last revised: 05.12.31

        The laboratory will cultivate in students a variety of information management and critical thinking skills, including: computer-based information retrieval, computer-mediated communication and social skills, situation analysis skills, logical thinking, problem solving skills, etc. which are expected to include:

• USGS Planetary Data Mapping Facility and Lowell Observatory tours,
• introduction to data location and retrieval - from Cline Library data bases, the World Wide Web, etc
• introduction to Unix computer environment and the Internet, including e-mail, list-serves, file management, multiple user domains and their client programs, etc.
• introduction to text-based virtual reality simulation environment
• principles and practice in programming through building in the computer simulation
• practice in conditions that support open communication
• introduction to LOGLAN, a speakable engineered language free of all structural ambiguities
• alternative socio-cultural systems design seminars on topics including:
  • a) the political economy,
  • b) language,
  • c) family values,
  • d) technology impact assessment,
  • e) society and culture,
  • etc.
• visualization project development
• problem solving processes workshop

        will be computed independently of the 'lecture' grade, and will be determined on the basis of attendance and active participation, and by the combination of:

• the amount of time on-line,
• the amount of work accomplished on-line (e.g. commands generated), and
• the quality of the products generated. [50pts]

Lab Paper [30pts]

        You are expected to provide your own documentation of the foregoing, including, especially, a logged and edited printout of a personally guided tour of what you have built, and any other spaces important to you in the simulation.

        Appropriately edited and annotated transcripts of important on-line meetings or other events will also be welcomed.   These documents are to be included in your Electronic Portfolio.