Course Syllabus

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Welcome

We are pleased that you selected this course to fulfill your unique educational needs. You are now a member of the Mizzou  Academy's global student body.  

Course Overview

What is information and why should you become information literate?  Merriam-Webster defines information as “knowledge that you get about someone or something:  facts or details about a subject.”  It further explains in the full definition that information is “the communication or reception of knowledge or intelligence.”  Information is “knowledge obtained from investigation, study or instruction, intelligence, news, facts, data.” Information may be constructed (in fact, I’m constructing information about this course right now) and measured.  If you are literate about information, you know where to look for information on a specific subject.  


Information comes in many forms, and while some information is reliable and correct, some of it is wrong or unreliable.  What makes information reliable?  In large part, it is the sources distributing the information.  Information Literacy is the ability to understand the difference between reliable and unreliable sources of information, as well as to search for and finding the best source of information for specific information needs and queries.  You’ll practice finding, assembling, and assessing information.


For instance, in a library filled with books and no online service, you may need to find information about dogs.  Information literacy will help you be a more efficient and effective researcher because you will learn that you should first look in encyclopedias, then move on to books about dogs, then glance in the periodicals section and see if they have “Dog Fancy.”  (You would know not to look in a world atlas for information about your favorite type of dog, and that dictionaries and almanacs may have some information, but not a large amount of specific information.)   


If you have online access, you will learn that there are ways to search for specific information about dogs in online encyclopedias, and articles in a variety of periodicals, not just “Dog Fancy.”  You may use a database to find information on the American Kennel Club, and the Westminster Dog Show.  You might also use that database to find out about how to adopt your favorite breed of dog.  You could use the online library/media catalog to find electronic books on dogs—stories, information about how to care for dogs, and tales of brave or important canines—such as Balto.   Who knows, there may be a DVD or book about “Old Yeller” for you to borrow electronically.

 
In this class, you will practice thinking about ways to solve your reference/information questions.  You will also practice finding information in different ways and forms.  You’ll learn to think of keywords to narrow your search focus, and you’ll assemble information from different types of sources and assess which sources are helpful and which may be ignored, and why.  Thanks to our systems of communication, the world is filled with additional information every second.  This course will inform and refine your thinking and research skills to help you become a wiser information consumer.  

Definitions from:  http://www.merriam-webster.com/

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Discuss the role of information historically and in your personal life.
  2. Discuss the nature of information, its creation, and the different forms it can take.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding as to how the information you need influences the information you will use.
  4. Identify an area you'd like to research for the course project, the Paper Trail.
  5. Determine what information you need for your Paper Trail.
  6. Use different criteria to determine the quality of information.
  7. Demonstrate an understanding of what reference books are, their uses/purpose, and where these items can be found.
  8. Perform preliminary research on topics using reference materials that will assist in mapping out topics and pinpointing areas within a topic for research
  9. Learn how to brainstorm a topic by creating a concept map or an outline.
  10. Create a workable research question.
  11. Start using a database for your research.
  12. Evaluate information resources based on their relevancy.
  13. Demonstrate an expanded understanding of evaluation.
  14. Identify key points and arguments.
  15. Satisfy the requirements of your Paper Trail assignment.
  16. Discuss how a good research question will guide research and revise your question.
  17. Demonstrate the difference between the Internet, an E-reference resource, and a database.
  18. Demonstrate when to use Web resources as opposed to print resources.
  19. Apply the elements of evaluation to resources found on the Web.
  20. Construct and explain the information timeline and its relevance to your selection of resources.
  21. Describe the differences between various formats of information.
  22. Describe the differences in the audience for these diverse publications.
  23. Evaluate issues of trust about periodicals.
  24. Perform advanced database searches.
  25. Demonstrate an understanding as to how audience influences are advertising and how advertising influences content/bias.
  26. Judge the credibility of news reports.
  27. Demonstrate an understanding as to how the format of the news impacts opinions on a topic.
  28. Demonstrate how the media as an industry affects how news is presented.
  29. Understand why you should organize your information sources.
  30. Learn how to organize your research/information with Zotero.
  31. Know what an annotated bibliography is.
  32. Identify parts of an annotation.
  33. Work on your annotations

    Note: Not all of these objectives will occur in every lesson, but they are the basis for our study.

Pacing

This course can be completed in as few as six weeks or take up to 6 months (180 calendar days). The six weeks are counted from the date of the first lesson submission and not the date of enrollment.

Required Materials

There is no required textbook for this course. 

Technical Requirements

The most up-to-date requirements can be found here: 

Additional requirements for the course are below: 

  • audio and video recording capabilities (e.g. smartphone, camera)

What type of submitted work will I have in this course?

The work you will submit for this course consists of:

  • multiple choice graded quizzes (scored instantly)
  • written assignments
  • journal entries
  • a course project

Written Assignments

You will complete five written assignments in this course. Points for each will vary from 5 to 15 points.

Journal Entries

You will complete 15 journal entries in this course. These journal entries will help you prepare and complete your final course project (Paper Trail project). Points for each journal entry vary from 5 to 10 points). You will often be asked to submit multiple journal entries at one time within one lesson. In this case, please only upload/submit ONE document with all required journal entries within. Directions on when to include more than one journal entry in a submission are clearly stated within the Modules area.

Course Project (Paper Trail)

Beginning in Lesson 1, you will select a research topic and begin to develop a research question. You will use this topic and question throughout the course. After you complete Lesson 12, you will develop and submit your Course Project. The final submission of your course project includes three parts. Detailed directions for each part are provided within the course. The course project is worth 220 points. 

 

Grades

 

Your final grade will be based on the number of points you earn on submitted work and exams. The available points are distributed as follows:

Weight Distribution
Source Weight
Lesson assignments and quizzes 50%
Final Project (Paper Trail) 50%
Total 100%

 

The following grading scale applies only to students who meet this standard:

Grading Scale
Grade Percentage
A 90–100
B 80–89
C 70–79
D 60–69
F 0–59

After completing the course, unofficial transcripts will be available in the Tiger Portal. See this page for information on requesting official transcripts. 

Getting Started Resources (Canvas and Other Resources)

View the content below to learn more about each of these elements and how they work in your Mizzou Academy Canvas course.

Canvas Overview

For more on navigating the Canvas interface, visit the Canvas Student Guide.

Here are some quick links to get you started:

Mobile Apps

If you are on a mobile device, download the Canvas mobile apps. With the apps, you can access all your courses using the Canvas mobile app, "Canvas By Instructure." Go to Google Play to download the Android version and iTunes to download the iOS version. 

View the mobile features by device

iOS

  Download Canvas Student app on iOS device

Android

  Download Canvas Student app on Android device

Browser and Computer Requirements

What are the browser and computer requirements for Canvas?

 

Check Browser Version

 

Library, Writing, and Research Resources

Library Resources

Below are several useful library links. Click the images to go directly to the websites.

Owl, The Purdue Online Writing Lab

EBSCOhostHeritageQuestLearningExpress Library

Citing Sources

Citing Sources Interactive Module

The Citing Sources Interactive Tutorial to help you with learning how to cite your sources as well as inform you about what plagiarism is, what it isn't, and how to avoid it. 

View the Citing Sources tutorial

See the OWL Resource Website for additional help in citing sources and avoiding plagiarism. 

Netiquette

Netiquette—short for "network etiquette" or "Internet etiquette"—is a set of guidelines for how to communicate appropriately on the web. As a Mizzou Academy student, you will be expected to follow these guidelines in your interactions with your instructor and fellow students.

  • Be respectful. Online, as in life, the Golden Rule applies: Treat others as you would like to be treated. There are effective ways to disagree with someone without being insulting. Keep in mind that sarcasm can sometimes be misinterpreted.
  • Use appropriate language. Avoid foul language and rude or vulgar comments.
  • Use proper grammar and spelling. Typos and spelling mistakes are bound to happen, but excessive errors are distracting. Use a browser with a built-in spell checker if you need help!
  • Respect others' privacy. Do not quote or forward personal messages or information without the original author's permission.
  • Avoid plagiarism. It is never acceptable to copy and paste the work of others and call it your own. Be sure to cite your sources correctly.

For more about appropriate online behavior, view Show Me Respect: Tips for Thwarting Cyberbullying, Cyber-Harassment, and Cyberstalking from the University of Missouri's Equity Office.

Assignments Overview

Canvas Overview Videos

In this video, you will learn more about assignments: what they are and how to submit them through Canvas.

 

For more on uploading and viewing assignments, visit Assignments in the Canvas Student Guide.

How to Submit Assignments as a File Upload

How do I upload a file as an assignment submission in Canvas?

How to Convert Word files to Google Docs

Some assignments will provide templates for you to complete, and the templates may be available as a Word file (.docx, .doc). Even though these .docx or .doc files are native to Word, it is possible to open them without owning the program. You can still work with Microsoft Office files even if you don't have Office installed by using Google Docs.

Open with Google Docs

    1. Navigate to docs.google.com in your Web browser. Log in with your Google account. If you do not have a Gmail address or some other type of Google account, click the Create account link. Once you create your account, log in.
    2. Click +New >  File Upload 
      convert word to gdoc-1-1.png
    3. Navigate to the location of the Word document on your computer and select the file. Alternatively, you can drag and drop a file from your computer directly into the web browser for an easy upload.
    4. Once your file uploads, double-click to open the file in Google docs. Alternatively, you can right-click on the file, point to Open With on the context menu, and then select Google Docs.
    5. Select File > Save As Google Docs

      convert word to gdoc-2-2.png

  1. Google then converts the Word file into a Google doc and you can begin editing.

 

How to convert Word files to Google docs | VIDEO

How to Convert Google Docs to Word or PDF

After you've finished editing your file, download and export your document back into a Microsoft Word or PDF Document format by selecting File > Download > select the Microsoft Word I.docx) or PDF Document (.pdf) option. 

convert word to gdoc-3-3-redo.png

 

How to convert Google docs to Word/PDF | VIDEO

How to Print Files to PDF using Acrobat 

View Print to PDF for instructions on how to print a file to PDF using Adobe Acrobat. 

Submitting Assignments that use Turnitin

Turnitin is a plagiarism detection service that is integrated with Canvas. It allows instructors and students to view an Originality Report of written work or other homework assignments. The system is designed to facilitate feedback between instructors and students on written work.

The University of Missouri has a license agreement with Turnitin.com, a service that helps detect plagiarism by comparing student papers with Turnitin's database and Internet sources. Students who take this course agree that all required papers may be submitted to Turnitin.com.

Students who submit papers to Turnitin retain the copyright to the work they created. A copy of submitted papers is retained in a Turnitin database archive to be compared with future submissions—a practice that helps protect and strengthen copyright ownership. Use of the Turnitin service is subject to the Terms and Conditions of Use posted on Turnitin's website at https://help.turnitin.com/Privacy_and_Security/Privacy_and_Security.htm.

Mizzou Academy uses Turnitin, which provides tools for assignments. One of these tools is the "originality check." Note that it is not called a "plagiarism detector." That is because ONLY an instructor can determine plagiarism. 

For example, it could be that you get a 100% match (in red) on your submission. However, perhaps you are working in a group or your instructor had you submit something multiple times to different assignments within the same course. Or perhaps your class is filling out a worksheet, so all of the worksheet components would be "not original" but your content would be. 

If you are concerned about any results that you are confused about, feel free to discuss this with your teacher. 

Turnitin Guide - Accepted File Types and Size

Turnitin has restrictions on file types and size. The Turnitin Guide will outline things to consider before submitting a file, such as its size, word count, and format.

How to Submit a Turnitin Assignment in Canvas 

There is no difference in how to submit an assignment with or without Turnitin enabled. View How do I upload a file as an assignment submission in Canvas  for instructions on how to upload a file in Canvas.

How to Record and Submit Audio and Video

Recording and Submitting

There are many ways you can submit audio and video recordings for a Mizzou Academy course in Canvas. Your course content may refer to Audacity.  (Links to an external site.)However, you don't need to use Audacity to make an mp3 recording for your course. After all, there are many programs and apps on computers and mobile devices that will do just that! 

View How do I submit a media file as an assignment submission for more information on how to submit media files.

Note: You can also submit assignments using files stored on third-party apps (e.g. Dropbox) on your mobile apps.

View the following Canvas Guides for additional information on how to record and submit audio and video files

We do NOT allow you to submit .wav files. 

How to Shoot Quality Audio and Video

The only way for you to present quality speeches (and other multimedia) to your Mizzou teacher is by uploading a video of yourself. Therefore, it's incredibly important that the audio and video quality is good enough that your instructor can see and hear everything clearly.  You might all be in different environments using various types of cameras, so rather than attempting to teach you about specific cameras, we're going to concentrate on things like lighting, background, setup and stabilization, and audio. 

Lighting and Background

  • Use a distraction-free background
  • Face windows with natural light
  • Avoid overhead lights when indoors
  • Use a lamp or two for additional lighting
  • Watch back your video to see how it looks
  • Keep trying, keep learning, and keep having fun

Setup and Stabilization

  • Don't shoot handheld
  • Use anything that can safely hold the camera steady
    • tripod and mount
    • DIY solutions (picture stand, bean bag, binder clips)
  • Place the camera level with your eyeline

Audio

  • Shoot video in the quietest room at the quietest time of day
  • Turn everything off (cell phone, TV, radio, fans, etc.)
  • Get closer to the camera
  • Avoid noisy habits (hand rubbing, clapping, etc.)
  • Use an external microphone
 

Setting Up Your YouTube (Or Other Video) Account

 
If you already have a Gmail account, then you have a YouTube account, but in case you don't, getting your account set up is the first step. Just go to gmail.com and create an account to get started. Work with a trusted adult or parent. 
 
Creator Studio
On thing to note is that you can access all of your channel's videos and privacy settings through the Creator Studio. To locate this area in your account, click the icon in the upper right corner (where you logged in) and you should see the option for Creator Studio under your login name. Once you click this, you will be taken to the dashboard area for your account.  There are a few different areas available you should be aware of: 
 
Video Manager
This section houses all of the videos on your account. You can also create playlists (lists or groups of videos with a similar topic or theme). 
 
Channel
Your content settings are located with the majority of your video and content settings. It is also where you can determine the privacy of your videos. If you click on Upload Defaults in this section, it will give you the options that you can set for all future uploads. Changing the privacy to Unlisted means that anyone with the link will be able to view your video but it won't be searchable to the public. 
 
Create
This section isn't required, but it's good to be aware that this area provides a basic video editor where you can make minor adjustments to your videos as well as add copyright free background music. 
 

Uploading a Video

Now that your account is setup, you are ready to upload your video. Here are the steps you will need to follow:
  • Click Upload in the upper right-hand corner of the screen
  • Either drag & drop the video file into the box or click on the gray arrow to select it from your files. You will notice that the privacy box will already be set to unlisted based on your privacy settings
  • This will automatically begin the upload once the file is selected, taking you to a new window:
    • Make sure the title box is correctly filled out
    • Descriptions and tags are usually left blank unless the video is public
    • Thumbnails This is what viewers will see when they first pull up your video. You can choose from a few automatic image selections, or you can upload your image
  • Once the video finishes uploading, processing, and you selected the titles/thumbnails, click "Done
  • The link to share your video will appear. Copy and paste this link to turn in your video. 

Getting Your Videos Into the Course: Uploading

If you are comfortable with recording video, transferring the file to your computer, and then uploading, this is the preferred method because some assignments (such as video journals) will have you recording multiple videos for one assignment. One problem you may run into is a camera that creates an incredibly large file. In such cases, you may need to convert the file to make it smaller.

File Conversion

Some cameras record videos that create very large file sizes. Depending on your internet connection, these larger files might have problems uploading. In these cases, you might need to convert the video to a smaller version. Look for a free video converter like Any Video Converter or Format Factory to help you. 

Getting Your Videos Into the Course: Direct Recording

Canvas does allow you to record via webcam directly into Canvas.  However, this will not be available when multiple videos are required. Another reason to shy away from this method is that if you have a hiccup in your internet connection or your computer freezes, your video will be lost, and you will have to rerecord everything. Just to save the hassle, it's better to either upload a file or provide a link to an unpublished YouTube video.

How to Scan and Upload Your Work

Some assignments may require you to scan your work and upload it to Canvas. Click on How to Scan and Upload Your Work to download a PDF file of this tutorial.

How to Configure Mac OS to Open .RTF Files in Word

Images may not appear if you open an .RTF file on a Mac using Pages or other text-editing software. View the macOS User Guide for instructions on how to change the app used to open a file. 

Quizzes and Exams

 In this video, we'll show you how to take a quiz/exam in Canvas.

Quizzes and Exams

For more on taking quizzes and exams, visit Quizzes in the Canvas Student Guide.

NOTE:  Read your Syllabus and the Quiz and Exam instructions for your course so that you are aware of the policies and how a quiz and exam is setup.  The Quizzes link may not be in the course navigation menu in your course and only accessible by clicking on Modules and clicking on the pertinent lesson. 

Suggestions for Taking Objective Examinations

What is an "objective examination?" Objective means that there IS a right answer (or answers), and you either get things right or wrong. An example is a multiple-choice quiz or exam. This section is here to provide you with tips on how to take objective examinations, or "exams."

Many people worry about how to do well when taking objective examinations.  What does What follows are some simple suggestions that should help you to do your best.

What do you do when you know the answer?  Silly question, right?  You mark it!

What do you do when you don’t know the answer?  This is what you want to hear!

  1. First, you need to remember that our quizzes and exams are based on the number of right answers out of the total possible.  So you should answer every question, even if it’s a guess.  There are four answer choices, so your odds when you guess are 1 in 4.  That is, on average, you should get 1 out of every 4 guesses correct.
  2. How do you narrow the odds, to make them more in your favor? If you are able to eliminate one or more of the answers as definitely wrong, you have done just that.  When you are guessing which answer is correct out of 3, then you could get one-third of your guesses correct.  When you are guessing between two, you could get half of them right.
  3. What if you see an answer choice that you absolutely have never seen before? There is a very good chance it is a wrong answer, and you can eliminate it.  Remember, you’ve read over and studied the material.  Most of the time you will know if something doesn’t belong.
  4. Does the answer make sense? A correct answer always makes sense.  Incorrect choices may, or may not.  So if a choice does not make sense in relation to the question, it is probably a wrong answer.
  5. Do not spend a lot of time on a question that is giving you trouble. Move on, and come back to it later.  Many times, you will find something in a later question or answer choice that helps you to select the answer to a question you skipped over.  This is known as making the test work FOR YOU.
  6. Above all, relax! You have been over the material.  It is all in your head.  Just take a deep breath and go at it.  YOU CAN DO IT!

Many students develop their own tricks to help themselves on objective tests.  What you see above can assist you.  But you may also rely on whatever works for you.

Suggestions for Taking Essay Exams

What!? I’m going to have to write!?

It is not unusual for people to be nervous about taking an essay exam.  You will have to decide what the question means, search through the memory banks of your brain, recall information that relates to the question, and then write something that is well organized and clear.  What follows are some tips that just might make this process a little less scary.

Let’s start with an essay question.

An essay question may be fairly short, perhaps only one paragraph.  They may also be longer, requiring several paragraphs to answer.  No matter how short, or long, the essay needs to be, the process is the same.  As an example, we’ll use a topic that is “medium.”

The framers of the Constitution of the United States established the Electoral College system, which provides an indirect method of electing the President.  This system should be changed to permit the direct election of the President, so the candidate who receives the greatest number of the popular vote to win election.  Agree or disagree.

Great!  Now what?

This may seem pretty long.  But you need to remember that you do not have to deal with everything in the statement.  The first thing you need to do is identify what you have to answer, and what you can ignore.  The question statement is reproduced below, with the parts you have to consider highlighted.

The framers of the Constitution of the United States established the Electoral College system, which provides an indirect method of electing the President.  This system should be changed to permit the direct election of the President, so the candidate who receives the greatest number of the popular vote to win the election.  Agree or disagree.

While everything else in the question is relevant to the topic, you are being asked to support the Electoral College system (indirect election) or the popular vote (direct election).

Next?

Write down a brief outline of what you need to do.  It would be best if you did this in order.

  • Introduction: State your position.  Do you agree or disagree. Give a preview of why you have chosen your position.
  • Body Paragraph: Explain your first reason for your position.  You might also want to state why the method you did NOT choose falls short.
  • Body Paragraph: Explain your second reason for your position.  Again, you could state why the method you did NOT choose falls short.
  • Body Paragraph: Explain your third reason, if you have one, along with why the method you did NOT choose falls short.
  • Conclusion: Restate your reasons for your position.  This is when you drive your arguments home.

What are we saying here?

There is a very simple way to look at essay writing.  No matter if the essay is one paragraph, or five, or ten.  You do the same three things. 

  1. Tell the readers what you are going to tell them (introduction).
  2. Tell them (body).
  3. Tell the readers what you told them (conclusion).

And in conclusion….

This process can be very helpful.  You need to remember:  you are probably not going to be expected to respond to every word in the essay topic.  That’s why it’s important to identify what you need to consider.  While essays from different classes will look different, the approach to them is pretty much the same.  You can even practice this skill on your own, creating topics on things with which you are familiar.  The more you practice, the easier it becomes.

Good luck!

Calendar

The calendar video introduces you to the Canvas Calendar and shows you how you can stay organized by scheduling your own events.

 

Mizzou Academy Policies Policies

Academic Integrity

Our academic integrity policy at Mizzou Academy is based on our values of ethical behavior, learning, and giving all stakeholders the benefit of the doubt. Collaboration, research, and technical literacy are vital 21st-century skills when combined with academic integrity. 

Definitions

Mizzou Academy's academic integrity policy is aligned with the University of Missouri’s academic integrity policy. The definitions of what constitutes "cheating" and "plagiarism"are posted on the Provost’s Advising Council’s webpage which can be found here: https://advising.missouri.edu/policies/academic-integrity. 

Issues Involving Violations of Academic Integrity

If, when completing any of your assignments or exams for this course, you are found to have demonstrated cheating or plagiarism as defined above, this is a violation of academic integrity. At your teacher's discretion, violations of academic integrity may be subject to either or both of the following actions: 

  • receiving a zero for the assignment or exam
  • receiving an F for the course

Accessibility

If you anticipate barriers related to the format or requirements of this course, please let Mizzou Academy know as soon as possible. If disability-related accommodations are necessary (for example, a scribe, reader, extended time on exams, captioning), please contact Mizzou Academy.

About Exams at Mizzou Academy*

*This section describes the policies of exams at Mizzou Academy. This section only applies if you have exams in your course. See the section above to see if you have exams.

ABOUT EXAMS

Your exams are online. It is your responsibility to schedule your exams. 

During exams, unless otherwise noted, you are not allowed to navigate away from the exam or use any other resources. If you deviate from the exam guidelines without proper prior permission, it is considered cheating on an exam. 

SCHEDULING EXAMS

Global Courses

Mizzou Academy values fair testing and assessment to determine that students master essential course concepts and skills. During a proctored exam, tests are supervised by an impartial individual (a proctor) to help ensure that all exams maintain academic integrity. You will need to use a Mizzou Academy approved proctor. Please see the Exam Proctoring webpage for more information. 

  • Choose a proctor and make arrangements for taking the exam.
  • At least 2 weeks prior to taking your exam, submit your proctor information to Mizzou Academy 
  • You will be sent an email notice indicating if your chosen proctor has been approved or denied.
  • Arrive at your proctor’s testing site at the scheduled time with a photo ID. At testing time, you will log into your Mizzou Academy account and select the exam for your proctor to access and administer.
Global Classroom Courses

If you are taking a global classroom course, work with your local teacher to identify your date of the exam and how you will be proctored. You do not need to request an exam date with the above form.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR EXAMS

  • Complete and review all assignments.
  • Review the learning objectives; make sure you can accomplish them.
  • Be prepared to explain any key terms and concepts.
  • Review all the lessons, exercises, and study questions.
  • Review any feedback and/or comments on your assignments and previous exams; look up answers to any questions you missed.

Additional Course Policies and links

**Not applicable to World Language courses.

Canvas and Technical Support

Canvas is where course content, grades, and communication will reside for this course.