Computer Information Technology
Professors: Donald Brady, A.B. Holy Cross, M.S. Stevens; Constantine Hantzis, A.B. Boston College; Sarah Jewell, A.B., M.S. Boston College; John McLaughlin, A.B., M.B.A. Boston College; Barbara Mikolajczak, B.S., Boston University; Aaron Walsh, Boston College.
                                                                                    

Immersive Education
The Woods College of Advancing Studies is developing more courses to provide rich immersive distance learning experiences that give learners a sense of "being there" when attending a class in person isn't possible, practical or desirable. Introducing computer courses immersively increases the scope of distance learning at Boston College. Broadening that experience in the coming semesters expands the learning experiences available. This immersive experience takes place online and requires that students have access to the Internet, a modern web browser (Internet Explorer or Firefox) and email. To “get started” check http://ImmersiveEducation.org/@/bc
                                                                                    

CLOSED - MT 34001  Exploring the Internet
MT34001 Syllabus
This course takes a tour of the essential technologies that have shaped today’s Internet. Along the way, students acquire the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to make the best use of this vast repository of information. Course focuses on web-site development using the core dynamic html technologies; xHTML/XML, Cascading Stylesheets (CSS) and Javascript. Students gain a clearer understanding of just what exactly the Internet is through the study of its history and underlying protocols. Students learn how to optimize the retrieval of information using Internet search engines, and how to protect their system from threats through coverage of the basics of Internet security. Course assumes no prior web-development experience and requires no prerequisites. Course is a prerequisite for all programming courses. No auditors.
CLOSED - Spring, Tues 6:30–9, Jan 15–May 7, Professor Jewell

MT 34101  Web 2.0: New Era of Web Technology
MT34101 Online Syllabus
Immersive courses bring a new wave of exciting websites and technologies (such as Facebook, YouTube, Virtual Worlds) 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, Virtual Worlds, Google Documents, wikis, news feeds (XML and RSS), Digg, Twittter, mashups and more. No auditors.
Spring, Wed 6:30–9, Jan 16–May 8, Professor Mikolajczak

NEW MT 34501  Understanding Computing Devices
MT34501 Syllabus
Ubiquitous in today’s society and able to run multiple applications simultaneously, computing devices -- smart phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, servers -- become ever more sophisticated with each new product release. The volume of data produced and consumed by these devices and their applications will continue to grow exponentially. This course introduces and explores the fundamental concepts that form the foundation of how these devices operate, in terms of running applications and managing the data that makes those applications useful: the appointments in your calendar app; your list of Facebook friends; the deposits and withdrawals in your online bank account. Students will write a paper and make a brief presentation on a topic of interest from those covered during the semester.

Spring, Wed 6:30-9, Jan 16-May 8, Professor Brady

MT 34801  Information Systems: Applications Overview
MT34801 Online Syllabus
Prerequisite: None, but familiarity with Windows and Macintosh operating systems a plus.
This immersive education 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 14–May 6, Professor Mikolajczak

MT 34901  Information Systems: Collaborative Computing
MT34901 Syllabus
MT34901 website
Prerequisite: Facile knowledge of spreadsheets, word processing, data management, graphics, and the Internet.
This immersive education 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 14–May 6, Professor Hantzis

MT 35101  Discovering Computer Graphics
MT35101 Syllabus
Prerequisite: Comfortable using Microsoft Windows operating system. An immersive education course.
Course may be taken simultanously with MT 35801.
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 collaborative and immersive 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, Powerpoint, YouTube, Virtual Worlds, Audio Whiteboard, Word, Media Player, QuickTime, IPIX, SVG, MPEG, MP3, and more. No auditors.
Spring Thurs 6:30–9, Jan 17–May 9, Professor Walsh

MT 35801  Video Games and Virtual Reality
MT35801 Syllabus
Prerequisite: Familiarity using any type of graphics program (such as Photoshop, Paintshop, Flash or similar).
An immersive education course.
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, Virtual Worlds, World of Warcraft, 3D graphics, Virtual Reality, Immersive Education, 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. No auditors.
Spring, By arrangement, Professor Walsh


Anticipated Information Technology electives 2013-2014
Database Management