The course syllabus is a general plan for the course; deviations announced to the class by the instructor may be necessary.This course syllabus is adapted from Emuel Aldridge's NMIX 4110 course syllabus.

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 project 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.

WORKBOOK
Students will be able to purchase a pre-printed copy of the workbook from Beljean Copies (downtown). Or download it from http://www.emuel.com/manual/workbook.pdf

GRADING
Exercises. For most topics, students will perform individual technology Exercises to demonstrate their knowledge. Students will post these Exercises on the web before class on the day the Exercise is due. Late Exercises will be penalized 5 percent during the first 24 hours of being late, 10 percent during the next 24 hours, and so on.

Final project. Students will create their own website with associated media for their portfolio. Where appropriate, class exercises may also 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. Final project will be displayed on the web. Late project will not be accepted.

Presentation. All students will participate in two presentations. At the end of the first half of the term, students will present the basic outline/idea of the final project (5-7 minutes). At the end of the term, students will present the final version of their project. These presentations will be 10-12 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.

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 listed on the "http://www.nmi.uga.edu/news/index_news.asp" NMI's Tech News page -- this 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.

DISTRIBUTION OF POINTS

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. You may be absent from 10% of your classes with no automatic deduction from your grade (although you will still be required to complete all work you missed in a timely fashion - deadlines don't care about attendance). However, missing more than 10% of the classes (5 classes for Monday/Wednesday/Friday classes) will result in an automatic reduction of your final grade by a single letter grade. For instance, if you were to receive a final grade of B for a M/W/F class but you missed 5 class days, you would receive a final grade of C. If you miss more than 30% of the classes in a semester, you will receive no credit for a course.

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.

Notice Regarding Academic Misconduct. It is your responsibility to complete your own work as best you can in the time provided.  Cheating, plagiarism and falsification are serious offenses, and it is our responsibility to make sure they do not occur. Anyone found guilty of academic misconduct should expect to fail the entire course. All academic work must meet the standards contained in “A Culture of Honesty.” Each student is responsible to inform themselves about those standards before performing any academic work. (http://www.uga.edu/honesty/ahpd/culture_honesty.htm)   

Disability Services. UGA is committed to providing equal educational opportunities for qualified students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws including the American Disabilities Act. Students with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations to fulfill course requirements should contact the instructor during regular office hours or by appointment.

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

WEEKLY SCHEDULE (Till midterm)