CGS-1555 — Introduction to the Internet

Course syllabus
   
  •   Project links:

View Course Schedule

Resources  (examples and links)

Web page: noun.  A single, usually hypertext document on the World Wide Web that can incorporate text, graphics, sounds, etc.

Website: noun.  A connected group of pages on the World Wide Web regarded as a single entity, usually maintained by one person or organization and devoted to a single topic or several closely related topics.

 

Syllabus

Fall 2009

Course policies
Time & Place: Ref No. 89665: Orientation: Saturday August 29 2009, 1:00PM – 2:30PM, Dale Mabry Room Tech–461
Ref No. 89666: Orientation: Saturday August 29 2009, 2:30PM – 4:00PM, Dale Mabry Room Tech–461
Instructor: Name:  Wayne Pollock
E-mail:  Internet:
Office & Phone:  DTEC–404, 253–7213.
DM Office Hours:  Monday–Thursday, 3:55–5:25 & 8:15–8:30;
On-line Office Hours:  Wednesday–Friday, 12:00 PM (noon)–1:00 PMor by appointment.
Contact Information
Instant Messenger ID (Yahoo Messenger):  waynepollocklive
Homepage URL:  http://www.hccfl.edu/pollock/
          Yahoo Messenger on-line status - click to chat or leave a message
Text: Gary P. Schneider & Jessica Evans, The Internet Seventh (Comprehensive) Edition, ©2009 Course Technology (Thomson).  ISBN-13: 978-1-4239-2506-4,  ISBN-10: 1-4239-2506-8.

HCC bookstore on-line

Description: An introductory course designed to teach the basics of navigating the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW or simply the Web).  Students participate in online and offline activities such as accessing the Internet, sending electronic mail, browsing newsgroups, and completing research activities.  Also discussed is Internetequette acceptable behaviors and standards of conduct.

This course is an on-line, distance learning course.  Students are expected to be on campus for the first day orientation.  This course uses the WebCT / Blackboard.com online course management system, known as online@HCC.  Students are expected to use this system for course information, email, discussion groups, live chats, receiving and submitting assignments, taking tests, retrieving grades, and using other class resources.

Objectives: “After completing this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Describe and navigate the Internet and the Web
  2. Send and receive electronic mail (email)
  3. Create HTML (HyperText Markup Language) documents
  4. Understand and use the various Internet tools, including TCP/IP basics, Gopher, Telnet (and ssh), FTP, Archie, and Web browsers (Netscape Internet Explorer, Firefox, and others), search engines, and editors
  5. Describe the basic types of Internet connections
  6. Describe guidelines for conduct on the Internet”
Prerequisite: CGS 1000 or Permission of the Instructor.  Students enrolled in a degree or college credit certificate program must complete all prerequisites.
Facilities: All assignments can be performed on any computer that connects to the Internet.  These include classroom computers and any HCC open computer lab (on Dale Mabry, room Tech-462), campus library, public library, and anywhere else with Internet access.  Required software is Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 (or newer) or some other web browser compatible with WebCT, Sun's Java (JRE), and other freely available software that will be made available.  (This will be discussed at the orientation session.)  You can find information about accessing the WebCT online@HCC system here.

Student web sites for this class may be found at
http://dm.hccfl.edu/cgs1555/09fa89665/YourName/
or:
http://dm.hccfl.edu/cgs1555/09fa89666/YourName/

and can be viewed using the class index at: or:

Students may need USB flash drives to save projects or submit them from HCC.

In order to use computers on campus, you will need your HCC student ID and password.  These can be obtained from HawkNet.  (You can also use HawkNet / WebAdvisor to obtain your final grade for the course.)  You can use CampusCrusier for email, college calendars, and course (and college related) resources.

HCC DM Open Lab
Computers are located in the computer science department open lab in DTEC–462.  Lab hours are:

Dale Mabry campus open lab hours
Monday – Thursday8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

SMARTHINKING
is an Internet Tutorial center.  It provides students with qualified tutors and study resources, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for many basic subjects including math, science, and English.  Students can access tutors and resources at home, school, or anywhere else they have an Internet connection, whenever they need help.  Getting started with Smarthinking.com is very quick and easy.  HCC has already paid for the services; therefore it is free for students.  For more information visit Smarthinking on our website at www.hccfl.edu/Distance-learning.aspx.  (Click Smarthinking link under Student Resources.) 

Grading:
Grading Policy
7 projects: 155 points total
11 open-book multiple choice exams (1 per chapter)     25 points each (275 total points)
optional comprehensive final exam
(open-book multiple choice exam)    
replaces lowest exam score
optional extra-credit project     15 points

Grading scale:  A=387-445,   B=344-386,   C=301-343,   D=279-300,   F=0-278
(Or you can elect to audit the class during the add/drop period.)

Policies:
  • No make up quizzes or exams will be offered without the prior approval of the instructor.  Quiz and exam due dates appear in the WebCT Quizzes and Exams tool.
  • Quizzes (one per chapter) will be 25 question open book multiple choice exams.  While quizzes are non-cumulative, each does build upon knowledge acquired earlier.  Quizzes and tests are based upon assigned readings and from other on-line resources.  All quizzes and exams are taken using the WebCT online@HCC system.  You should have plenty of time to complete all exams.
  • These exams should be taken only after completing projects and quizzes by their due dates.
  • The optional final exam is longer and cumulative for all chapters listed on the schedule.  You don't have to take it but if you do, it will replace your lowest test score.  Taking this test can not hurt your grade, it can only help.
  • You can go to the open computer lab anytime they are open to take exams or submit assignments.  Be sure you should leave yourself sufficient time to complete exams.  (So don't show up at 9:50 PM when the lab closes at 10:00 PM!)
  • All tests are open book exams.  (We aren't trying to test your memory here!)  However it is considered cheating to get help from another person or by searching the Internet while taking tests.
  • Attendance is required for the first class session (the orientation session), except with the permission of the instructor.
  • All phones, pagers, and beepers must be turned off during class time, except with prior permission of the instructor.  No food or drink is permitted in HCC classrooms.  Attendance will be taken within 15 minutes of the start of class. 
  • You must login into the WebCT server at least twice a week to verify your continued enrollment in this class.  Students receiving federal financial aid may have to return some or all funds if they fail to follow this policy!
  • Students are expected to check the class website regularly.  Any syllabus changes or project updates are posted to the website.  You are expected to read all postings made on the WebCT class discussion boards.  Additionally, changes will be announced via the class RSS feed.
  • Working together on individual assignments is considered as cheating!  Turning in someone else's work without giving them credit is also considered cheating (plagiarism).  Cheating will result in an automatic F (zero) for the project for all parties.  It is okay to ask a fellow student for help in understanding the text or material given to the class (e.g., using WebCT or understanding sample web pages on the class website).
  • You must follow the academic honesty policy for HCC.  A second cheating offence will result in an F for the course, and your name will be turned over to the Dean for further handling.  I take these matters very seriously.  You have been warned!
  • WebCT is not always available, especially on the weekends.  You must allow for this and submit your work well before the deadlines.  Some resources and links may not be working properly.  When problems are noted, please contact your instructor as soon as possible during office hours or with email so such problems can be quickly addressed.  Should any such problems arise that prevent project, quiz, or exam completion by the due dates posted, extra time will be granted or grades adjusted as deemed appropriate by your instructor.
  • Communications Policy:  I will respond to your emails within 48 hours or two business days.  Please send email only using WebCT email.  HCC policy is that grades can only be discussed in person or via email only if you use your assigned HCC HawkNet (Campus Cruiser) email account.
  • If you are having difficulty with some project please feel free to ask me about it (well before the due date).  You can send emails of questions and/or your work-in-progress, to receive feedback and suggestions.  Or you can stop by my posted office hours without any appointment.  (Note:  Due to faculty meetings or other work I may have to cancel or postpone some office hours on short notice.  Before driving to campus for my office hours, you can send an email the day before to verify I still plan to be there!)

    If you have any questions on any part of the assigned reading (from the text or from on-line resources), please feel free to ask me via on-line chat, instant messenger, email, phone calls, or office hour visits.  However the preferred way to get this sort of help is by posting your questions on the class WebCT discussion board.  This discussion board should be used the way you might raise your hand to ask a question in a traditional class.

  • Late Policies:  Late assignments (projects or exams) generally will not be accepted.  An assignment is late if not turned in by the due date and time shown in WebCT tools Quizzes and Exams and Submit Projects (drop-boxes). Don't wait until the last minute to submit an assignment or project; if a problem arises you may miss the due date.

    Late assignments will be accepted late only if you obtain the instructor's permission prior to the due date of the assignment, or for a documented serious medical reason.  All late assignments are subject to a late penalty of at least one letter grade (10%) regardless of the reason for the delay.

    Projects and quizzes later than one week will receive a more severe late penalty; very late assignments without adequate excuses will receive a grade of F (0).  However if you have a very good reason your instructor may waive any or all of the late penalty.  (Examples of good reasons include extended illness that prevents working, being out of town for work, or military service.  Remember documentation will be required.)

  • The current flu pandemic requires some changes to normal policies.  HCC is implementing the recommendations for institutions of higher learning of the CDC.  (See www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/ and www.flu.gov/ for guidance from the CDC.)  You won't need documentation if you miss class due to the flu.  (But if you think you have the flu, you should see a doctor as soon as you can.)  In the unlikely event of a school closure, some plan to make up the missed work will be made.

    If you think you have the flu, stay home.  Do not come to HCC until 48 hours after your fever has broken.  People are infectious to others for a day or so before they have any symptoms.  Flu is spread by touching doorknobs, computer keyboards, railings on stairs, etc., that were touched by someone with the flu.  Avoid shaking hands; use the fist shake (touching of fists) if you must use a physical greeting.  The most effective way to prevent catching the flu is to wash your hands frequently, especially after touching something that was touched by others.  Avoid unnecessary touching of eyes, nose and mouth.  While not as good as properly washing hands, hand sanitizers have been installed throughout the campus; use them often.

Projects: Projects will be assigned from WebCT Project Descriptions page, and must be submitted using the correct drop-box in the WebCT Submit Projects tool.  (One exception is your web page project, which also must be uploaded directly to the HCC DM student web server.  Further details are given in that project description.)  Different projects are worth different amounts of credit, depending on the difficulty.  The number of point for each project is shown in the Submit Projects tool.  You will have sufficient time to complete the projects.  Credit, due dates, and project directions are all given in the individual project descriptions on-line in WebCT.

Feedback comments are sometimes given by your instructor in addition to a grade.  You should always check for a comment from your instructor if your grade is not what you expect.  Note comments can only be seen when you review the graded project from the Submit Projects link, and not from the Grades link of WebCT.  If the project status says Graded, click on that to view the comments.

Projects are not graded when you submit them!  They are graded all at once, sometime after the project deadline has passed (usually the next weekend).  Every effort will be make to grade projects within a week of the due date, or as soon thereafter as possible.

Academic Calendar
Classes Begin: Monday  8/24/09   (required class meeting, the orientation: Saturday 8/29/09)
Add-Drop Ends: Friday   8/28/09 (For this class you have until Wednesday 9/2/09 to drop.)
Last Day to Withdraw:  Monday  11/2/09
Classes End: Monday  12/14/09  (Last regularly scheduled class: Saturday 12/12/09)
Grades Available:  Thursday  12/17/09 (from FACTS.org or HawkNet)
HCC is closed on: Monday  9/7/09 (Labor Day),
Friday  10/16/09 (All-college Day),
Wednesday  11/11/09 (Veterans Day),
Thursday–Saturday  11/26/09–11/28/09 (Thanksgiving Holiday)

Request For Accommodation

If, to participate in this course, you require an accommodation due to a physical disability or learning impairment, you must contact the Office of Services to Students with Disabilities, Dale Mabry campus: Student Services Building (DSTU) Room 204, voice phone: (813) 259–6035,  TTD: (813) 253–7035,  FAX: (813) 253–7336.  Brandon campus: voice phone: (813) 253–7914.

HCC has a religious observance policy that accommodates the religious observance, practices, and beliefs of students.  Should students need to miss class or postpone examinations and assignments due to religious observances, they must notify their instructor at least one week prior to a religious observance.

 

Quotes on learning
Quotes:         Tell me and I'll listen.
Show me and I'll understand.
Involve me and I'll learn.
    — Lakota Indian saying
        Learning is not a spectator sport!     — Chickering & Gamson

Suggested Course Schedule for CGS-1555

Course schedule
Dates Topics Readings
to complete
Chapter Quizzes and Projects
to complete
8/29 Orientation session (required on-campus meeting):
Course introduction, LAN use.  Discuss User IDs for LAN and WebCT, and passwords.  Open Lab procedures and hours.  Login and use WebCT.  Set email, security question on WebCT.
Syllabus,
WebCT access information
Practice project
Practice quiz
9/5 Practice use of WebCT. Syllabus,
WebCT access information
Discussion board posting
Explore WebCT and class web site
9/7 Labor Day  —  HCC Closed    
9/12 Basic Internet Concepts: Networks, LANs and WANs, internets and the Internet, TCP/IP, WWW (World Wide Web) Appendix A Appendix A Quiz
9/19 WWW, hypertext (HTML) and web browsers, URLs Tutorial 1 Tutorial 1 Quiz
ISP Search Project
9/26 Understanding and using email Tutorial 2 Tutorial 2 Quiz
10/3 Searching the web, using Boolean logic Tutorial 3 Tutorial 3 Quiz
Search Engines Project
10/10 Using libraries and other information sources, evaluating resources Tutorial 4 Tutorial 4 Quiz
10/16 All College Day  —  HCC Closed    
10/17 Downloading and saving files, using WinZip to compress/decompress files, FTP, avoiding computer viruses, uploading files Tutorial 5 Tutorial 5 Quiz
Using Resources Project
10/24     Images Project
10/31 Creating web (HTML) pages, adding graphics and links, using JavaScript (See on-line resource for additional information) Tutorial 8,
on-line resources
Tutorial 8 Quiz
11/7 Using chat and instant messaging,  Understanding wireless networking and how to secure it. Tutorial 6 Tutorial 6 Quiz
Web Page Concept Project
11/11 Veterans Day  —  HCC Closed    
11/14 Understanding mailing lists, newsgroups, and newsfeeds (RSS), social networking.  Protecting your on-line reputation. Tutorial 7,
on-line resources
Tutorial 7 Quiz
Scavenger Hunt Project
11/21 Privacy: legal, social, and ethical issues.  Understanding security: threats and countermeasures, encryption (private key, public key), certificates, SSL, cookies.  Using browser extensions safely for multi-media Tutorial 9,
on-line resources
Tutorial 9 Quiz
work on Website project
11/26
thru
11/28
Thanksgiving Holiday  —  HCC Closed    
12/5 Understanding e-commerce Tutorial 10 Tutorial 10 Quiz
work on Website project
12/12 Last day to submit any work or exams (including the extra-credit project)   Website/FTP Project

 


 

Class resources
Resources
WebCT login page WebCT (online@HCC) Home     WebCT Access WebCT (online@HCC) access information
HCC Library resources Resources for distance learning students     HCC Distance Learning Home Additional resources for distance learning students
HCC's bookstore Locate, browse, or purchase textbooks     Specialized Search Engines and Directories Links to useful search engines, organized by type of query
Wayne Pollock's Website Home page of Prof. Wayne Pollock     Yahoo Messenger Get Yahoo Messenger software and more
CGS-1555 Student website index A page of links to student web sites on dm.hccfl.edu     HCC HawkNet (also known as WebAdvisor)  Find your student ID, password, course grades
Netiquette Guidelines Rules for proper etiquette on the Internet     FAQs The Internet FAQ Archives
Searching tips Four advanced searching tips for Google     Using FTP A PowerPoint presentation on how to upload your web site using FTP.  You can obtain a free limited version of WS_FTPle.exe here.  (Or you can use another tool such as FileZilla.)
www.Google.com Google Internet search engine     groups.google.com Usenet / Netnews on-line discussion groups (newsgroups)
About ping The real story of the ping utility     HelloWeb.htm A basic HTML page that displays a simple Java applet
Basic.htm A simple, basic HTML page     CSS 1.0 Quick Reference Cascading Style Sheets 1.0 PDF Guide
Basic2.htm A basic HTML page with some color     BasicCSS.htm A basic HTML page with some color, using style sheets
The JavaScript Source A collection of free, ready to use JavaScripts, tutorials, and more     The Java Boutique A collection of free Java Applets and more
Clock A basic HTML page with a JavaScript clock button     WinZip Download evaluation (free) version of WinZip
ClockApplet An HTML page with a Java clock applet     FormEx.htm A demo of using forms
Frames.htm A demo of HTML frame documents     w3.org The home of the World wide web consortium (formally w3c.org)
W3Schools.com A collection of tutorials on HTML and related technologies     List of tags Official HTML 4.01 list of tags
W3Schools.com - URL encoding A reference for URL (or percent) encoding     Clickable Links An explanation of clickable links, or "Hyperlinks"
World Wide Web Security FAQ A useful guide to using the WWW safely     Troubleshooting Web Pages How to work around some common web page issues with FTP, character encoding, and fonts
Security tutorial Tutorial on security and public-key encryption (from Netscape.com's DevEdge site)     Public key encryption tutorial Public key encryption tutorial and other security tutorial links from Webopedia.com
Network security tutorial Tutorial on Internet security from iec.com     Home networking security tutorial Tutorial on securing your home computer from cert.org
Internet Mapping Project View pictures of the Internet (12/98 Wired pic, Yugoslavia during the 1999 war)     RFC-2505 Users' Security Handbook

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