Spring 2000 NCLC-375, Sec 004 -Information in the Digital Age

NCLC 375 Information in the Digital Age - Spring 2000
section 004
Monday, 4:30 pm tp 7:10 pm
S & T II, Room 9; Robinson A, room 106

Virginia Montecino - montecin@gmu.edu - Robinson A, 405 B
Lesley Smith - lsmithg@gmu.edu - Robinson A, 405 C

Day-by-day Schedule	Townhall
Course Description and Goals	Disability Support Services
Major Assignments and due dates	Honor Code and Plagiarism Statement
Required texts	Writing Center
Course Web Site

Course Description and Goals
The digital information revolution is causing an explosion in the creation and distribution of information. The nature and form of digital information is constantly evolving. In this 6 credit course, we will examine how purpose and function relate to form and how digital material can attract or hinder audience receptiveness.
We will also learn to evaluate digital information (text, graphics, etc.) to distinguish between "junk" and useful information.

We will examine the unique concerns about copyright, security and privacy in a digital environment. We will look at significant social, cultural, ethical, business, educational and economic consequences of the digital age, such as who are the "haves" and the "have nots" in the digital age? Lab classes will provide hands-on learning experiences. Some of your work will be published on your Course Web Page. There may be some components which, because of privacy issues, may be turned in via a different medium.

If you elect to participate in the experiential learning component, you will perform a technology outreach (i.e., design or redesign a Web site, teach Internet skills, perform Internet research) community service for a non-profit organization. You will meet with the organization members and submit a proposal. You are expected to contribute 45 hours of time outside of class to fulfill the one (1) extra credit experiential learning component. The work load will be commensurate with the number of hours. You must get a course form from your NCC advisor to take the experiential learning component. This course form is not part of the Service Learning paperwork.

Course Goals

become knowledgeable about and critique various forms of digital information
publish in a digital environment
become knowledgeable about social, political, legal, ethical, commercial and psychological aspects of a digital environment
learn how to research, analyze, and critique digital resources
understand and observe copyright laws
create Web pages using HTML code and some advanced concepts, such as working with HTML editing programs and ".gif" and ".jpg" graphics files).
engage in and critique communication on a variety of computer-mediated communication mediums
further develop your collaborative work skills and teach each other
compose well written compositions for a variety of audiences and purposes
articulate how your learning experiences in this course relate to the New Century College Competencies.
if you choose the service learning option, gain real world work experience through the experiential/service learning component of the course - using your technology skills to provide some technology service (create or redesign a Web site, do Internet reserch, teach Internet skills, etc.) for a non-profit organization.

Required Texts
The Wired Society, Carol Lea Clark, Harcourt Brace, 1999 (paperback)
Hypertext: The electronic labyrinth, Ilana Snyder, Melbourne University Press, 1996; Service Learning Handbook - if you choose the service learning option (Pick up in course materials copy center). We will also have some online readings.

Participation
You will be assigned to groups and are expected to work with group members on group projects and help each other as you are learning new technology skills. If a student does not actively participate in the group projects, that student's individual project grade may be downgraded accordingly. You will evaluate each other's group performance at the end of the semester, using this form. Participation in in-class and electronic class discussion is included in your participation grade. You are expected to come to class having read the material for the class having ready any course work due for that class. (Always bring your coursework on a disk when you come to class.) You are expected to have your work posted by the due dates. We, your professors, I feel no obligation to accept or respond to work turned in late. Quality of work, not just completing it, determines the grade you earn.

Class Discussion
We will engage in in-class and online discussion. Come prepared for discussions by keeping up with the readings and the assignments. Some of our discussion, synchronous and asynchronous will take place online on Townhall (http://townhall.gmu.edu) See instructions for registering for and using Townhall.

See Assignments page to print out just assignments and due dates.	Percent	Due Date
1. Research and analyze digital "texts"	15%	2/14
2. Research and analyze a multimedia "text"	15%	3/27
3. Build on course Web site (continuous throughout semester)	15%	5/1
4. Group Project and proposal (20% total)
a. Proposal (post in Townhall for faculty and peer feedback)	5%	2/28
b. Draft (peer and faculty feedback)		4/17
c. Final Project	15%	5/1
5. Class citizenship assignments (leading discussions, sharing knowledge in short reports, etc.)
a. Townhall class discussion (responses to readings - group led)	10 %	varies
b. Mini research reports (digital journal on topics relevant to your majors, such as e-commerce, digital art, hypertext literature, etc.)	15%	see mini report due dates
Physical (body and mind) and virtual/digital class participation	10%
Total points for class	100%

* Optional extra credit for experiential learning: 1 credit for 45 hours extra work		proposal 2/14, reflections 4/24

Virginia Montecino	Lesley Smith
montecin@gmu.edu	lsmithg@gmu.edu
Spring 2000