SMM 140 Syllabus
Course Description
In this course, you will learn how to build great websites faster, cheaper, and easier than most people know is even possible. This course will teach you how to use open-sourced platforms to develop, design, optimize, customize, and manage company websites. You will also learn how to integrate the latest social and mobile trends into these websites. This specific skill will become a valuable asset when applying for jobs. Open-sourced web development skills will set you apart in this new world of social media marketing.
This course was developed by LDSBC faculty in partnership with BYU-Idaho curriculum designers. The course follows the LDSBC Learning Pattern and aligns with the outcomes of the LDSBC campus course. This online course is being offered by BYU-Idaho with a qualified BYU-Idaho instructor. The course functionality and your student experience should be the same as you would expect in any other course; however, you will see references to both LDSBC and BYU-Idaho throughout the course.
Prerequisites
None.
Required Materials
All lesson materials are contained in the course, or are obtained through free website accounts (see below). You will be provided with links to the materials and informed when to create the pertinent accounts. The information below is solely for informational purposes; please do not set up accounts until you are instructed to do so in the lesson materials.
Microsoft office
Microsoft Office is a suite of applications dedicated to word processing, data spreadsheets, presentations, and annotation/note-taking. You will be using this tool extensively (particularly Excel and Word) to complete and submit assignments. Students should download the latest version of Microsoft Word (if they do not already have this program), before they begin the course, onto their local computer for writing assignments.
If you are an LDSBC student, access the link above and log in with your LDSBC email address and password. You may then download and install Microsoft Office 2013 to your computer.
If you are a BYU-Idaho student, visit the University Store's Technology Downloads page. Follow the instructions to download the suite. Scroll down on that page to access Help & Tutorials, as needed.
Codecademy
In this course you will use Codecademy to learn and practice your coding skills. This free site provides instruction and checks your code in practice activities. Your code must be correct before gaining access to the next lesson on the website.
If you need help with the coding exercises, refer back to the instructional material. If you need further help, take a screenshot of your work (or otherwise capture your code), and send it to your instructor.
CodePen
In this course, you will use a free CodePen account (codepen.io) to write code for course assignments. After writing your code you will save your page which generates a URL. You will submit the URL in I-Learn.
If you have questions about CodePen, access their help features, blog, or posts for assistance. If you have coding questions, refer back to the instructional material. If you need further help, save your work and send the URL to your instructor. Remember to do so in advance of any assignment due dates.
WordPress
In this course, you will use WordPress to build your website. WordPress is a content management program which allows you to manage the look, feel, and content of a website. Instead of hand coding an entire website, you install WordPress to build your site. The majority of websites built by individuals and companies today are built using WordPress.
If you are in need of training or support as you use WordPress, first refer to the customer forums. If you need further assistance, contact your instructor.
Google Analytics
In this course you will use Google Analytics to analyze the website you build. Google Analytics is used to analyze web site traffic (who is visiting your site, user demographics, how users find you, when users leave your site, most frequently visited pages, what search topics are used to find your site, etc.).
If you are in need of training or support as you use Google Analytics, first refer to the Google Support options. If you need further assistance, contact your instructor.
Facebook is a key social media platform used to share information and communicate with others. Your instructor will add you to a private Facebook group created for this section of SMM 140. Use the group page to ask questions of your instructor (or other classmates). The Facebook group will replace the Questions and Conversations boards in the course. Remember to set an example of respectful communication to foster a positive learning environment.
If you need help using Facebook refer to Facebook help options, or look for a video on YouTube which addresses your question.
Required Technology
- It is preferred that you have your own computer, but you must have regular access to a computer with a reliable internet connection. Review the Systems Requirements page to ensure your computer is adequate for this course.
Required Purchases
In this course, you will build a website which necessitates the purchase of a domain name and hosting services. Some hosting services are free, but they may not fit the needs of your website. There are many options to fit various financial services. You can expect to pay $12–$80 (or more) depending on your provider selections. Please be prepared for this to occur in Lesson 05.
Learning Outcomes
LDSBC cultivates a nurturing environment where practical skills are learned and discipleship is strengthened.
There are three types of learning outcomes, guiding curriculum, and authentic learning experiences at LDSBC. Students demonstrate the (1) College-Wide Outcomes, (2) Program Competency Outcomes, and (3) Course-Specific Outcomes through the Learning Pattern as they Prepare, Teach One Another, Ponder, and Prove their knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Through this process, all LDSBC graduates are prepared to contribute in their homes, communities, the Lord’s church, and in future employment.
LDSBC College-Wide Outcomes
- Confirm personal testimony in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Collaborate with others using interpersonal skills in an honest, ethical, and Christlike manner.
- Communicate effectively using written and verbal presentation principles.
- Construct new knowledge using technology and information resource tools.
- Comprehend and think critically to solve problems.
- Cultivate a strong, professional work ethic and lifelong learning opportunities.
Social Media Marketing Program Competency Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to manage the social media marketing departments of small to mid-sized companies.
- Strategically develop marketing campaigns based on a company’s vision, goals, target market, research, analytics, budget, and scope.
- Create a highly-engaged social community of empowered brand advocates.
- Maneuver current tools, platforms and data centers to optimize research, reach, revenues, referrals, and retention.
- Prove the return on investment (ROI) of campaigns and marketing initiatives.
- Create relevant and engaging content in the form of copy, pictures, videos, infographics, etc.
- Assess their own understanding of marketing principles, strategies, and tactics—and how to apply them to real life situations.
- Establish and analyze the various learning resources that will help their knowledge remain current with changing technologies, best practices, and trends.
SMM 140 Course Specific Outcomes
- Create and manage open source websites.
- Use plugins for optimal conversions, customization, and search engine optimization (SEO).
- Build a website using basic web design and user experience principles.
- Manage a website that has been or will be developed using open source technologies.
- Design sites that are adaptive and responsive.
- Integrate social, SEO, commerce, and analytics into an overall web strategy.
Learning Patterns
This course functions upon the LDSBC Learning Pattern, including the principles of Prepare, Teach One Another, Ponder, and Prove.
Prepare
You are expected to complete your prepare activities early in the week by study and by faith.
- To succeed in this course, you should complete preparation activities (Overview and Readings & Quiz) by the midweek deadline.
Teach One Another
You are expected to use charity and respect as you increase your capacity to learn by teaching one another.
- Teach One Another activities (Think and Discuss) are designed to build upon assigned concepts from the Prepare activities. Please studiously complete the Prepare activities so that you can actively participate in teaching and learning from others.
- Your first comments to the Think and Discuss activities will be due midweek and your responses are due by the end-of-week deadline.
Ponder
You are expected to ponder ways to apply course concepts.
- You will be asked to ponder at various times throughout the course. The main emphasis on Ponder occurs in the Think and Discuss Teach One Another activities. Before participating in the discussion, you will review what you have learned and consider how to apply that learning.
Prove
You are expected to prove your level of mastery of the course outcomes by completing course assignments.
- The weekly Prove Your Learning assignment is where you will demonstrate your mastery of the course outcomes. These assignments focus on creating and managing a website and are due by the end-of-week deadline. Most of these assignments will build on earlier assignments.
Grading Policies
The minimum grade you can earn in this course without needing to repeat the course is a "C." Your grade will be determined by dividing the number of points you earn by the total points possible.
Grading Scale
Grade Range | Score | Grade | Score | Grade | Score | Grade |
A | 100–94% | A | 93–90% | A- | ||
B | 89–87% | B+ | 86–84% | B | 83–80% | B- |
C | 79–77% | C+ | 76–74% | C | 73–70% | C- |
D | 69–67% | D+ | 66–64% | D | 63–60% | D- |
F | <60% |
The BYU-Idaho grading system describes each letter grade as follows:
- “A” represents outstanding understanding, application, and integration of subject material and extensive evidence of original thinking, skillful use of concepts, and the ability to analyze and solve complex problems. Demonstrates diligent application of Learning Model principles, including initiative in serving other students.
- “B” represents considerable/significant understanding, application, and incorporation of the material that would prepare a student to be successful in next level courses, graduate school, or employment. The student participates in the Learning Model as applied in the course.
- "C” represents sufficient understanding of subject matter. The student demonstrates minimal initiative to be prepared for class. Sequenced courses could be attempted, but mastering new materials might prove challenging. The student participates only marginally in the Learning Model.
- “D” represents poor performance and initiative to learn, understand, and apply course materials. Retaking a course or remediation may be necessary to prepare for additional instruction in this subject matter.
- “F” represents failure in the course.
Grading Components
Learning Activities | Points |
Prepare: A few small assignments in Lesson 01, recurring Readings and Quiz in each lesson. Auto-graded by the computer. Typically worth 15 points each. | 205 |
Teach One Another: Recurring Think and Discuss Group discussions in each lesson, weekly sharing of Professional Resources, and a few peer reviews. Grade evaluated by instructor. Think and Discuss activity typically worth 15 points each, Professional Resources worth 5 points each. | 270 |
Prove: Recurring Prove Your Learning assignments. Grade evaluated by instructor. Points possible dependent on size of assignment, from 20–80 points. | 535 |
Course Policies
Late Work
- You are expected to submit your work on time as a student just as your employer will expect your duties to be completed on time.
- If you submit any late assignments within seven days of the deadline, you will receive a maximum of 75%. After one week, you will receive zero points.
- Due to the interactive nature of discussion activities, late posts will receive a score of zero points.
- There are no extra credit or make-up assignments.
- In the rare occurrence that you are unable to submit work by the deadline due to a natural disaster, birth or death of a family member, hospitalization, or serious accident you should contact your instructor before the next deadline, if possible, but at least within 24 hours of the next deadline.
Note: Your instructor has the right to implement a different late work policy. He or she will notify you during the first week of the semester if their policy is different than what is stated here.
Credit Hours and Study Time
LDSBC and BYU-Idaho measure academic credit in credit hours. In accordance with federal regulation, a credit hour at the college is the amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that reasonably approximates not less than three hours of student work for each credit. Therefore, you can expect to spend at least nine hours per week to study and complete your coursework. This time estimate represents the average student who is appropriately prepared; more time may be required to achieve excellence.
Copyright
The course materials used in this class may be protected by copyright laws. You are expected to make an effort in good faith to respect the rights of copyright holders. If you disregard the policy, you may be in violation of the Church Education System Honor Code, you may place yourself at risk for possible legal action, and you may incur personal liability.
University Policies
Refer to the University Policies page in the Resource module of the course for full details regarding the BYU-Idaho Honor Code, BYU-Idaho Disability Services, sexual harassment, complaints, and grievances policies.
Disclaimers
The instructor reserves the right to change any part of this syllabus at any time during the semester in order to adapt to changing course needs. If there is a discrepancy between this syllabus and I-Learn, consider the I-Learn information to be correct.