PSUAlert is available at https://psualert.psu.edu. PSUAlert is Penn State’s emergency notification system for students, faculty and staff. The system will be used to alert members of Penn State’s campus communities of emergencies, campus closings and other urgent information. Using this portal, students, faculty and staff can choose to receive PSUAlert messages by text message, voice message and e‑mail. We recommend that students enroll in this system.

Academic Integrity

Penn State and the College of Information Sciences and Technology are committed to maintaining Penn State's policy on Academic Integrity in this and all other courses. We take academic integrity matters seriously and expect you to become a partner to the University/College standards of academic excellence.

For more information, please review these policies and procedures:

• Penn State World Campus Academic Integrity Resources
• College of IST Academic Integrity Resources

While utilizing additional sources outside of this class is encouraged for gaining a better understanding of course concepts, seeking explicit answers for graded assignments from outside sources (e.g. Course Hero, Chegg, tutoring services like tutor.com, etc.) is considered CHEATING and will not be tolerated. Sanctions range from failure of the assignment or course to dismissal from the University. Additionally, sharing course content without permission is a violation of copyright and may result in university sanctions and/or legal ramifications. Contact your instructor with questions related to this topic.

Generative AI Tools

[This is a recommended statement. Please see the IST Teaching site for more information and options to choose from.]

In this course, you may use generative AI tools for some elements of assignments, as permitted by the instructor. Specific permission will be stated on the assignment and will vary from assignment to assignment. Why? Employers want you to a) know and deeply understand the subject matter of the course and b) know how to use generative AI tools for mechanical and brainstorming elements of problems. Therefore, the learning goals for the assignments dictate whether AI tool use will help or hinder your learning.

During in-class activities, I will let you know the expectation. For out-of-class assignments, consult the assignment directions, where you will find specific guidelines. Be sure to follow the guidelines. Inability to present and defend one’s submission may be used as evidence in an Academic Integrity filing.

When using generative AI tools, you must show understanding of prompt engineering, engage in content generation checking, and appropriately reference the tool (e.g., ChatGPT, Midjourney) from which the content (e.g., text, image, ideas) was generated.

• For suggestions on how to properly cite and reference generative AI tools, please see the following webpages:
  • APA - How to Cite ChatGPT
  • PSU Libraries - Citing Generative AI tools
  • Dalhousie University - Citing artificial intelligence
• For suggestions on how to write prompts that generate the most useful information, watch How to Use ChatGPT For Beginners 2024.
• For a better understanding of how generative AI tools work and why checking is important, watch State of GPT - Microsoft Build 2023.
• For the University’s guidance regarding academic integrity violations for failing to provide attribution to work that is created with the assistance of generative technology, see the Sanctioning Guidelines for Violations of Academic Integrity (look specifically at guidance about “submitting work created by generative technology without attribution”).

University Policies

Review current information regarding various Penn State policies (such as copyright, counseling, psychological services, disability and military accommodations, discrimination, harassment, emergencies, trade names, etc.) on the University Policies page.

Resources

Find extensive information and links to many Penn State and IST resources (including the Penn State libraries, video conferencing tools, technology and software, writing and research help, and much more) on the Resources page.

Technical Requirements

Standard World Campus computer technical specifications are assumed for this course. Please test your computer for requirements. In addition, a webcam and a headset with a microphone are REQUIRED for the course. These may be used for virtual meetings, virtual office hours, interactions with classmates and your instructor, and group presentations - which are all conducted with virtual meeting tools. No special software is required.

Schedule

The following schedule outlines the topics covered in this course, along with the associated time frames, readings, activities, and assignments. All due dates reflect Eastern Time (ET). Specifying the time zone ensures that all students have the same deadlines, regardless of where they live.