OBJECTIVE
In this class students will learn how to design and develop Internet sites that function effectively with multiple platforms (desktop computers, cellphones, etc.), and will receive hands on experience in the use of media and web development software such as Dreamweaver, PhotoShop, and Flash. Topics will be presented through lectures and demonstrations, and class time will be provided to work on assignments. Assignments will support the development of a portfolio that students can use to showcase the skills they acquire in this class to future colleagues and employers.

TARGET AUDIENCE
This class is not an advanced web development course. Students with extensive experience designing and implementing web sites will find some of the material covered in this class redundant. This class is intended for students who want to become proficient in web and media development for their own area of expertise. Students will leave this class with a greater understanding of how to use the Internet effectively, and an emergent set of skills, that can be applied and enhanced in a variety of future settings.

TEXTS

This class utilizes a workbook (The New Media Cookbook) that is available for pickup at print copy services in the tate center.
The New York Times and other publications required by the NMI QUIZ

GRADING
Exercises. For most topics, students will perform individual technology Exercises to demonstrate their knowledge.

Portfolio. Students will create their own website with associated media for their portfolio. Where appropriate, class exercises will be incorporated into the portfolio. Evaluations will be based on the student's ability to effectively incorporate and present the programming and design skills that were presented during the class. Portfolios will be displayed on the web but will also be packaged on a cd-rom or other portable media for students to take with them.

Presentation. At the end of the term, students will present the final version of their Portfolio. These presentations will be 5-10 minutes long and will be judged on overall preparation, presentation of background information, use of interactive visual aids, demonstration of programming competence, rationale for the evolution of the design, and professionalism.

Class Participation. This is a hands-on class requiring extensive participation and sharing among all class members. Students will be evaluated based on class attendance, participation in asking and answering questions, and other aspects of communication and teamwork.

Most of the work in this course is done in-class. Don't miss unless you have to! If you do miss a class, contact me ahead of time to avoid an un-excused absence. Three un-excused absences will cause a grade reduction.

Make-Up Work. All students must make up work missed due to an excused absence within 5 days of return to school unless allowed additional time. It is the student's responsibility to request make-up work, tests, etc.

Technology News Quizzes. Online quizzes will be posted each week, covering the current week's technology news. Students are required to read technology articles that appear in the Atlanta Journal Constitution and the Athens Daily News. These articles will be linked from NMI's homepage -- the linked page displays the last 7 days of Tech News in these papers. Each student must complete an online Quiz covering these articles. Every Sunday evening a quiz will be posted online. This quiz will be self administered (check out the Academic Honesty Policy below) and timed. Students must complete the quiz by 5P on Tuesday. Late Quizzes will not be accepted.

Instructor Availability. The instructor for this course is available to meet with students upon request.
The best means for scheduling a meeting with the instruction is via email: emuel.aldridge@gmail.com.

Intructor Philosophy (about web and other IT development): At some deep level all of this stuff is logical but that logic is not always apparent. A willingness to move forward without a complete understanding of what you are doing is sometimes called for and often leads to an understanding of what you did.

DISTRIBUTION OF POINTS

WEEKLY SCHEDULE (Till midterm)

STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
Classes in the New Media Institute will teach you about new media. But they will also teach you how to be successful professionals in whatever field you choose. Below you will find some standards of practice for students in New Media Institute classes. Adhering to these rules will not only make you a more successful student, practicing them in your career will make you a better professional. If you feel that you cannot conform to these practices, please consult with your teacher - maybe a New Media Institute course isn't right for you.

Attendance. Good workers come to work. Your class attendance not only helps you learn more, it makes the class better. But sometimes things happen. You have leave time for your classes. If you have to miss a class, let me know. Otherwise, every 3 classes that you miss without contacting me reduces your final grade by 1/2 of a letter grade.

Coming Late. Good workers arrive on time. You must come to class on time to receive the full benefit from your class. For every two times you arrive late, you will be counted absent.

Cell Phones Off. It is unprofessional to allow outside interruptions to disrupt meetings. The same goes for class. Turn your cell phone off before you enter class (or at least turn it to vibrate).

Classroom Computer Use. Professionals do not engage in extraneous activities during meetings. Successful students do not engage in activities unrelated to a class during that class. In class, do not use your computer for activities unrelated to the class. Answering email, working on other class projects, downloading songs - do these on your own time, not during class. If you engage in non-class related activities during class, you might as well not be in class - and you will be counted as absent.

Challenging Evaluations. In your jobs and your classes, you will be evaluated. How you handle and use these evaluations will greatly determine your eventual success. There is a professional approach for addressing evaluations (or grades) with which you do not agree. First, take some time to consider the evaluation. After you receive the evaluation, think about it for at least 24 hours before doing anything - this cooling off period will help you present your case in a positive manner. Second, formulate a rational argument for why you deserve a better evaluation. Develop at least three points that you think prove you deserve a better evaluation. And third, first present your argument in writing (email is cool) then request a meeting to discuss your evaluation. Hey, your teacher (or supervisor) might buy your argument and you won't need to have a meeting at all! Handling disputes constructively is the mark of a true professional.

Academic Honesty. In this class, we will adhere to the University of Georgia's Academic Honesty Policy. All academic work must meet the standards contained in “A Culture of Honesty.” All students are responsible to inform themselves about those standards before performing any academic work. You can read the entire policy online but the short story is don't cheat. You will be expected to do your own work and to report individuals who do not do their own work. You will have several assignments where you will not be monitored but that does not excuse appropriating other individual's work. The punishments for violations of the Academic Honesty Policy are severe. Frankly, the pay off ain't worth the risk - don't do it.

Changes to Course Syllabus: The course syllabus is a general plan for the course; deviations announced to the class by the instructor may be necessary.

These are the standards of practice for students in the New Media Institute.