SYLLABUS

COMS 491 - Learning Basic Internet Skills

NOTE This syllabus is for the course as taught at Western Montana College of the University of Montana. Costs and Registration Cost for two semester credits is $160, to be paid to Western's Division of Outreach. Fill out the attached Registration Form and send it and your check to: Western Montana College of the University of Montana, Division of Outreach, 710 S. Atlantic Street, Dillon, MT 59725 For further information, or to register by phone: (406) 683-7537 or e-mail Outreach Director Vickie Lansing(v_lansing@wmc.edu) Or click here for the WMC registration form. Introduction This course was created as component of the Reach for the Sky project, funded by the Annenberg/CPB Math and Science project and the US WEST Foundation. OBJECTIVES The student will: - Learn how to use the Internet including, the World Wide Web, Electronic Mail, Netnews, and additional applications. - Learn how to search for resources on the Internet. - Develop an understanding of the different types and uses of resources available via the Internet. Credit One semester credit at the 491 undergraduate level, suitable for recertification in many schools. Texts No printed texts will be used. Selected online readings will be included as a part of the lessons. Prerequisites None. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE 1. 486 or higher PC running the Windows operating system or a Macintosh running the System 7.1 operating system or higher. 2. 40MBs of free hard disk space and a minimum of 16 megabytes of RAM. (32 megs is recommended.) 3. Netscape and a SLIP/PPP or direct Internet connection. 4. A 28.8 or higher speed modem is strongly recommended. Grading Completion of each lesson's tasks will be worth 20 points. "Attendance" will be worth 5 points per lesson. At least one email message per lesson, but in some instances more, will count as "attendance". Grading will follow the traditional 90% or greater equals an A, 80% or greater equals a B, etc. The course utilizes a mastery learning approach. Mastery will be demonstrated by means of a test or a portfolio. Ongoing individualized assistance will be available through online messaging and/or voice phone conferencing. Technical Support Your local provider should be able to provide most of the technical support that you require.