Professors: Stephen Barry, A.B., A.M., Ph.D. Boston College; Donald Brady, A.B. Holy Cross, M.S. Stevens; Constantine Hantzis, A.B. Boston College; Barbara Mikolajczak, B.S., Boston University, Software Developer, Mantis; H. Nick Nagel, A.B. Massachusetts, Ph.D. Florida Atlantic; Aaron Walsh, Boston College.
MT 34101 Web 2.0: New Era of Web Technology
Prerequisite: This course takes place primarily online and requires that students have access to the Internet, a modern Web browser (Internet Explorer or Firefox), and email.
A new wave of exciting websites and technologies (such as Facebook, YouTube, Second Life) bring us into the “Web 2.0” era. Rich and interactive forms of communication, collaboration, and socialization are the heart of Web 2.0, but the price is high: privacy breaches, identity theft, cyber-stalkers and addiction are a few issues that become more complicated in the Web 2.0 world. In this unique online course students learn how to harness the power of Web 2.0 while protecting themselves and others. Hands-on experience with MySpace, Flickr, YouTube, Second Life, Google Documents, wikis, news feeds (XML and RSS), Digg, Twittter, mashups and more.
No auditors.
Spring, Wed 6:30–9, Jan 20–May 5, Professor Mikolajczak
MT 34801 Information Systems: Applications Overview
MT34801 Syllabus Webpage
Prerequisite: None, but familiarity with Windows and Macintosh operating systems a plus.
Course covers the fundamentals of operating and maintaining the Windows OS and a variety of desktop productivity applications. Includes basic concepts: terminology, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation applications, portable document format, webpage browsing, Internet safety, network terminology and authoring tools. Students taught to utilize online discussion groups (via the Internet) for course work conducted outside of class.
No auditors.
Spring, Mon 6:30–9, Jan 25–May 10, Professor Mikolajczak
MT 34901 Information Systems: Collaborative Computing
MT34901 Syllabus
Prerequisite: Facile knowledge of spreadsheets, word processing, data management, graphics, and the Internet.
Course extends knowledge and improves skills in the use of industry standard business software, supplemented with a detailed overview of server and workstation hardware. Students explore the collaborative use of versatile and powerful state-of-the-art applications. Topics include proprietary and open source operating systems, word processing, spreadsheet and presentational applications, hardware interfaces, backup schematics, network applications and protocols, including SSH, HTTP, FTP, DNS, POP3/IMAP Mail Transfer Agents, and client/server remote connect applications, web publishing, compression utilities, collaborative document concepts, and the design and structure of data files.
No auditors.
Spring, Mon 6:30–9, Jan 25–May 10, Professor Hantzis
MT 35101 Discovering Computer Graphics
MT35101 Webpage Syllabus
Prerequisite: Comfortable using the Microsoft Windows operating system.
Discover the joy of computer graphics. Learn how to create your own multimedia greeting cards; customize and enhance digital photos; design and create animated music videos; enhance business presentations and reports. Using Webcam and video conference software, experiment with 3D technology by playing interactive games and exploring virtual reality worlds. With a focus on graphics for the Internet and the Web, students learn related terminology and concepts as they gain valuable hands-on skills. Presents a variety of graphics authoring tools, viewers, and formats while exploring fundamentals of two dimensional (2D) graphics, three dimensional (3D) graphics, Virtual Reality (VR), animation, games, interactive graphics, streaming media, and interactive television. Hands-on experience includes Photoshop, Flash, Shockwave, Fireworks, PowerPoint, Word, Media Player, Real Player, QuickTime, Quake, IPIX, SVG, MPEG, MP3, and more.
No auditors.
Spring Thurs 6:30–9, Jan 21–May 6, Professor Walsh
MT 35801 Video Games and Virtual Reality
MT35801 Webpage Syllabus
Prerequisite: Familiarity using any type of graphics program (such as Photoshop, Paintshop, Flash or similar).
Course may be taken simultaneously with MT351.
Video games are a cultural phenomenon and very big business. This exploding industry rivals Hollywood as video games and virtual reality (VR) ‘turn’ the ‘real world’ upside down. This exciting entry level graphics course introduces students to the unreal world of video games and VR. Topics include: games and entertainment, Second Life, World of Warcraft, 3D graphics, Virtual Reality, Hollywood blockbuster movies, special effects, synthetic humans and more. Skills learned can be applied to a variety of jobs and industries including: Hollywood and film production; television; music videos; video game design and development; virtual reality; medical and military simulation; scientific visualization and more. Hands-on experience using video game and VR content authoring tools. In-person and online classes (in an online ‘world’).
No auditors.
Fall & Spring, Professor Walsh, Arrange in McGuinn 100.
MT 36001 Database Management
Prerequisite: MT 350 or equivalent.
Introduction to database concepts: requirements analysis, data modeling, and database design; conceptual, logical and physical design techniques; normalization; overview of database administration and performance issues. Students analyze a realistic business scenario, design and build a relational database, and work extensively with SQL and its uses in business decision-making.
No auditors.
Spring, Tues 6:30–9, Jan 19–May 4, Professor Barry