i312: Information in Cyberspace

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i312 Information in Cyberspace
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What is i312?

• Undergraduate online course
• Began in the classroom 6 years ago
• Grew from 50 to 100 to 200 students
• Introduction to the history, management, use of
  online information
• Consistently receives an average course
  evaluation rating of over 4 on a 5 point scale

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i312 as an organization

• i312 is different than most organizations because
  it is an iterative system
• new users
• new technologies to teach and try.
• the use of information technologies in i312
  shifts so often, it's difficult to pinpoint what
  works and what doesn't.

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i312 content

• 6 modules with HTML lessons and Webcasts
• Linux Unix
• Internet History, Protocols, Governance
• Computer Internet Security
• Internet Communication
• Information Searching Evaluation
• Accessibility Usability
• Final Project

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i312 communication

• Students
• Email, IM, IT lab, Webcast, FAQs
• Management
• Blogs, email, face-to-face

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Growing pains

• Management of content and staff
• Communication
• Technology
• Virtually unnoticed by students

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Communication issues

• Team teaching
• Several Blogs
• Management of course content
• One instructor in Spain
• Grading
• IM assignment
• Final Projects

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Technology issues

• Seeking stable technology
• Blackboardlimitations
• Building a custom infrastructure
• Management of website
• Management of module problems

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i312 communication overhaul

• Wordpress vs. Blogger
• Instructor in Spain
• Flattened hierarchy
• Communications liaison
• Content Management
• Undergraduate Assistants
• Incorporating feedback
• Assignments and FAQs
• Revised web site workflow

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i312 technology enhancement

• Database
• Rosters
• Final Projects
• Web Server
• Webmin GUI to Apache
• Streaming Server
• Webcasts
• Web site

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Current issues

• Rosters
• Blackboard Clips
• Add/Drop
• Web site
• Semantic markup
• Archiving
• RSS
• Search
• Name changes