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. 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.  * If you elect to participate in the experiential learning component, you will perform a technology outreach or design a Web site. 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 workload will be commensurate with the number of hours. 

Course Goals 

• learn how to research, analyze, and critique digital resources
• publish in a digital environment
• become knowledgeable about social, political, legal, ethical, commercial and psychological aspects digital "texts."
• 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 Web site, do Internet research, teach Internet skills, etc.) for a non-profit organization.

Participation
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 and have ready any course work due for that class. 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. (Always bring your coursework on a disk when you come to the lab class.) You are expected to have your work posted by the due dates. We 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) 

a. Proposal  (post in townhall for peer and faculty feedback)

b. Draft  (peer and faculty feedback)

c. Final Project

a. Online class discussion (responses to readings - group led)

b. Mini research reports (digital journal on topics relevant to your majors, such as e-commerce, digital art, hypertext literature, etc.)