INTERNET TECHNOLOGY - PERSPECTIVES 2730

Instructor: Calvin Walker
Office: 229 245-4378
Office Location: University Center, Room 1108
Office Hours:­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­____________________________________, or by appointment

Course Description: An introduction to networking concepts, the Internet, and the World Wide Web with regional and global applications. Students will work with FTP, telnet, email Usenet, listservs, and internet-based electronic bulletin boards, search strategies, and web page construction.

Course Goals: As a college student, you have probably spent quite a few hours on the Internet even if you don't own a computer.  In 1999, over 90% of U.S. college students had access to the Internet, and 80% of graduating college students used it to search for a job or research a prospective employer.  It's time to set aside all of the hype about how the Internet is changing everything - the ability of the Internet to transform our lives is a given.  Now we need to get down to the serious business of really putting the Internet to work for us.  The primary objective of this course is to make the internet work for you.  As a tool, the internet is an invaluable resource.  You can use your homepage as an electronic portfolio to market your skills and abilities.  In addition, you can use the internet to conduct in-depth research for term papers or just to satisfy your own curiosity about a particular subject.  Finally, the internet offers an unparalleled form of written, audio, and visual communication that spans the globe.  

Each student will: 1. Construct an electronic portfolio containing a resume, co-curricular transcript, course transcript, writing samples, and a picture gallery.

2. Conduct research using the World Wide Web and the VSU's Galileo.

3. Develop an understanding of basic computer concepts including operating systems, hardware, and software.

4. Properly configure an email program and send/receive attachments.

5. Understand the importance of acceptable use policies, passwords, firewalls, virus protection programs, and constant vigilance while online.

Course Requirements:

• General: The basic requirements of this course include a mid-term, a final exam, development of an electronic portfolio, class presentation and attendance and service-learning. Attendance is very important to your success (90% of success is just showing up). If you are absent from class more than 3 times, you will be dropped one letter grade. If you miss 6 classes, you will receive a failing grade.
• Homework: All reading assignments should be completed prior to the beginning of class on the date listed under "Weekly Reading and Homework Assignments." Reading and homework assignments will be covered in detail during class. In some cases, you will be able to complete the homework and reading assignments early; I encourage you to work ahead. Don't wait until the last minute. 
• Special Needs: Students who require classroom accommodations or modifications because of a documented disability should discuss this with me at the beginning of the semester. Students not registered with the Access Office should contact this office in Nevins Hall, Room 1115 at 245-2498.
• Code of Conduct: I expect every student to do his or her own work. Violations of the student code regarding honesty and plagiarism will result in an automatic "F" in the course. I encourage you to form study groups and support each other in legitimate collaboration.
• Problems: Anyone experiencing problems with exams, note taking, or anything else of a course-related nature is encouraged to consult with me during office hours. If illness or family related problems keep you from class for an extended period, the proper procedure is to inform Student Affairs (333-5941) who will, in turn, inform all of your instructors.
• Class Format: A major share of class time will be devoted to short lectures, student presentations, demonstrations, in-basket exercises, and class discussion. It is important to complete the assigned readings before class so we may have informed discussions and conversations. If we are to have a successful class, each student must show respect and courtesy to others. There is never a shortage of personal opinions - let's make sure there isn't a shortage of civility either. 
• Overall Grade: Grades for each component of the overall course will be computed based on a 100-point scale. These components will then be added together with the appropriate weighting to each to calculate the final course grade. The following scale will be used to decide the letter grade for the course:                                                            
•                                                                           A 90-100

B 80-89
C 70-79
D 65-69
F < 60

"And they, while others slept, toiled upwards into the night." Thoreau

ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICIES & PROCEDURES: 

Cheating on examinations and plagiarism will not be tolerated. If you are caught cheating or plagiarizing in any form, you will receive a failing grade for that assignment, and you will be reported to the University for appropriate action. If you are uncertain what constitutes plagiarism or cheating, please consult the current VSU Student Handbook (Student Code of Conduct) or the following VSU website:

 http://www.valdosta.edu/academic/AcademicHonestyPoliciesandProcedures.shtml

Required Textbook and Materials:

Access to Internet – additional links will be provided in class. Also, you will need a flash drive.
 

CLASS MEETING                                                                        WEEKLY READING&HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS

Index Page

Co-Curricular Transcript

Sample Electronic Portfolios

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