Instructions for Lab TAs

CS 302 File Cabinet

A file cabinet in 1366 CS contains supplies to be used during labs. The key to unlock it is normally kept in the top-left desk drawer in 1303 CS. Use your CS outdoor key to unlock that room. Usually during the day the key is simply passed from TA to TA and returned to the desk drawer at the end of the day/shift. The file cabinet drawers are used as follows (top to bottom):

• Reference: copies of the CS302 textbook
• Lab Files: folders with lab team sheets, etc.
• Supplies: name tags, pens, markers, consultant signs, etc.
• Storage: place to keep your stuff during labs
• Lost & Found: place to keep things left/lost by students

Before Each Lab

• Get the file cabinet key from 1303 CS or from prior Lab TA.
• Put on your name tag.
• Write prominently near the top of the white board:
  • your name and CS email address
  • the lab section number (e.g., 314)
• Make sure the URL for the main cs302 web page is on the white board: http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~cs302/
• Outside the lab room above the room number post one of the copies of the team sheet as a seating chart for that lab (i.e., list of assigned pairs)

First Lab Instructions

1. One TA should be at the door directing students to 1350 CS to activate their CS accounts. The other TA should be in 1350 CS helping students as needed.

• Have students activate their accounts as soon as they arrive even if it is before lab begins. This should help distribute activations to ensure the servers aren't overloaded.
• To activate their account, have them follow the instructions posted in 1350 CS (enter user "newuser" and password "NewUser09" and follow the instructions that appear).
• Make sure students do not use the number pad when entering their password. It won't work unless they've pressed the Num Lock key. Also note, when entering their password it does not show anything in the password field, not even *. Some students will think what they're typing isn't working but it is.
• Direct students back to their lab room after they've successfully activated their accounts and have LOGGED OUT.
• If a student is not on the team sheet, it's likely that they won't be in CSL's system; in that case, tell the student to activate his/her account in a day or two (note: the student can still do the lab provided their lab partner can log in).

2. As students return to their lab room, the TA at the door should direct students to the computer they'll be using and take attendance (using a copy of the team sheet).

• Tell students to introduce themselves to their lab partners and then have one partner log in.
• Make sure students are in the correct place.
• If a student shows up that is not on the team sheet, write their name and lecture near the bottom and pair with another student.
• If there are an odd number of students, make one group of three (and note it on team sheet being used as the seating chart).
• If a student doesn't show up at all, cross their name off the seating chart and pair the remaining student with someone who isn't paired.

3. After accounts have been activated, briefly introduce yourselves.

• Say your name and briefly mention something interesting you did during break, why you're interested in CS, ...
• Point out the information on the whiteboard.
• Remind students that they must attend the lab section for which they're enrolled to receive credit for labs.
• Remind students their lab grade is based on prompt attendance, preparation/knowledge of the material, cooperation with their partner, progress completing the lab (more info about grading below).
• Let students know that labs will generally last the entire 75 minutes.

4. Have the students launch the Mozilla Firefox web browser and go to the CS302 main course web page (http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~cs302/).

5. Have the students go to the web page for lab 1 (by clicking on the Labs link)

6. Show the students how to navigate to their L: drive.

• Note the L: drive is for the Windows fileserver and should be faster than the U: drive that is for the AFS fileserver.

7. Walk around to make sure the students tour the CS302 website.

8. Help out students while they do the Eclipse Tutorial.

• At this point the students should start working on their own (in pairs); you should NOT lead them through the Eclipse tutorial.
• Tell them to split the typing/project creation duties.
• Walk around and make sure that one partner isn't dominating the computer. Both should be sharing it. If you do see a student dominating, encourage them to give their partner a try at it.

At the End of Each Lab

• Score the students for the lab using X (did not attend), 0 (present but poor work), 1 (if problems), or 2 (for most students) using these criteria:
• prompt attendance (a few minutes late to the first lab is ok, habitual/substantial lateness should NOT receive full credit),
• preparation (students are NOT expected to read the lab in advance, but they should be prepared to handle the concepts covered in the lab),
• cooperation with their partner (students are expected to help eachother with the material and to share use of the computer),
• progress completing the lab (students texting, reading email, or otherwise not focussing the lab should NOT get full credit)
• Take down the team sheet that was posted as the seating chart.
• Return both team sheets to the lab folder. Note a TA has been assigned to enter the grades for all lab sections at the end of each week.
• Return the file cabinet key to 1303 CS or pass it to the next TAs.

Equipment Problems

• Note: If all students activate their accounts at the same time, it will significantly slow down the system. Its better to stagger students, but make sure each student activates their account at some point in the lab.
• If there is a problem with a computer, a TA should email lab@cs.wisc.edu to let them know. If students are assigned to use that computer, temproarily switch them to one that is working.
• If there is a problem with several computers, a TA should go to the Computer Systems Lab (2350CS) and let them know.