Introduction to Computers

CIS 100-7505

MW 2:30—3:45

Fall 2011

3 Credit Hours

Instructor: / Debbie L. Wright
Email: / (this is the best way to contact me
Office Phone: / 270-824-8614
I’m very bad about voice mail so don’t hesitate to call me a second time!
Home Phone: / 270-825-8893
Please limit your calls to between 8:00AM and 10:00PM (I am very old!) Don’t hesitate to call.
Office Hours: / I’m usually online first thing in the morning.
MW 1:00—2:15, T1:30-3:30, R by appointment and Friday 10:00-11:00 and almost anytime I’m in my office.Call or email me anytime.
Office: / Room 263, Social Sciences Suite, John Gray Building
Class Web Site: /
Text: / Exploring Series: Microsoft Office 2010 Vol 1, includes
Exploring Series Computer Concepts, and MyITlab code
Prentice Hall.

Course Description

The impact of computers on society, and ethical issues are presented. Students use microcomputer and application software, including word processing, database, spreadsheets, and the Internet, to prepare elementary documents and reports. Lecture/demonstration. 3 hours. Prerequisite: Basic typing skills.

Course Competencies Upon completion of this course the student can:

Computing Concepts

Evaluate computer hardware and software

  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. Identify how computers are used in different areas of work, school, and home
  9. Identify the risks of using computer hardware and software

Windows

Demonstrate control of applications and file management

  1. Manipulate and control the Windows desktop, files, and disks
  2. Identify how to change system settings, install and remove software
  3. Start and exit a Windows application and utilize sources of online help
  4. Identify common on-screen elements of Windows applications, change application settings and manage files within an application

Word

Illustrate/Incorporate common editing and formatting functions

  1. Perform common editing and formatting functions
  2. Perform common printing functions
  3. Format text and documents including the ability to use automatic formatting tools
  4. Insert, edit and format tables in a document

Excel

Create spreadsheets using formulas, functions, and charts

  1. Modify worksheet data and structure and format data in a worksheet
  2. Sort data, manipulate data using formulas and functions and add and modify charts in a worksheet

PowerPoint

Plan and develop simple presentations

  1. Create and format simple presentations

Browser & Email

Evaluate computer networks and electronic communications

  1. Identify network fundamentals and the benefits and risks of network computing
  2. Identify the relationship between computer networks, other communications networks (like the telephone network) and the Internet
  3. Identify how electronic mail works
  4. Identify how to use an electronic mail application
  5. Identify the appropriate use of e-mail and e-mail related “netiquette”
  6. Identify different types of information sources on the Internet
  7. Use a web browsing application
  8. Search the internet for information
  9. Identify how to use computers and the Internet safely, legally and responsibly

Access

Structure and organize a database management program

  1. Use a database management program to create, maintain, and print reports from a simple relational database.
  2. Use a database management program to customize the user interface by creating and maintaining forms and reports.
  3. Use a database management program to query tables using basic query operations such as “and,” “or,” “not,” etc.

Writing Across the Curriculum:

“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)

General Education Competencies

  1. Communicate Effectively

A. Read and listen with comprehension

Assessment: Students will correctly construct comprehensive Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint projects after reading the text and hearing the presented course content.

B.Speak and write clearly using Standard English

Assessment: Students will complete various writing assignments (letters, memos, reports, proposals, open-ended responses, and/or article reviews) using Standard Written English.

C.Demonstrate information processing through basic computer skills

Assessment: Students will research current computing technology and compose papers utilizing newly acquired computer skills.

  1. Think Critically

A.Make connections in learning across the disciplines and draw logical conclusions

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

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

Assessment: Students will correctly complete the Computing Concepts Critical Thinking Project, Parts I & II.

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

Assessment: Students will correctly construct Excel worksheets that compare and analyze data for decision-making.

  1. Learn Independently

A.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.

Assessment: Students will correctly complete the Computing Concepts Critical Thinking Project, Parts I & II.

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

Assessment: Students will demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues related to computing technology through quizzes and/or exams.

C.Apply learning in academic, personal, and public situations

Assessment: Students will demonstrate computing skills appropriate for other courses, for self, or for employment/career situations.

Assessment: Students will correctly complete the Computing Concepts Critical Thinking Project, Parts I & II.

  1. Examine Relationships in Diverse and Complex Environments

A.Recognize the relationship of the individual to human heritage and culture

Assessment: Students will demonstrate knowledge of the evolution of computer technology through quizzes and/or exams.

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

Assessment: Students will model appropriate ergonomic techniques for keyboard usage, proper posture, and workstation.

Supplies

Microsoft Office 2010 Professional (contains Word, Excel Access and PowerPoint), MyItLab, Flash Drive
You must use Microsoft Office 2010 in this class. Your text comes with a 6 month trial version of the software.

Grading

Grading Criteria /
Points / Grading Scale
Assignments / 40% / A / 90-100
Quizzes / 10% / B / 80-89
Examinations / 30% / C / 70-79
Critical Thinking Project / 5% / D / 60-69
Final Exam / 15% / E / Below 60
Total100% / 100%

COURSE POLICIES

Instructional Methods:

A combination Chapter readings, hands-on chapter practices, chapter quizzes, and end of chapter exercises will be utilized to help you gain proficiency in the application of computer concepts and principles. You will utilize both Blackboard ( and MyITLab ( to complete class assignments, quizzes and exams.

After the specified due date and times folders will no longer be available for submission. All times for submission of assignments are 11:59 p.m. EST on the due date. This is 10:59 p.m. CST. After these times assignments will not be accepted.

MyITLab:

MyITLab is a web-based application used in the course to complete assignments, quizzes practice exams and exams. The instructor will not be responsible for troubleshooting problems with MyITLab, if you have issues with MyITLab please visit the website or call toll free (800) 677-6337.

Examination Policy

Four examinations and a final exam (total of five exams) will be given. One exam will be dropped. The final exam may not be dropped. No make-up exams or quizzes are allowed. You have a window of 4 days for each exam so scheduling shouldn’t be a problem.

Hands-on Chapter Projects

You will be responsible for reading and understanding each assigned chapter. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate assistance from the instructor for questions from the course.

Late Assignment Policy:

Assignments should be submitted beforethe specified due date and time. Laboratory assignments handed in after the specified time are considered late. No late assignments will be accepted. After the specified due date and times folders will no longer be available for submission.

Instructor Availability

I’ll usually be in my office right before this class. I will usually answer emails each morning and will try to make sure you have an answer within 24 hours on your email during the week. I’ll check in once on the weekend usually on Saturday so it will take longer to get an answer then. If I’m traveling I’ll put something up in the Announcements area of Blackboard so you’ll know when I’m not available. Feel free to call me as well.

Cheating Policy

Students are expected to uphold the school’s standard of conduct relating to academic honesty. Students assume full responsibility for the content and integrity of the academic work they submit. The guiding principle of academic integrity shall be that a student's submitted work; examinations, reports, and projects must be that of the student's own work. Students shall be guilty of violating the honor code if they:

  1. Represent the work of others as their own.
  2. Use or obtain unauthorized assistance in any academic work.
  3. Give unauthorized assistance to other students.
  4. Modify, without instructor approval, an examination, paper, record, or report for the purpose of obtaining additional credit.
  5. Misrepresent the content of submitted work.

The penalty for violating the honor code is severe. Any student violating the honor code is subject to receive a failing grade for the course and will be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. If a student is unclear about whether a particular situation may constitute an honor code violation, the student should meet with the instructor to discuss the situation.

For this class, it is permissible to assist classmates in general discussions of computing techniques. Each person, however, must develop his or her own solutions to the assigned projects, assignments, and tasks.

Incomplete Policy:

Incompletes are given only in extreme cases and only to a student who has completed 80% of the total class work.

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.

Attendance Policy:

Attendance in this class is shown by turning in your homework and quizzes on time.

Withdrawal Policy:

I will discourage you from dropping if, in my opinion, you are passing the course. November 18 is the last day that I will give my permission to drop.

Inclement Weather Policy:

In cases of inclement weather please listen to area radio and television stations for cancellations and then go to your computer and work on this class!

MCC Safety Statement—for on campus students

Madisonville Community College is concerned with the safety of the students attending classes at any of the four campuses. The following points are for your benefit as a student.

In case any life threatening event, call 911. The local emergency responders are better equipped to take care of these situations.

To sign up for the Safety Notification Alert Process (SNAP) go to the MCC webpage and click on the SNAP section. After completing this, you will receive notifications on school closings, inclement weather, and other safety notifications.

To report a safety concern call the MCC Tip Line at 824-1900 to report safety concerns or suspicious behavior. This line is monitored once a day Monday through Friday.

There is a Maintenance #836-5330 for students on the North campus for use after the switchboard closes at 4:30. This is a cell phone that is answered by one of the Maintenance & Operations personnel.

The MCC emergency number is answered by selected personnel during the day and by a cell phone when these are not available. 824-1911

Important Web Sites
  1. The website for the course is:
  2. You may view the KCTCS Student Code of Conduct at
  3. To get to your KCTCS email account go to
  4. Library services: Link to Madisonville Community College Library on MCC Homepage. Use the same KCTCS email link above.
  5. Blackboard Help Tab:
  6. KCTCS Distance Learning Website: - Student Services Help Desk:
  7. KCTCS Help Desk at KYVC website -

Technical Help
Please contact our 24/7 Help Desk if you have any questions about course requests or logins. Call toll-free 1-866-606-1725. For KCTCS 24/7 Help Desk call toll-free 1-866-590-9238.
The instructor will not be responsible for troubleshooting problems with MyITLab, If you have issues with MyITLab please visit website or call toll free (800) 677-6337
Library Information
You may use the Kentucky Virtual Library ( ) where many books and other resources are available online. The librarians here can also help you find other materials you need and have them delivered to your local library. They will even help you with research - all for free! To access the Library databases, you will need a username and password. Email me if you wish one.

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, JHG 139, 270-824-1708.