Syllabus

CIS 100 - Introduction to Computers

Fall 2008

PREREQUISITE:
Basic keyboarding skills

TEXT/MATERIALS:
Text : Exploring Microsoft® Office 2007 – Getting Started with Computing Concepts (Custom Edition for Madisonville Community College), Prentice Hall, 2008.
Software : Microsoft Office 2007 Suite, Internet Explorer, and Windows Vista will be used (Six-month trial version included in bundle)
Storage device(s) : flash drive

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Familiarizes students with various types of computer hardware and software including the use of an operating system. Explores common program functions of key applications and special functions available in word processing, electronic spreadsheet, database, and presentation software. Teaches online skills and concepts including networking, electronic mail, Web browsing, and Internet research.

COURSE COMPETENCIES:
Upon completion of this course the student can:

1. Identify types of computers, how they process information and how individual computers interact with other computing systems and devices
2. Identify the function of computer hardware components
3. Identify the factors that go into an individual or organizational decision on how to purchase computer equipment
4. Identify how to maintain computer equipment and solve common problems relating to computer hardware
5. Identify how software and hardware work together to perform computing tasks and how software is developed and upgraded
6. Identify different types of software, general concepts relating to software categories, and the tasks to which each type of software is most suited or not suited
7. Identify what an operating system is and how it works, and solve common problems related to operating systems
8. Manipulate and control the Windows desktop, files, and disks
9. Identify how to change system settings, install and remove software
10. Start and exit a Windows application and utilize sources of online help
11. Identify common on-screen elements of Windows applications, change application settings and manage files within an application
12. Perform common editing and formatting functions
13. Perform common printing functions
14. Format text and documents including the ability to use automatic formatting tools
15. Insert, edit and format tables in a document
16. Modify worksheet data and structure and format data in a worksheet
17. Sort data, manipulate data using formulas and functions and add and modify charts in a worksheet
18. Create and format simple presentations
19. Identify network fundamentals and the benefits and risks of network computing
20. IIdentify the relationship between computer networks, other communications networks (like the telephone network) and the Internet
21. Identify how electronic mail works
22. Identify how to use an electronic mail application
23. Identify the appropriate use of e-mail and e-mail related “netiquette”
24. Identify different types of information sources on the Internet
25. Use a web browsing application
26. Search the internet for information
27. Identify how computers are used in different areas of work, school, and home
28. Identify the risks of using computer hardware and software
29. Identify how to use computers and the Internet safely, legally and responsibly
30. Use a database management program to create, maintain, and print reports from a simple relational database.
31. Use a database management program to customize the user interface by creating and maintaining forms and reports.
32. Use a database management program to query tables using basic query operations such as “and,” “or,” “not,” etc.

I. COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY

Read and listen with comprehension

Assessment: Complete comprehensive Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint projects after reading the text and hearing the presented course content.

Speak and write clearly using standard English

Assessment: Complete various writing assignments (letters, memos, reports, open-ended responses, and/or article reviews) using appropriate and correct English grammar.

Demonstrate information processing through basic computer skills

Assessment: Research articles on current technology and compose article summaries utilizing newly acquired computer skills.

II. THINK CRITICALLY

Make connections in learning across the disciplines and draw logical conclusions

Assessment: Apply newly developed technical skills when constructing research papers, resumes, graphs, presentations, and other documents for other courses.

Demonstrate problem solving through interpreting, analyzing, summarizing, and/or integrating a variety of materials

Assessment: Be involved in the problem-solving process to choose the best method to construct comprehensive projects to achieve accurate and desired outcomes.

Use mathematics to organize, analyze, and synthesize data to solve a problem

Assessment: Construct Excel worksheets that compare and analyze data for decision-making while completing culminating project.

 

III. LEARN INDEPENDENTLY

Use appropriate search strategies and resources to find, evaluate, and use information

Assessment: Students will utilize Internet search engines to obtain information to complete various assignments (Internet Scavenger Hunt, technology comparison, and/or article reviews)

Make choices based upon awareness of ethics and differing perspectives/ideas

Assessment: Demonstrate an awareness of ethical considerations in making value choices by discussing issues related to professional ethics in the technology field.

Apply learning in academic, personal, and public situations

Assessment: Apply all acquired skills when constructing required materials for other courses, for self, or in employment/career situations.

IV. EXAMINE RELATIONSHIPS IN DIVERSE AND COMPLEX ENVIRONMENTS

Recognize the relationship of the individual to human heritage and culture

Assessment: Discuss the evolution of computer technology and Email etiquette (“Netiquette”).

Demonstrate an awareness of the relationship of the individual to the biological and physical environment.

Assessment: Model appropriate ergonomic techniques for keyboard usage, proper posture, and workstation.

Develop an awareness of self as an individual member of a multicultural global community

Assessment: Develop self awareness within the global community by creating a humanitarian PowerPoint presentation and/or participating in global communication through electronic pen pals (Epals).

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:

• Regular Attendance: You can't do well if you aren't here! Arrive on time and expect to stay entire class period.
• FINISH ALL FOOD AND DRINK BEFORE ENTERING CLASS.
• Bring Required Materials to Class:  Always have your book, a pencil, pen, paper, flash drive, and a folder.
• Complete Assignments Correctly, Accurately, and On Time:  Late assignments will not be accepted without prior arrangements. You are responsible for finding out what you miss when you are absent.
• Use Computers Properly and Ethically:  Follow all computer use rules. Please do not use computers during class discussions unless told to do so. Violations will be dealt with appropriately.
• Have a Good Attitude:  Everyone has bad days. Don't let a bad day make you a bad person to be around.
• Respect Each Other:  Respect the ideas of others.  Don't belittle someone simply because you don't agree.  Be polite.
• Discuss with me if they feel they are falling behind or do not understand new material. I am available during office hours, or you may need a tutor.
• Participate in all lab activities, lab assignments, individual and group projects, and large and small group discussion. Class participation is a must!!

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS:
A combination of chapter readings, classroom lectures/discussions, hands-on chapter exercises and labs, quizzes, and exams will be utilized to help you gain proficiency in the application of computer concepts and principles.

EVALUATION OF WRITING:
“Instructors in all courses are expected to call attention to proper English usage and may penalize for errors and/or require the rewriting of papers which do not meet acceptable standards in English.

Any instructor who finds the written work of any student seriously defective in English may recommend remedial work or refer the student for additional assistance from local resources.”

Faculty Senate Rules Section V, 2.33

EVALUATION:

ASSIGNMENTS :
Lab assignments are very important in understanding the software and how to make it work for you. The student is responsible for reading and understanding each assigned chapter. Additionally, most students will have to spend time outside of class to complete hands-on projects. Each assignment should be properly labeled before turning in. Lab activities missed while absent must be completed and submitted on the due date at the specified time.

QUIZZES :
Quizzes will relate to current and previous topics. A quiz may be given at any time during any class period -- immediately after a lecture, at the beginning or end of a class, etc. There will be no make-up quizzes -- none even later during the same class period. Quizzes will be given only to those students who are present.

EXAMS :
Four announced examinations will be given. No make-up exams will be allowed without prior arrangements being made. There will be a common final exam, which will be comprehensive. It will be given at the time shown at the end of the schedule that follows.

ATTENDANCE :
Regular attendance is expected of all students. Students will be held accountable for class assignments, individual and/or group projects, and large and small group discussion. Class convenes and continues even when you are absent. Class participation is a must!!

The student is responsible for obtaining material distributed and assignments on class days when absent by contacting the instructor.

LATE WORK POLICY:
All assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date. No late assignments will be accepted. Laboratory assignments handed in after the specified time are considered late and will result in a grade of zero.

ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY:
“Plagiarism also includes the practice of employing or allowing another person to alter or revise the work that a student submits as the student’s own. Students may discuss assignments among themselves or with an instructor or tutor, but when the actual material is completed, it must be done by the student and the student alone. The use of the term ‘material’ refers to work in any form including written, oral and electronic.” Any student who is determined by the instructor to have plagiarized any activity, quiz, or exam will be subject to the penalties as detailed in the Student Code of Conduct 2.3.2.

INCOMPLETE POLICY:
Incompletes will only be considered in the most extreme cases of hardship.

MAKE-UP POLICY:
Make-up exams will be given ONLY in the most extreme cases of hardship or unavoidable interruption of participation. These are handled on an individual basis.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT:
Any acts of classroom disruption that go beyond the normal rights of students to question and discuss with instructors the educational process relative to subject content will not be tolerated, in accordance with the KCTCS Student Code of Conduct . Please refer to the KCTCS Student Code of Conduct for a description of student rights, student offenses, and the appeals process for infringement of those rights. The KCTCS Student Code of Conduct is available on the web at http://www.kctcs.edu/student/code.htm.

WEB ENHANCED COURSE
This course is web enhanced, which means we will be using BlackBoard, myitlab, and your student Email accounts on a weekly basis. You will be expected to check BlackBoard daily for announcements, assignments, and deadlines. Class convenes and continues even when you are absent.

DROP/ADD/WITHDRAWAL POLICY:
Wednesday, August 20 Last day to register for a class WITH faculty approval.

Friday, August 22 Last day for students to drop a course without a grade.

Monday, October 6 Last day for students, at their own discretion, to officially withdraw from a class and receive a grade of W.

Friday, December 5 Last day for students, at the discretion of the instructor, to officially withdraw from a class and receive a grade of W.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY:
In cases of inclement weather please listen to area radio and television stations for cancellations.

DISABILITIES POLICY:
If you have a documented disability and need any type of accommodation, you are required to register with the Disability Resource Coordinator. Contact Valerie Wolfe, Disability Resource Coordinator, Room 112 LRC, 270.824.1670.

CAMPUS LOCATIONS/PHONE NUMBERS:
North Campus – 2000 College Drive, Madisonville • 270.821.2250
Muhlenberg County Campus – 406 Everly Brothers Boulevard, Central City • 270.757.9881 or toll free 877.659.0819

TUTORING SERVICES:
Tutoring Services for most academic areas available through the Learning Labs:
LRC 110 – ask for Jeri Page for computer-specific tutoring – call 824.1718 for appointment
MCF110 – ask for Brandi or Evelyn

COMPUTER ACCESS:
You do not have to have a computer at home (although it would be very helpful) to be successful in this class. There are computer labs at both campuses, as well as local libraries with computer and Internet access. Please take advantage of these resources - “I don’t have a computer” is not an excuse!
Locations:

• North Campus Lab – Room 215
• Muhlenberg Campus Lab – Room 202
  and Learning Lab – Room 110
• Hopkins County - Madisonville Public Library has Internet access and computers available with Microsoft Office 2007. For more information and hours go to http://www.publiclibrary.org/ and click on Computer Services or call 825.2680.
• Central City Library has Internet access and computers available with Microsoft Office 2003 and laptops with 2007. Call 754.4630 for more information and hours.

SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS:
For most students this will not be a "difficult" course. However, there will probably be some students who did well in other academic courses where information was most important and who will be surprised at the relative difficulty of this course where manual/technical skills are most important.

Top 5 Suggestions for SUCCESS:

1. Come to class.
2. Ask questions.
3. Do your homework
4. Be prepared.
5. Practice, practice, practice – just like any other subject matter or like playing a sport, you have to put the time in. I can introduce the topic and show you the steps to take, but I can’t take the test or make the jump shot for you! You have to practice outside of class in order to learn the concepts and steps. Computers are very hands-on and repetitious—you have to use it or you lose it!!

TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE:

FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE:

All in-class final examinations are to be given during Finals Week. All exams will be given for two (2) hours at the same time and in the same place as the regular class. Classes meeting once a week will have their finals at the time of their usual meeting during Finals Week.

This syllabus is tentative and subject to change at the discretion of the instructor to meet class needs.