Course Description

Students will explore the meaning and manifestation of technology as used in various disciplines and professional settings.   Class lectures, readings, and assignments will look especially at the use and influence of information technology (IT) in our everyday lives and activities. Technology will not only be the object of study, but will also be used as a tool to locate, evaluate, and use digital resources for information and communication. Class lectures and discussions will consider the flow of communication from data to information to knowledge through the perspectives of visiting faculty members and researchers.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify the variety of applications of technology in different professions and subject disciplines.
2. Discuss the ethical, social, and political ramifications of technology in local, national, and global settings.
3. Use and evaluate Internet-based technologies as communication and learning tools.
4. Demonstrate information life cycle as it moves from data to information to knowledge.

Course Evaluation

1. Write 3 two-page papers on topics related to class readings and discussions.
2. Participate with substantive comments related to guest speakers and readings in class discussions both in-class and on the class discussion board.
3. Attend class regularly. Roll will be taken each meeting of the 7 week class.