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IT S123

More information: Course Guide

Introduction to Internet Services and Applications

Course Start Date	Course Level	Duration	Credits	Language	Fees ($) (including lab fees)	Future Semesters
01-Apr-2013	Foundation	2 semesters	10	English	8,350	Apr 2014, Apr 2015

Course Coordinator: Dr Wilson Chu Hon-Wai, BS (Boston); MSE (Elec. Eng.), MSE (Math. Sc.) (Johns Hopkins University); PhD (HKUST); SrMIEEE

Course Developer: Dr Mike Robertshaw, OUHK

This course is labelled with a U course code to indicate that it is universally relevant to all OUHK programmes. IT S123 is suitable for either free-choice credits or as a course to be taken by anyone not currently following an OUHK programme. It is also one of the courses in Electronic Commerce.

Aims
This course aims to:

• Introduce a range of commonly used Internet-based services and applications for communication, collaboration, information retrieval, social networking and personal productivity;

• Discuss and demonstrate techniques for getting the most out of Internet-based services and applications;

• Explore the practical applications of user-generated content and mobile services;

• Illustrate and assess ethical, security and legal considerations related to Internet use.

Contents
The course covers the following topics:

• Browsing the Web -- explores the basic operations as well as the advanced features of a Web browser

• Communicating via email -- describes how to use email client software and webmail services

• Searching the Web -- demonstrates different search tools and techniques for searching the Web

• Online information resources and e-commerce -- explores various online information resources and e-commerce sites

• Beyond email: Online productivity and collaboration -- discusses enhanced forms of online communication and collaboration services

• Social networking -- explores the functions and facilities available on social networking sites

• Protecting yourself online -- analyses common online threats and introduces counter-measures for protecting one’s data and computer system from these threats

• Creating and sharing content -- services for creating user-generated content

• Going mobile -- the trend of mobile Internet services and applications.

Learning support
There will still be support via the telephone and tutorials, but this is a course for people who want to gain practical experience in using the Internet for communication.

Assessment
There are four tutor-marked assignments to be prepared, marked and dispatched electronically. The final examination will, however, be a conventional one.

Online requirement
This course is supported by the Online Learning Environment (OLE). You can find the latest course information from the OLE. Through the OLE, you can communicate electronically with your tutor and the Course Coordinator, as well as other students. To access the OLE, students will need to have access to the Internet. The use of the OLE is required for the study and assessment of this course.

Equipment
A computer system suitable for connecting to the Internet is essential (see the School of Science and Technology Guide to Computers for Courses). This course cannot be studied without easy, regular access to such a system.

Software
The course assumes that you have a browser on your system, as well as a basic text-editor (such as Notepad). Other software required will be supplied as part of the course material.

Internet access
Internet access is required in this course.

Set book(s)
Schneider, P and Evans, J (2013) New Perspectives on the Internet: Comprehensive, 9th edn, Course Technology, Cengage Learning.

Students with disabilities
As the course involves a considerable amount of computing work, students with impaired manipulative skills or impaired vision should consult the Course Coordinator before registering.