Welcome letter JOUR 206: Welcome letter: Social Media and Data Visualization, Spring 2021: Jeff Nachtigal, Cuesta College instructor

Welcome letter JOUR 206

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Social Media and Data Visualization

CRN: 34214/ JOUR 206

Instructor: Jeff Nachtigal

Contact information: Email: jeffrey_nachtigal@cuesta.edu

Course Calendar
March 22 — May 21, 2021 (9-week course)

The first day of the course is Monday, March 22. I will open the course a week early, on March 15, so you are welcome to get an early start on the first week's reading and orientation unit. But you aren't required to start before March 22. After March 22, each week's class "begins" on Tuesday. Weekly assignments and specific due dates will be posted on the JOUR206 Canvas page each Tuesday. I will send an announcement at the start of each week to let you know that week's module is open.

Instructor contact expectations

The best and fastest way to reach me is by Canvas' Inbox, or by email. I respond to your emails within 24 hours during weekdays. During busy times of the semester, the response time may increase to 48 hours. On weekends, I will do my best to get back to you ASAP but I cannot guarantee an expeditious response.

Course Description

Thanks for considering this course! This is NOT a course about how to find the biggest influencer on Snapchat or TikTok or Twitter! Never in history has it been so easy to reach out and connect with someone on the other side of the world — or around the block — using the miraculous tool that is social media! In this course you will practice how to use social media to communicate with people about stories, find information and resources, and publish images, video, information, and stories for your audience and the world to see. You will learn techniques to validate information and images (insert shark swimming in street after a flood) to determine if they are fact or fake. We will unpack the terms “fake news,” “misinformation,” and “disinformation,” and their impact on democracy in 2020 (Stop the Steal!) — and consider how social media has impacted the media and society in the world in over the past decade, and consider the role/regulation of social media into the future.

Data is free and easily downloadable for almost any topic or subject imaginable. How can we turn this wealth of information into data visualizations into stories that add context to an issue, enlighten and surprise our audiences? Data visualization software, despite the fact it may look complicated — is not hard to learn and we'll take time necessary so you're comfortable turning rows of numbers (in a spreadsheet) into beautiful, easy-to-understand visualizations that can be published on social media or the web. We’ll examine why visual symbols are such great vehicles for delivering information and stories online, and via social media.

Course Environment

This online course will be using Canvas, Cuesta's Web-based Learning Management System. Canvas provides the framework for the course including the tools to receive and send course materials, and a grade book. You can communicate using e-mail, and you can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion forums and groups.

Class opens / Accessing Canvas

Prior to the start of class on March 22, 2021, you will receive an email from me to your my.Cuesta.edu address providing you with a reminder that class will be starting and log in procedures for Canvas, the learning management system (LMS) used to deliver course content. You can access Canvas by logging into MyCuesta, then clicking on the Resources Tab, then clicking on Canvas in the Online Learning Channel, or by typing the Canvas address (https://cuesta.instructure.com/) into your browser address bar. Do not bookmark / favorite the canvas site after your login, or you will get an error message next time you try to log in. You must access the canvas log in directly.

If you are not familiar with logging into canvas, please refer to the Canvas Quick Reference Guide.Links to an external site. Once logged into Canvas you will be directed on where to get started. Be sure to read all the direction on the course home page.

If you are having difficulty logging into Canvas after March 22, 2021 and need assistance please send me a Canvas email me or technical support at this email address: support@my.cuesta.edu.

Online Learning

This is an all-online, asynchronouos course. We will not meet in person, except during virtual office hours. There are discussion post, reading, quiz, and assignment due dates each week.

We're going to cover a lot of material in this course, and you'll be asked to use social media and data software to do new things — and the way to stay on track and learn the fundamentals of data collection and visualization, and using social media as a journalist, and stay up to date with assignments and discussions in this course.

I want you to succeed, and I will do everything I can to make this happen, as long as you stay on track completing assignments and communicating with the class.

The class has required assignments and three deadlines per week. If you are unsure about whether an online course is right for you, please read and watch the videos from Cuesta College and California that will help you prepare:

Cuesta College: https://www.cuesta.edu/academics/distance/forwhom.htmlLinks to an external site.

and

The online student readiness tutorials published by The State of California’s Online Education Initiative (OEI): https://apps.3cmediasolutions.org/oei/students.htmlLinks to an external site.

Regular Effective Contact policy

We will communicate in a variety of ways in this course: Weekly discussion forums and Flipgrid video discussions; a student-to-student discussion board; weekly announcements about the course; timely feedback on student assignments; email, phone or messaging to individuals; a regularly scheduled, weekly Zoom office hours, and/or individually scheduled Zoom meetings.

Student Learning outcomes for Social Media and Data Visualization CRN 34214 (Distance education)

Upon completing the course successfully, students will be able to:

Describe the role and impact of big data for journalism and communications professions, and the impact of data storytelling for public use
Demonstrate how to search for, access, and clean and prepare data sets for use in data visualization
Design and produce effective data visualizations utilizing sound design principles, including size, color and appropriate style for specific types of data for journalism
Describe the role of social media's effect and relationship with news journalism
Demonstrate how to effectively use social media platforms to find sources, report, and publish stories

Required Textbooks/Equipment

Effective Data Storytelling, First edition (2019), by Brent Dykes
Mobile and Social Media Journalism, First edition (2016), by Anthony Adornato
Access to a computer that can run software and access the Internet and social media accounts.
A Twitter account (we’ll connect using hashtag: #spring21_34214)
An Instagram account (we’ll connect using hastag: #spring21_34214)
Data visualization software: We'll use the online site: www.Datawrapper.de,Links to an external site. not cost

Technical Support

For all technical support inquiries email: support@my.cuesta.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.

If you are having difficulty viewing the course or logging in, it may be because you are not using the correct url: 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. This may solve your problem! Please review the browser requirements and minimum computer specificationsLinks to an external site. at:
http://www.cuesta.edu/student/aboutacad/distance/faqs_technical.htmlLinks to an external site.

I'm happy to help troubleshoot the issue, too — send me a Canvas Inbox message (Click on the "Inbox" icon on the table of contents to the left).

Accommodations

This course is designed using an accessible Learning Management System, and course materials have been created with ADA compliance in mind. If you have a disability and might need accommodations in this class such as extended time on exams or other resources. Please contact the instructor as soon as possible so that you can receive appropriate accommodations in a timely manner. You should also contact DSPS (Disabled Student Programs & Services)Links to an external site. at 805-546-3148 or http://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/dsps/index.htmlLinks to an external site.

College & Course Policies

Academic Honesty Policy: Violating copyright in this course is prohibited, and will be cause for immediate drop. In addition to my course policy, please note all students attending San Luis Obispo County Community College District at any district site and when representing Cuesta College in any off-campus activity, assume an obligation to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner compatible with the Student Code of conduct.

Please review the Cuesta College Student Code of conduct at:
http://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/admrreg/arpolicies/index.htmlLinks to an external site.
Board Policy Student Conduct Code and Technology Agreement:
http://www.boarddocs.com/ca/cuesta/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=A2V4LD661AE3Links to an external site.
College Plagiarism and Academic Honesty Policy:
https://www.cuesta.edu/about/documents/vpss-docs/AcademicHonesty_2017.pdfLinks to an external site.

Add / Drop Policy

I will send add codes and admit students on the third day of the course, if there is space available.
Please log in to JOUR 206 in Canvas on the FIRST DAY of the course (March 22, 2021) and complete the first Discussion post with your bio and background by the third day of this course. Failure to complete the first assignment (or contact me with extenuating circumstances) by the end of the first week of the course may result in you being dropped.

Waitlist Policy

Please contact me for an add code if you are interested in adding this course. I will admit students on the third day of the course, if there is space available.

In addition to my course specific procedures, please review Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructions: http://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/admrreg/arpolicies/Waitlist.htmlLinks to an external site.

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[{:section_type=>"rich_text", :content=>"<div class=\"section_content\">\n<h2>\nSocial Media and Data Visualization \n</h2>\nCRN: 34214/ JOUR 206 \nInstructor: Jeff Nachtigal\nContact information:  Email: <a href=\"mailto:jeffrey_nachtigal@cuesta.edu\">jeffrey_nachtigal@cuesta.edu</a>\n<h3>\nCourse Calendar March 22 — May 21, 2021  (9-week course) \n</h3>\nThe first day of the course is Monday, March 22. I will open the course a week early, on March 15, so you are welcome to get an early start on the first week's reading and orientation unit. But you aren't required to start before March 22. After March 22, each week's class \"begins\" on Tuesday. Weekly assignments and specific due dates will be posted on the JOUR206 Canvas page each Tuesday. I will send an announcement at the start of each week to let you know that week's module is open. \n<h3>Instructor contact expectations </h3>\nThe best and fastest way to reach me is by Canvas' Inbox, or by <a href=\"mailto:jeffrey_nachtigal@cuesta.edu\">email.</a> I respond to your emails within 24 hours during weekdays. During busy times of the semester, the response time may increase to 48 hours. On weekends, I will do my best to get back to you ASAP but I cannot guarantee an expeditious response. \n<h3>Course Description</h3>\nThanks for considering this course! This is NOT a course about how to find the biggest influencer on Snapchat or TikTok or Twitter! Never in history has it been so easy to reach out and connect with someone on the other side of the world — or around the block — using the miraculous tool that is social media! In this course you will practice how to use social media to communicate with people about stories, find information and resources, and publish images, video, information, and stories for your audience and the world to see. You will learn techniques to validate information and images (insert shark swimming in street after a flood) to determine if they are fact or fake. We will unpack the terms “fake news,” “misinformation,” and “disinformation,” and their impact on democracy in 2020 (Stop the Steal!) — and consider how social media has impacted the media and society in the world in over the past decade, and consider the role/regulation of social media into the future.   \nData is free and easily downloadable for almost any topic or subject imaginable. How can we turn this wealth of information into data visualizations into stories that add context to an issue, enlighten and surprise our audiences? Data visualization software, despite the fact it may look complicated — is not hard to learn and we'll take time necessary so you're comfortable turning rows of numbers (in a spreadsheet) into beautiful, easy-to-understand visualizations that can be published on social media or the web. We’ll examine why visual symbols are such great vehicles for delivering information and stories online, and via social media. \n<h3>Course Environment</h3>\nThis online course will be using Canvas, Cuesta's Web-based Learning Management System. Canvas provides the framework for the course including the tools to receive and send course materials, and a grade book. You can communicate using e-mail, and you can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion forums and groups.\n<h3>Class opens / Accessing Canvas</h3>\nPrior to the start of class on March 22, 2021, you will receive an email from me to your my.Cuesta.edu address providing you with a reminder that class will be starting and log in procedures for Canvas, the learning management system (LMS) used to deliver course content. You can access Canvas by logging into MyCuesta, then clicking on the Resources Tab, then clicking on Canvas in the Online Learning Channel, or by typing the Canvas address (<a href=\"https://cuesta.instructure.com/\">https://cuesta.instructure.com/</a>) into your browser address bar. Do not bookmark / favorite the canvas site after your login, or you will get an error message next time you try to log in. You must access the canvas log in directly.\nIf you are not familiar with logging into canvas, please refer to the <a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.cuesta.edu/academics/documents/distance-docs/Canvas_Quick_Reference_Students.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Canvas Quick Reference Guide.Links to an external site.</a> Once logged into Canvas you will be directed on where to get started. Be sure to read all the direction on the course home page.  \nIf you are having difficulty logging into Canvas after March 22, 2021 and need assistance please send me a Canvas email me or technical support at this email address: <a href=\"mailto:support@my.cuesta.edu\">support@my.cuesta.edu</a>. \n<h3>Online Learning</h3>\nThis is an all-online, asynchronouos course. We will not meet in person, except during virtual office hours. There are discussion post, reading, quiz, and assignment due dates each week. \nWe're going to cover a lot of material in this course, and you'll be asked to use social media and data software to do new things — and the way to stay on track and learn the fundamentals of data collection and visualization, and using social media as a journalist, and stay up to date with assignments and discussions in this course. \nI want you to succeed, and I will do everything I can to make this happen, as long as you stay on track completing assignments and communicating with the class.\nThe class has required assignments and three deadlines per week. If you are unsure about whether an online course is right for you, please read and watch the videos from Cuesta College and California that will help you prepare: \nCuesta College:  <a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.cuesta.edu/academics/distance/forwhom.html\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.cuesta.edu/academics/distance/forwhom.htm</a><a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.cuesta.edu/academics/distance/forwhom.html\" target=\"_blank\">l</a><a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.cuesta.edu/academics/distance/forwhom.html\" target=\"_blank\">Links to an external site.</a>\n<a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.cuesta.edu/academics/distance/forwhom.html\" target=\"_blank\"></a>and\nThe online student readiness tutorials published by The State of California’s Online Education Initiative (OEI): <a class=\"external\" href=\"https://apps.3cmediasolutions.org/oei/students.html\" target=\"_blank\">https://apps.3cmediasolutions.org/oei/students.htmlLinks to an external site.</a>\n<h3> Regular Effective Contact policy</h3>\nWe will communicate in a variety of ways in this course: Weekly discussion forums and Flipgrid video discussions; a student-to-student discussion board; weekly announcements about the course; timely feedback on student assignments; email, phone or messaging to individuals; a regularly scheduled, weekly Zoom office hours, and/or individually scheduled Zoom meetings.\n<h3>Student Learning outcomes for Social Media and Data Visualization CRN 34214 (Distance education)</h3>\nUpon completing the course successfully, students will be able to:\n<ul>\n<li>Describe the role and impact of big data for journalism and communications professions, and the impact of data storytelling for public use</li>\n<li>Demonstrate how to search for, access, and clean and prepare data sets for use in data visualization</li>\n<li>Design and produce effective data visualizations utilizing sound design principles, including size, color and appropriate style for specific types of data for journalism </li>\n<li>Describe the role of social media's effect and relationship with news journalism</li>\n<li>Demonstrate how to effectively use social media platforms to find sources, report, and publish stories</li>\n</ul>\n \n<h3>\nRequired Textbooks/Equipment\n</h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\nEffective Data Storytelling, First edition (2019), by Brent Dykes\n</li>\n<li>\nMobile and Social Media Journalism, First edition (2016), by Anthony Adornato \n</li>\n<li>\nAccess to a computer that can run software and access the Internet and social media accounts.\n</li>\n<li>\nA Twitter account (we’ll connect using hashtag: #spring21_34214)\n</li>\n<li>\nAn Instagram account (we’ll connect using hastag: #spring21_34214) \n</li>\n<li>\nData visualization software:  We'll use the online site: <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://www.Datawrapper.de,\" target=\"_blank\">www.Datawrapper.de,Links to an external site.</a> not cost \n</li>\n</ul>\n<a class=\"external\" href=\"https://shop.collegebuys.org/adobe-photoshop-elements-2019--premiere-elements-2019-student--teacher-edition-download-p8515.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"></a>\n<h3>Technical Support</h3>\nFor all technical support inquiries email:  <a href=\"mailto:support@my.cuesta.edu\">support@my.cuesta.edu</a>. 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.\nIf you are having difficulty viewing the course or logging in, it may be because you are not using the correct url<a>: https://cuesta.instructure.com/</a> or you are using your phone or using an unsupported browser.\nYour learning environment is best accessed from a desktop or laptop computer, using Firefox or Chrome.  This may solve your problem!  Please review the <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://www.cuesta.edu/student/aboutacad/distance/faqs_technical.html\" target=\"_blank\">browser requirements and minimum computer specificationsLinks to an external site.</a> at: <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://www.cuesta.edu/student/aboutacad/distance/faqs_technical.html\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.cuesta.edu/student/aboutacad/distance/faqs_technical.htmlLinks to an external site.</a> I'm happy to help troubleshoot the issue, too — send me a Canvas Inbox message (Click on the \"Inbox\" icon on the table of contents to the left). \n<h3> Accommodations</h3>\nThis course is designed using an accessible Learning Management System, and course materials have been created with ADA compliance in mind. If you have a disability and might need accommodations in this class such as extended time on exams or other resources. Please contact the instructor as soon as possible so that you can receive appropriate accommodations in a timely manner. You should also contact <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/dsps/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">DSPS (Disabled Student Programs &amp; Services)Links to an external site.</a> at 805-546-3148 or <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/dsps/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/dsps/index.htmlLinks to an external site.</a>\n \n<h3>College &amp; Course Policies</h3>\nAcademic Honesty Policy: Violating copyright in this course is prohibited, and will be cause for immediate drop. In addition to my course policy, please note all students attending San Luis Obispo County Community College District at any district site and when representing Cuesta College in any off-campus activity, assume an obligation to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner compatible with the Student Code of conduct.\n<ul>\n<li>\nPlease review the Cuesta College Student Code of conduct at: <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/admrreg/arpolicies/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/admrreg/arpolicies/index.htmlLinks to an external site.</a>\n</li>\n<li>\nBoard Policy Student Conduct Code and Technology Agreement: <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://www.boarddocs.com/ca/cuesta/Board.nsf/goto?open&amp;id=A2V4LD661AE3\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.boarddocs.com/ca/cuesta/Board.nsf/goto?open&amp;id=A2V4LD661AE3Links to an external site.</a>\n</li>\n<li>\nCollege Plagiarism and Academic Honesty Policy: <a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.cuesta.edu/about/documents/vpss-docs/AcademicHonesty_2017.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.cuesta.edu/about/documents/vpss-docs/AcademicHonesty_2017.pdfLinks to an external site.</a>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<h3>\n Add / Drop Policy\n</h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\nI will send add codes and admit students on the third day of the course, if there is space available.\n</li>\n<li>\nPlease log in to JOUR 206 in Canvas on the FIRST DAY of the course (March 22, 2021) and complete the first Discussion post with your bio and background by the third day of this course. Failure to complete the first assignment (or contact me with extenuating circumstances) by the end of the first week of the course may result in you being dropped.\n</li>\n</ul>\n<h3>  Waitlist Policy</h3>\nPlease contact me for an add code if you are interested in adding this course. I will admit students on the third day of the course, if there is space available.   In addition to my course specific procedures, please review Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructions:  <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/admrreg/arpolicies/Waitlist.html\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/admrreg/arpolicies/Waitlist.htmlLinks to an external site.</a>\n</div>"}]

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Welcome letter: Social Media and Data Visualization, Spring 2021

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Jeff Nachtigal, Cuesta College instructor