The theme for Fall 2001 projects is: Technology in the Year 2001. Choose from the list of approved topics below.

The purpose of this project is threefold:

• To demonstrate that you can successfully apply the concepts covered in IT 103.
• To encourage you to think about the issues of today in using technology.

These new capabilities force us to rethink the way in which we organize and present information. Since the information will be published on the Web, you must be much more careful to check the accuracy of your information, spell check and proofread carefully, and you need to be sure that you do not infringe copyrights by using images or text that are not your own.

Specifications
The "A" project illustrates your research into some issues on technology. All references must be properly cited. Direct quotes must be indicated and footnoted. Write in your own words! Plagiarism will be considered an honor code violation. Choose something of interest to you that you will enjoy!Help Me!

• Homepage developed during your lab will have a link to your project.
• Each project must be presented as web pages that you write yourself using html. Note: Use of HTML editors is NOT permitted. It should be the equivalent to at least 4 (full) pages of double spaced text. You will want to divide your text into screens that are easy to navigate and read. Help Me!
• Each project must be illustrated with public domain (or freeware) clipart you find on the web. Include a link to the source of the clipart. Help Me!
• Each project must include a separate bibliography page that is linked to the project. Each web source must be annotated to indicate why it is a valid source of information and you must include the date you visited the page (see below). You need four sources at a mininum. Help Me!
• Each project must contain one of the following for full credit:
• digital photograph you have taken yourself.
• original artwork created yourself in Adobe Illustrator or other graphics software.
• table created in HTML (Help Me!)
• HTML Form Help Me!
• JavaScript or Java Applet--get permission from the instructor before choosing this option.

• Discuss if technology empowers or disenfranchises certain ethnic, social, or socio-economic groups. Discuss if  technological literacy is as important as other basic skills such as reading, writing and math. Discuss what society can do to ensure equal access to technology.
• Discuss women's impact in technology. Women in Technology is a networking organization that promotes the interests of female technology workers. This organization has recognized local executies recently. Discuss the organization and these women's impact on technology. Discuss which women's organization promote good ethical practices and how.
• Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)  took effect approximately a year ago. Explain the Act and any others that are under consideration. During the past year, several companies (Monarch Sevices Inc, BigMailBox.com, LookSmart Ltd) were fine for collecting data on children. Discuss this class and other cases associate with this act.
• Discuss spamming and how it works. Discuss what sources are well known for spamming. Discuss the Anti-Spamming and Pro-Spamming issues. Discuss how users can protect themselves from being spammed. Discuss any federal or state laws that are being considered for restricting or prohibiting spamming.
• Have another idea? Clear it with your instructor first (at least two weeks prior to the due date).

Simply making a Home Page is NOT a project. Submitting a project used in another class constitutes an honor code violation. All projects must be stored in your mason account to receive credit.

Your pages should include appropriate formatting and graphics and should be linked to other relevant pages. Be sure to get permission before including pictures that are copyrighted. Cite sources for textual material as you would to footnote a term paper. Remember that it is not legal to quote extensive amounts of text without getting permission from the copyright holder. Often publishers will happily grant such permission for school projects that are clearly non-commercial applications. (Often, you just need to add a note: reproduced by permission of....) Note that it is a violation of the Campus Responsible Use of Computer Policy to use a Mason account for commercial purposes. Your project needs to be clearly non-commercial. If you ever want to delete a web page: log in, type
cd public_html
rm filename.html

For Some Past Projects Click here
(Note that the specifications for projects have changed since last term, so don't be surprised if these don't meet all of the criteria given above.)

Grading
Points will be deducted for failure to spell-check! Points will also be deducted for failure to cite references appropriately on a separate references page.

Your project will be evaluated in terms of creativity, effort, research, overall appearance and quality. State the source for any graphics or pictures that are not in the public domain and indicate that you got permission to use them. The secret to success is to start on the project early! Campus labs and services become very busy when IT 103 projects are due.

Hint: Test your project on campus computers. If it won't load there in a reasonable amount of time, don't assume your instructor can view it. If we can't view it, we can't grade it!

Honor Code: This project is to be the work of each individual student. If you get help from someone else (e.g. The Media Center), you must state that on your references page (be specific).

There is no such thing as a late project. The project must be turned in, by the due date, even if unfinished.  No disks or printouts will be accepted.

Help
Scanning and Web Page Help: STAR, Student Technology Assistance and Resources. 311 Johnson Center.
Click here for more info

Writing: GMU Writing Center. Robinson A116. Click here for more info

KEEP CURRENT BACKUPS AT ALL TIMES. "The computer ate my project" will get you sympathy, but no points.

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