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Syllabus

Digital Tools

CSM 447 Section 901

Summer 2016, Lecture

Juanita McMath

Office Hours and Contact Information

Faculty maintain virtual office hours by use of SKYPE, email, and departmental cell phone. The departmental cell allows students to leave a voice mail for the individual professor, with that message forwarded to the instructor’s email as a message and as an mp3 file. The instructor has Blackberry access to their email accounts. Speak clearly leaving your name, course, issue and Crimson email. All faculty monitor their email accounts during the day. If you have SKYPE loaded, you can also see when faculty are online to request a meeting.

Virtual Office Hours for Mrs. McMath:  Tuesday through Thursday from 9 am-11 am & 2 pm - 3 pm Central Time by email, SKYPE or departmental cell.  Other times by appointment.  Class Business email:  csm447@ches.ua.edu   Other Items Office email: jmcmath@ches.ua.edu

 

Prerequisites

UA Course Catalog Prerequisites

Prerequisite(s): CSM 101 or CS 102

Must have Junior or Senior Standing to Enroll.

Course Description

UA Course Catalog Information

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Core Designations:
Writing
Computer Science

The course provides students with skills to live and work in a digital environment by developing technological skills in use and application of computers, internet and other digital tools. Writing proficiency is required to pass this course.  Computing proficiency is required to pass this course.

Additional Course Information

This course meets the computer (C) and writing (W) requirements for undergraduates. The course is designed to provide the student with skills in the specialized applications of computers, Internet, and other digital tools for use. Substantial written assignments are associated with course activities. The purposes of the class are to prepare students to live and work in a digital environment and to allow for the development of technology skills related to product development within the context of a particular discipline. In addition, students produce an online eport (electronic portfolio), ideally for use for job applications, graduate school plans, etc.  Every effort is made to individualize the products in the class based on each student's academic major.  *Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course (cumulative average of all writing assignments, 60 or better.  *Computing proficiency is required to pass this course.

This is a web-assisted class in which students learn new digital technologies, but also set up professional LinkedIn accounts, create professional portfolios on Google Sites, host meetings via SKYPE, and use social media for professional purposes. Since the focus of the class is on how to work in a digital environment using computer-mediated tools, the instructional model used employs these same tools. The class does not meet in the traditional sense, though there will be some scheduled meetings by individuals and groups using computer-mediated tools (SKYPE, GoToMeeing, etc).

The course assumptions include that the student:

  • has mastered the basic use of the computer and has a general working knowledge of his/her own personal hardware.
  • has mastered the basic skills associated with word processing and presentation media such as Prezi and/or PowerPoint through previous experiences and/or classes.
  • will accept responsibility for acquiring the assumed skills if, for some reason, the student's pre-requisite experience did not include these basic skills, including doing the application classes and open class activities associated with achieving the basic competency.
  • will focus most of the effort in learning the appropriate technical skills on the student's own equipment so that he/she can continue to use after the class concludes the technology skills learned in the class.
  • will demonstrate skills in writing equip to those normally required of an upper division (junior, senior) student.
  • can use his/her own personal equipment for the course in terms of basic tools and maintenance.
  • will use only their crimson email accounts for all email communications in the course.

Required Texts

UA Supply Store Textbook Information

[[requiredTexts]]

NONE / NO TEXT REQUIRED

Other Course Materials

Course Materials in Lieu of Textbook[1]: Each student is expected to purchase the following:

  • REQUIRED: Headset Microphone (about $12-20) - Each student should have his/her own “boom” or ‘headset’ microphone to record audio files on the computer and to communicate via tools such as VoIP (SKYPE).  The class instructors will use SKYPE in this class, and the students will need to have their own headset microphone as described. It is also required for making MP3 files.  The student’s computer may have a built in microphone, but a headset microphone is still required in order to produce the required technical level for recording for the class.  Students who prefer to use their built-in microphones may find that the quality of products created may not meet the required standards and result in a loss of points on some products.
  • REQUIRED: Personal Computing Device(s) – Each student must have his/her own personal computing device (laptop and/or a desktop).
  • REQUIRED: Professional-looking photo - Students need some professional-looking photos (at least one) in digital format (.jpg or .gif) for this class.  Informal photos will not be acceptable because of the focus on the electronic portfolio for the purpose of job searches. Students will need at least one professional looking photo in digital format (.jpg or .gif) in professional dress. For males, it will be suit and tie; for females, it is a suit or other professional dress. No photos from weddings, canoe trips, etc. This is advanced warning that such a photo is going to be required, perhaps fairly early in the class.
  • REQUIRED: Software - Microsoft WORD (not WORKS) and Microsoft PowerPoint
  • REQUIRED: Backup Tools or Strategy - It is recommended that students have some means to back up work done for this class. Options are

a) external devices such as USBs, though some of the media files will be quite large,

b) uploading all work done to the student’s BAMA account, using it as an off-site backup, or other backup arrangements made.

Saying that one’s computer crashed, was stolen or left at home, or, in some way is unavailable, will not be acceptable as an excuse because advance notice and warning is provided here recommending some kind of backup in light of the possibility of one of more just such events.  Students must back up work for this class.


[1] These tools may change just prior to the beginning of class to reflect new technologies and trends in use, but these notifications will be posted as the class begins.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

Course Goals: The course goals include those shown below. These goals describe the broad expectations that guide the development of the specific activities in each class section. It is from these goals that each set of activities emerge each term, meaning that the goals may remain the same but with different learning activities each term.

1.0 Students will understand computer-mediated communications, including collaboration, as applied within his/her major area of studies.

2.0 Students will be aware of Web 2.0 tools, such as social networking, as a major force in communications, including job searches, within his/her major area of studies.

3.0 Students will exhibit an understanding of the use of APA in the preparation of electronic and traditional documents as well as other basic writing structures and conventions.

4.0 Students will understand the importance of an individual’s web presence as it might be related to present and future audiences and the tools required to manage that presence efficiently and effectively.

5.0 Students will understand the role played by culture in creating and using web-based materials as part of a global economy.

 

Student Learning Outcomes and Outcome Measures: The student will develop cognitive competencies and/or skills for working and living in a digital environment including those shown below. These are the specific objectives and their related outcomes that define the course. These provide the foundation for teaching and assessment in this course:

 

Student Learning Outcomes (Objectives)

Outcome Measures (Evidence – Assessments)

Advanced uses of computer technologies including vocabulary (glossary) mastery

Demonstration of ability to use email, prepare an electronic portfolio, download and use personal productivity tool by turning in products as evidence of skill use and proper use of vocabulary in correspondence and products for class.

Application of writing skills in telecommunications and printed products

Essays, electronic postings, article abstracts,  blog postings, and/or papers,  following, where appropriate,  APA standards, with technology as themes, applied to the various majors reflected in the class membership, meeting standards provided (rubric) for each assignment.

Demonstration of technology-mediated communication skills such as proper and efficient use of email, social networking and web-based media, including Web 2.0 applications.

Demonstration of ability to use conventions in professional and personal email use, ethics, and email attachments, as well as blogs, wikis, online discussion forums, and/or other forms of social media.

Development of skills including advanced digital media and user-input applications in Web 2.0

Presentation of individual electronic portfolios in online format, including digitized audio files, graphic images and artifacts from coursework

Review and examination of the use of web-based multimedia products and tools, including streaming video and audio

Essays, electronic postings on blogs and wikis, and, in some cases, papers concerning the use of web-based multimedia products from web sites in the various fields represented by students in the class., including site analyses.

Application of current best practices in Internet use, both personal and professional, tailored to the various majors served by the course.

Preparation of products such as electronic portfolio, demonstration of efficient searching techniques, and demonstration of ethical use in class activities, as per copyright and plagiarism via class performance and products about these topics

Acquisition and support of personal tools for digital environments at home

Downloading of personal tools such as anti-virus tools and procedures, and basic maintenance of equipment.

Personal and professional responsibility for use of technology is the social context of their own living and working communities, including community service projects

Downloading of personal tools such as anti-virus software, demonstration of use of email conventions in group (professional), and use of blogs and discussion forums

Collaboration via distance technologies, including team, online projects

Appropriate and accurate use of discussion forum, blogs, site reviews, and collective position papers.

Uses of technology with culturally diverse populations and in international contexts (e.g. international/national collaborative projects completed on-line and development of individual and collaborative home pages)

Comprehensive review of sites related to international audiences and culturally diverse groups, ideally within their own chosen professional field

Review and evaluation of distance technologies for life-long learning

Reports on reviews of online professional development opportunities in their own field

 

Outline of Topics

Introduction to the Course

Computer-mediated and Cloud-based Tools

Future of Work

Managing Web Presence
 

NOTE: The assignments vary each term, depending on the majors included in the class and the emergence of new technology tools. All are announced in advance to give sufficient time for students to complete them.

There are online quizzes on some topics, but the majority of the assessments require other skills; examples may include downloading software, creating written products (traditional and technology-mediated), and creating a personal online presence. The precise nature of these varies with the group and the term as technologies change.

Learning activities such as those shown below (though these may not be the specific assignments for this particular group) comprise the course; these may vary each term, though the goals and objectives will remain consistent.

  • Development of an electronic eportfolio
  • Written products, including research paper, article reviews, blogs, wiki postings, and Twitter
  • Security and risk analysis reviews of personal equipment and use

 

Attendance Policy

Attendance & Credit Hour Equivalency:  Attendance is considered important in any class because of the focus placed on reaching mastery of the skill sets.  This class is an asynchronous, web-based class, with all of the materials online on the course web site.  Attendance is required.  Students need to plan to spend at least as much time at the computer reading the web site as would spent sitting in a three-credit course for 3 hours each week, in addition to the time required to complete activities and the assignment products.  For a typical class students would be expected to go to class 150 minutes per week; in addition, the rule of thumb is 2 or 2.5 or even 3 times as much time for study and preparation. Therefore, students should plan to spend 6 to 9 hours in preparation in addition to the 3 hours of attendance per week on this course in order to maintain regular progress. Students have to take the time to read the instructions, complete activities and produce the products. Attendance is defined as the time spent at your computer, working on the course content spending sufficient, prescribed time to master the content and submitting assignments.  Students are also expected to check the class Announcements several times a week.  Class communications for the course are completed with the announcements feature in the Blackboard Learn portal.  Individual contact is conducted with the official UA Email and is also expected to be checked on a regular basis. 

 

Exams and Assignments

There is not a final exam in the course; however there are quiz assessments in addition to assignment products.  The majority of the assignments require other skills; examples may include downloading software, creating written products (traditional and technology-mediated), and creating a personal online presence. The precise nature of these items varies with the semester.  Each student is expected to complete cognitive activities on course content or to demonstrate skill acquisition through product development. Products, skill demonstrations and cognitive assessments are used for evaluation in this course.  The written assignments require coherent, logical and carefully edited prose.  Learning activities such as these shown below are also part of the course; these may vary each term, though the goals and objectives will remain consistent.  All assignments are due prior to Midnight Central Time Zone (before 11:59 PM).

  • Development of an electronic eportfolio
  • Written products, including research paper, article reviews, blogs, wiki postings, and Twitter
  • Security and risk analysis reviews of personal equipment and use

Schedule of Assignments:   The assignments are set up to be individual assignments.  At present there are no group assignments.  Students would create their own assignment products and writings.  One submission per assignment. For items such as a wiki, blog or discussion board, students can edit their submission up to the published due date/time.  Items edited after the due date/time would be considered late.  Written assignments are turned into TurnItIn in the course portal.

The Tasks area and the Calendar on the online portal shows the precise deadlines for each assignment. Assignments are due prior to (before) Midnight Central Time (Alabama time). All assignments are turned in electronically with specific instructions listed on each assignment.  Learning activities are completed prior to the assignment to help prepare the student for assignments.

The University of Alabama is committed to helping students uphold the ethical standards of academic integrity in all areas of study. Students agree that their enrollment in this course allows the instructor the right to use electronic devices to help prevent plagiarism. All course materials are subject to submission to Turnitin.com for the purpose of detecting textual similarities.  Assignments submitted to Turnitin.com will be included as source documents in Turnitin.com’s restricted access database solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism in such documents. Turnitin.com will be used as a source document to help students avoid plagiarism in written documents.

Missed or late assignments: Refer to the section Policy on Missed Exams & Coursework for details.

 

Grading Policy

All assignments have specific due dates and are due before Midnight Central Time.  No late work is graded unless it meets criteria outlined in Missed Exams or Late Work Section.  Each student is expected to complete cognitive activities on course content or to demonstrate skill acquisition through product development. Products, skill demonstrations and cognitive assessments are used for evaluation in this course.  The written assignments require coherent, logical and carefully edited prose. Written assignments will be graded and commented upon; there is a Writing Grade (to determine if proficiency is met) and an overall class grade.  Students are responsible for reviewing grades as they are posted and contact the instructor for any questions within 7 days of the grade posting. 

The grade for each assignment product will be based on explicit criteria in the grading rubrics for each assignment. Students have access to the rubrics to review and it is highly recommended students review the rubrics before submitting an assignment.  This gives the student a chance to correct any flaws or deficiencies in the product before turning it in.  Each product has specific instructions for turning in the products, so be certain to follow those instructions carefully to guarantee that the assignments reach the instructor for grading. 

*Writing proficiency is required to pass this course.

Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course (60 or better average on all writing assignments).  In order to pass the course, the student must earn a 60 or better on the writing assignments.  Writing assignments will use TurnItIn for submission in the course portal.  One or more of the writing assignments will be graded and returned by mid-term grade reporting and returned prior to the last day to withdraw from a course with a grade of W.  Students cannot pass the course, regardless of the overall grade, if they do not demonstrate the required writing proficiency of an upper division student (60 or better).  For students not passing the required writing proficiency, this gives them time to proceed accordingly.  Students needing assistance with writing skills should contact the Writing Center for an appointment. 

The University of Alabama is committed to helping students uphold the ethical standards of academic integrity in all areas of study. Students agree that their enrollment in this course allows the instructor the right to use electronic devices to help prevent plagiarism. All course materials are subject to submission to Turnitin.com in the course for the purpose of detecting textual similarities.  Assignments submitted to Turnitin.com will be included as source documents in Turnitin.com’s restricted access database solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism in such documents.

Assignment grades will post no later than 10 days after the due date of an assignment.  In the course grades area, students can view each assignment grade, the grading rubric, and cumulative points.  The cumulative points are a running total of points earned so students can keep up with their grades.  Students are expected to review their grades regularly and ask questions at the class email within the 7 day period after a grade posts.  Please check all assignment grades in a timely manner and contact me at the class email within 7 days of a grade post for questions. 

*Writing proficiency is required to pass this course.

*Computing proficiency is required to pass this course.

Overall Class Grading Criteria: The grade for the course will be based on explicit criteria for each type of product and for points awarded for any assignment. Points available for this course are associated with each competency. Final course grades will be determined as follows:

A+ = 100-98     A = 97-94     A- = 93-90

B+ = 89-88       B = 87-84     B- = 83-80

C+ = 79-78       C = 77-74     C- = 73-70

D+ = 69-68       D = 67-64     D- = 63-60

F < 60

Stopped Attending - F and Never Attended - F Grading Information

Please be reminded that it is your responsibility to drop a class that you never attend or stop attending.  If you fail to drop a class that you never attend or stop attending, you will be assigned a grade of “F” (or “NC” if applicable) for that class, the grade will be part of your permanent academic record, and it will impact your GPA.  The Office of the University Registrar does not adjust student registration based on the assignment of failing grades with a reason of Never Attended or Stopped Attending.  The student will bear the responsibility of dropping a course within the published guidelines.  No tuition adjustments will be made for students who receive a failing grade for reasons of Never Attended or Stopped Attending.

Following the last day to drop a course with a “W” for the term, any midterm grades of “F” of “NC” that have been submitted with a reason of Never Attended or Stopped Attending will be reflected on the transcript as the student’s final grade for the class. Likewise, grades of “F” or “NC” submitted during final grading with a reason of Never Attended or Stopped Attending will be reflected on the transcript as the student’s final grade for the class.  Whether submitted during midterm grading or final grading, the reason for the “F” or “NC” grade will not appear on the transcript.

For a more detailed explanation of the new procedure, please visit the Non-Attendance Grading Information Page.  Please note that grades of "NC" can only be assigned in freshman composition and introductory math courses.  For any additional questions, please contact The Office of the University Registrar at 205-348-2020 or by email at registrar@ua.edu

Severe Weather Guidelines

The guiding principle at The University of Alabama is to promote the personal safety of our students, faculty and staff during severe weather events. It is impossible to develop policies which anticipate every weather-related emergency. These guidelines are intended to provide additional assistance for responding to severe weather on campus.

UA is a residential campus with many students living on or near campus. In general classes will remain in session until the National Weather Service issues safety warnings for the city of Tuscaloosa. Clearly, some students and faculty commute from adjacent counties. These counties may experience weather related problems not encountered in Tuscaloosa. Individuals should follow the advice of the National Weather Service for that area taking the necessary precautions to ensure personal safety. Whenever the National Weather Service and the Emergency Management Agency issue a warning, people in the path of the storm (tornado or severe thunderstorm) should take immediate life saving actions.

When West Alabama is under a severe weather advisory, conditions can change rapidly. It is imperative to get to where you can receive information from the National Weather Service and to follow the instructions provided. Personal safety should dictate the actions that faculty, staff and students take.

The Office of University Relations will disseminate the latest information regarding conditions on campus in the following ways:

  • Weather advisory posted on the UA homepage
  • Weather advisory sent out through UA Alerts to faculty, staff and students
  • Weather advisory broadcast over WVUA at 90.7 FM
  • Weather advisory broadcast over Alabama Public Radio (WUAL) at 91.5 FM
  • Weather advisory broadcast over WVUA-TV/WUOA-TV, and on the website at http://wvua23.com/weather

In the case of a tornado warning (tornado has been sighted or detected by radar; sirens activated), all university activities are automatically suspended, including all classes and laboratories. If you are in a building, please move immediately to the lowest level and toward the center of the building away from windows (interior classrooms, offices, or corridors) and remain there until the tornado warning has expired. Classes in session when the tornado warning is issued can resume immediately after the warning has expired at the discretion of the instructor. Classes that have not yet begun will resume 30 minutes after the tornado warning has expired provided at least half of the class period remains.

Policy on Academic Misconduct

All students in attendance at The University of Alabama are expected to be honorable and to observe standards of conduct appropriate to a community of scholars. The University of Alabama expects from its students a higher standard of conduct than the minimum required to avoid discipline. At the beginning of each semester and on examinations and projects, the professor, department, or division may require that each student sign the following Academic Honor Pledge: “I promise or affirm that I will not at any time be involved with cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, or misrepresentation while enrolled as a student at The University of Alabama. I have read the Academic Honor Code, which explains disciplinary procedure resulting from the aforementioned. I understand that violation of this code will result in penalties as severe as indefinite suspension from the University.”

See the Code of Student Conduct for more information.

Disability Statement

If you are registered with the Office of Disability Services, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible to discuss any course accommodations that may be necessary.

If you have a disability, but have not contacted the Office of Disability Services, please call (205) 348-4285 (Voice) or (205) 348-3081 (TTY) or visit 1000 Houser Hall to register for services. Students who may need course adaptations because of a disability are welcome to make an appointment to see me during office hours. Students with disabilities must be registered with the Office of Disability Services, 1000 Houser Hall, before receiving academic adjustments.

UAct: Ethical Community Statement

The University of Alabama is committed to an ethical, inclusive community defined by respect and civility.  The UAct website (http://www.ua.edu/uact) provides a list of reporting channels that can be used to report incidences of illegal discrimination, harassment, sexual assault, sexual violence, retaliation, threat assessment  or fraud.

UAct: Ethical Community Statement

The University of Alabama is committed to an ethical, inclusive community defined by respect and civility. The UAct website (http://www.ua.edu/uact) provides extensive information on how to report or obtain assistance with a variety of issues, including issues related to dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, sexual violence or other Title IX violations, illegal discrimination, harassment, child abuse or neglect, hazing, threat assessment, retaliation, and ethical violations or fraud.