Announcements

• Note the new versions of the textbooks, as of Fall 2006.

Basic Course Info

Description: Concepts of computer systems and procedures including software applications, input and output, data storage, communications and networks, internet and world wide web, and operating systems and system software. Emphasis on using integrated software tools on the microcomputer which include word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation graphics, communications, web browsers, electronic mail, personal information management, and multimedia authoring. Credit does not apply to computer science minor requirements.

Credit Hours: 3

Pre or Co-Requisites: None.

Textbooks and Materials:

• Discovering Computers 2007 A Gateway to Information, Complete by Shelly, Cashman, and Vermaat, ISBN: 1-4188-4370-9
• Microsoft Office 2003: Introductory Concepts and Techniques Premium Edition by Shelly, Cashman, and Vermaat, ISBN: 1-4188-5931-1

General Course Objectives, Student Outcomes: The student will

1. use the most-up-to-date technology in an ever-changing discipline.
2. have an in-depth understanding of why computers are essential components in business and society.
3. understand the fundamentals of computers and computer nomenclature, particularly with respect to personal computer hardware and software, the World Wide Web, and enterprise computing.
4. be motivated to learn through visually appealing and exciting material.
5. be assisted in planning a career and getting certificated in the computer field.
6. complete exercises and lab assignments that allow him/her to interact with a computer and learn by actually using the computer and World Wide Web.
7. develop strategies for purchasing a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a Tablet PC, and a personal mobile device.
8. understand the fundamentals of Microsoft Office Word 2003, Microsoft Office Excel 2003, Microsoft Office Access 2003, Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003, Microsoft Office Outlook 2003, and Microsoft Windows XP.
9. complete practical examples using the computer as a useful tool.
10. use proper procedures to create documents, worksheets, databases, and presentations suitable for coursework, professional purposes, and personal use.
11. develop new input technologies.
12. improve analytical and writing skills using technology.

• 2 regular tests @ 200 points each; 1 comprehensive final exam @ 400 points; Approximately 10 labs @ 10 points each. Additional quizzes possible at any time.

• Exemption from final exam requires taking both test 1 and 2 and earning at least 360 total test points. Exemption yields and automatic 400 points for the final exam. Exemption is only for the final exam, and does not exempt any lab assignments.

• If you take both tests, and earned less than 80% of the total possible on your lowest test, then if the percentage awarded on the final exam is more than the percentage awarded on the loest test, the final exam percentage will replace that test's percentage, up to a cap of 80%.

• Compute total points awarded, divided by the total points possible, then use scale: 90%=A, 80%=B, 70%=C, 60%=D, 59% and below=F.

• Computer lab assignments are due by the beginning of class on the due date. An assignment not turned by this time as a result of an excused absence will be accepted at the class meeting immediately following the excused absence. Unexcused late assignments are not accepted. Saturday note: the due date for all assignments is at the beginning of class on Exam Day.

  You may get help completing a lab assignment, but you are expected to understand what you got help with.

• Roll will be taken periodically. While there is no specific deduction of points for absences, regular attendance is encouraged. Tests, quizzes, and exams missed without excuse yield zero. Acceptance of excused absence is at my sole disgression. Clearance beforehand is best, although medical and family emergencies may be explained afterwards. Athletes, etc, should provide documentation of activities that will require them to miss class, which should be prepared by their coach, etc, on official letterhead. If a test is missed with an excused absence, please check with me as to whether a make-up test will be arranged or the final exam will be used as a proportional make-up instead.

• Cheating is not tolerated. I wish to presume that my students are trustworthy, and cheating is a serious breach of that trust. Don't risk it.

"Any student eligible for and requesting academic accommodations due to a disability is requested to provide a letter of accommodation from P.A.C.E. or Student Academic Support Center within the first two weeks of the semester."