A Connected World

CECS 5250.001

Summer I - 1997


Title: CECS 5400 (5250.001) - Educational Telecommunications

Instructor: Dr. Gerald Knezek

Texts:

  1. Shay, William A. Understanding Data Communications and Networks, PWS, 1995. (optional)
  2. Azarmsa, Reza. Telecommunications: A Handbook for Educators. New York & London: Garland Publishing Co, 1993. (optional)

    Notes on Texts: The Azarmsa book is at a lower level of content which is adequate for this course (including exams), when supplemented with handouts which will be given to all in class. The Shay book is good technical reference for those who may want to study beyond the introductory level of this course, or for those who wish to have a nice telecommunications reference book to keep on their shelf. Most of the material in this book will be addressed at a very introductory level in class, or perhaps not touched on at all. Each student should choose whichever book best suits his/her goals and learning style. It should not be necessary to buy both.

Description:

This course has two areas of focus:

  1. Exploring currently-emerging trends in telecommunications which appear to be destined to become integrated into the field of education in the future, and
  2. Acquiring hands-on experience with telecommunications systems.

Requirements:
All are expected to participate in discussions and the class debate, learn to access at least one computer-based communication system, one information retrieval system, one audio-conferencing system, and one video-based telecommunications system. There will be two examinations. Those scoring at least 90% on the first exam may elect to complete a special topic presentation and research paper instead of taking the second exam.

Grading:
A total of 100 points for the course
will be allocated as follows:
Letter grades will be the higher grade resulting
from the following two standards:
Exam 1 20 points
Exam 2 20 points
5 Asissignments 50 points
Debate 5 points
Participation 5 points
Total 100 points
>=90 A Top 10% A
>=80<90 B Next 20% B
>=70<80 C Next 40% C
>=60<70 D Next 20% D
<=59 F Last 10% F

Class Attendance:
Late attendance and absences from normal class sessions will not directly count against your grade. However, most announcements and administrative matters will be handled at the beginning of class, and much of the class content will come from the lectures. In addition, attendance is necessary in order to fully participate, which is 5% of your grade. Thus excessive absences may lower your grade. If you are absent, you are responsible for obtaining whatever you miss from your peers. Attendance is required for the debate and your presentation. Attendance is also required for exams, under the provisions described in the following section.

Cheating:
Cheating and disciplinary action is defined by the UNT Policy Manual Code of Student Conduct and Discipline. Cheating is an act of academic dishonesty. It is defined and is to be handled as follows:"Plagiarism and cheating refer to the use of unauthorized books, notes, or otherwise securing help in a test; copying tests, assignments, reports, or term papers; representing the work of another as one's own; collaborating, without authority, with another student during an examination or in preparing academic work; or otherwise practicing scholastic dishonesty."

"Academic dishonesty matters may first be considered by the faculty member who may assign penalties such as failing, reduction or changing of a grade in a test, course, assignment, or other academic work, denial of a degree and/or performing additional academic work not required of other students in the course. If the student does not accept the decision of the faculty member, he/she may have his/her case heard by the academic department chairperson or head for review of his/her case. If the student does not accept the decision of the academic department chairperson, he/she may then follow the normal appeal procedures listed in Disciplinary Procedures."

Statement on Discrimination:
It is the policy of the University of North Texas not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability or disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam Era status in its educational programs, activities, admissions or employment policies. Questions or complaints should be directed to the Equal Opportunity Office, (817) 565-2456. TDD access is available through Relay Texas: 1-800-735-2989 (TDD Callers). The University of North Texas does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's disability and complies with Section 504 and Public Law 101-336 (Americans With Disabilities Act) in its admissions, accessibility, treatment and employment of individuals in its programs and activities. The University of North Texas provides academic adjustments and auxiliary aids to individuals with disabilities as defined under the law, who are otherwise qualified to meet the institution's academic and employment requirements. For assistance call 817-565-2456. TDD access is available through Relay Texas: 1-800-735-2989 (TDD Callers). Please see the instructor outside of class to make any arrangements involving special accommodations. ADA/EEO/AA

Meeting Information:
The class will meet in Matthews Hall Room 307, Fridays (6 pm - 10 pm) and Saturdays (9 am to 5 pm) on the following dates: June 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28

Office Hours:
2:00-4:00 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment only; also 1/2 hour before and after class;
Matthews Hall Room 316H, Voice (817) 565-4195
E-Mail - gknezek@jove.acs.unt.edu


Tentative Schedule of Topics

TH = Azarmsa, Reza Telecommunications: A Handbook for Educators
WS = Shay, William A. Understanding Data Communications
PR = Educator's Intro. to Packet Radio

Weekend 1 -June 6 & 7
Course Overview;
Bibliographic Retrieval Systems;
Library and CD-ROM Searching;
Read before Sat : WS 1; TH 1&11;
Intro. to Telecommunications; Social Impact;
Groupwise E-mail; Security Issues (virus, etc)
WWW Access, Course Home Page, Printout Show & Tell;
Graphics/ Links for this class:
Read for next class: TH Ch. 3 & 6, WS Ch. 3, GG Ch. 3

Weekend 2 - June 13 & 14
Assignment 1a&b due at the beginning of class on Friday
Assignment 2 due at the beginning of class on Saturday
Jove Mail
Internet Resources: News Readers; Tenet;
Modem Communications;
Digital Communications;
Fiber Optics, Classes of Computer Networks
Graphics/ Links for this class:
Read for next class: TH Ch. 4& 5; WS Ch. 4 & 5
Catch-up and Review for Exam

Weekend #3 - June 20 & 21
Asignment 3 due at the beginning of class on Saturday
FAX Communications, Radio Frequency Spectrum;
Voice Communications; Cellular Telephone
Packet Radio Intro.
Graphics/ Links for this class:
Read for next class: PR pp. 1-18, PR App. A-G
Other Areas of Radio Communications
Exam 1

Weekend #4 - June 27 & 28
Assignment 4 due at the beginning of class on Saturday
Asignment 5 due at the beginning of class on Saturday
Television Transmission/SSTV;
Digital Video Transmission/Videoconferencing
Graphics/ Links for this class:
Read for next class: TH Ch. 9-10; WS Ch. 7-8
Satellite Communications/Distance Learning Systems

Advanced Topics (or Field Trip)
Advanced Topics/Catch-up/Review;
Exam 2;


5400 Gif Assignments Resources

updated by Kathrine Box
June 97