Female Friendly Computing: Computers, Information, and Society AWSS 299Q Spring 1994 SUNY at Albany Days: MWF Times: 12:20-1:15pm Rooms: LC-11, SB-17, SB-33, and other rooms as noted. This feminist introduction to using computers is designed for people who have found other introductory computer courses unfriendly. This course will include practical hands-on work with microcomputers, electronic mail, and on-line information systems. Implications of the electronic age of information and societal issues such as "Why are there so few female computer scientists?" will be addressed through a variety of readings. Enrollment preference is given to undergraduates who have taken at least one other Women's Studies course. Instructors Kathy Turek Computing and Network Services CS-18 442-3707 turek@csc.albany.edu Theresa Pardo Academic Computing Services, Siena College 783-2573 pardo@siena.bitnet TA Helen Commisso 442-3227 hc6849@uacsc1.albany.edu Course Logistics The course will meet in LC-11 for the classroom parts and in the electronic classrooms in SB-17 and SB-33 for the hands on practical work. Class meets MWF 12:20-1:15pm from Jan. 21 through May 2nd when University classes are in session. Be punctual! Note 1: SB-17 and SB-33 are electronic classrooms located on the uptown campus in the sub-basement. Note 2: No eating or drinking is permitted in the electronic classrooms. Prerequisites It is assumed that students in this course have little or (preferably) no computer experience. However, it is assumed that students have some experience with at least one other Women's Studies course. Students must be taking this course voluntarily and want to learn about computers. Goals: 1. Introduce basic computing concepts. Provide exposure to several types of computing systems and related technologies. 2. Heighten awareness of social issues associated with computer technology and the Information Age. 3. Provide students with enough knowledge and exposure to computers, computer programming, and other aspects of computing technology that they can decide whether they would like to take another course in computing. Objectives: By the successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Know and understand computer terminology and jargon to the extent of being able to understand computer ads and newspaper articles about computers and networks. 2. Send electronic mail to local and off campus users, read and manage incoming mail, and access basic internet resources, e.g., use gopher. 3. Describe three ways men and women tend to use computers differently. 4. Describe three factors that tend to discourage girls and women from using computers. 5. Discuss issues of privacy, security and access as related to computer technologies. 6. Know the computers and computing facilities available to students at the University of Albany. NON-objectives: The following are not objectives for this course: 1. Have the student love (or even like) computers. 2. Have the student be an expert computer programmer. 3. Have the student become expert with any particular applications software, such as a word processing program. Required materials: Textbook: Simkin, Robert. DISCOVERING COMPUTERS. Readings: Packet available at Shipmates, Stuyvesant Plaza Optional: VAX/VMS Computing Handbook, August 1992 edition Policies: This section covers the policies for the course. You should read it very carefully! Grading. Your final grade is determined by the total number of points you accumulate out of a possible 400. There are no tests or surprise quizzes. You are not in competition with your classmates; there is no grading curve. Letter grades are awarded as follows: A 372 or more A 360 B+ 348 B 332 B 320 C+ 308 C 292 C 280 E below 280 Note: There are no D grades for this course. You must achieve a satisfactory grade of C or better or you fail the course with an E. Assignments. Assignments are due at the beginning of the class for which they are assigned. Assignments written for turn in should be typed neatly with proper grammar and correct spelling. Papers should be double spaced with one-inch margins left and right. Use a reasonable point size (10-12). In addition, strictly abide by the page number limits! Attendance. Attendance is expected at all classes. Any unexcused absence accumulates a ten point penalty on your point total. Excused absences accumulate two to eight point penalties depending on the circumstances. To assist you in maintaining perfect attendance, the class scheduled for March 25 will be a small group exercise that can be done ahead of time to facilitate those who need to travel. Class on Monday April 4th will be held as scheduled, and you should plan to attend. Time. In general, for this course you should plan on spending approximately two hours outside of class for every hour in class. This time should be for readings, written assignments, and general class preparation. If, at any time during the course, you find yourself spending significantly more time than this, then something is wrong! Please notify the instructors so they can make any necessary adjustments. Plagiarism and Cheating. Students are encouraged to form study groups and to work together on many of the assignments in this course. You are encouraged to learn by interacting with one another as well as to support and help one another. For example, have one of your classmates read over your written work and comment before you hand it in. You must acknowledge team efforts. You can do this by stating "worked with ..." on your assignment or "proofed by..." Plagiarism or cheating in this course will result in a failing grade for the course, and disciplinary action through the University judiciary system will be sought. Course Outline 1/21 (F) LC-11 Introduction to the course. Syllabus plan and policies. 1/24 (M) SB-17 Applying for VAX accounts. Introduction to microcomputer facilities. Facilities use agreement. Due: Read over the entire course outline. Start thinking about the first two special assignments (due 1/26 and 2/14). Look through the October 1993 Computing and Network Services Newsletter. To hand in: Initial attitudes survey. (10 points) 1/26 (W) LC-11 Discussion of beliefs and assumptions regarding technology and computers. Tour of computing facilities. Due: Read Simkin chapt. 1, pp. 3-16 To hand in: "The Computer and Me" essay on your relationship to computers and computing. (20 points) 1/28 (F) SB-17 Using shared systems. Signing on the VAX. Sending electronic mail. Due: From the reading packet, read carefully "Choosing a Safer Password," "Using Electronic Mail." Also read "Pool Halls, Chips, and War Games: Women in the Culture of Computing," by Kiesler and Sproull. To hand in: No written assignment due today. 1/31 (M) SB-33 Introduction to graphical user interfaces. Using a mouse. Due: Read "How a Mouse Works" and "Using VMS Mail" Meet with at least one other student from class and discuss the Kiesler and Sproull reading. Go to a public access room or one of the other locations discussed in class with your discussion partner(s) to do the email assignment. To hand in: Send electronic mail to the TA which comments on any one point in the Kiesler and Sproull reading. Your mail should be one or at most two paragraphs in length. (20 points) 2/2 (W) LC-11 Discussion of word processing. Files. Screen display vs. disk storage. Due: Read Simkin chapter 17 pp. 365-387 To hand in: Answer question #1 on p. 390 in one to two pages. (15 points) 2/4 (F) SB-33 Introduction to Word Perfect for Windows. Due: Look over "Using Word Perfect 5.2" in preparation for class. Look over the long handout "Using Mail on the VAX." Use a highlighter to mark those features you think you will find useful or necessary. With your partner(s) sign on to the VAX and run the vmscai tutorial as described on page 1 of the handout. Once in vmscai, study the sections on mail and file handling. To hand in: Write a list of the three features that looked most important to you. List your partners' names and userids. (10 points) Note: The SB-33 lab will be open after class for you to work on your assignment for Monday. However, this is not a public user room and is not normally available to you. The TA will remain in the room to answer questions you if you need assistance. 2/7 (M) LC-11 Parts of a computer system. Types of computer systems. Computers at the University at Albany. Due: Skim read Simkin chapt. 2 pp. 18-31. (Warning: pricing and system specifics are dated, but concepts are the same!) To hand in: Write a short essay to answer Simkin p. 389 #8. (10 points) Exchange email with your partner(s) discussing a topic from class. For one piece of mail you receive forward it to the TA with subject my reply to follow. Then, reply to the mail and carbon copy the TA. (10 points) 2/9 (W) LC-11 Binary numbers. ASCII, EBCDIC, and other codes. Due: Re-look at the Computing and Network Services Newsletter, particularly pp. 13-15, 21. To hand in: No written assignment due today. 2/11 (F) LC-11 Using ASCII code in-class exercise. Due: Read Simkin pp. 462 to the top of 464 in appendix B. Bring the Simkin textbook to class. To hand in: No written assignment due today. 2/14 (M) LC-11 Hardware: input devices, output devices, cpu, etc. Due: No new reading assignment due today. To hand in: Humor assignment. (20 points) 2/16 (W) LC-11 Hardware continued. Memory, RAM, ROM, cache, secondary storage, coprocessors, etc. Due: Read Simkin chapt. 3. Skim chapt. 4 and 5. To hand in: Formulate three questions that you have regarding any of the material in chapter 3 through 5. Write these on 3 by 5 cards (or paper cut to 3x5), one question per card. Keep each question to one side of the card. On the reverse side put your name and userid. (10 points) 2/18: No class. 2/21: No class. 2/23 (W) SB-17 Guest: Sue Darbyshire, VAX Consultant, Computing and Network Services More about email and using the VAX. Due: Computer advertising assignment. Re-read Simkin p. 49 very carefully. To hand in: Computer advertising assignment. (20 points) 2/25 (F) LC-11 Buying a computer. Comparing hardware features. Discussion of hardware questions. Due: Read Simkin chapt. 7 pp. 127-146. Be prepared to discuss exercise #7 on p. 147. To hand in: No written assignment due today. 2/28 (M) ULB IMC Guest: Brenda Hazard, IMC Coordinator University Libraries Due: Read through IMC handout materials. To hand in: Send a short piece of email to VAX CONSULT and carbon copy the TA. Ask a question about some aspect of mail that you do not understand. Identify yourself as being in the WSS299 class and be sure to sign your mail! (10 points) 3/2 (W) LC-11 Introduction to software, operating systems, compilers, interpreters, application software. Due: No new reading assignment due today. To hand in: No written assignment due today. 3/4 (F) SB-17 BASIC programming Due: Read Simkin chapt. 12 pp. 259-269 on programming languages. Be prepared to answer #20 and #21 on BASIC and COBOL. To hand in: No written assignment due today. 3/7 (M) SB-17 BASIC programming cont. Due: Read the pages from the VAX/VMS Computing Handbook in your reading packet: "Working with Files" and "VAX BASIC Programming Tips." To hand in: Group instructions assignment sheet. (10 points) 3/9 (W) SB-17 Other programming languages. Due: Read Simkin chapt 12 pp. 247-258. Work on your programming assignment. To hand in: No written assignment due today. 3/11 (F) UL Guests: Trudi Jacobson, Coordinator of User Education CD-ROM Programs, University Libraries area Deborah Curry, Social Sciences (including Women's Studies) Bibliographer, University Libraries Using CD-ROM databases. Due: No new reading assignment due today. To hand in: No written assignment due today. 3/14 (M) LC-11 Data communications. Introduction to networks. Due: Read articles "Networks Revealed" and "What Are Local Area Networks?" To hand in: Programming assignment. (30 points) 3/16 (W) SB-17 Internet, BITNET and other networks Due: Read Simkin chapt. 6 pp. 99-121. Read articles "LANs and Fiber Optics," "Computer network would link region's users," and "Fiber Optics." To hand in: No written assignment due today. 3/18 (F) SB-17 Internet utilities. Due: Read class handout on Apple communications. To hand in: Simkin exercises p. 122 #11 and #13 (20 points) 3/21 (M) LC-11 Guest: Sharon Dawes, Executive Director Center for Technology in Government University at Albany Due: Read articles "Internet ABCs" and "Use the Right Tools to Easily Surf the Internet." To hand in: No written assignment due today. 3/23 (W) SB-17 Information systems and services over the Internet. Due: Explore the Internet and find one information source available via gopher which is relevant to your major or one of your areas of interest. To hand in: Write directions for how to navigate gopher to get to your information source and describe why your find is important to you. (20 points) 3/25 (F) Arr Group exercise. 3/28, 30, 4/1 No class. 4/4 (M) LC-11 Introduction to ethical and social concerns regarding computers and technology. Why are there so few female computer scientists? Due: Read articles "The Social Construction of Computers: Hammers or Harpsichords?" and "Four Ethical Issues of the Information Age." To hand in: Group paper topic. Your group should turn in a list of those in the group and the topic your group has chosen. (5 points) 4/6 (W) LC-11 Security, privacy, and other social concerns. Due: Read Simkin chapt. 14 pp. 303-317. Read privacy section of the readings packet. To hand in: No written assignment due today. 4/8 (F) LC-13 Guest: Lynn Mayer, Resource Center Manager Center for Computing and Disability Adaptive and enabling technologies. Due: Read article "The Macintosh and Disability Access." Read Simkin p. 341-343. To hand in: No written assignment due today. 4/11 (M) LC-11 Computer ethics issues. Due: Read through the EDUCOM brochure handed out in class, "Using Software: A Guide to Ethical and Legal Use of Software for Members of the Academic Community." Read Simkin chapt. 13 pp. 294-299. Be prepared to discuss the cases. To hand in: No written assignment due today. Note: Last day to schedule "share" time. 4/13 (W) LC-11 Computer crime. Due: Read Simkin chapt. 13 pp. 294-299. Read Simkin chapt. 14 pp. 317-325. To hand in: No written assignment due today. 4/15 (F) SB-33 More with hands-on microcomputing. Due: Read Simkin chapt. 16 pp. 353-362. To hand in: No written assignment due today. 4/18 (M) SB-33 Spreadsheets. Due: Read Simkin chapt. 18 pp. 391 414. To hand in: Write a short essay and compare using DOS to using Windows. Which do you prefer? Why? (10 points) 4/20 (W) LC-11 Databases Due: No new reading assignment due today. To hand in: Write a short essay to answer Simkin p. 417 #1. (10 points) 4/22 (F) SB-33 Integrated software packages, e.g., MS-Works Due: Skim read Simkin chapt. 19 pp. 419-441. To hand in: Write a short essay and describe one database that you use or have used. How do you access its information? What advantage does its use offer you? (10 points) Note: The SB-33 lab will be available for your use after class. 4/25 (M) LC-11 Team presentation. Discussion. Due: No new reading assignment due today. To hand in: Using MS-Works assignment. (10 points) Team Project on Email due, 4/27 (W) LC-11 Team presentation. Discussion. Due: Read Simkin chapt. 13 pp. 277-294. To hand in: No written assignment due today 4/29 (F) LC-11 Team presentation. Discussion. Due: (Re)read Simkin Chapt. 15 pp. 329-349. Read Simkin Appendix pp. 445-458. Read articles "A Short History of Women and Computers" and "Where is Women s Knowledge in the Age of Information?" To hand in: No written assignment due today. 5/2 (M) LC-11 Last class. Course evaluations. Other computer courses at the University. Due: No new reading assignment due today. To hand in: Attitude final surveys. Last day to hand in Computers in Entertainment assignment. 5/6 (F) -- Last day to hand in course assignments. Final group investigation/individual paper due. SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS: "The Computer and Me." Write a description of your personal relationship with computers. This might include your personal beliefs or feelings about computers or your prior experiences with computing. It might include any influences such as friends, teachers, or family in your decision to use or not use computers. (Three to five double-spaced typewritten pages.) Due: January 26 (20 points) Humor Assignment. Find a cartoon or other comic piece dealing with computers. What aspect of society or societal expectations makes this piece funny? Would all people find it funny? Turn in a copy of the cartoon and a brief description (maximum three double-spaces typewritten pages) that addresses these questions. Due: February 14 (20 points) Computer Advertising. Look through some current computer magazines in the library or where you live to find some ads for personal computers. Suggestions for places to look include Byte, PC Magazine, Computer World, as well as catalogs or the local newspaper. Bring in a copy of an advertisement that includes a lot of hardware specification. (Please do not rip pages out of library magazines!) Due: February 23 (20 points) Computers in Entertainment. Take any TV show or movie (old or current) that you know of in which a computer is portrayed or plays a role. Describe how the computer is portrayed. Comment on this portrayal in two pages. Due: on or before May 2 (20 points) Sharing Resources. As you do your work for various assignments in the course, you may happen upon resources (books, articles, videos, software, etc.) that you find particularly valuable. Share one of these resources with the class. Let the TA know when you have a resource to share, and she will schedule you for share time in class. You will have only a few minutes of class time. Limitation: you may not use a resource previously shared by another student or one used in the course by the instructors. The last date to schedule share time is April 11. (10 points) Team Project on Email Part 1. Target an audience of other students (not in WS299) for teaching electronic mail skills on the VAX. If you need an audience, see one of the instructors or the TA for name(s). Your team has a choice of teaching the entire group all at once or doing individualized instruction. Each team member should teach at least 2 individuals in these skills. Part 2. Write a group report report of approximately five type-written pages. The group report must include the names of who you taught, what aspects of the experience you found significant, what was difficult, what problems did you face, what was funny, rewarding, frustrating, etc. about the experience. The entire team will be awarded the same number of points each. One of the things that will be examined is whether all members of the team contribute to the training and the final report. Due: April 25 (50 Points) Group Investigation/Individual Papers (50 Points) Each small group will investigate one computer topic from the list below, one discussed in class or an approved related topic of your own. Combine efforts on the basic or central materials as a group and then each individual will explore some more specific aspect of the main topic. Sample privacy advertising Topics: security computer crime data accuracy information overload culture work environment access information highway Part 1. Each team will also make an oral presentation to the class. Team reports will begin April 25th. The presentation length will be dependent upon the number of students in the group. A guideline for presentation length is about 5-7 minutes per student in the group. For example, a three person group would be expected to make a presentation of approximately 20 minutes in length. This should be a coordinated group presentation with a general introduction, what specific aspects were explored, and a summary or conclusion of findings. Each group should prepare a one-page handout for the class that highlights its major findings and the main points of the presentation. Due: Scheduled one of the last days of class starting April 25th. (20 points) Part 2. Based on your findings, each individual student will write a 6-8 page paper on how this issue relates to you and why you consider it important. Due: May 6 (30 points)