CATALOG DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the Internet—how it works, what its capabilities are, and how to run various programs to use it effectively. The course will cover basic networking concepts, including a general understanding of TCP/IP. Topics will include electronic mail (e-mail); transfer of files (FTP); hyper-text documents (World Wide Web); remote login (Telnet); and the ability to use search engines. Information on how to join discussion groups and how to use related on-line services will be provided. Students will also create a simple web page in HTML code using a text editor. Basic file management skills are necessary.

TEXTS/MATERIALS (Required):

Internet and Web Essentials, Ackermann, Franklin, Beedle & Associates.

Three 3 ½;" double-sided, high density disks.
 
 

Topic	Objective
Introduction to data communications and the Internet	Students will be able to define the basic components of a network, the client/server relationship that is the basis of the Web, and Internet protocols
Brief introduction to the history of the Internet and TCP/IP protocols	Students will be able to understand how TCP/IP (Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) allows all types of operating systems and networks to communicate with each other to and from the Internet.
Internet Protocols	Students will be able to describe the common Internet protocols and services: the Web (http), electronic mail (SMTP), file transfer protocol (ftp), gopher, and telnet.
World Wide Web	Students will be able to define how the Web works including the standard protocols for data communications between a Web browser and a Web server (HTTP) and web pages (HTML). Students will be able to find information on the Web via search engines and directories. Students will create a simple HTML document using a text editor.
Electronic Mail	Students will be able to define how electronic mail (e-mail) works. Students will also be able to define different standards that cover incoming e-mail message transmissions including POP and IMAP. Students will be able to send and attach different file types to e-mail messages and set up the mail server options to organize and filter incoming e-mail. Students will also be able to use virus scanning software to monitor attachments.
File Transfer Protocol	Students will be able to define how files are sent and received over the Internet using File Transfer Protocol (FTP), including file transfer software. Students will be able to install and use file transfer utilities to upload and download files to and from Web servers. Students will be able to install and use file utility software to compress and uncompress files for Internet transmission.
Discussion Groups, Conferencing and Chats	Students will be able to define how users communicate with each other through organized Usenet newsgroups and Listservs. Students will be able to subscribe and unsubscribe to a Listserv and observe threaded discussions in a newsgroup. Students will also be able to define how chat and conferencing software enables Internet users to communicate via the Internet and be able to use different modes of chat including Web-based and IRC (Internet Relay Chat).
Electronic Commerce	Students will be able to define how business is conducted over the Internet (e-commerce). Students will be able to differentiate between a secure and unsecure Web site.
Social Issues	Students will be able to define the social impact of the Internet including privacy, censorship, fraud and other topics.

GRADING:
 

Attendance/Participation	10
Homework Assignments	15
Quizzes	10
Midterm Exam	15
Final Project:
Outline	5
Draft	10
Final	10
Final Exam	20
Group Members' Evaluation of your Contribution	5

Course Grade: <59=F, 60-69=D, 70-79=C, 80-89=B, 90=A

CLASS ATTENDANCE:

The following statement is in the Student Handbook and will be enforced:

"Students are expected to attend all class sessions. When a student’s absences are about to equal or have equaled the number of class sessions per week, the instructor may issue a warning; if the student is absent again, the instructor may drop the student from the class." In the case of absence, it is the student’s responsibility to get class material/work assignments from the course website or your group members. You will be responsible for all work assigned whether you are present or absent.

Group Work: Group work is an essential part of the learning experience in this course. You will be required to work with your group members, either in person or electronically, on assignments throughout the semester. Periodically during the semester, your group members will evaluate how well you have contributed to the group process, including such factors as your attendance, cooperativeness, and the quality and timeliness of the work you produced. These evaluations will account for 5% of your semester grade.

Tardiness: Class begins promptly at the scheduled time. Students are expected to be ON TIME. If you are late, your attendance grade for that day will be a zero.

Missed exams, late assignments: If a legitimate emergency causes you to miss a test, the teacher may, at her discretion, schedule a makeup. However, you will automatically lose 15 points off the grade for that test. Assignments turned in after their due date will lose 10 points per calendar day.

PARTICIPATION/APPROPRIATE IN-CLASS ACTIVITIES:

Students are expected to spend class time working on activities for this class. Use of the Internet shall be strictly limited to activities for this class. Behavior that impedes the learning of others, or failure to participate in class activities will cause your attendance/participation grade for that day to be a zero.

POLICY ON ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:

Cheating, plagiarism and/or other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Refer to the Code of Conduct section of the Student Handbook.

Any occurrence of academic dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, submitting someone else's work, or helping another student to cheat, or any violation of the Code of Conduct will result in a zero for that assignment as well as an automatic 10-point reduction of your total semester grade.

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:

Assignments and announcements will be posted regularly at the course website at www.mcdistancelearning.org. Check the site regularly, as you are responsible for all posted information. Assignments should generally be submitted by e-mail. Any papers handed in must contain your name, the document or assignment title, and be stapled in order. No folders, please. Submit all assignments at or before the beginning of class on the due date.

HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE:

It is necessary for the student to have access to a computer with a modem in order to practice some of the assignments given in class. Instructions will be given on how to sign on to free or low-cost on-line services that will give limited access to the Internet. Information will be provided on various Commercial Internet Service Providers as well.

You will also have access to the campus computer labs. Locations, hours, rules and guidelines are published by the Academic Computing Team.

POLICIES:

Students should refer to the Student Handbook for the official wording of all academic, classroom, and collegewide policies. Students are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct of the Student Handbook.

AUDIT POLICY:

• The grade of "AU" (registered for Audit) will be recorded if the student so requests and if approved by the instructor before the deadline date.
• Students registered for audit are required to participate in all course activities unless otherwise agreed upon by the student and instructor at the time registration for audit occurs. Failure to participate may result in the grade of "W" being awarded.

All classes offered at Montgomery College must meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you have a disability that will require accommodations, please see me after class or during my office hours. We should be able to work out whatever arrangements are necessary, including special seating, testing, or other accommodations. If you have not already contacted the Disability Support Services office (CAB 122), [Rockville: (240) 567-5058; TDD (301)294-9672] please do so to obtain a letter authorizing your accommodations.

WEATHER ALERT

Occasionally it becomes necessary to delay the opening of school, send students home early, or close the College entirely because of bad weather. The following stations have agreed to broadcast complete information about Montgomery College closings or delayed openings because of inclement weather:

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