550 InfoTech Course Site - Summer

Introduction to Information Technologies [17:610:550]

Online - Summer 2024

Course Description

This course offers students a hands-on introduction to software tools and technology used in the creation and delivery of information services. Students will learn key concepts and skills related to Web technologies (e.g., HTML, CSS, Frameworks), Web programming (e.g., JavaScript, PHP) and Data management (e.g., MySQL). Students will learn how to use and evaluate Web services and open source software tools. Students will learn how information technology is used in today’s information organizations and libraries, e.g., integrated library systems, technical services, document management, and provision of Web services. The knowledge and skills conveyed in this course will assist students in applying information, web and data technologies in various information services and in their professional practice.

Learning Objectives

  • Create Screencasts and Work with Different Media Types, such as images, audio and video.
  • Utilize Web Services, such as online surveys, Google Analytics or Web APIs, in the design and development of information services.
  • Create and upload HTML Web pages that are standards compliant and contain relative and absolute links, tables, images and embedded video or data widgets.
  • Design external Cascading Style Sheets that control the layout and visual appearance of a set of Web pages.
  • Design Responsive Layouts that control the layout and visual appearance of a set of Web pages on different display devices.
  • Understand Key Programming Concepts such as variables, arrays, control statements and loops and functions.
  • Understand the Basics of JavaScript to create simple or customize existing code samples.
  • Understand the Basics of Scripting Languages, such as PHP, to create simple and useful scripts to develop information service.
  • Create a Database Application using MySQL that shows information organized into one or more Tables, a data entry Form, multiple Queries for simple information retrieval, and one or more Reports for the presentation of information.
  • Evaluate an Open Source Software Tool and assess the advantages and disadvantages of using such tools in a library or business setting.