LIBR 240-02
Information Technology Tools and Applications
Spring 2007 Greensheet
Debbie Faires
E-mail
Office: Clark Hall 418A
Phone: 408 924-2498
Office Hours: Virtually via Elluminate, e-mail, in person by appointment
| Course Links Greensheet Calendar |
Resources Blackboard Blackboard Tutorials SLIS e-Bookstore |
Textbooks and Resources | Required Software | Course Requirements
Class begins January 24 on Blackboard. I encourage you to do a few tasks before that time:
- Obtain text
- Obtain software
- Enroll in the Blackboard site between January 12 and 23. I will send the access code by January via MySJSU. If you'd like, you may begin work early on the first unit (technology preparation).
Course Overview
This course examines the different ways in which we can structure, store, process, access, and present information on a Web site. It emphasizes the tools of information technology.
For the Spring 2007 semester, we will focus on modular Web site design and DHTML (Dynamic HTML). Dynamic HTML uses (X)HTML, CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and JavaScript as the building blocks for Web sites. In addition we will do a little work with PHP applications (including a content management system), SSI, XML and its stylesheet language XSLT and RSS. We will use blogs, wikis and other new "Web 2.0" applications.
Prerequisites: LIBR 202 must be completed before this semester
Course Objectives
LIBR 240 supports the following SLIS Core Competencies:
- design, query and evaluate information retrieval systems;
- demonstrate proficiency in the use of current information and communication technologies, and other related technologies, as they affect the resources and uses of libraries and other types of information providing entities;
- understand the system of standards and methods used to control and create information structures and apply basic principles involved in the organization and representation of knowledge.
Student Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the course the student should be able to:
- Understand the client server relationship and how to work with a Unix server
- Develop conceptual and practical strategies for presenting information on the Web
- Create content in XHTML format
- Design interfaces using CSS
- Incorporate interactive forms, images (adapted for Web presentation), image maps, iframes and Perl scripts in Web pages
- Understand issues surrounding design, accessibility, and cultural markers
- Understand the difference between client and server side Web programming languages
- Incorporate JavaScript and PHP in Web pages
- Build an XML file; and access it via an XSLT stylesheet
- Work with Web 2.0 technologies such as RSS, blogs, and wikis.
Textbooks and Resources
Required Text
Castro, Elizabeth. (2006). HTML, XHTML, and CSS, Sixth Edition (Visual Quickstart Guide). Berkeley: Peachpit Press.
This book is widely available at bookstores and online. If you order from the School’s Amazon.com site, http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/courses/books/index.php, the School receives a referral fee which we use for student scholarships and events.
Required Software
You must have image editing software for this class. Older versions of software are fine within the parameters listed below.
I'll be providing instructions for Photoshop Elements, a reasonably priced product you can purchase with an educational discount through the SJSU Bookstore (see details below). The current version is v. 5 but I also have instructions for v. 2 - 4 and they will be fine for the needs of this class.
Other acceptable software options include:
- Photoshop (any version from 5.5 on is fine)
- Paint Shop Pro
- Fireworks
- The GIMP (open source available from http://www.gimp.org/ )
Any of the above programs will perform the required tasks for this class (cropping, resizing, changing resolution, adding text to an image). If you already have access to one of these programs, you don't need to purchase Photoshop Elements. Note that I will have some instructions available for Photoshop Elements, Photoshop, and Paint Shop Pro but not for the others.
Purchasing Adobe Photoshop Elements
Not only will you use it for the class, but you will also enjoy using it if you ever deal with digital photos. The cost is around $69 (with the educational discount). Options for purchase include the following:
- Purchase Online
You can purchase this software online. To do so, go to http://www.adobe.com and select the link for "Education." Select the "Buy Online" option and read about how Adobe establishes your status as a current student. Then select "Digital Imaging" from the product categories on the right. Then click on Photoshop Elements 5.0 for additional information. - Purchase from SJSU Bookstore:
To order, e-mail Lindsay Ledesma or phone 408-924-1839
You must pick up the software in person (they will not mail it out) and remember to bring your student ID. We won't be using the software for class until February but I encourage you to play with it before then. - Other Sources
E-Bay or used software stores will also have copies of image editing software. Be sure you are getting Photoshop Elements version 2, 3 or 4.
Course Requirements
Course Demands
This class demands a very large amount of time and work (at least 10 hours a week, more if this technology is new to you). You must have ample time to devote to it if you want to be successful. If you can't make this commitment, please drop the class now so that another student can add.
Course Format
This class will be online. It is very important that your computer meet the SLIS home computing requirements. You need a high-speed Internet connection.
Assignments
There will be weekly assignments. Each will be worth 5 points.
There will be a final project worth 30 points.
Total: 100 points
Grading Scale
The standard SJSU SLIS Grading Scale is utilized for all SLIS courses:
| 97-100 | A |
| 94-96 | A- |
| 91-93 | B+ |
| 88-90 | B |
| 85-87 | B- |
| 82-84 | C+ |
| 79-81 | C |
| 76-78 | C- |
| 73-75 | D+ |
| 70-72 | D |
| 67-69 | D- |
| Below 67 | F |
Late Assignments
Assignments that are up to one week late will only receive half credit. I will not accept any assignment more than 1 week late. I will not accept late final projects. Procrastination and late work will severely hurt your grade in this class.
Incompletes
Incompletes will not be given in this class except in the case of substantiated medical need or personal/family tragedy.
Reasonable Accommodation of Disabilities
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability,
please e-mail me as soon as possible. Presidential Directive 97-03 requires
that students with disabilities register with the Disability Resource Center
(DRC) to establish record of their disability.
No matter where students reside, they should contact the SJSU DRC to register. The DRC Web site: http://www.drc.sjsu.edu/
Academic Integrity
Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at San José State University, and the University's Academic Integrity Policy requires you to be honest in all your academic course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the Office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development. The policy on academic integrity can be found at http://sa.sjsu.edu/student_conduct.
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Phone: 408-924-2490
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