Horticulture 489
Internet Technology for Horticulture
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Course Description
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HORT 489. Internet Technology for Horticulture. 2 1.5 hr lectures per week. Credit 3 hrs.
Tuesday/Thursday 11:15 - 12:25, Room 115 HFSB
To be offered in fall semester, beginning Fall, 2004.
Internet Technology for Horticulture will teach students to evaluate critically the role of computer technology in horticultural production and management systems. While several advanced information technologies will be discussed, the focus will be on the Web. After lecture/discussion presentations of the subject matter, students will create projects that illustrate the course principles and will evaluate them individually and collectively through written and oral assessment sessions. While the principal focus of the course will be on how very diverse horticultural enterprises have integrated Internet technology into their operations, some attention will be given to ancillary topics such as network security, collection and archiving of digital information, and database construction and management. Students will gain additional skills in use of personal computers, creation and formatting of information for Web delivery, management of digital archives, digital photography, critical analysis, writing reports, and oral presentations facilatated by computer technology.
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Course Instructor
Dr. Dan Lineberger, Department of Horticultural Sciences, 845-5278
Email dan-lineberger@tamu.edu
Web http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu
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Prerequisites
HORT 201 and junior standing, or permission of the instructor.
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Topical Outline
| Approx Hrs |
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Topic |
| 1 |
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Origins and development of the World Wide Web |
| 2 |
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The hardware of the Web |
| 2 |
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The software of the Web |
| 3 |
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The CODE of the Web (HTML, XML, Javascript) |
| 1 |
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Non-Web based Internet applications; (email, file transfer, video conferencing) |
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| 3 |
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Elements of a functional business Web |
| 3 |
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Characteristics of eCommerce Web sites |
| 3 |
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Website creation and maintenance for horticultural operations |
| 1 |
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Barcode scanning and inventory management |
| 2 |
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Sensors and computer control equipment |
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| 3 |
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Database construction and management |
| 2 |
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Data and computer security |
| 2 |
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Business communication and video conferencing |
| 2 |
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Intellectual property and copyright policy |
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| 2 |
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Constructing a professional ePortfolio |
| 2 |
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Making professional presentations (including PowerPoint) |
| 2 |
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Management of personal and professional digital libraries |
| 6 |
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Student oral presentation and evaluation sessions |
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Course Grading
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Project Descriptions
The four personal and one group required projects will constitute a majority of the course grade.
- Individual Web page and ePortfolio
- The individual Web page and personal eportfolio require a student to design, construct and maintain a Web site on the class Web server. Students will learn to use graphics and photoediting software, file transfer and html coding programs, and will learn to design Web pages that are graphically appealing while also being bandwith efficient. The individual Web page is a single, styled page that contains the name, contact information, hometown, major and career objective statement, list of extracurricular activities, favorite links, and of course, a photo.
The ePortfolio is a detailed Web site with a unified color and design scheme that contains the individual's biographical information, academic courses and their descriptions, sample projects as well illustrated pages, career objectives, job and internship experience, and appropriate links. The purpose of an ePortfolio is to inform potential employers about yourself and your academic career, including examples of your best work (term papers, PowerPoint presentations, design projects, drawings, photographs, etc.).
- Web site review/evaluation
- The company Web site evaluation project will be an in depth analysis of a business Web site, including elements of site analysis, usability, appearance, and overall business impact. The project will include a written analysis (approximately 5 typed pages in length) and an oral presentation component using modern presentation software and equipment.
- Enterprise Web Site Group project
- The enterprise group project will require students to design and construct a Web site for a "real" horticultural operation. Students will function in groups of 3 or 4 under the leadership of a project manager. The enterprise Web site will be a comprehensive Web presence for the assigned firm, and must include as one of its elements a simple database, populated with sample data. Student teams will also give a PowerPoint presentation on the completed project in a manner of "selling" the project concept to the business owner. The "real" business owners will be invited to the presentations (contingent upon scheduling).
- CD project
- The CD project will allow students to prepare and burn a CDROM of their class projects and data and will illustrate the use of CDROMs for both archival and marketing purposes.
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Reference Materials
A text is not required for this course. Course supplementary materials will be presented on a comprehensive Web site. Reading assignments, site evaluations, and project examples will be assigned from selected Web sites.
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Policy on Late/Missed Assignments
Permission on makeup late/missed assignments will be given for official University excuses. Dr. Lineberger must be informed personally withing 24h of missing the assigned due date. All makeup assignments must be submitted within 7 days of the originally scheduled date or the student will receive a grade of zero.
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Changes in Schedule
The instructor reserves the right to change the order and content of lectures as necessary. Group discussion and project dates (excluding the final) may be changed by the instructor, but at least 5 days notice will be given.
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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy Statement
The following ADA Policy Statement (part of the Policy on Individual Disabling Conditions) was submitted to the University Curriculum Committee by the Department of Student Life. The policy statement was forwarded to the Faculty Senate for information.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Department of Student Life, Services for Students with Disabilities, in Room 126 of the Koldus Building or call 845-1637.
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Academic Integrity Statement
"An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do."
Students are expected to attend all classes, complete assignments on time, and participate fully in class discussions and group projects. Violations of the Honor Code will be handled in accordance with the Texas A&M University Regulations governing academic integrity.
http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor
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