Dominican University
Graduate School
of Library and Information Science

 

LIS724: Media Services and Production

3 Credit Hours

Fall, 2007

September 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7 – 9:00-4:30

 

 

Chris Balsano, Adjunct Instructor

Office Hours: By Appointment

Home Phone: 630.969.6135

Email: cbalsano@dom.edu

 

I.                 Course Description:

An overview of media technologies used in the teaching/learning process.  Emphasis is given to: the relationship of learning theory to use of media (including interactive and multimedia technologies); the role of the library media specialist in facilitating effective creation/production and use of media by students and teachers in elementary, middle and secondary schools; copyright issues; and planning for technology.

 

 

II.                Required Texts:

Simpson, Carol. Copyright for Schools: A Practical Guide. 4th edition. Worthington, Ohio: Linworth Publishing, 2005.

Williams, Robin.
The Non-Designers Design Book. 2nd edition. Berkeley, California: Peachpit Press, 2004.

 

III.               Learning Objectives:

Students will gain an understanding of:
· the role of the librarian in an organization with respect to media production
· basic design principles
· various multimedia tools and peripherals used to create instructional materials
· selection issues for software and hardware, including pricing
· media literacy in today's multimedia environment
· the collaborative creation process, and
· copyright issues as they apply to media production and use.

 

IV.        Assignments and Course Requirements: 

Course Design:
Class time will include lecture, discussion, demonstrations, presentations, and computer lab use.  Students will have individual and group assignments.  Some class time will be devoted to completing projects.

Assignments:
The points for the assignments (100 points in all) are as follows:

 

10 points. Promotional Flyer
Using design issues and techniques discussed in Robin Williams' book and in class, each student will create a promotional flyer for a special library event. Be prepared to explain to your classmates how you used the design principles in your flyer.  Flyer will be posted to Blackboard.
Due: October 3

 

20 points.  Subscription Database Investigation and Handout (10 points/each)
Each student will investigate two subscription databases and prepare accompanying instructional handouts using design principles. The databases will be demonstrated to the class in 5 minute presentations. Copies of the instructional handouts will be posted to Blackboard. 
Due:  Throughout the semester

10 points.  Equipment Investigation PowerPoint
Each student will investigate a piece of equipment, such as a laptop, digital still camera, camcorder, video data projector, DVD recorder, or networked printer. The investigation of different models will include an evaluation as to pros, cons, price, ease of use, etc. Equipment will be demonstrated if possible. Cost comparisons, evaluations and a few useful websites on selecting and operating this type of equipment will be constructed. The presentation will be given to the class using PowerPoint. The PowerPoint will be posted on Blackboard.
Due: October 10

 

10 points.  Webquest Assignment
Each student will locate a minimum of 10 websites pertaining to a topic of his choice.  These annotated websites will be used to construct a webquest and posted to Blackboard.

Due: October 17

 

10 points. Photostory3 Project

Each student will complete a 2-3 minute digital storytelling project incorporating 10-15 still images, narration and sound. The project will be completed in class using Photostory3.

Due:  October 24

 

10 points.  Interview
Each student will conduct an interview with a librarian concerning equipment selection, purchase, and maintenance and post a reflection on Blackboard.
Due:  October 31


20 points.   Instructional Project
Each student will create and present an instructional project based on a specific technology topic of his/her choice. Multimedia will be incorporated into the presentation. Students should review their topic choice with the instructor before making a final selection. The project should be creative and informative.
Due: October 31 or November 7

10 points.  Participation and Commitment.
Attend every class and participate in discussions. The course grade, particularly the class participation component, is likely to be affected by absences and tardies. You are expected to have read the assigned material and come to class prepared to discuss and critique these readings. There will be some ungraded, mini assignments.  The ungraded assignments will contribute to the class participation grade

 

 

V.         Assessment:
Since this is a graduate class, candidates are expected to attend each class, be punctual, and produce work of professional quality (including citations whenever appropriate).  It is also understood that graduate students have commitments outside of course work. Students who plan on missing a class should make the instructor aware of that ahead of time. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain any material covered or assignments missed. Missing class time may result in a grade reduction.

 

 

According to university policy, students are expected to “conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity. Failure to maintain academic integrity will not be tolerated.” (Dominican University Bulletin). Definitions of plagiarism, cheating, and academic dishonesty can also be found in the Handbook.


All assignments will be due at the beginning of the class period. Late work will result in a grade reduction. All written work should be clear and error free. No extra credit work will be given.  Graded papers will be returned at the end of the class period.


    A          A-       B+       B         B-         C+       C          C-         D        F
95-100   90-94   85-89   80-84   75-79   70-74   65-69   64-below

 

 

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

GRADING POLICY (12/15/2004)

 

The faculty of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science use the following guidelines in their grading:

 

Numeric*

Grade   Equivalent                     Definition

 

            A             4.0                            Outstanding achievement.  Student 
                                                            performance demonstrates full command 
                                                            of the course materials and evinces a  
                                                            high level of originality and/or creativity

that far surpasses course expectations; nearly flawless work.

 

A-           3.67                            Excellent achievement.  Student 
                                                   performance demonstrates thorough
                                                   knowledge of the course materials and
                                                   exceeds course expectations by  
                                                   completing all requirements in a superior 
                                                    manner.

 

B+           3.33                           Good solid work.  Student performance
                                                                 demonstrates strong comprehension of
                                                                  the course materials and                
                                                                 exceeds course expectations on all     
                                                                 tasks as defined in the course syllabus.

 

B             3.0                            Satisfactory acceptable work.  Student
                                                                 performance meets designated course
                                                                 expectations, demonstrates          
                                                                 understanding of the course materials
                                                                 and performs at an acceptable level.

 

B-            2.67                           Marginal work.  Student performance
                                                    demonstrates incomplete, substandard  
                                                     understanding of course 
                                                    materials, or absence of required
                                                    work; indicates danger of falling below 
                                                    acceptable grading standard.

 

            C+           2.33                           Unsatisfactory work.  Student
                                                                performance demonstrates 
                                                                unsatisfactory understanding of course
                                                                materials and inability to meet course
                                                                requirements. 

 

            C             2.0                            Unacceptable work.  Student
                                                                 performance demonstrates incomplete 
                                                                 and inadequate understanding  
                                                                 of course materials.

 

            C-           1.67                            Poor work. 

 

            F             0.0                             Failing grade. 

 

            *Grading System on p. 20 in DU GSLIS 2005-2006 Bulletin.

 

 

 

VI.             Course Calendar:
September 26
Introduction to this course, to the lab, and to each other
Role of library media specialist - standards
Computer basics
Overview of MS Publisher
Review of picture file formats
Finding graphics on the web

Wikis
Lab: Completion of personal data sheet; posting to discussion board

October 3
Readings: Robin Williams’ Non-Designer's Design Book
Introduction to PowerPoint
Hardware selection and evaluation criteria

Lecture and discussion: Media Literacy

Blogs
Due: Promotional Flyer
Due: Wiki definitions

Lab:  Learning styles inventory

October 10
Due: Media Literacy Article Review on Blog
Due: Blog Reflection

Due: Equipment Investigation
Discussion of equipment inventories/budget
Selecting Software
Audio/video in PowerPoint
Demonstration of productivity software
Introduction to Webquest/Filamentality

October 17
Digital storytelling
Due:  Webquest websites and annotations

Due:  Mini PowerPoint Sampler

Lab:  Dreamweaver

October 24
Photostory3
Due: Phtostory3 Project (completed in class by end of period))
Introduction to Inspiration
Introduction to Zoomerang surveys
Lab:  Work on Inspiration and Zoomerang for final project

October 31
Due: Students present final project
Due:  Site Interview
Lab:  Plagiarism

November 7
Due:  Students present final project
Due: Copyright Questions
Course evaluation

Refer to Assignments and Calendar buttons on Blackboard for more details.