CNIT 113:
Technology of Smartphones & Mobile Devices

Course Information for Fall 2017

Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

1. Identify mobile device hardware components, their functions, and their characteristics as well as the tools needed to replace the components.
2. Differentiate the cellular network technologies used with each generation of mobile device and the common multiple access channels, bands, and carriers used domestically and internationally.
3. Compare and contrast mobile device operating systems and browsers.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the app development process.
5. Identify support needs through the life cycle of a mobile device from both a consumer and company perspective.

Instructor Information

Course Requirements

Required weekly reading materials in electronic form will be provided to you within Canvas. In addition to weekly reading materials, there will be some required audio and video files to listen to and watch.

If you have a documented disability that precludes you from being able to read, listen, or view the required weekly content inside of Canvas, please bring this to your instructor's attention by the second week of class on Monday, August 22. We can then work together with the Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS) department to reasonably accommodate your needs.

You will need access to either a PC or MAC computer with an Internet connection. You are not required to have a computer at home. CCSF has several PC and MAC computer labs available to students throughout the week. Please note that in class we will be using PCs, including for test taking.

Since this is a mobile device course, you are encouraged to bring your devices to class to do some text messaging, surf the Internet, experience various applications, and making custom configurations on the device at appropriate times. Owning a mobile device with text and data services is not required for this course. There will be a few devices available to students to use during the scheduled class session.

1. Chrome - fully supported by Canvas, although other browsers can be used
2. Microsoft Word or Notepad for writing brief reports and MS Excel
3. Image manipulation software such as IrfanView (freeware) or MS Paint

Grading

A = 90% +
B = 80% - 89%
C = 70% - 79%
D = 60% - 69%
F = 59% or below

Homework makes up 55% of your final grade. There are 9 homework assignments, which includes 1 group project. Please see the Schedule for homework assignment due dates.

Late Homework: Homework may be accepted up to 1 week late but with a 10% penalty. I will allow only two late homework assignments from each student.

No homework assignments will be accepted after Tuesday, December 12. Since a group presentation may not be completed late, you must present and submit your group presentation on December 12.

In-class participation makes up 15% of your final grade. Attendance will be taken at each class session. You are expected to attend this weekly evening course and participate in class discussion and activities.

Since there will be interactive classroom activities at the very beginning and at the end of the class, you are expected to be present for the full duration of the class session from 6:10 - 9:00 p.m. In addition, students will be assigned into groups by your instructor throughout the semester. You will be expected to work with each and every one of your classmates in the classroom throughout the semester.

As part of your participation grade students will sign up to lead one weekly review, present a current news development related to the class, or present a useful or interesting mobile application. More details of the requirements will be provided in class.

The Mid-Term Exam is worth 15% of your grade and covers all material covered during the first half of the course. The mid-term exam will be multiple choice, true-false, and fill-in-the-blank. The mid-term exam will be taken in class on Tuesday, October 17 starting at 6:10 p.m. Please mark your calendar. If you have a conflict, you must inform me by the 3rd class session on September 5. There is no make-up mid-term exam.

The Final Exam is worth 15% of your grade and is comprehensive. The final exam will be multiple choice, true-false, and fill-in-the-blank. The final exam will be taken in class on Tuesday, December 19 starting at 6:10 p.m. Please mark your calendar. If you have a conflict, you must inform me by the 3rd class session on September 5. There is no make-up final exam.

Classroom Policies

Class attendance is required. I reserve the right to drop any student who has missed three class sessions. Although I reserve the right to drop any student who has missed three class sessions, students should not depend on me to do so. It is the student's responsibility to complete the online form in Web4 that is needed to drop or withdraw from this class. If you simply stop attending class, you will probably receive a failing grade for the course.

Take time to learn how your financial aid works: If your instructor withdraws the student due to lack of attendance based on the above policy and it is after the standard drop with full refund period, then the student most likely will be financially liable to pay for the entire cost of the course. A student in a face-to-face class needs to come to class each week on the scheduled date and time from the start of the semester all the way through to the very last day. If the student can not make this semester long committment, then the student should make sure he/she drops the course prior to the deadline to receive a full refund.

Please be aware of the the information on the list of Important Dates including the last day to drop classes with a full refund.

The classroom should provide an environment that helps people learn. There are some activities that promote learning and others that hinder learning.

Address all questions to the class as a whole; do not have side-conversations with your neighbor during class. Although you may think you are speaking softly, this behavior is rude and disruptive to others.

Participate in the class discussions. You will never lose points for mistakes you make in class discussions and you may clear up misunderstandings this way.

Please do not place food or drinks near any of the mobile devices or computer systems on campus. If you eat something sticky during break, please wash your hands. No one likes to touch a dirty mouse, keyboard, or mobile device.

As a courtesy to everyone please turn the ringer of your phone off when you come to this class. Please set the phone to vibrate. If a call must be taken, please exit the classroom and take your call outside.

We will be using mobile devices during class time throughout the course. I ask that you use them to participate in classroom activities at the appropriate time only. Using the devices at inappropriate times will result in being asked to step outside the classroom to complete your personal business or having the device taken away for the class session.

Mobile devices handed out in class will require a student I.D. or valid CA I.D. You will be responsible for that particular device until all devices are turned back in. All devices must be returned before leaving the classroom.

Academic Accommodation