EGR 103/Fall 2020/Lec 01

This page is meant to support the first day of lecture and to answer the questions that came up during class.

Where Can I Get Information?

• http://classes.pratt.duke.edu/EGR103F20/ - the "classes" page
  • This will have the grading breakdown, schedule, list of assignments, contact information, and old sample tests. It's the main informational site. The first day slides are also there - go to the Errata/Notes section.
• Campuswire and Campuswire for EGR 103 - the "campuswire" page
  • You will need to register with Campuswire first; they will then send a code to your email to verify your account. Then you can join the EGR class using our class pin 7418.
  • This is a messageboard and chat system you can use to have discussions and ask questions.
• https://pundit.pratt.duke.edu/wiki/EGR_103 - the "Pundit" page
  • Pratt Pundit is a wiki I set up to host all kinds of information about pratt - both for specific classes an in general
  • If assignments have accompanying Pundit pages, those pages will be listed in the assignment

What Books / Online Resources Do We Need?

Some of these require registration and some further require payment. You will likely want to bookmark each and there will be links in the reading and other assignments to get you to the right place.

• Think Python 2e
  • Go to https://greenteapress.com/wp/think-python-2e/
  • No need to register or anything
• How to Think Like a Computer Scientist: Interactive Edition
  • Go to https://runestone.academy/ and click the Sign-Up button at the top if you don't already have an account (or log in if you do). Use your NetID@duke.edu if possible. The class you want to sign up for EGR103F20. For the "Support Runestone Interactive," note that later you will be paying $20 for access to the interactive questions. Certainly, if you want to donate more you can, but you can also click "Sorry, not Today" in the knowledge that you will be supporting them through other means.
• EdFinity Interactive Problem Solving Package
  • You can wait at least a week before signing up for this - the first assignments from this will be due after drop-add.
  • Go to https://edfinity.com/join/ANT6L48V which is the direct link to the course
  • Use your Duke NetID@duke.edu email (not your first.last@duke.edu email) to sign up.
  • You will need to purchase a license for $20 - some of that goes to support the Python book listed above!
• McGraw-Hill CONNECT for EGR 103
  • You can wait a couple of weeks on this one if you want to be sure you are definitely taking the class; you can also sign up for the two-week trial first.
  • For the CONNECT system, go to https://connect.mheducation.com/class/m-gustafson-fall-2020 and use your Duke NetID@duke.edu email (not your first.last@duke.edu email) to join the class.
  • My strong recommendation is that you use the Temporary Access option first; this will give you two weeks' worth of access after which you will need to purchase a license to continue. The reason I recommend this is in case you end up deciding to switch courses during Drop-Add. Please make sure that the first page you go to says that you are being welcomed to the EGR 103L Fall 2020 class with Applied Numerical Methods with MATLAB book.

What do I need to do before lab 1?

• Be able to use Zoom. The Sakai Zoom Meetings link for the lab sections will be active by Tuesday morning.
• Be on time for the Zoom lab meeting - we have quite a bit of setting up to do!

What do I need to do before lecture 2?

• Go to each of the web pages described in Where Can I Get Information?
• Get yourself registered for the class on Campuswire.
• Go to the Think Python 2e book, choose either the HTML version or PDF version, and read the Preface and the introduction and first section (1.1) of Chapter 1 - The way of the program.
• Get yourself registered for EGR103F20 at Runestone Academy and read parts 1.1-1.3. Also complete the check your understanding exercises.