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SW 298 Exploring the Internet

Faculty: Doug Murphy
Email: doug.murphy@depaul.edu

Class Day/Time: TBA Note after the firstsession, attendance is not required.

Please note food or drink (besides water) is not allowed in the lab.

Course Description and Faculty Information: In this introductory-level course, you will develop a broad knowledge of Internet technology and understand how it can be useful in personal, educational and professional circumstances.We will seek to gain an understanding of the basic workings of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation and website buildingsoftware as part of productivity suites of your choice such as Microsoft Office, Apple Apps or Google Docs, as well as the review the history and continuing evolution of the Internet. Our class will be "hands on" - you will learn how to access Internet applications, create useful documents, lists and presentations, and design basic websites.

Doug Murphy is Diretor of Program and Instruction at Moody Distance Learning. He has taught at DePaul since 1991.

Learning Strategies: This course will include readings and independent assignments. When we are in the lab, my teaching style is an offshoot of the ‘flipped classroom” coined by Harvard professor Eric Mazur. The flipped classroom intentionally shifts instruction to a learner-centered model in which class time (both in the lab and online) is dedicated to exploring topics in greater depth and creating meaningful learning opportunities, while educational technology is employed to deliver content outside of student-faculty interactions. The course material is derived from the latest research on the Internet that I have acquired over the years. I am assuming the role of a coach or 'Guide on the Side' rather than a 'Sage on the Stage' in this endeavour. I expect you to provide the energy to accomplish your goals in learning how mastery of a task can be enhanced using game techniques. This approach is well suited to SNL where independent learning is a dominant mode

Pre-Requisite: Basic familiarity with the the productivity suite of your choice

Textbook: No textbook is required.

Competencies Fulfilled by this Course:
FX: Suggested: Can use the Internet as a tool to solve problems. The Internet, and its sibling, the intranet, are integral parts of the working world. All sorts of business functions are completed using the Internet. We will learn how to tap into these resources and use them effectively in our vocational or avocational settings. You will be able to identify web technologies and their impact on business segements and draw conclusions about possible future impacts.
S1D: Since the Internet is, at its core, a "computing system" that ranges world-wide, we will consider Internet-based applications that address a host of issues. You will be able to identify a group of Office and web-based tools that can be used to solve real-world problems, delineating the strengths and weaknesses of each tool and articulate their impact on a segment of society.
S1X: Suggested: Can use and adapt Internet technologies to create an interactive information resource. The Internet continues to change our society, for better or worse. Understanding the limitations of the technology and the direction in which it is going will assist you in assessing the impact that the Internet will have on society.

Learning and Course Outcomes: Having successfully completed this course, you should:
- Understand the overall structure, language and services of the Internet
- Know how to use a web browser, explore websites, and search tools.
- Be able to create a website showing knowledge of basic design principles
- Be able to evaluate the quality and content of Internet sites.
- Be able to create basic documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

Learning Experience, Assignments and Grade Distribution:  
Independent Assignments - 50%
Website Creation - 50%

Our learning tools will include readings, exercises and independent assignments. Students will use electronic forms of communication to complete and submit assignments. Assignments are designed to review subject materials and provide a hands-on application of the concepts. Assignments usually include readings and short answers to open-ended questions.. Assignments are "open-book" and "open-web" and are designed to both review coursematerial and provide an opportunity for demonstrating mastery.

Assessment and Grading: All work is evaluated against the following two criteria: 1) how well it reflects work at the college-level and 2) how well it satisfies the competence for which you have enrolled. Every assignment has a point value, which total 100. A = 100-95 points; A- = 94-90 points; B = 89-85 points; B- = 84-80 points; C = 79-75 points; C- = 74-70 points; D = 69-65 points; D- = 64-60 points; F= 59 points or less. Submitted work will be further evaluated as follows: A = designates work of outstanding quality, reflecting thorough and comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand; a clearly identifiable thesis and argument that demonstrates cogent and creative development and support of the main idea. B = designates work of good quality, reflecting clearly organized and comprehensive understanding of issues; a substantive thesis and argument with evident development and support of ideas. C = designates work which minimally meets requirements set forward in assignment; reflects some organization and development of ideas but develops argument in superficial or simplistic manner and may only address part of the assignment or be otherwise incomplete. D = does not satisfy competence statement; designates work of poor quality which does not meet minimum requirements set forth in the assignment; demonstrates poor organization of ideas and/or inattention to the development of ideas, grammar, and spelling; treatment of material is superficial and /or simplistic; may indicate reading assignments were not completely thoroughly. Unfinished work or work requiring significant revision will be given an Incomplete (IN) grade. In order to receive such a grade, students must formally request it from the instructor before the end of the current quarter. The student must have attended class regularly and have completed ¾ of all assignments. See policy below. Work not submitted by the due date must be submitted within two weeks and will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. After two quarters, an IN grade turns irrevocably to an F.

According to the policies of DePaul University: All students must be registered and listed on the class roster by the beginning of the second week of the term. Students not on the roster by this time cannot stay in the class under any circumstances. Please contact the SNL Advising Center (snladvising@depaul.edu) or the Office of Financial Aid (finaid@depaul.edu) to work out your particular situation. Students who need to withdraw from the course must do so by the end of the second week of the quarter. After that point is reached, 100% tuition is charged. It is possible to withdraw from a course or competence through the end of the seventh week of the quarter, but there is no tuition refund after the end of the second week. In certain circumstances (such as illness, death of family members, natural disasters, etc.), a late withdrawal will be refunded tuition. These circumstances must be documented, and presented to the University through the SNL Exceptions Committee (snlexceptions@depaul.edu). In no case is such a refund allowed more than once during a student’s career at DePaul.

Late / Attendance Policy: Attendance in lab sessions is not required. Please let me know via email if you are running late with an assignment. When you are in the lab, students are required to be attentive and respective of others: listening when the instructor or another student is speaking and refraining from conversations or other activities that constitute distractions.

See additional information pertaining to the grade designations for undergraduate grades at http://www.depaul.edu/university-catalog/academic-handbooks/undergraduate/undergraduate-academic-policies/Pages/grades.aspx

See Pass/Fail Grading Options at http://www.depaul.edu/university-catalog/academic-handbooks/undergraduate/undergraduate-academic-policies/Pages/grades-pass-fail.aspx

This course includes and adheres to the college and university policies described in the links below:
Academic Integrity Policy: http://www.depaul.edu/university-catalog/academic-handbooks/undergraduate/undergraduate-academic-policies/Pages/academic-integrity.aspx
Incomplete Policy: http://www.depaul.edu/university-catalog/academic-handbooks/graduate/graduate-academic-policies/Pages/grades-incomplete-and-research-expiration-policy.aspx
Course Withdrawal Timelines and Grade/Fee Consequences: https://offices.depaul.edu/oaa/academic-calendar/Pages/Full-Year-2015-2016.aspx
Accommodations Based on the Impact of a Disability: http://www.depaul.edu/university-catalog/academic-handbooks/graduate/university-resources/Pages/center-for-students-with-disabilities.aspx

Course Resources
University Center for Writing-based Learning: http://condor.depaul.edu/writing/
Dean of Students Office: http://www.depaul.edu/university-catalog/academic-handbooks/undergraduate/university-resources/Pages/dean-of-students-office.aspx

Class Schedule and Assignments:
After the first class session, attendance is not required.

Due the Sunday at the end of Week 1 by 11:30 pm : Read Part I.
Due at the end of Week 1 : Email doug.murphy@depaul.edu with your answer to the following questions in complete sentences. Please include your name and DePaul ID number.

Due at the end of Week 2 : Find example of ‘community’ on the web, email me the URL and tell why it represents an example of community. Read also Part II.
Due at the end of Week 2
: Visit http://www.worldofends.com/ and email me what you think of this thesis in at least three paragraphs. (2 points for completion)

Due at the end of Week 3 : Read Part III.
Due at the end of Week 3 : Email doug.murphy@depaul.edu with your answer to the following questions in complete sentences. Please include your name and DePaul ID number.

Due at the end of Week 3 : Create and email to me as an attachment a 3 page document titled: Creating Documents Using My Favorite Software.
The words you use are not important. Use any content that you cut and paste from anywhere you wish as ‘filler' for your edits. Please note because we are focusing on the formatting, and not the content itself, this is covered under 'fair use' and not a copyright or plagiarism issue. Please show the following in your document:

- Double-spaced lines of text.
- Centered headers for each page, with page numbers and the document title.
- Headers for each section (collection of paragraphs) of related content (flushed left).
- Boldface text.
- Italicized text.
- Three different font sizes.
- A table containing 2 columns and 3 rows.
- Two footnotes references - you can make them up, but they should be 'correctly' done.
- 1 and 1/4 inch margins.
- Your name and DePaul student ID number.
(10 points for completion)


Due at the end of Week 4: Email doug.murphy@depaul.edu with a paragraph about what you think about the concept of privacy and personal information online. Read Part IV and Part V

Due at the end of Week 4:
Think of a topic for your website. (2 points for completion)

Due at the end of Week 5 : Email doug.murphy@depaul.edu with your answer to the following questions in complete sentences. Please include your name and DePaul ID number.


Due at the end of Week 5 : Create and email to me as an attachment or link an spreadsheet titled: Analyzing a Situation
In this project, please analyze the high and low temperatures in a part of the world over a 7 day week. You choose the part of the world and the week. Include the following:

- A clearly labeled table.
- A clearly labeled graph that visually presents data from the table with each axis clearly labeled.
- Cite the source(s) for your data.
- A text statement that comments on the trends shown that is based on the data and graph.
- Your name and DePaul Student ID number.
(10 points for completion)

Due at the end of Week 6: Find a site you think is well designed and worth clicking on and send me its URL and tell me in one page: What Makes It Great. (2 points for completion). Read also Part VI and Part VII

Due at the end of Week 7: Email doug.murphy@depaul.edu with your answer to the following questions in complete sentences. Please include your name and DePaul ID number.

Due at the end of Week 7 : Create and email to me a presentation, as an attachment or link, about how you use technology in your work or studies. The presentation must include the following:

- A minimum of 15 'slides.'
- Both graphics and text in each slide.
- Include an explanation for the chosen background and design.
- Contain one animation and one hyperlink.
- Your name and DePaul Student ID number.
(10 points for completion)

Due at the end of Week 8 : Please create and email to me a document titled: My Internet Search.  Add a header with your name and DePaul Student ID number.  Double-space your content. The document should be no more than three pages. Read also Part VIII.


Due at the end of Week 10 : Finish your website, hosted at http://weebly.com, of at least 5 separate pages, including relevant content, links, and images. Email me the URL. (52 points)


Additional Resources
Learn More About Office: https://offices.depaul.edu/information-services/services/technology-training/topics/microsoft-office/Pages/office-2016.aspx
DePaul Support Tools: https://offices.depaul.edu/information-services/services/technology-training/Pages/default.aspx
Digital Chicago: http://digital.cityofchicago.org/
100 Learning Tools: http://c4lpt.co.uk/top100tools/
Microsoft: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/support/