Prerequisites
CS-233 required, CS-304 preferred
Book
Learning Perl, 2nd Edition. By Randal L. Schwartz & Tom Christiansen.
Brief Description of the Course
This course will give the student the opportunity to develop a sense of current and future uses of the web and tools which facilitate such uses. It furthermore actively encourages students to develop plans for future tools or uses. We begin the course by categorizing current uses of the web, the tools that facilitate such uses, and evaluate the uses and tools along several dimensions. We will then attempt to project future uses and tools that facilitate such uses. Once an initial theory of web-based information systems has been developed, we will set out to actively develop new or improve current tools and uses. An introduction to Perl, the programming language of choice for developing and prototyping web-based information systems will be given.
Objectives
There are three main objectives to be accomplished with the completion of this course:
- To actively involve the student in the research process as it applies to the new domain of web-based information systems.
- To familiarize the student with the latest concepts and techniques useful for building web-based information systems.
- To develop skills necessary to quickly gather and present pertinent information.
Method of Instruction
The course revolves around three methods of instruction. First and foremost will be the student-centered exploratory learning approach. This involves students in small groups working on a real problem. The student will be expected to research the topic, make presentations on their findings, and to apply appropriate knowledge to their projects. The second form of instruction is also student centered. Groups of students will make presentations to the whole class on topics important to web-based information systems. Discussion will be used to further elucidate the ideas presented. Finally, the instructor will use lecture and demonstration to introduce students to relevant tools and concepts of the world-wide web.
Grading
This course is highly interactive where active participation is expected and accounts for 40% of your final grade (10% for participation and 30% for presentations.) By participation, I mean active participation in class discussions. Everyone is expected to participate in several presentations. The purpose of the presentations is to clarify issues that arise in class and about which we would like to obtain more information. The groups that give the presentations form on the fly, depending on participant interest. Assignments consist of small programming assignments or other homeworks which are given to the entire class. Finally, there is the project. You may either do a research project or a business proposal. A research project may propose and study the feasibility of a new tool or to suggest considerable improvements to existing tools for the web. It should be of a quality so that it can be submitted to an appropriate conference. A business proposal would propose a new enterprise for the internet or a significant improvement for existing businesses. It should be of a quality so that it could be submitted to the newly formed Center for an Innovation Economy sponsored by Rose-Hulman. More detailed information on the projects will follow at a later time.
Item Weight Participation 10% Presentations 30% Assignments 10% Project 50%