e-mail: akotulic@kent.edu
Web Site:Http://www.personal.kent.edu/~akotulic
Text Book Web Site Resource:Http://facweb.cs.depaul.edu/cwhite
Textbook:
Data Communications & Computer Networks: A Business User's Approach, Second Edition, Curt White, Course Technology, 2002 (ISBN 0-619-06464-1)
This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts underlying local and wide area telecommunications networks and an understanding of the relevant terminology. It includes an overview of transmission media, data communications protocols, and network configurations, a description of modulation, error control, multiplexing, and switching techniques, and a discussion of current telecommunications technologies, services, standards, and regulations.
GENERAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS
This course is primarily lecture, but class discussion is strongly encouraged. You should be prepared to: * Attend class; * Read the assigned chapters in the text book;* Answer the Review Questions; * Become an AGK Volunteer for the bonus exercises; * Participate in class discussions; * Study for exams; * Work closely with fellow team mates to produce a project that you would be proud to show to others (present and/or future employers, family members, total strangers, and your instructor.)
Assignment (1): The specific chapters that are assigned should be read before coming to class. The quizzes will be based on the materials included in the assigned chapter materials.
Assignment (2): Selected review questions & exercises at the end of each assigned chapter will be reviewed at the beginning of the next class session. You will be required to turn in a copy of the assigned review questions & exercises with your answers. The assignment will be collected at the beginning of the class period. Late assignments will not be counted.
Assignment (3):Group Project. Organize into groups of three or four people to research a topic and then design and develop a presentation on the topic. Note: This project is not a typical research paper project. You may select your own group members, but there can be no less than 3, no more than 4 members on each team. Each group is expected to send me, via e-mail a list of all team members and the designated team leader no later than 6:00 PM on SEPTEMBER. 11, 2003.
You have the option of not selecting your team members and or a project topic and have me assign you to a project team and/or assign a project topic. The team leader must discuss your selected project topic with me (in person) and obtain my approval of your topic selection by 6:00 PM on SEPTEMBER 23, 2003. This should take place during my office hours or by appointment. If you do not obtain my approval by the deadline, I will assign a topic for the team project. Note that if you wait for my topic IT MAY (Pr => 100%) require a significant stretch beyond what your team might have selected.
The first team to get a topic approved is the only team that will be allowed to work on that topic. There will be no exceptions.
There are four main parts to this project: 1) the preliminary outline; 2) the final outline; 3) the group presentation; and 4) peer evaluation.
1. PROPOSAL. Your preliminary outline is intended to describe the major sections of what you plan to research and present in your findings. In this case, you are to research a telecommunications and/or networking security problem, technology, or issue. The group leader will present the proposed topic outline and plan to the instructor for review to insure that it is appropriate, in terms of topic and the amount of effort involved. Written topic outline proposals are due by 6:00 PM on OCTOBER 02, 2003. Your topic outline proposal should be a 1 to 2 page document outlining the topic you wish to pursue, its significance to telecommunications and/or networking security, the different suggested approaches to address the issue (e.g. which is better- technology A or technology B; what is the best technology for a given company, etc.). The team leader will make a brief (no more than 6 minutes) presentation to me on the specifics of your proposed topic. This will be followed by approximately 5-10 minutes of one on one discussion. The purpose of this discussion is to determine how to improve or modify the content of the proposed topic presentation. Modified project descriptions (if modified), along with an outline description of your final presentation (at least 2 levels per section) are due no later than OCTOBER 21, 2003 6:00 PM.
Feel free to have the team project leader consult with me via (phone, e-mail, or in person) throughout this process.
Note: You do not have an approved project until I have approved both the topic and the outline.
2. PROJECT SUBMISSION. The results of your project are to be presented in a business report presentation format (e.g. executive summary, the presentation outline, THE PRESENTATION,alphabetical list of the references used (cite your references at appropriate locations within the presentation), a brief abstract of each source reference used for the presentation, and a hard copy of all references cited). The project submission should have a cover page that includes the project title, team number, team members' names, and date. The executive summary should be a one to three page summary of why the presentation topic is important, etc. This will vary based on the approved topic.
NOTE: Evidence of plagiarism will result in a grade of zero for all team members. All team members are expected to have fully reviewed the project package before submission.
*****PRELIMINARY GRADING DETAILS *****While there may be individual grade adjustments based on feedback from the peer evaluation forms, the project will be graded initially according to the following scheme: breadth 15%; depth 15%; clarity 15%; difficulty/effort SHOWN in organization of information 20%; mechanic (structure, spelling, grammar) 10%, quality & relevance of figures/tables included in presentation 10%; Quality & relevance of references 15%.
The project submission package is due no sooner or no later than the start of class on Tuesday NOVEMBER 25, 2003 or the start of class on Tuesday, DECEMBER 02, 2003. Late submissions will receive a severe penalty (i.e., 5 points per 24 hour period).
3. PROJECT PRESENTATION: The Group Presentation offers you the chance to impart knowledge to the rest of the class. In the essence of time, your group presentation is limited to no less than 20 minutes and no more than 25 minutes, followed by no more than 10 minutes of discussion. Two groups will present per class session. We will dedicate up to 3 full days of class time (depending upon class size) to group presentations.
Group presentations may commence Tuesday November 25, 2003 (if required). We will draw tickets Thursday, November 13, 2003 to determine the day and order of each group presentation. Note: Absence of a team member on the day of presentation is not sufficient cause for delaying a presentation.
Each team is to present their project in class. When giving your presentation, it is not necessary to include all the details that you found in researching your project. You are strongly encouraged to be creative in developing your presentation (do not simply read the information from the presentation slides), to begin the presentation by introducing your team members and topic, to include a multimedia demonstration if appropriate, and to rehearse your presentation to ensure that it fits the allotted time. You may assume that an overhead projector, computer, and computer projector will be provided, although I strongly recommend that you have a backup plan in case of equipment failures. If you wish to use any additional equipment, you should notify me at least one week in advance, schedule a time to test the equipment in the classroom, and coordinate your presentation with the other team presenting on the same day.
****PRELIMINARY GRADING DETAILS****While there may be individual grade adjustments based on feedback from the peer evaluation forms, the presentation will be graded initially according to the following scheme: clear, concise & interesting 25%, Effective handouts & use of A/V materials 15%, organization 10%, knowledgeable of topic 5%, appropriate level for class 10%, stimulating & intelligent discussion period 10%, enthusiasm & innovation 10%, diction/pace/time management & eye contact 15%.
4. Peer Evaluation. This is expected to be a group project. Any team member who does not contribute his or her fair share on the project should not expect to receive the same project grade as others. All team members are expected to contribute equally to creating a high-quality product. However, each project team will be self-managed and responsible for determining the roles played by its members, and the nature of the contributions may differ across team members. It is up to the team to make these decisions appropriately and all team members should ensure that their contributions are on track and sufficient. Following the team presentation, each team is to submit evaluations of each team member. If there are four members on a team, A, B, and C evaluate D; B, C, and D evaluate A, etc., Individual project grade = team project grade * peer evaluation percentage. For example, if your group project grade = 90, and average summary peer evaluation grade = 100, your individual project grade = 90. However, if your team project grade = 90 and average summary peer evaluation grade = 50, your individual project grade = 45!
FINALIZED GRADING SCHEME
The project report and project presentation grades will be assigned initially using the finalized grading schemes that will be outlined at a later date. However, I reserve the right to make adjustments to individual grades based on information from the peer evaluation forms which you will download from the course web site and complete. You are to use these forms, which are due on the dates indicated on the schedule. You will award points that indicate the value of the project contributions of each member of your team and to provide written comments justifying the points you award. Failure to complete and submit a peer evaluation form is likely to result in a negative adjustment to your own project report and presentation grades.
PRESENTATION EVALUATIONS
Each student is required to attend all the project presentations at the end of the semester and to submit a presentation evaluation of one presentations from each of the 2/3 class meetings in which projects are presented. The total required number of evaluations due is 2/3. Clearly indicate the project topic, team number, and presentation date on every evaluation form which you will download from the course web site and complete. The forms will be posted on the web site at a later date. The forms will be collected at the end of class on the presentation days.
* Class Participation Questions, comments, etc. are encouraged. If after reading the chapter you do not understand some of the material, please ask questions.
QUIZZES
* Quiz content is based on reading assignments, review questions and bonus exercises. You are expected to fully understand these topics. Exams are primarily multiple choice, True/False, fill in the blanks and If False what is the correct answer. The Lecture overheads are provided on the text book web site to further your understanding of the course. DO NOT attempt to memorize the content of the overheads. Exam questions are based on one's understanding of the subject, rather than one's ability to memorize. The best way to study for these exams is to review your personal class notes, the review questions & assigned exercises and your answers to the AGK V program. Please feel free to see me during office hours (or by appointment) to discuss any problems with the assigned material prior to an exam.
There will be 5 quizzes, of which your best 4 will be worth 16 points each and your worst will be dropped. The emphasis will be on the assigned and bonus material. Each quiz will be approximately 40-50 minutes long and usually will be given at the beginning of a class period or before new material is covered in that class period. While taking the quiz, you may refer to one 1-sided 8 1/2 x 11" page of notes which you are to show me when you turn in your quiz. Except for this page of notes, each quiz will be closed book and closed notes. You will be allowed to use a calculator. The use of PDAs will not be allowed.
You are expected to take each quiz in class on the day that it is scheduled. A makeup quiz (which may be different from the original quiz) will only be given if you have a legitimate excuse (i.e., sickness with medical note, athletic event with coach's note, religious observation, military responsibility with documentation, or death in family with documentation) and obtain my permission prior to the scheduled quiz time. Otherwise, you will receive a zero for a missed quiz. If you have any questions concerning a grade you receive on a quiz, it is your responsibility to inform me within 1 week of the quiz being returned to you. Quiz grades will not be discussed after that time.
The AGK Volunteer Program
The text book has an interactive CD included on the back cover. There are (4) simple steps to participate in the program. (1) Remove the CD from the back cover; (2) run the simulation on a PC; (3) Correctly answer the questions associated with the assigned chapters; (4) Send me an e-mail (NO LATER THAN) one day prior to a scheduled quiz day [by 5:00 PM] certifying that you have run the simulation(s) and correctly answered the questions associated with the simulation. The e-mail MUST identify the chapter(s) that you correctly answered the questions for that are included in the scheduled quiz. Additionally, you must clearly identify yourself (Full Name) in the body of the e-mail.
The KSU book store WILL NOT buy back a used text book unless the CD that was included with the new text book is returned with the book.
Contract of Understanding
Students will have the opportunity to earn one bonus grade point by executing the following process: (1) Obtain a copy of the syllabus & schedule; (2) Read both documents and if there are any items that are not understood ask the instructor to clarify the item(s) for you. (3) Send the instructor an e-mail message that contains the text included in the next paragraph.
"I FIRST NAME, LAST NAME have read the syllabus & schedule and I understand what is expected of me during the Fall 2003 semester in MIS 44042-002. Additionally, I will check the syllabus and schedule to confirm when all assignments are due. I have requested and received clarification from the instructor regarding any item(s) I did not fully understand.
The instructor MUST receive the e-mail communication by 5:00 PM September 04, 2003. There will be no exceptions granted.
| Quizzes (best 4 out of 5) | 64.0 points |
| Written Project requirement | 10.0 points |
| Project presentation | 18.0 points |
| Review Question assignments (11 sets) | 6.0 points | Presentation Evaluations (2/3) | 2/3 points |
| Bonus Contract of Understanding | 1.0 point |
| Bonus AGK Volunteer Program | 4.5 points |
| Total | 105.5/106.5 points |
After rounding your numeric score to the nearest integer, your course letter grade will be assigned according to the scale: A = 90-105; B = 80-89; C = 70-79; D = 60-69; and F = 0-59.
Attendance is not mandatory but it is highly recommended. You are responsible for all material presented and assignment due dates & times. You should not expect any special consideration if you miss due dates due to being absent.
PLEASE come to class on time and stay until the class has ended. Unless you have a legitimate reason for doing so, do not come to class late or leave early. There are other students who want to be in class and it is not fair to disrupt them by the noise and disturbance of late arrivals and early departures. Never ridicule anyone for asking a question. There is no such thing as a stupid question but it is stupid not to ask questions! Use of a cell phone or pager during class is not permitted. PLEASE shut them off before coming in the class room or place the ringer on silent or vibrate status.
COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY POLICIES
[A] Prerequisites: Students attending the course who do not have the proper prerequisite risk being deregistered from the class.
[B] Course registration: Students have responsibility to ensure they are properly enrolled in classes. You are advised to review your official class schedule (using Web for Students) during the first two weeks of the semester to ensure you are properly enrolled in this class and section. Should you find an error in your class schedule, you have until Friday, September 05, 2003 to correct it with your advising office. If registration errors are not corrected by this date and you continue to attend and participate in classes for which you are not officially enrolled, you are advised now that you will not receive a grade at the conclusion of the semester for any class in which you are not properly registered.
[C] Academic Honesty: Cheating means to misrepresent the source, nature, or other conditions of your academic work (e.g., tests, papers, projects, assignments) so as to get undeserved credit. In addition, it is considered cheating when one cooperates with someone else in any such misrepresentation. The use of the intellectual property of others without giving them appropriate credit is a serious academic offense. It is the University's policy that cheating or plagiarism result in receiving a failing grade for the work or course. Repeat offenses result in dismissal from the University.
[D] Course withdrawal: For Fall 2003, the course withdrawal deadline is Saturday, November 01, 2003. Withdrawal before the deadline results in a "W" on the official transcript; after the deadline a grade must be calculated and reported.
[E] Students with disabilities: In accordance with University policy, if you have a documented disability and require accommodations to obtain equal access in this course, please contact the instructor at the beginning of the semester or when given an assignment for which an accommodation is required. Students with disabilities must verify their eligibility through the Office of Student Disability Services (SDS) in the Michael Schwartz Service Center (672-3391).
[F] E-mail Accounts: Effective Fall '02 Kent State University student e-mail accounts are the university's official means of communication with students. Students should check their e-mail accounts on a periodic basis (at least twice a week) for university related items.
I will only send original e-mail to a student e-mail account. If you want e-mail sent to a different account you must set up your Kent State account to forward your e-mail to another account. There will be no exceptions to this policy.
E-MAIL PROTOCOL: Subject Line: TN, ASSIGNMENT XXXXX, LAST NAME, FIRST NAME.. Make sure that in the body of the attachment (IF Any) you clearly identify yourself as the author of the attachment LAST NAME, FIRST NAME