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Course Syllabus
CS 1005: Introduction to Digital Citizenship
Spring 2016
Instructor: Brian Andrew Morris
Email: Brian.Morris@ttu.edu
Phone: 580-682-0782

Office: Room 206

Office Hours: M 8:00 10:00 am (CST) Online
W 8:00 10:00am (CST) Online
Or By Appointment

Course Information:
Course Credit:
Class Meeting Time:

3 credit hours
Online Primarily Asynchronous
Synchronous TH 6:00 - 8:00 pm (CST) via Google Hangouts

Course Location:

Blackboard LMS Texas Tech University

Introduction:
Course Description:
This course is an introductory course to the ideas and theories of Digital Citizenship in regards to
Internet Safety, Online Privacy, and Netiquette. Most people do not realize that it takes the
community as a whole to practice online safety and privacy and it is their right and civic duty as
online citizens to promote those ideals and promote safety. This course is designed to prepare
you for what one might come in contact with online. Hackers, Cybercriminals, Online Bullies,
and more. This course will also help prepare you in what to do if a situation ever arises in which
you can help another person out online by providing them information regarding their situation
or you can help them by not allowing bullying or cyber-crime to happen. This course is designed
for anyone of all ages but primarily for undergraduate computer science students or other
students interested in this course. Graduate students can also take this class but will be expected
to demonstrate more of a rigorous content knowledge than their undergraduate counterparts. By
the end of this course students will have a solid working knowledge of what is right online and
what is not right online and what to do about it.
This is an eight week course and all activities will be conducted at a distance using an online
environment. The majority of this course offered by Texas Tech University will be conducted via
Blackboard (http://www.depts.ttu.edu/lms/), asynchronously of course. All course materials and
content (i.e. modules, schedule, quizzes, and syllabus) will be available on Blackboard for the
student to see and use at any time. All assignments must be submitted via Blackboard for the
instructor to grade. There will also be five required synchronous sessions in which the students
will meet with the instructor and their peers in real-time using Google Hangouts
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(https://hangouts.google.com/) and the video call feature it provides. Two of the Google Hangout
sessions will be dedicated to showing examples of Digital Citizenship. From the examples
students will collaborate with each other to develop a system of responses for one of the
following topics. Online Bullying, Online Safety, Cyber Crime, Online Privacy, Cyber Security,
or Social Media Safety. Two sessions will be used by the students to collaborate with their peers
to get feedback regarding their topics. The final Google Hangout session will be used by the
instructor and the students to provide instant feedback on a presentation over the students topic
of choice.
This course will be conducted online, digitally so all students will have access to the materials
that they need to complete their assignments. Microsoft Office will be used in order to complete
the assignments given to the students. However, students can use Google Docs to collaborate
with their peers to get more feedback or use information from other students if need be. If you
are not familiar with Google Docs or Microsoft Office instructional links will be provided on
Blackboard. As such throughout this course students will have the opportunity to use a variety of
online tools for collaborating, facilitating peer-to-peer interactions, and promote learning.

Course Materials:
Required Text:
Ribble, Mike. (2015). Digital Citizenship In Schools: Nine Elements All Students Should Know
(3rd Edition.) Eugene, Oregon: International Society for Technology in Education. ISBN13:
9781564843647
Optional:
Green, Tim and Brown, Abbie. (2015). Securing the Connected Classroom: Technology
Planning to Keep Students Safe. International Society for Technology in Education. ISBN13:
9781564843548
Computer Equipment and Software:

Students should have access to a computer with a built in or additional microphone and
camera. (PC or Mac).
Students have to have dependable internet access. A broadband connection is highly
recommended.
Web Browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer 11.0+)
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint)
Students will need a Google Account (free) for the synchronous sessions.
Students will need a Prezi account (www.prezi.com)
Students will need a VoiceThread account (www.voicethread.com)

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Course Policies:
Attendance:
There will be five total synchronous sessions on Google Hangouts. Students are required to
attend three of the five sessions in which they will be dedicated to instructional feedback for
their project and also peer feedback as well as the final presentation. All five sessions will be
recorded and students will have access to playback any recorded sessions.

Coursework:
It is very important for you to complete the assignments on time and in a timely manner, if you
get behind it is going to be hard to catch up. All assignments are due by 12am (CST) on the date
listed in the weekly module section as well as in the course calendar on Blackboard. If you
should have any issues turning the assignment in on time you should contact the instructor
immediately, otherwise there will be points taken off for each day it is late. All assignments are
required to be complete in order to receive a grade on said assignment. Students will be expected
to collaborate with their peers and participate in a group project. All work will be typed and
grammatically correct, papers must conform to the APA style of essay writing. (Hand written
assignments will not be accepted under any circumstances.)

Participation:
Students must participate in the group projects but feel free to use the forums/discussion area to
post any questions that they might have on Blackboard. Again participation in 3 of the 5
Google Hangout sessions are required. (1st week, 5th Week, and 8th week) Students can not
miss these for any reason unless prior to the meeting the student contacts the instructor and other
arrangements have been made.

ADA Compliance Statement:

Any student that because of a disability cannot meet course requirements under normal
circumstances and require special arrangements should contact the instructor as soon as possible
to make those arrangements. Students should also provide verifiable evidence from the Student
Disability Services during the instructors normal office hours. Please note that instructors
cannot give accommodations to a student unless the verifiable evidence from the Student
Disability Services has been provides. For additional information please contact the Texas Tech
Student Disability Services offices at 806-742-2405 or by mail at Student Disability Services,
335 West Hall, MS 45007, Lubbock, TX 79409 or by email at SDS@ttu.edu.

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Course Objectives and Corresponding Assessments:

Objectives
1. Students will be given a list of key
Digital Citizenship terms students will
describe them in relation to their own
lives. (How will these or how are
these terms used in their lives?)
2. Students will be given an example of
Digital Citizenship and be asked to
identify the six key parts.

3. Students will be given a specific topic

in Digital Citizenship and expected to
research and discuss it.

4. Students will discuss key components

to Cyber Security and Cyber Crime.

5. Students will learn what to do if they

are involved in a cyberbullying
situation.

Assessments
Students will describe key terms
relating to Digital Citizenship in one
or two sentences on a test.
o Assessment 1

Students will be given examples of

Cyberbullying, Online Security, Cyber
Crime, and Social Media Securities.
They will be asked to explain the
differences between them and identify
how they all could be related.
o Assessment 1
Students will be asked to write and
discuss a given topic over Digital
Citizenship.
Students will be given an essay with
specific criteria to write their research
over their topic.
o Written Essay
Students will prepare and submit a
group report and present the report in
Google Hangouts
Students will discuss key components
to Cyber Security and Cyber Crime by
answering questions in the discussion
forums.
o Student Discussion Forums
Students will be given examples of
Cyberbullying. They must tell what
they can do to change the situations in
a paragraph or two on a test.
o Assessment 1

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Class Schedule:
This course will run for eight weeks:
First day of class is January 21st, 2016
Last day of class is March 11th, 2016
Last day to drop February 5th, 2016
The schedule for the 5 synchronous sessions is as follows:
Topics:
Week 1 Introduction to Digital Citizenship

January 21st, 2016 8:00pm to 9:00pm (CST)

Required Collaboration and Introduction between Peers and Instructor using Google
Hangouts

Week 3 Cyber Crime and Cyber Security

February 4th, 2016 7:00pm to 9:00pm (CST)

Collaboration using Google Hangouts

Week 5 Digital Citizenship Topics and Project Beginnings

February 18th, 2016 7:00pm to 9pm (CST)

Required Collaboration using Google Hangouts

Week 7 - Cyberbullying and Social Media

March 3rd, 2016 -7:00pm to 9pm (CST)

Collaboration using Google Hangouts

Week 8 Group Project Reports and Final Presentations

March 10th, 2016 - 6:00pm to 9pm (CST)

Required Collaboration using Google Hangouts

Note: Dates and times are subject to change.

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Instructional Activities
Asynchronous Sessions (http://www.depts.ttu.edu/lms)
For all Asynchronous Sessions students will first log into Blackboard to retrieve information and
instructions of assignments for each module, each week. Students will also watch any available
videos for course content and use the forums/discussion areas to answer any discussion questions
for that module. Students should also ask any question they might have for the instructor in the
discussion/forum area and check the course calendar as well.
Week 1: Module 1 Introduction to Digital Citizenship (410 points)
In Module 1 students will be introduced to the key terms of Digital Citizenship and the examples
of Digital Citizenship. There are 6 main keys to Digital Citizenship and examples of each will be
provided for the students.
Google Hangouts Session (https://hangouts.google.com/)
In Module 1 students will need to create their Google accounts and log in to Hangouts for their
first meeting between peers and instructors and answer questions regarding their biographies.
This session is Required and participation will be expected between all participants, this
particular assignment which is listed below is worth (300pts.)
Activities
1.
2.
3.
4.

5.

6.
7.
8.

Log into your Blackboard and retrieve syllabus and course related materials.
Create a Google Account if you havent already to use for Google Hangouts.
Read Chapters 1 and 2 in the text.
After reading Chapters 1 and 2, create a small biography about yourself and the reason
you are taking this class. Turn this into your Blackboard Assignments under Biography.
(10pts)
Log into the Google Hangouts class and introduce yourself through the Google Hangouts
chat or through the video call. Make sure you tell us about yourself, where you are from,
what you expect in this class, why you are taking this class, and anything that makes you
special. Just a quick run-down, we dont have all night.
Review any software instructions on Google Docs or Microsoft Office in your provided
materials section.
Post any questions you might have about Chapters 1 or 2 from the text on the discussion
forum on Blackboard.
Take Assessment 1 on Blackboard. The quiz allows the students to take it up to 3 times
before it will close and give instant feedback. (100pts.)

Week 2: Module 2 Online Privacy (250 points)

In Module 2 students will focus on the idea of Online Privacy and what it is exactly. They will
examine multiple examples of what should be posted online, what shouldnt be posted online,
and how one should conduct themselves online as well. Students will also be exposed to
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password strength, pictures that shouldnt be posted, and things that just do not belong online at
all as far as their personal information goes.
Activities
1. Log into Blackboard to see posted examples of Online Privacy.
2. Read Chapter 3 in the text.
3. Watch the video Exploring the Concept of Online Privacy by Common Sense Media
(https://www.commonsensemedia.org/videos/exploring-the-concept-of-online-privacy)
4. After watching the video go to Blackboards Discussion Area and answer the questions
provided by the instructor that go along with the video (50pts.)
5. Post questions for chapter 3 in the Open Discussion Forum.
6. Using VoiceThread.com create a small 2 slide presentation that describes what Online
Privacy is and what can be done to change peoples minds about keeping themselves and
their information private online. (200pts.)
Week 3: Module 3 Cyber Crime and Cyber Security (290 points)
In Module 3 students will focus on Cybercriminals and their thought process by examining key
details in which Cyber Crime is on the rise. Students will also examine Cyber Security tips and
tricks and put them into practice as well.
Activities
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Log into Blackboard to see examples of Cyber Crime and also Cyber Security.
Read Chapters 4 and 5 in the text.
Post questions about Chapters 4 and 5 in the Open Discussion Forum.
Research the FBIs Most Wanted Cyber Criminals List on Google.
Write a small 2-3 page APA formatted essay over: What is Cyber Crime and how can it
be prevented. Blackboard (200pts.)
6. Create a checklist or tiplist that people can use to stay safe Online. Submit this
assignment to Blackboard (90pts.)
7. (Optional) Communicate to your peers and instructor using Google Hangouts to discuss
Online Privacy, Cyber Crime, and Cyber Security. This will be an instructor led
discussion regarding those topics. Students are encouraged to participate to further their
knowledge and understanding of the subject but it is not required.
Week 4: Module 4 Internet Safety (500 points)
In Module 4 students will determine the best practices for themselves, family, and friends on
how to stay safe online. Students will examine practices relating to Internet and Online Safety
while remembering previous topics in this class.
Activities
1. Log into Blackboard to see examples of Internet Safety and how to stay safe online.
2. Read Chapter 6 in the text
3. Post questions about Chapter 6 in the Open Discussion Forum.
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4. Create a small essay 3-5 pages in APA format over what someone would do to stay safe
online, should someone be safe online? Or is it already safe? Then turn it into Blackboard
(500pts.)
5. Check the Groups section to determine what group you are in for the next Modules.
Week 5: Module 5 Digital Citizenship Topics and Project Beginnings (350 points)
In Module 5 students will come together to examine what they have learned so far in the course,
they will also be assigned a group and they must work together to complete a Group Report and
complete a Prezi to present for their peers and the instructor. This will be a student led discussion
and project so the instructor will only be around for questioning.
Google Hangouts Session (https://hangouts.google.com/)
In Module 5 students will need to log in to Hangouts for their topic choices discussions, any
pitfalls they think that they might have, and to talk to their peers about what direction that they
want to go with their projects. The instructor will have already chosen the groups and the
students will need to collaborate with their peers to create a Prezi and a Group Report to present
to the instructor and their peers on the 8th and final week of class. This session is Required and
participation will be expected between all participants, this particular assignment which is listed
below is worth (300pts.)
Activities
1. Log in to Blackboard and check for any announcements from the instructor.
2. You should have already seen what group you are in, if not check the group section and
see which classmates you have been paired with (3-4 people, per group).
3. Log into Google Hangouts and communicate with your group first, once you and your
group have come to a decision about your topic, then contact or join the Google Hangout
for your instructor and discuss what your topic is over, and any questions regarding the
topic or assignment. Once that has been done go back to Blackboard.
4. Post in Blackboard in the Discussion Area under your group, your topic and any
remaining questions you might have about the assignment if you forgot to ask. (50pts.)

Week 6: Module 6 Digital Footprint (100 points)

In Module 6 students will determine what a Digital Footprint is, they will examine what is meant
by the term Digital Footprint and how it effects their lives. The students will determine what
can be done to reduce their Digital Footprint and whether or not it is good to have a Digital
Footprint. The students will also examine examples of a good Digital Footprint and a bad Digital
Footprint.
Activities
1. Log in to Blackboard to see examples of Digital Footprints.

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2. Go to the Discussion Area and post what you think a good Digital Footprint is and what
you think a bad Digital Footprint would be (50pts.)
3. Respond to 3 other students posts on the Discussion Area. (50pts.)
4. Read Chapters 7 and 8 in the text.
5. Post on the Open Discussion Forum any questions over 7 and 8.
6. Continue to work on your Group Reports and Prezis
Week 7: Module 7 Cyberbullying and Social Media (200 points)
In Module 7 students will be exposed to the world of Cyberbullying and how it is different from
regular bullying in the sense that the victim can never truly get away from it unless they unplug,
detach, and get away from the Cyber side. Students will also learn about the dangers of Social
Media and how it can affect them later in life as far as college, and jobs go.
Activities
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Log into Blackboard to see examples of Cyberbullying and Social Media uses.
Read Chapters 9 and 10 in the Text
Post on the Open Discussion Forum any questions over 9 and 10.
Watch To This Day Project by Shane Koyczan on Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltun92DfnPY
After watching the video answer the questions posted in the Video Quiz Forum. (100pts.)
In the Discussion Forum, Post a reply to the topic of Cyberbullying and what to do about
it? What do you suggest the world should do? How can it be stopped? (50pts.)
In the Discussion Forum Post 4 replies to your peers, comments and posts. (50pts.)
Continue to work on the Prezi and Group Report.
(Optional) Communicate to your peers and instructor using Google Hangouts to discuss
Internet Safety, Digital Footprints, and Cyberbullying. This will be an instructor led
discussion regarding those topics. Students are encouraged to participate to further their
knowledge and understanding of the subject but it is not required.

Week 8: Module 8 Group Project Reports and Final Presentations (500 points)
In Module 8 students will come together to summarize what they have learned so far in the
course, they will also come together to present their findings to their peers and instructor. This
will be a student led discussion and project so the instructor will only be around for questioning
and feedback.
Google Hangouts Session (https://hangouts.google.com/)
In Module 8 students will need to log in to Hangouts to present their projects and Prezis. The
instructor will give automatic feedback and will grade the students on a rubric. This session is
Required and participation will be expected between all participants, this particular assignment
which is listed below is worth (300pts.)
Activities
1. Log into Blackboard and check for any announcements.
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2. Log into Google Hangouts at the appropriate time and get ready to present with your
group.
3. Present your information and share your group Prezi to your instructor via Blackboard
mail. (200pts.)

Assessment Information
Grading Policy:
The points for each module are listed at the end of the module topic. Combined these, points will
be used to finalize the students grade:
Assessment
Assessment 1
Biographic Post
Google Hangouts Sessions
Prezi
Video Quiz
Discussion Forum
Student Replies
Discussion Forum
Topic Post
Essay
Checklist
Essay
Video Discussion
VoiceThread
Total Points

Points
100
10
900
200
100
50
100
50
50
500
90
200
50
200
2600

Final grades will be assigned according to the following criteria:

A= 90% and above

B = 80%-89%
C = 70%-79%
D = 60%-69%
F = Anything below 60%

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Assignments
1 Quiz 100 pts.
1 post, 10 pts.
3 Sessions, 300 pts. each
1 Prezi
1 Video Quiz Forum
Mod 7 Discussion Forum
7 Total Replies
Mod 6 Discussion Forum
Mod 5 Discussion Forum
Online Safety 3-5 Pages
Checklist
Cyber Crime Essay
Common Sense Video Post
2 Slide Voice Thread