LIBR 80: Internet Literacy

A 3-unit online course

General Course Information:

This online laboratory course covers Internet history and access, management and organization of the Internet, examination of Internet components (including email, file types, downloads, attachments, newsgroups, listservs and chat), ethical issues, and correct citation of Internet resources. Coursework includes online discussions, basic web authoring, effective searching, and evaluating information.

Text:  Hofstetter, Fred T. Internet Literacy, Fourth Edition

This text is available at the MPC bookstore, and online from amazon.com or Powell’s online bookstore. You also will find direct links to the required readings from this text and other required web links and lectures in the course in the course calendar.

Course Objectives:

Explore various Internet resources including email, the World Wide Web, search directories and search engines, mailing lists, Telnet, FTP (file transfer). By the completion of this course students should develop the following competencies: Demonstrate the ability to locate information using at least five different search engines, directories and metasearch tools to solve information needs. Formulate a variety of search strategies, which will locate information relevant to the research question. Retrieve information using the strategies and evaluate it using a standard set of criteria. Produce a well-designed, aesthetically pleasing formal document on a single scholarly subject using accepted word processing techniques. Produce a well-designed representation and analysis of numerical data using standard spreadsheet features. Establish bibliographically correct citations in a standard format. Understand different file formats and their uses on the Internet. Upload and download files from the Internet. Examine and discuss ethical issues arising from Internet connectivity, such as censorship, pornography, creation of information haves and have-nots. Understand the relationship of the Internet to issues of gender and class (who has access to electronic information?) Identify information sources for working in a multicultural   community Demonstrate a basic knowledge of HTML coding. Create and publish well-designed, functional web pages including tables, hypertext links, and images.

Grading:

Grading follows a standard 10% scale:  90-100=A  80-89=B  70-79=C  60-69=D  below 59=F  Numerical scores will be awarded for all assignments, quizzes, and weekly participation.  Grades will be computed as follows: 20% participation in class discussion, response postings to fellow students and posted collaborative assignments. 50% individual assignments  and quizzes. 30% final project.

For more information please go to Internet Literacy or contact Stephanie Tetter by email, by phone (646-4082) or in person at the Library Technology Center.