Course Syllabus
Contact Information
John Hassell, PhD, MBA, an Associate Professor of Software Development at the OU Polytechnic Institute, brings over three decades of industry experience to his teaching role. His expertise spans front and back-end commercial web application development, iPhone and Android mobile app creation, and embedded systems programming, with applications in various sectors including the oil and gas industry's upstream and downstream segments, and embedded systems projects for first responder and defense applications. Dr. Hassell combines his industry experience with a strong commitment to education, advocating for active learning in software development to equip students with practical skills. His entrepreneurial spirit led to the founding of ZigBeef, the University of Oklahoma's first student technology spinoff company, focusing on long-range cattle RFID technology. This company was a direct implementation of the ideas presented in his doctoral dissertation. Additionally, he has shared his insights into entrepreneurship as a past adjunct professor at the University of Tulsa, underscoring his dedication to bridging the gap between academia and industry practice through learning-by-doing.
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Format
This course will be held completely online in an 8-week asynchronous format.
Course Prerequisites
Junior standing or departmental permission.
Course Materials
Textbook, free: Information Systems for Business and Beyond (2019)
Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Identify and explain the different types of operating systems and software options for users in complex organizations.
- Explain the benefits and opportunities created by collaborative work programs.
- Describe the fundamental concepts and issues of website, social media, and applications development and management.
- Identify and describe hardware and peripheral technology needs.
- Explain the key concepts of databases and networks.
- Identify and explain common security systems and cybersecurity methods and tactics.
- Recognize and describe programming languages and the basics of programming.
Course Learning Outcomes (CLO) Alignment
| CLO | Description | PLO |
|---|---|---|
| A | Analyze the roles and interactions of information systems components—hardware, software, data, people, and networks—to evaluate how they enhance collaboration, efficiency, and decision-making in organizations. | PLO1 PLO2 PLO4 PLO5 |
| B | Assess cybersecurity threats, compare security systems, and propose risk-mitigation strategies to effectively protect organizational data. | PLO6 |
| C | Evaluate emerging technologies—including web, social media, programming, generative AI, and database solutions—to forecast their potential impact on business and society. | PLO3 PLO5 PLO7 PLO6 |
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points/Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Quizzes | Students will demonstrate their mastery of the course material through performance on weekly quizzes. The quizzes will cover the material and concepts from each unit and will emphasize understanding and mastery of the weekly content. | In total, the eight quizzes will count for 160 points or 16% of the final grade. |
| Discussion - Industry Analysis (course spanning) |
Students will research and report on the software and information technology systems requirements, uses, and trends of organizations within a specific industry (e.g., aerospace and defense, education, healthcare, government, sports, transportation, etc.) in weekly discussion posts in Canvas. Students will provide insightful discussion and comments on the posts of classmates. |
In total, this project will count for 400 points or 40% of the final grade. |
| Podcast Production | Students will create a podcast featuring insights from industry professionals or subject matter experts who work with (or make decisions about) software and information technology systems. Specifics detailed below. | This assignment will count for 200 points or 20% of the final grade. |
| The Use of Generative AI | Students will be required to submit a detailed log of their interactions with generative AI for each module, demonstrating how they utilized AI to supplement their learning. Submissions should include the prompts used and the AI's responses. This component will be assessed based on the depth of engagement and the relevance of questions posed to AI. A specific rubric, "Generative AI Use Rubric," will be provided to outline the criteria. | This assignment will count for 240 points or 24% of the final grade. |
| Total | 1000 points/100% |
Scale
As described in this syllabus, the grading for this course is divided into components that include quizzes, discussion board “Industry Analysis” posts, and a professional interview. The course contains the following graded assignments:
- Quizzes – 160 points (8 @ 20 points), 16% of final grade
- Discussion – 400 points (8 @ 50 points), 40% of final grade
- Professional Interview – 200 points (1 @ 200 points), 20% of final grade
- Generative AI Usage -- 240 points (6 @ 40 points), 24% of final grade
- Total points for all graded assignments = 1,000
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 900 or above | A |
| 800–890 | B |
| 700–799 | C |
| 600–699% | D |
| Below 599 | F |
Course Components
Quizzes
- Description and Rationale: Quizzes are integral to assessing students' understanding of key concepts and theories discussed in the course. They encourage ongoing engagement with the course material and provide immediate feedback on students' learning progress.
- Assessment: Quizzes will be automatically graded, with immediate feedback provided. Specific criteria for achieving full marks on each quiz will be outlined in a Quiz Rubric, accessible in the course materials.
- CLOs Achieved: This component supports CLOs A, B, and C by ensuring students have a foundational understanding of information systems and their application in various contexts.
Industry Analysis Project (Course-Spanning Project)
- Description and Rationale: The Industry Analysis Project allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to analyze real-world industry challenges and opportunities related to information systems. This project fosters critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to articulate complex ideas through video discussions.
- Assessment: This project will be assessed using the "Industry Analysis Project Rubric," focusing on research depth, analytical skills, creativity, presentation, and engagement with peers' work. Feedback will be provided by both peers and the instructor.
- CLOs Achieved: CLO A (analyzing IS components within industries) and CLO C (emerging tech considerations). Potential ties to CLO Bif cybersecurity issues are explored in the industry context.
Podcast Production
Description and Rationale:
The Podcast Production assignment offers a modern, creative format to explore real-world applications of information systems. Students will plan, record, and produce a 15–30-minute podcast episode interviewing or conversing with a professional who works with (or makes decisions about) software and IT systems.
Assignment Guidelines
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Preparation
- Select an Expert or Topic: Identify a professional in your career field or an expert in IT systems.
- Develop Questions or Discussion Points: Align your questions with the course outcomes (CLO A, B, C) and relevant module topics.
-
Recording
- Format: Audio recording (15–30 minutes).
- Content:
- Short introduction (introduce topic and interviewee).
- Discussion of the professional’s background and role.
- Relevant questions and in-depth responses.
- Concluding reflection tying insights to the course concepts.
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Submission
- Audio File: Submit your recorded episode in a commonly accepted audio format (e.g., MP3).
- Show Notes (Summary): Provide a brief description (1–2 paragraphs) highlighting key takeaways, challenges, and any course-relevant reflections.
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Academic Integrity
- Collaboration on the final product is not allowed (beyond your interviewee).
- Open-book research to formulate interview questions is permitted (cite any external sources).
- If you use AI tools for planning or editing, document it in your show notes.
Assessment
- Points: This assignment is worth 200 points (20% of final grade).
- Podcast Production Rubric (in the assignment in the module section): Evaluates clarity of audio, relevance and depth of questions, alignment with course learning outcomes, and reflective analysis.
CLOs Achieved:
- CLO A: Understanding how hardware, software, data, people, and networks operate in a real-world setting.
- CLO B: May be covered if cybersecurity or risk mitigation arises during the interview.
- CLO C: Reflection on emerging or evolving technologies and their impact on society.
The Use of Generative AI
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Description and Rationale: This new component encourages students to engage with generative AI technologies, such as ChatGPT, to deepen their understanding of the course material. Through interactive sessions with AI, students will explore module content further, ask questions, and reflect on the information provided by AI, fostering a hands-on experience with emerging technologies.
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Assessment: Students will be required to submit a detailed log of their interactions with generative AI for each module, demonstrating how they utilized AI to supplement their learning. Submissions should include the prompts used, the AI's responses, and a reflective summary of insights gained or how their understanding was enhanced. This component will be assessed based on the depth of engagement, the relevance of questions posed to AI, and the quality of reflection. A specific rubric, "Generative AI Use Rubric," will be provided to outline the criteria.
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CLOs Achieved: Primarily CLO C, exploring emerging technologies, though it can support CLO A and CLO B based on how AI is used for problem-solving or security discussions.
Course Policies
Communication
Preferred Method of Communication
Email is our main channel for course-related questions, feedback, or any concerns you might have. Please feel free to reach out to me at hassell@ou.edu. Whether it's a question about the course material or a discussion point you found intriguing, I'm here to support your learning journey. I aim to respond to your emails within one working day during the week.
Response Time
Expect a response from me within one workday for any queries sent Monday through Friday. While I take weekends to recharge and prepare for the week ahead, rest assured, any communication sent over the weekend will be addressed promptly on Monday.
Professional Courtesy
In our communications, I kindly ask to be addressed as Dr. Hassell but promise not to be a Major Pain.
Encouraging Interaction
I highly encourage you to actively participate and engage with the course content, your peers, and myself. Your insights, questions, and reflections greatly enrich our collective learning environment. Interaction is not just encouraged; it’s a vital part of how we’ll explore the subject matter together.
Feedback
- Turnaround Time: Expect feedback within one week of submitting assignments.
- Formats: Feedback will be provided through comments on submissions, and occasionally through audio or video for more nuanced insights.
- Constructiveness: Feedback will highlight strengths, and areas for improvement, and offer specific advice for enhancing your work, directly tied to the Course Learning Outcomes.
- Dialogue: You're encouraged to discuss feedback for clarification or further guidance via email or scheduled meetings.
- Alignment: All feedback is aimed at advancing your progress toward achieving the Course Learning Outcomes
Late Policy
To maintain the academic integrity and fairness of our asynchronous online course, the following late submission policy is in place:
- One-Day Grace Period: Assignments submitted within one day past the due date are eligible for submission with a 20% penalty applied to the achieved score.
- Final Deadline: Submissions will not be accepted more than one day late under any circumstances.
This policy is designed to balance flexibility with the necessity of adhering to the course schedule. If you foresee difficulty in meeting an assignment deadline, please contact me in advance to discuss possible accommodations.
Plagiarism
Our course is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity, ensuring that your learning experience is both authentic and reflective of your personal effort and understanding. As we navigate together through the coursework, it's crucial that we adhere to the following guidelines regarding originality, the use of resources, and the role of technology in your assignments and assessments.
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Original Work Requirement: All submitted assignments and video presentations must be your original work. This principle is fundamental to maintaining the integrity of your academic record and the trustworthiness of your contributions to the learning community. Copying or replicating work from peers, previous students, or any external sources without proper citation will be considered a serious breach of academic integrity.
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Use of Generative AI Tools: In recognition of the growing professional applications of generative AI technologies, their use in enhancing your learning and creative processes is encouraged within specific guidelines:
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Transparency with AI Use: When incorporating content generated by AI tools into your submissions, full transparency is required. This includes providing a detailed script of your interaction with the AI, showing both the prompts you used and the AI’s responses. Such disclosure ensures the academic value of AI use is appropriately assessed and credited.
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Attribution of AI Contributions: Any AI-generated content included in your work must be correctly attributed, similar to citing traditional sources. This practice upholds the integrity of your submissions and acknowledges the role of AI as a supplementary intellectual resource.
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Prohibited Use During Quizzes: To accurately assess your comprehension and engagement with the course material, the use of online resources, browsers, generative AI chat, chatbots, or any external assistance during quizzes is strictly prohibited. Quizzes are designed to reflect your understanding and retention of the readings and video materials provided in the course.
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Consequences of Violating Policy: Violations of these guidelines, including unauthorized use of resources during quizzes or failure to accurately attribute AI-generated content, will be addressed following the institution's academic policies. Penalties may include grade reductions, failure of the course, or further disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate.
This policy aims to foster a learning environment where integrity, personal effort, and genuine understanding are valued and rewarded. By adhering to these guidelines, we ensure that our academic journey is both honorable and fruitful, paving the way for true intellectual growth and professional readiness.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Access the University Academic Policies Document.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|