New course teaches information presentation technologies

New course teaches information presentation technologiesAugust 27, 2007Margaret Costello Spillettmcostell@syr.edu

No matter the field, being able to understand and present information effectively is important. This semester, the School of Information Studies (iSchool) is introducing a new course to assist graduate students across campus in creating effective presentations using the latest information technologies. The course will also give students the tools they need to assess the validity and accuracy of others’ presentations and their interpretation of data.

“Many of us may not have formal training in publishing, design, presentations or statistics, but most professionals will have to create a resume or poster, give an oral presentation, prepare a report based on data or interpret content from a variety of sources,” says Na Li, instructor for the course, “Information Analysis, Presentation and Interpretation” (IST 600). “This course provides students an opportunity to master knowledge and develop those information interpretation and presentation skills.”

The three-credit course, offered this fall, introduces students to various software packages, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, SPSS and Excel, among others. No previous experience in these programs is needed.

Another goal of the course is to teach students how to discern misleading or manipulated information presented in such forms as business reports, websites, commercials, magazines and a variety of other media. This skill is particularly important in light of recent corporate scandals such as Enron’s financial reporting fraud.

“I think this will be a very useful course to students from all backgrounds,” Li says.

Students may still register for the course. For more information, contact Li at nli@syr.edu.