CSci 5161, Spring 2023
Introduction to Compilers
Guidelines for the Use of the Discussion Forums

While Piazza offers a few different services in support of courses, we will use it only for conducting course-related discussions outside the classroom. Its usefulness in this context will depend on the enthusiastic participation of each one of us. However, we can also inadvertently degrade its utility if we do not pay attention to how we use it. To reduce this possibility, I have put together a few suggestions about how to structure discussions using Piazza. These guidelines elaborate in a way specific to this course on the other information that Piazza provides you, so please do read them even if you think you already understand how to use the medium.

• Clicking on the Piazza link on the course web page will bring you to a place from where you can directly access the discussion forums. On the left side, you should see displayed buttons for a few folders labelled "hw1," "hw2," etc. Clicking on any of these buttons will show you the questions, notes, etc that have been posted to these folders. Actually, there are a few more such folders but the buttons for them will become visible only after some content has been posted to them.

• To post a question or note of your own, you should click the "New Post" button just below the folder buttons.

• To explain the folder choices a bit, I have tried to use them to distinguish between the following kinds of discussions:
  • those pertaining to technical material relevant to the course but not necessarily linked to homeworks or exams (general);

    those relating to software, such as setting up SML/NJ on your machine, useful emacs modes, etc (software);

  • those concerning issues related to particular homeworks (hws, subcategorized into hw1, hw2, etc);

  • those identifying issues with or providing feedback about the way the course is proceeding (feedback);

  • those pertaining to discussions relevant to the mid term exam (midterm);

  • those fostering camaraderie in the class and are not directly related to course content (social); and

  • those pertaining to administrative aspects of the course (admin).

• Pick the folder and also the category, whether a question or a note, for what you post carefully. Make sure to include an informative subject line.

• Check the other postings before you actually post your own. You may find an answer to a question you have more quickly this way. You may also find similar thoughts and questions and hence would be able to decide the right place to raise the issue you have, whether as a separate thread or as an elaboration to an ongoing discussion, if you read first.

• Participate in discussions actively and enthusiastically. If you have a question, post it with confidence. Similarly, if you think you have an answer to a question that has been asked or can add something illuminating to an ongoing discussion, be bold and add your comments.

• But do think as carefully as you can about what you post before you do so. Thinking about how best to express yourself helps you understand things better and also has an impact on how helpful others can be to you or how helpful you are to others.

• Please convey freely difficulties you might be experiencing with regard to instruction. Dawn and I are keen on making the experience in this class a rewarding one for you and will take your suggestions seriously. In this regard, do note that such suggestions are most useful if they carry with them information about a specific path to improving the experience.