LSP 121 Basic Course Guidelines

1. This course is primarily a hands-on laboratory course.

2. Some instructors break the class into 2- or 3-person teams, but that choice is up to you.  My latest feeling is that they learn more by doing it themselves, thus I have NOT been breaking them into teams.

3. If you do use teams, the students work on their in-class activities.  One copy of the activity results are handed in and this grade is given to all the students on this team.

4. Assigned homework is usually performed on an individual basis.

5. Activities and homework are often given a 1 week due date, although most activities can be performed during class time and handed in then.

6. While the choice of subjects and their order is up to the instructor (to some degree), all instructors should cover as a minimum the following four topics:

            a. database concepts using Access (multiple tables, relationships, first normal form, queries, forms, reports)

            b. basic descriptive statistics (we have been asked to use SPSS which is now called PASW, not Excel!)

            c. basic probability and risk analysis

            d. computer algorithms

Most instructors also teach number systems, correlation, Simpson's Paradox, and logs.

7. If you are teaching at Lincoln Park, it may be possible to hold your LSP 121 office hours in the office next to the QRC lab (SAC 268).  Let me know if interested and I'll check into scheduling.  But new office space is opening up in the third floor lab area of the Student Center and you may be able to use that.

8. There is a placement exam for LSP 121 if a student feels they shouldn't be taking this course.  See the LSP 121 webpage at qrc.depaul.edu.

9. The QRC website at qrc.depaul.edu has a lot of info about LSP 120 and LSP 121.  Check it out.  Notice all the Excel files which are used for LSP 120 and can also be used for LSP 121 activities, homeworks, and exams.

10. LSP 121 students have access to the general purpose CDM labs in the loop.  They gain access by swiping their student ID card.  They also have access to some free Microsoft software.  It is on the CDM website under Resources.

11. Students should purchase a flash drive for saving work (if they don't already own one).

12. If you are teaching in a lab that uses the Intelli-Print printer control system, you may want to let the students swipe your faculty ID in order to print.  You may also ask them to email their results to you in the form of a Word document.  Or you may use COL for submission of assignments.If you are teaching in either SAC 224 or SAC 268, the students will have access to 100 free pages of printing.

13. There are now tutors for LSP 121.  Check the qrc.depaul.edu website for hours and location.

14. We are trying to get lab aides for all sections of LSP 121.  If one is assigned to your section, they should introduce themself on the first day of class.  Please do not ask the lab aide to teach class or grade papers.  They are only there to help answer students' questions during class.