Course Syllabus
NCTE 500 Introduction to Handheld Devices
CRN 74842 74843 74828
Fall 2020 Syllabus NCTE 500 Introduction to Handheld Devices.pdf
Course Start/End Dates:
CRN 74842 Session 1: 8/21 until 9/25
CRN 74843 Session 2: 10/2 to 11/6
INSTRUCTOR: Richard Melella/Contact Information (Best:) richard_melella@cuesta.edu
559-575 -2995
Online Office Hours 4:30 - 5:45 pm Wednesdays or by arrangement with Instructor
Credits: Non-Credit
Grading: Satisfactory Progress/Pass/Non-Gradable/Non-Pass
Repeatable
Course Description & Summary
Introduces practical use of a variety of handheld computer devices including music players, e-Books, Smartphones, iPods, iTouch, and iPads. Student will explore the history and evolution of handheld devices. Information learned in this course will provide tips on how to use handheld devices effectively and observe protocol when determining proper use of these devices in a work and home environment. We will also focus on Smartphones and Tablets and their use in scanning, social media, research, entertainment and digital photography. Repeatable.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Identify the name and functions found on common handheld devices.
- Describe and utilize basic programs used to run handheld devices.
- Locate and download additional software, tutorials, and tools.
- Utilize your handheld device to function as a personal assistant, research tool, engage in social media and for entertainment
- Utilize your hand-held devices for digital photography and photo editing
- Photo projects – Students will participate photo-based project for personal enjoyment.
Textbooks / Materials
Reading and learning resources provided by the instructor as noted in the weekly course modules
Instructor Contact Expectations
- Please note that email is the best and fastest way to reach me. That said, I can be reached by phone.
- I will try my best to respond within 24 hours. Depending on my work load turnaround time may be 48 hours.
- Due to additional responsibilities, I am logged off of Canvas during most of the day. I will log-on at night to read emails and follow-up or participate in any assigned course discussions.
Topics and Scope of Instruction- an exploration of:
- The History and Evolution of hand-held devices
- How to Operate and Utilize Your Smart-Tablets (iPad, Android Tablets)
- How to Operate and Utilize Your iPods, iPhones and Android Phones
- Digital Smartphone Photography
Grading and Assignments:
This is a non-graded class. Students will receive either a grade of Satisfactory progress or a P for a passing grade. Student performance evaluation is based on the completion of demonstrated competencies as assigned by the instructor. Competencies will include computer-based performance work related to the windows operating system that will be reviewed by the teacher. Students can expect to participate in class quizzes and projects throughout the course that will allow the teacher to evaluate student progress. Combined scores received on quizzes, projects, and skills performance will be weighed to determine if satisfactory progress or a passing grade will be given. Students may retake the course as needed to further enhance their skill acquisition.
Methods of Evaluation:
Class Performance
Non- graded assessments and project performance reviews
Course Environment:
This online course will be using a Web-based Learning Management System (known as Canvas) as the method to disseminate information. Canvas provides the framework for the course including PowerPoint presentations and lecturette videos, student files, the tools to receive and send course materials. Using the communication tools, you can communicate using e-mail, and if appropriate to my course outcomes- you can share materials, projects and ideas with other course participants via the Discussion Forums.
Online Learning:
If you have never taken an online class or this is your first experience with Canvas, please be patient with yourself. You should expect to spend at least as much time, if not more on this course as you would on a course that meets face to face. Since there is no in-person classroom lecture component, much of this time will be self-directed and there will be a substantial amount of reading and viewing. This course is completely online using Canvas; all coursework (discussions, assignments, project challenges) is submitted online. *There are no face-to-face meetings.
Students may, if assigned to do so- actively participate in Discussions with other students, share information with each other, and the instructor will monitor and review as well as provide feedback on all of the weekly Discussion Forums. Students must log in and are encouraged to participate several times on a weekly basis as this is not a self-paced course.
Each week the Course will cover one or 2 chapters or lesson outcomes per week with activities to be completed each week, see Modules.
The Module begins on Mondays and closes on Sunday nights. Because this is a non-gradable class- assignments and possible discussion forums will remain open. There are no graded quizzes for the non-credit course, rather, I will cover questions on a quiz as a review resource for your reference as needed.
Some units will have a challenge assignment that will reinforce learning outcome presented in a particular unit. You are encouraged to complete the challenge and submit per instructions online for my review and feedback.
Netiquette (Online Professionalism) and Online Course Participation- If I assign an online group discussion- please note these best practices:
- Use respectful and appropriate language in your Discussion Forums.
- Please do not use texting language i.e.: lol. brb. etc.
- Emoticons are acceptable ways to show emotion. However, this should not be used for your total reply.
- Avoid CAPS as they come across like YOU'RE SCREAMING.
- You are expected to read all forum posts.
- You are to respond to the appropriate number of posts for each forum.
- All messages are public, so be careful and courteous when you post.
- Make your posts thorough and your replies as well.
- Use of complete sentences and thoughts are mandatory for forum posts.
- Use a person's name when you reply to their post. Not only is this polite, but it also helps me to keep track of your replies. Use mycuesta.edu email for private communication.
Authentication policy: Authenticating student identity will be conducted by using the Learning Management System (LMS), Canvas. Canvas requires each student to log into the program using a secure login and password to access.
Drops and non-participation: If you have not logged in during the first week of instruction or have not participated for two weeks or more in a row, you can be at risk of being dropped from the course. I will attempt to outreach you via Canvas email, but if I do not get a response, I will need to drop you from the course. Please try to notify me via email if you are having a difficult time or a medical reason wherein you cannot participate in the course.
Technical Support: Cuesta students are encouraged to direct all technical support inquiries to support@mycuesta.edu If you are having issues with Canvas, you should contact the Canvas Support Hotline at (877) 921-7680 or click on the help button on the Canvas Navigation to report a problem.
Extended Education students can also contact the Continuing Education Office at SLO: 805.546.3941 or NCC: 805.591.6273. Monica Contreras will also be available to help students connecting to Canvas, feel free to email her at monica_contreras@cuesta.edu.
Please note: If you are having difficulty viewing the course or logging in, it may be because you are not using the correct address https://cuesta.instructure.com or you are using your phone or using an unsupported browser.
Your learning environment is best accessed from a desktop or laptop computer, using Firefox or Chrome browser. This may solve your problem! Please review the browser requirements and minimum computer specifications below. http://www.cuesta.edu/student/aboutacad/distance/faqs_technical.html
If the Cuesta server goes down or the power is out, the campus LMS will also be down and you will not be able to access your online course. When this happens, you should email me from your student or personal email (not from within the LMS) for more information or instructions. This has happened from time to time, don’t panic and notify me during the power outage so that I have a date/time stamp.
Cuesta occasionally announces power outages or upgrades to their computer system. This will be announced in advance on the Canvas or on MyCuesta. In this case, you will need to plan ahead with your submission of assignments. Regular review of Announcements will help prevent this problem.