Course Syllabus
LI 800XI
Introduction to Informatics
Summer Semester 2017
Faculty: Jinxuan Ma
E-mail: jma4@emporia.edu
Primary Phone: (620) 341-5320
Online Course Login: canvas.emporia.edu
Credit Hours: 3
Meetings: Internet begins 5/22
Important Dates for Summer 2017
5/22 First Day of Class 5/26 Last Day to Add/Drop 7/5 Last Day to Withdraw
8/11 Last Day of Classes 8/15 Final Grades Due
Program Goal
The goal of the SLIM Master of Library Science program is to prepare creative problem solvers
who will provide proactive client-centered services in information agencies.
Catalog Description
This is an introduction to information and systems theories, information technologies, analysis
and design of information systems, information problem identification and practical problem
solving, and supporting decision making. The course covers both conceptual building blocks and
practical dimensions of informatics, and students are introduced to statistical analysis and simple
programming. Information processing applications to solve real world problems in broad
domains are emphasized. (Approved 3/9/2015)
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able
to:
Program
Outcomes
Professional
Values
ALA Core
Competence(s)
1 Discuss information and systems theories. 1, 3, 5 1, 4 6B, 7C
2
Differentiate information systems, informatics,
and computer science.
1, 3, 5 1, 4 7C
3
Compare and contrast the traditions of systems,
technology, and organizations.
1, 3, 5 1, 4 4A, 4B
4 Discuss emerging themes within informatics. 1, 3, 5, 7 1, 2, 4 4A, 4B
5
. Identify an information problem and develop a
model to provide solutions.
2, 3, 4, 8 1, 2, 4 1I, 1J, 6B
6
Demonstrate use of state-of-the-art information
technologies in building informatics applications.
2, 3, 4, 6, 8 1, 2, 4
2A, 2B, 3A,
3B, 4C, 4D
7
Explain the importance of social factors and
privacy and security issues in information system
design and use
1, 7, 8 1 - 4 5A, 5B, 5C
Approved 11/28/12
Course Overview
This course introduces a broad interdisciplinary knowledge base associated with the rapidly
emerging field of informatics, which refers to “the study and application of information
technology to the arts, sciences, and professions, and to its use in organization and society at
large” (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, School of Informatics and
Computing, 2016, para. 2). The main focus of the course is placed on both theoretical and
application aspects of informatics from the perspectives of information science. For instance, it
explores the key informatics concepts, theories, and developments as well as ethical issues,
implications, challenges, and opportunities when applying informatics to diverse social settings,
such as information organizations, healthcare, business, and communities. This introductory
course is intended as an entry point for students who are interested in learning about and/or
building careers upon informatics within a variety of information environments.
Instructor Contact Information
I can be reached at <jma4@emporia.edu> for any questions you might have regarding the
course. Please use ONLY your ESU/CANVAS EMAIL ACCOUNT when emailing me. In
most cases, I will respond to emails within 48 hours.
Regular weekly office hours will be held on Fridays, 4-5 pm (CT) via ZOOM at
<https://emporiastate.zoom.us/j/5121736354>. However, I am happy to arrange a meeting
with you outside of regular office hours.
Note: Signing in your own Zoom room at https://emporiastate.zoom.us/ via your ESU username
and password to communicate with class or record your video presentation for the final project.
Required Readings
American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological
Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Recommended Readings
All other course required readings will be provided on the course Canvas site.
Learning Activities
You will be assessed through five course learning activities and participation throughout the
course.
1. Weekly Discussion Post (40%):
(1) Self-Introduction—W1 (5 points)
(2) Read, Reflect, & React—W1, 2, 4, 5, 7, &10 (20 points)
(a) READ: You are required to read the assigned number of articles on the reading list or
browse relevant online news related to technology each week.
(b) REFLECT: (four out of six are required posts; two are extra credit posts as the two lowest
scores will be dropped from the final grade.)
For the above six weeks’ readings, you will identify two main takeaways from that week’s
readings/news report and briefly explain why these resonated with you - these should be
critical reflections and NOT summaries. Discussion board postings must be substantive.
Original (Read & Reflect) posts should be at least 300 words.
(c) REACT: Post a substantive comment on another student’s posting for that week. These
comments (REACT) posts must be substantive (cite authoritative sources and provide
reasons for your position) and should be at least 100 words. You may post more than one
reply and continue the discussion if you wish. At the end of each post, list the articles you
chose to read for that week. Use APA 6th edition format for your citations.
(3) Course Activities—W3, 8, & 11 (15 points)
You are required to read the assigned number of articles on the reading list and relevant
online news. You will participate in three assigned course activities throughout the
course. Topics will be outlined on the Discussion Forum on Canvas.
2. Site Visit Report (20%): You are required to conduct a site visit to a facility that helps you
understand the topics we have explored. This site visit is intended to ensure that you
understand the processes/procedures that exist in the facility and the role that innovative
information technology plays within the organization. The ethical compliance and detailed
assignment requirements are available in the course Canvas Assignment section. You might
need to schedule your visit two or three weeks earlier.
3. Case Study Analysis (15%): You are required to analyze a case study of a selected
informatics application tool. The evaluation criteria include usability, accessibility, ease of
use, and usefulness. The advantages and disadvantages of the system will be analyzed from
the perspective of end users. You will suggest how the system could be improved to
maximize the intended outcomes. More details are posted in the course Canvas Assignment
section.
4. Final Project Pesentation (20%): You are required to explore an informatics topic or issue
of your choosing in greater depth. In consultation with your instructor, you will identify a
current informatics issue/challenge and present an original proposal focusing on potential
solutions. As part of the exercise, you are required to deliver the project as a video
presentation. See the detailed instruction on Canvas.
5. Participation (5%): You are required to participate in both course individual learning and
collaborative learning activities through the class. Detailed instructions are available on
Canvas.
Assignments
Provide a summary of the assignments and their point values (more detailed descriptions will be
posted on Canvas).
Assignment Course Outcome(s) Met Due Date Points
Weekly Discussion Post 1-7 Throughout 40
Site Visit Report 2, 3, 5-7 7/2 20
Case Study Analysis 4-7 7/23 15
Final Project 1-7 8/11 20
Participation 1-7 Throughout 5
Tentative Course Outline
Session Topics Readings Activities and Due Dates
(For any changes, you should follow the instructions on Canvas.)
Week 1:
5/22-5/28
1. Introductions
2. Overview of Informatics
Lecture slide/video and
readings on Canvas
1. 5/28 Introductory Post
2. 5/26; 5/28 Week1: Read,
Reflect & React
Week 2:
5/29-6/4
Data, Information, & Knowledge Lecture slide/video and
readings on Canvas
6/2; 6/4 Week2: Read, Reflect &
React
Week 3:
6/5-6/11
Informatics Theory Lecture slide/video and
readings on Canvas
6/11 Week3: Course Activities
Week 4:
6/12-6/18
Informatics & the Foundation of
Knowledge
Lecture slide/video and
readings on Canvas
6/16; 6/18 Week4: Read, Reflect
& React
Week 5:
6/19-6/25
Data Exchange & Interoperability Lecture slide/video and
readings on Canvas
6/23; 6/25 Week5: Read, Reflect
& React
Week 6:
6/26-7/2
1. Ethical Issues of Informatics
2. Technology & Human Values
Lecture slide/video and
readings on Canvas
7/2 Week6: Site Visit Report
Week 7:
7/3-7/9
Information Assurance &
Cybersecuty
Lecture slide/video and
readings on Canvas
7/7;7/9 Week7: Read, Reflect &
React
Week 8:
7/10-7/16
Special Topics: Medical/Health
Informatics
 American Medical
Informatics Association
(AMIA)
 Healthcare Information and
Management Systems Society
(HIMSS)
 Healthcare Informatics
Magazine
7/16 Week8: Course Activities
Week 9:
7/17-7/23
Special Topics: Museum
Informatics
Marty, P. F., & Jones, K. B. (2008).
Museum informatics: People,
information, and technology in
museums. New York,NY:
Routledge.
7/23 Week9: Case Study Analysis
Session Topics Readings Activities and Due Dates
(For any changes, you should follow the instructions on Canvas.)
Week 10:
7/24-7/30
Special Topics: Crisis/Disaster
Informatics
Video Lecture: Frontiers in
Crisis Informatics
7/28;7/30 Week10: Read, Reflect
& React
Week 11:
7/31-8/6
Special Topics: Social
Informatics
Le Roux, C. B. (2010). Social
informatics vs community
informatics: A brief overview of
their origins and current
status. Mousaion, 28(1), 34–44.
8/6 Week11: Course Activities
Week 12:
8/7-8/11
1. Special Topics: Community
Informatics
2. Conclusion
The Journal of Commuity
Informatics
8/11 Final Project Presentation
SLIM Technology Requirements
SLIM has specific hardware, software and network requirements for all students that are
specified on the SLIM website at http://tinyurl.com/SLIMtechnology. Computer technology is
integrated throughout the curriculum, including the use of Canvas, ESU’s learning management
system, and use of video-conferencing software. All students must have devices, high-speed
Internet access, and current software for home use that makes possible full participation in
extensive course assignments. The ESU financial aid office provides details about possible
funding for purchase of computer equipment at https://www.emporia.edu/finaid/.
Grading Criteria
REQUIRED: These criteria should identify all the elements required and the degree of
achievement necessary for each assignment.
SLIM Grading Scale
96 -100 A 77 - 79 C+
90 - 95 A- 74 - 76 C
87 - 89 B+ 70 - 73 D
84 - 86 B 0 - 69 F
80 - 83 BSLIM
Grade Policy
All graduate courses required in the university-approved curricula of SLIM’s master’s programs,
certificate programs, academic concentrations, and doctoral program--or their approved
substitutions--must be passed with a final grade of B- or better to receive academic credit. If a
student does not receive a final grade of B- or better in any or all of SLIM’s required courses,
then the student will be given an academic warning and the student will be notified by SLIM
administration that he or she must retake that course or those courses. In addition, if a student has
a semester GPA of less than 3.0 he or she will be given an academic warning.
When a student has been given an academic warning, an administrative hold will be placed on
the student’s record to block future enrollment, and the student will be removed from any
registered courses for the upcoming semester. Before the student can be enrolled, he or she is
required to meet with the student’s academic advisor with the goal of developing an academic
improvement plan. The administrative hold can only be released by the student’s academic
advisor or by the SLIM dean upon satisfactory completion of the academic improvement plan.
If the student fails to complete the terms set forth in the academic improvement plan, then the
student’s academic progress will be reviewed by the student’s academic advisor and the SLIM
dean, and a decision will be made regarding whether the student should be academically
dismissed from SLIM’s graduate program.
This SLIM Grade Policy applies to all students in SLIM’s master’s degree programs, certificate
programs, the doctoral program, and academic concentrations. It also applies to all those who
have passed into MLS or doctoral degree candidacy. (Updated 8/26/2014)
SLIM Attendance Policy
Students must attend all face-to-face classes. Class hours for weekend face-to-face meetings are
6pm-9pm on Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturday.
In cases of emergency, go to http://www.emporia.edu/slim/studentresources/policies.html for
more information.
SLIM Incomplete Grade Policy
SLIM’s Incomplete Grade Policy upholds the Emporia State University Incomplete Grade Policy
(for full policy, go to: http://www.emporia.edu/regist/trnscpt/grades.html).
SLIM’s Incomplete Grade Policy further stipulates that an incomplete request will not be
considered approved without an Incomplete Request Form having been submitted by the
instructor and approved by the SLIM dean within two weeks after the issuance of the incomplete.
If the incomplete grade is being requested for reasons of health, then documentation must be
submitted to the SLIM dean’s office before the final grade change is made.
If a SLIM student’s request for a single incomplete grade is approved by the instructor and dean,
then the student will be limited to enrolling in six credit hours in the immediately succeeding
semester. If a SLIM student requests more than one incomplete grade to be issued at the
conclusion of a semester, then an administrative hold will be placed on the student’s record to
block future enrollment until all incomplete grades are finished and the final grade changes have
been submitted by the instructor(s), signed by the SLIM dean, and accepted by the ESU
Registrar’s Office.
SLIM Netiquette Policy
This course will involve the exchange of ideas, questions, and comments in an online and/or
blended learning community. In all of your class communications, please use the same tact and
respect that you would if you were talking to classmates face to face. Remember that in online
communication the visual and auditory aspects are missing, so be especially careful to ensure
your emails and discussion postings accurately convey your meaning and are not open to
misconstruction. Humor is especially difficult to convey in this environment, so take extra care
with your writing. Please maintain your professionalism and courtesy at all times when
interacting with others in the class.
Course Evaluations
Course evaluation is an important part of the process of teaching and learning. SLIM uses the
IDEA evaluation instrument to gather feedback from students on the effectiveness of each and
every course. The resulting data is reviewed by the instructors and the Dean, who work together
to improve teaching and learning across the whole of SLIM. Evaluation surveys are made
available to students toward the end of each semester, and periodic email reminders are sent to
encourage participation. The surveys are administered by The IDEA Center through the Campus
Labs platform, and student responses are anonymous (unless students share any identifying
information in their comments). Nobody in SLIM has access to individual student surveys at any
time, and aggregated data is only made available to instructors at least one week after final
grades have been submitted. (Updated 4/16/2015)
Faculty-initiated Student Withdrawal Procedure
SLIM instructors follow the university's policy of faculty-initiated student withdrawal which
states:
If a student's absences from class, disruptive behavior, lack of prerequisites, or
academic dishonesty become detrimental to the student's progress or that of other
students in the class, the faculty member may advise the student to withdraw from
the class. Withdrawal may also be advised if the student is inappropriately
enrolled in the class. If the faculty member chooses to withdraw the student,
he/she shall attempt to notify the student in writing that a faculty initiated
withdrawal is in progress. This notification will be copied to the department chair
and Academic Affairs office to serve as the request for withdrawal. If efforts to
contact the student have been unsuccessful, or unacknowledged, the faculty
member shall then seek the aid of the Academic Affairs office in contacting the
student. The Academic Affairs office shall provide the student with information
about the existing appeals procedures.
Upon receiving a written request for withdrawal from the faculty member, the
Academic Affairs office may initiate a student withdrawal from the class. None of
the above implies or states that faculty members are required to initiate any
student withdrawal. [Policy and Procedures Manual 4E.13]
Academic Dishonesty
At Emporia State University, academic dishonesty is a basis for disciplinary action. Academic
dishonesty includes but is not limited to activities such as cheating and plagiarism (presenting as
one's own the intellectual or creative accomplishments of another without giving credit to the
source or sources.)
The faculty member in whose course or under whose tutelage an act of academic dishonesty
occurs has the option of failing the student for the academic hours in question and may refer the
case to other academic personnel for further action. Emporia State University may impose
penalties for academic dishonesty up to and including expulsion from the university.
Disabilities Policy
Emporia State University will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented
disabilities. Students need to contact the Director of Disability Services and the professor as
early in the semester as possible to ensure that classroom and academic accommodations are
implemented in a timely fashion. All communication between students, the Office of Disability
Services, and the professor will be strictly confidential.
Contact information for the Office of Disability Services:
Office of Disability Services
106 Plumb Hall
Emporia State University
1 Kellogg Circle / Box 4023
Emporia, KS 66801
Phone: 620/341-6637
TTY: 620/341-6646
Email: disabser@emporia.edu