Intro1: Overview and Syllabus

Fall 2004 WWW IS112 Prof. Dwyer

Intro1: Overview and Syllabus

Professor Catherine Dwyer


Agenda

Welcome What is IS112? Contacting your instructor Locating online resources Review of syllabus, texts, assignments, and

course policies How to do well in this class


Welcome to IS112

Although we may never meet in person, we will all get to know each other through this online class

There is much more discussion required in an online class

You will have much more direct contact (albeit electronic) with both your instructor and your fellow students


Contacting your instructor

When: questions!!! This is complex material, you need to ask questions– Preferred method: post to the discussion board

Or private concerns – use email [email protected] or AIM instant messenger– Go to Blackboard to find my screen name– Feel free to contact me whenever you see me

online


What is IS112?

Review of the hardware and software components of modern computing systems

– Processor, memory, internal and external communications, and storage

– Operating systems, systems and application software, tools for software development

IS112 also emphasizes research and evaluation skills for investigating new technology

– This is required to keep current in a fast moving field


Resources for WWW IS112

My web site: http://csis.pace.edu/~dwyer Contains copies of the syllabus, course

documents, and PowerPoint slides Blackboard site: http://blackboard.pace.edu Contains details of weekly assignments,

discussion forums, exams, and digital drop box for submitting assignments






IS112 Textbooks

Required text: Burd, Stephen D. Systems Architecture: Hardware and Software in Business Information Systems, 4th edition

Recommended text: White, Ron. How Computers Work, 6th Edition

Online readings: will be assigned throughout the semester



Discussion Board (20 %)

Most important part of online course Only by actively engaging in discussion,

question and answer, back and forth, will you master this material

You must participate at least twice each week (more is better!)


Your contributions

Each contribution must be substantial – clearly demonstrate your understanding of the material

Need to explain in your own words, copying from the text teaches you nothing

You need to grapple with and synthesize the material


Homework and papers

Homework (20 %) assigned frequently Will consist of short papers, answers to

questions, posting to discussion forum Final term paper (15 %) will be a research

paper on a new technology (details will be posted later in the semester


Exams

Midterm (20 %) and final (25 %) Both exams will be totally online, consisting of short-

answer, objective type questions Midterm will cover chapters 1-4 and the Model

Machine Final will cover chapters 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, and 12 Practice questions for both exams will be available to

study from


Grading

Homework and assignments – 20 pts Term paper - 15 pts Discussion board – 20 pts Midterm – 20 pts Final - 25 pts


Class Policies

Academic honesty – all students are expect to adhere to the Statement of Responsibilities

Grades for all assignments will be posted to the Blackboard Gradebook

Rules for withdrawal are the same for all other classes

Active and appropriate participation in the discussion board are essential for success in the class


How can I do well in this class?

Key is keeping up with readings and actively participating in the discussion board

Set up a work schedule for this class Use your instructor – should expect to have

more direct contact with your instructor than a typical face to face class

Ask questions when you don’t understand


Next presentation

The second presentation will review the material located on the Blackboard site

Documents

Intro1: Overview and Syllabus