enrolled in E 115 – 301.

The College of Engineering accepts COS 100 in place of E 115. Students cannot enroll in both.

Minimum Technical and Digital Information Literacy Skills

This class is one in learning technical and digital literacy. Please read this section and the Software and digitally-hosted course components sections to see what software skills are necessary.

• Navigate and use Moodle, NC State’s Learning Management System.

• This includes being able to read announcements and Moodle messages.

• Use Gmail, including attaching files to email messages

• Know how to use CC, BCC, and reply-to to ensure the messages go to the group support email.

• Create and submit files in the programs (that you need to get as part of the software check)
• Download and install software as needed (see section on required software)
• Download and upload attachments
• Use web conferencing tools including Zoom and Google Meet.

• Use computer networks to locate and store files or data.
• Use online search tools for specific academic purposes, including the use of search criteria, keywords and filters

General Education Program (GEP) Information

GEP Category Fulfilled

None

GEP Corequisites

None

Learning Outcomes

1. Operate engineering software on personal and lab computers
2. Navigate a UNIX-based operating system using command-line operations
3. Identify central tenets of professional and ethical use of computers
4. Send and receive e-mail and use other campus computing services
5. Identify general features in networking, hardware and operating systems
6. Use spreadsheets to solve engineering problems
7. Create and design basic web pages

Course Materials

Required textbook

E 115 Online Textbook
Web Link: go.ncsu.edu/e115 
Cost: Free
This textbook is required. DO NOT GOOGLE “E 115”, only use the above link.

Technology Requirements

NC State University Libraries offers Technology Lending, where many devices are available to borrow for a 7-day period. Computer labs are available in various locations around campus for student use.

Computer

Desktop/Laptop (Windows, Mac OS, or Linux) REQUIRED  to complete work. It should have a stable Internet connection. No Chromebooks, iPads, mobile devices, etc. Library Computers or LMP 201 Computers during OH are acceptable, so you do not need to have your own. However, for your convenience, a laptop or desktop computer is recommended for this course. NC State’s Office of Information Technology provides recommendations for your computer at NC State.

Software and digitally-hosted course components

The following software and tools will be used in this course. Some tools are a part of NC State’s enterprise tools. See information about their purpose, how to access them, accessibility information, and privacy policies. The same information for any other tools required in this course is provided in the list below.

• Moodle, to be used to access class materials
• Other software to be installed during Guided Lab 1 (Software Check Assignment) during the second week. You will have an assignment to show that you have the following software installed on your computer, or that you know how to access it from a lab computer.
• https://e115.engr.ncsu.edu/links-and-downloads/ to get the list of downloads. The software is as follows:

• Firefox
• Text Editor
• PuTTY (if Windows)
• FileZilla or equivalent
• Microsoft Office (provided free through NC State)

Other Student Expenses

• None.

Communication Guidelines

Respecting our learning community

The NC State Code of Student Conduct outlines expectations for behavior in the classroom (whether virtual or physical) and the consequences for students who violate these expectations. Any behavior that impacts other students’ ability to learn and succeed will be addressed, but expressing diverse viewpoints and interpretations of course content is welcome.

Community guidelines for this course include:

• Use a respectful tone in all forms of communication (email, written, oral, visual)
• Maintain professionalism (avoid slang, poor grammar, etc.) in your written communication.
• Respect regional dialects and culturally embedded ways of oral communication.
• Stay home or in your dorm room if you are exhibiting symptoms of a contagious illness (fever, chills, etc.).
• Enter our virtual and/or physical classroom community respectfully by refraining from lewd or indecent speech or behavior, helping to maintain a safe physical environment, not using your cell phone for voice or text communication except when explicitly given leave to do so, and not attending class under the influence of any substance.
• Treat each community member with respect by not recording others without their consent or engaging in any form of hazing, harassment, intimidation, or abuse.
• Respect cultural differences that may influence communication styles and needs.

Plan for interaction between instructors and students

Some course activities including synchronous meetings (the first week and final week). I generally send one announcement email a week, on Saturday, through our Google groups. You may receive further emails depending on your status in the class.

Expectations for learner participation and interaction

We have 1-4 assignments due a week.

Assignments open on Sunday when week starts, the day you receive the announcement. Most assignments are unlocked week-by-week to keep the class on a standard pace.

As this class is hybrid, most messages will be done online – you will receive emails from me, as stated above, and depending on the assignment, you can also expect communication via Moodle or GitHub.

The way to pass this course is to attempt each and every assignment. Begin the assignments well before the deadline to leave time to ask questions during office hours or account for any technological issues that may arise. Typically, deadlines are not extended.

Grading and Feedback

Grading criteria, details, and timing of feedback

Your grade will be determined by a cumulative number of points earned throughout the semester. There are a total of 1000 points available to each and every E 115 student. Once you have earned a minimum of 700 points, you will have passed the course. A grader will send you an email once your point total has been verified.

Grade Components

The following table describes the point values of the assignments.

Categories

The following table describes the assignments by component.

Grading scale

Requirements for earning a grade of “Satisfactory”

E 115 is pass/fail (S/U) grading only. For more information, see the Credit Only Courses regulation. Conversion from letter grading to credit only (S/U) grading is subject to university deadlines. Refer to the Registration and Records calendar for deadlines related to grading.

Students must attain a minimum of 700 points in order to receive a ‘S’.

Course Policies

Proctored exams

We have a final exam in the last week. Students will be given several options of times to take the exam, which is in person in Lampe. Students sign up to use their personal laptop in the exam room, or they can choose to use a lab computer.

Late assignments

As there are continued assignments and the class is fast-paced, continue onto the next assignment if you do miss one. There are no extensions unless you have documentation with the absence verification office (see absence verification office website for policies).

We do have a make-up policy. Students can make up any two assignments that they missed/scored low on for any reason, if they need it to achieve 700 points in the class.

Incomplete grades, withdrawals

Information on incomplete grades can be found at REG 02.50.03 – Grades and Grade Point Average. If you encounter a serious disruption to your work not caused by you and you would have otherwise successfully completed the course, contact your instructor as soon as you can to discuss the possibility of earning an incomplete in the course for the semester, including an agreement on when the remaining work must be done in order to change the grade to an S.

If you must withdraw from a course or from the University due to hardship beyond their control, see Withdrawal Process and Timeline | Student Services Center for information and instructions.

Attendance

In-person meetings are required for the first two weeks of class and the Final Exam.

Related NC State Policy: REG 02.20.03 – Attendance Regulations

University Policies

Academic integrity and honesty

Students are required to comply with the university policy on academic integrity found in the Code of Student Conduct 11.35.01 sections 8 and 9. Therefore, students are required to uphold the Pack Pledge: “I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this test or assignment.” Violations of academic integrity will be handled in accordance with the Student Discipline Procedures.

Please refer to the Academic Integrity web page for a detailed explanation of the University’s policies on academic integrity and some of the common understandings related to those policies.

Use of AI Tools

This course requires you to complete various assignments that assess your understanding and application of the course content. You are expected to do your own work and cite any sources you use properly. You are not allowed to use any artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as chatbots, text generators, paraphrasers, summarizers, or solvers, to complete any part of your assignments, or the top results on a web search (which are normally AI-generated). Any attempt to use these tools will be considered academic misconduct and will be dealt with according to the university’s academic integrity policy. Students are expected to complete all work independently and without the assistance of AI-generated content. If you have any questions about what constitutes acceptable use of AI tools, please consult with the instructor before submitting your work.

Student privacy

Originality Checking Software

Software may be used in this course to check the originality of student submissions. Most submissions will be checked for originality by the human graders.

Class recording statement:

The course will not be recorded and students will not appear in any material, as all class material is pre-recorded by the teaching staff.

Class privacy statement:

This course requires online exchanges among students and the instructor, but NOT with persons outside the course. Students may be required to disclose personally identifiable information to other students in the course, via electronic tools like email or web postings, where relevant to the course. Examples include online discussions of class topics and posting of student coursework. All students are expected to respect the privacy of each other by not sharing or using such information outside the course.

Other Policies

Students are responsible for reviewing the NC State University PRR’s which pertain to their course rights and responsibilities:

• Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy Statement and additional references 
• Code of Student Conduct 
• Grades and Grade Point Average 
• Credit-Only Courses 
• Audits 

Student Resources

Academic and Student Affairs maintains a website with links for student support on campus, including academic support, community support, health and wellness, financial hardship or insecurity, and more. Find Help on Campus. 

Disability resources

Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with the Disability Resource Office (DRO). For more information on NC State’s policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Policies, Rules and Regulations page maintained by the DRO and REG 02.20.01 Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities.

Safe at NC State

At NC State, we take the health and safety of students, faculty and staff seriously. The Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity supports the university community by providing services and resources to support and guide individuals in obtaining the help they need. See the Safe at NC State webpage for resources.

Supporting Fellow Students in Distress

As members of the NC State Wolfpack community, we each share a personal responsibility to express concern for one another and to ensure that this classroom and the campus as a whole remain a healthy and safe environment for learning. Occasionally, you may come across a fellow classmate whose personal behavior concerns or worries you, either for the classmate’s well-being or yours. If you feel this way, I would encourage you to report this behavior to the NC State CARES website. Although you can report anonymously, it is preferred that you share your contact information so they can follow up with you personally.

Course Evaluations

ClassEval is the end-of-semester survey for students to evaluate the instruction of all university classes. The current survey is administered online and includes 12 closed-ended questions and 3 open-ended questions. Deans, department heads, and instructors may add a limited number of their own questions to these 15 common-core questions.

Each semester students’ responses are compiled into a ClassEval report for every instructor and class. Instructors use the evaluations to improve instruction and include them in their promotion and tenure dossiers, while department heads use them in annual reviews. The reports are included in instructors’ personnel files and are considered confidential.

Online class evaluations will be available for students to complete during the last two weeks of the semester for full-semester courses and the last week of shorter sessions. Students will receive an email directing them to a website to complete class evaluations. These become unavailable at 8 am on the first day of finals.

• Contact ClassEval Help Desk: classeval@ncsu.edu
• ClassEval website 
• More information about ClassEval 

Syllabus Modification Statement

• Our syllabus represents a flexible agreement. It outlines the topics we will cover and the order in which we will cover them. Most changes made will be minor and try to help as many students as possible, within reasonable bounds.
• Generally, extensions are not provided, but if due dates need to be changed for any administrative reason, they would only be moved later, never earlier.
• Changes are at the instructor’s discretion.