INLS 461 (102): Information Tools
Tools and concepts for information use. Information literacy, microcomputer software use and maintenance, microcomputer applications, and networked information systems.

Topics to be covered during the semester include:

• Introduction to Information Science
• Spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel
• Database Concepts and Creation using Microsoft Access
• Operating Systems + Networking
• Security
• Copyright
• UNIX Basics + Simple Programming
• HTML and CSS

Prerequisites:

No prerequisites, but students are expected to meet the North Carolina public school computer skills requirement.

http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/testing/computerskills/

Students will also be assumed to be able to use the Microsoft Windows operating system, a text editor such as Notepad or Wordpad, a web browser, and email.

Microsoft Windows is the operating system for all course instruction.
Coursework can be completed using an Apple Macintosh computer, but the instructor is not able to offer support for Macintosh computer users.

Learning Objectives

1. To understand the functions and management of computers.
2. To be able to interact with local and networked information collections.
3. To develop skill in preparing computer-based content.

Course Expectations

This course may be quite time intensive, depending on your familiarity with the various technologies. You should plan on spending at least six to nine hours a week working on assignments, readings or projects.

The course week week runs from Saturday morning to Friday at midnight. There will be assignments or quizzes due most weeks. The deadline for submitting work is midnight on the date due.

Late assignments will be graded down 15 -25 points per week (or part of a week) late.

Required Texts

• Unix: Visual QuickStart Guide, 2nd edition (2003) by Deborah S. Ray and Eric J. Ray; Peachpit Press; ISBN: 0321170105
  - OR - 3rd edition (to be released late June 2006) Course readings will refer to the 2nd Edition.
• Microsoft Office Access 2003 for Windows; Visual QuickStart Guide, 1st edition (2003) by Steve Schwartz; Peachpit Press; ISBN: 0321193938
• HTML for the World Wide Web with XHTML and CSS: Visual QuickStart Guide, Fifth Edition; Elizabeth Castro, (2003) Peachpit Press, ISBN: 0321130073

Recommended or supplementary texts may be accessed through UNC library's online resources

• Netlibrary.com
• Safari Tech Books Online

Login with your UNC PID -
If you need to find your PID, use the PID On-Line Inquiry page.

We will be working on exercises during most classes. Bring your laptops!

Revised Assignments and Grading Policy

Grades for this course will be determined by student performance on the following assignments and quizzes as listed below.

There are potential 50 bonus points possible, which would be added to the course total. These bonus points will be awarded based on participation by the student in the discussion forums throughout the semester, and added to the final course total.

Definitions of grades for graduate students:
Graduate students will be awarded the following grades:

H: High pass - Clear excellence; this is equivalent to a high A.
P: Pass - Entirely satisfactory
L: Low pass - Equivalent to a low C or a D
IN: Incomplete
F: Fail

Note: There are no detailed definitions of regular graduate grades H, P, and L comparable to the definitions of undergraduate grades, and no direct correspondence between particular graduate and undergraduate grades.

Graduate and undergraduate grading for the course will be as follows:

Grad	Undergrad	Points
H	A	925-950
P+	A-	900-924
P	B+	825-874
P-	B	775-824
	B-	725-774
	C+	674-724
L	C	774 or fewer
F	F	650 or fewer

Course changes
The instructor reserves the right to change course content, requirements for assignments, grading procedures and other alterations, as appropriate, to the course. While such changes will be discussed and decided in class forums, under exceptional circumstances, the instructor may incorporate changes without notice.

Grade issues
We are committed toward grades that are fair and appropriate. It is important for students to know that the final grade is an average of several grades that are earned over the semester. Final grades are not negotiable. Doing extra work to improve a final grade is not an option because that would not be fair to other students in the course. If you wish to earn a good grade, work hard from the beginning of the semester.

Honor Code
Remember that as a student of UNC-Chapel Hill, you are bound by the University's Honor Code: "It shall be the responsibility of every student at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to obey and support the enforcement of the Honor Code, which prohibits lying, cheating, or stealing when these actions involve academic processes or University students or academic personnel acting in an official capacity." An especially serious Honor Code violation is plagiarism. If you are uncertain about what is considered plagiarism, please consult your course instructor prior to submitting an assignment!

Acknowledgments
Many thanks to those who have taught this and similar courses for materials, ideas and inspiration: Catherine Blake, Bill Meyers, Bob Sumner, Lokman Meho, Greg Newby, Ron Bergquist, and to all the previous instructors of the course. This course is built on all their contributions.