|
Course Information |
| Course
Description: |
This course introduces basic concepts of
PC communications, telecommunications and networking. It provides
an overview of terminology & technologies used with local area networks
(LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). In addition, it details
processes, protocols, network design and a broad overview of the
Internet. |
| Course
Objectives: |
Upon completion of the course, the
student should:
- Be able to define a network and what it can do;
- Be familiar the advantages & disadvantages of a
computer network;
- Be able to describe the parts of a network
and its operating system;
- Be able to describe network cabling topologies and
identify types of network cabling;
- Be familiar with protocols, and able to discuss
application software in relationship to networks;
- Be familiar with network design and implementation;
- Be able to discuss network administration issues
and recommend basic network troubleshooting solutions;
- Be competent using email, WebCT and researching the
Internet.
|
|
Prerequisites and Corequisites: |
Prior to
enrolling in this course, students should be able to use their computers
and access the Internet. In addition to browsing the web, students
should have a basic understanding of computers and be able to send
email. |
| Course
Topics: |
Using a PC Network & Communication
Concepts
Sharing Information & Computing Power
Network Design Issues & Technologies
Hardware and Diverse Cabling
Protocols and Architectures: Similarities & Differences
Integrating networks within organizations
Network Administration, Policies, Procedures & Support
Enterprise, Distributed, WANs and Large Scale Networks
Troubleshooting Network Connectivity
Utilizing the Internet as a Resource
|
| Specific
Course Requirements: |
Students must read
designated chapters, which build upon one another in 1-14 order.
Written assignments will be emailed to the instructor (within WebCT),
and it is a good idea to save or print a copy of each submitted
assignment, for your reference. The discussion board will be used for
class discussions, and your participation is essential. Your
posted responses will be continuously monitored and threaded discussions
will be on-going. If you are a hands-on learner, you may opt to
procure network hardware components to see, feel and touch what we
discuss. |
|
Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware
and Software Requirements |
| Required
Textbooks: |
Please visit the Virtual Bookstore
to obtain textbook information for this course:
http://rodp.bkstr.com |
|
Supplementary Materials: |
To be announced (when needed for optional
hands-on projects) |
| Hardware
Requirements: |
Minimum requirements are listed at
http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm |
| Software
Requirements: |
Microsoft Word 95 (or higher) and
Microsoft PowerPoint 95 (or higher) will be necessary to create and view
certain documents. |
|
Assessment and Grading |
| Testing
Procedures: |
Students are expected to complete their
own work, unless group projects are designated. Exams will not be
proctored, but will be given online. After the exam is made
available, a specific deadline for completion will be set (see course
calendar for details). |
| Grading
Procedure: |
There will be four tests, six homework
assignments and six required discussion board postings. Each test
will cover multiple chapters and the assignments will be a variety of
formats. Work that is incomplete, late, incorrect or has poor
grammar and/or bad spelling will receive grades that reflect the
necessary deductions. It is in your best interest to read all
assigned chapters, answer review questions at the end of each chapter as
a study guide and take self-tests, where provided in the course and
investigate/reflect upon the discussion questions candidly and
carefully. |
| Grading
Scale: |
A = 100 - 90
B = 89 - 80
C = 79 - 70
D = 69 - 60
F = 59 - 0
I = Incomplete (circumstances must be discussed with instructor)
W = Withdrawal |
|
Assignments and Participation |
| Assignments
and Projects: |
A list of assignments and their due dates
can be seen on the course calendar. The details and specifics will
be supplied as the course unfolds. Make it a habit to check the
bulletin board at least daily, in case announcements are posted. |
| Class
Participation: |
As aforementioned, reading the required
text and following threaded discussions are a major part of this course
and students are required to participate. In addition, emailing
the instructor (inside WebCT) is another preferred method of
teacher/student contact. If you have questions or need clarity, feel
free to email me or other students for a different perspective.
Respond promptly when receiving email from the instructor and feel free
at any time to chat with other students who may be logged on at the same
time as you are. |
|
Punctuality: |
The calendar lists deadline dates as
course milestones to keep students on track. Since this is
an asynchronous environment, you are responsible for managing your time
wisely and staying abreast of the proposed course schedule.
|
|
Course Ground Rules |
|
Though we will not physically meet for
class, timely participation is a must. The school has a policy
regarding academic misconduct (including cheating, plagiarism, etc.);
that policy also applies to online courses. Academic misconduct
will not be tolerated and will be reported to administrative offices.
To maximize your learning experience, be willing to read, interact with
the instructor and peers using WebCT, investigate on the internet, keep
abreast of course announcements, research current news related to the
course, and use the guidelines (below) for course communications. |
|
Guidelines for Communications |
| Email: |
ALWAYS include a specific subject line in
your email messages.
Remember without facial expressions some comments may
be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of
emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
Use standard fonts and NEVER send large
attachments without permission of the instructor.
Special formatting such as centering, audio messages,
tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an
assignment or other communication.
Respect the privacy of other class members. |
| Discussion
Groups: |
Review the discussion threads thoroughly
before entering the discussion. Be a lurker first, then add to the
discussion.
Use "Reply" button when commenting on an existing
topic, rather starting a new topic post.
Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to
other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other's ideas.
Be patient and read the comments of other group
members thoroughly before entering your remarks. Duplications of
the same ideas make the discussion board boring to read.
Be cooperative with group leaders in completing
assigned tasks.
Never insult others ideas or attack anyone for their
contributions.
Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.
Write clearly so everyone can understand your point.
If quoting a resource, always cite where the
information came from (in case others wish to review the material in its
entirety). |
| Chat: |
Introduce yourself to the other learners
in the chat session. Be polite, concise and
choose your words carefully. Do not use derogatory statements or
intentionally anger others.
Be constructive in your comments and suggestions. |
| Web
Resources: |
Online Computer Dictionary
http://www.webopedia.com
Computer Networking Reference
http://compnetworking.about.com/mbody.htm
Computer Standards & Cross Referenced Organizations
http://www.cmpcmm.com/cc/standards.html
How Stuff Works - Computers, Networking & the Internet
http://www.howstuffworks.com/sc-computers-internet.htm
How Can I be a Successful Online Student?
http://www.webct.com/oriented/viewpage?name=oriented_successful_online_student
|
|
Library |
|
The TBR Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in the Regents
Degree Program. It provides
links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases,
interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps,
and librarian support) and Internet resources that may be needed by
students to complete online assignments. Use it also to locate
background reading on a variety of subjects. . |
|
Students With Disabilities |
|
The Tennessee Board of Regents is
committed to serving all students, including those with disabilities,
and adheres to the guidelines set forth in Title II of the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you have a disability and need
special provisions, please identify yourself at your home institutions
counseling office so reasonable accommodations for learning and
evaluation can be made. |
|
Syllabus Changes |
|
The instructor reserves the right to make
changes in the syllabus if necessary due to time constraints or other
unforeseen events. If this is necessary, members of the class will
be notified as soon as possible by email and any addendums or changes
will be posted on the course bulletin board. |
|
Technical Support |
| Telephone
Support: |
If you need assistance, call AskRODP
toll free at 1-866-550-7637 |
| Email
Support: |
For assistance, contact AskRODP on the Internet at http://askrodp.custhelp.org |
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