Course Syllabus

CIS 110-01Introduction to ComputersFall 2017Classroom

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Instructor:Russell Virgo

Office Phone:(828)564-5121

Email:

Office Hours:M/W 8:30to 10:00; M/W 12:30 to 1:30; or by appointment

Office: Freedlander 200 Bldg. Rm 213

Class Location:M/W 10am – 11:50 in Room 219

Dept. Assistant:Julie Newland (828) 565-4080

Course Description

This course introduces computer concepts, including fundamental functions and operations of the computer. Topics include identification of hardware components, basic computer operations, security issues, and use of software applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers and use the computer to solve problems. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a general education course in Mathematics (Quantitative).

Prerequisite: None

Instructional Materials

  • Required Text:New Perspectives Microsoft Office 365 & Office 2016 Introductory

Publisher: Cengage

ISBN: If purchased from the HCC bookstore:978-1-337-68870-3

From any source other than the HCC bookstore:978-1-305-87917-1

Author:Shaffer, Carey, Vodnik, Pinard, et al

  • Although not required, a home computer with Windows 7, 8, or 10 and MicrosoftOffice 365is definitely helpful.Your home computer should also have the 2013 or 2016 version of Microsoft Office. If you do not have a current version of Microsoft Office on your home computer, you can download the free student version. See the Course Information section of the course home page for information on downloading the free student version of Microsoft Office.
  • Although not required, a USB flash memory device is extremely useful.
  • Chromebooks do not run the full version of Microsoft Office and cannot be used in the course.
  • Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome web browsers should be used on your home computer for best performance with HCC’s online course software.

Important Information: The text will be required starting week 3. Due dates will not be extended due to a delay in book deliveries from third party sellers.

Attendance Policy

The maximum number of days that can be missed in this course is five (5). Exceeding the maximum number of days will result in withdrawal from the course.

There are no excused absences other than a conflicting academic obligation to the college. Students are tardy if not in attendance in the first five minutes after the start of class. Three tardies constitute one absence for attendance purposes.

If you've encountered issues that will prevent you from attending class for a limited period of time, we may be able to work out an alternative if you contact your instructor ahead of time.

The last day to withdraw voluntarily from this course is Friday, November 15th. Students may request to be withdrawn from a course by filling out the Request for Withdraw form online. Please see the HCC Student Handbook for information regarding withdraws and how they may impact a student’s financial aid.

Grading Practices

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How Grades are Computed:

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Review Questions: 15%
Quizzes: 15%(Lowest of the 4 quiz scoreswill be dropped)

Computer Concepts Exam:10%(Based on the 4 quizzes)
Hands-On Tasks: 40%

Final Exam: 20%(Based on the Hands-On Tasks)

This class uses a 10 point grading scalein which 90% or above is an A and 80% or above but below 90% is a B. Please note that grades are not mailed. You may access grades, unofficial transcripts, and schedules online through your student Self-Service account.

Due Dates

Assignments will be posted on the course web site and due as specified, typically every Wednesday at 10am. Class time will be set aside for hands-on assignments but additional time outside of class is often required. It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of all assignments and insure they are handed in on time, including those discussed during a student’s absence. The course web site is always the most current source of assignment information.

Late Work Policy

Late assignments will not be accepted regardless of excuse. They key to getting assignments in on time is to start early.

Students are advised to meet with their instructors to develop a time management plan for major assignments. Additional assistance is available in Learning Support Services (LSS).

Projected Schedule of Assignments

WeekTopics
1Course Intro, Unit 1A - Computer Basics

Syllabus & Unit 1A Review Questions

2Unit 1B – Files & File Management, Unit 1C – Computer Networks

Unit 1B & Unit 1C Review Questions

Windows File System Hands-On Task

3Unit 1D – Introduction to Digital Data

Unit 1D Review Questions

Word 1 Hands-On Task

4Quiz 1, Intro to Microsoft Office & Word

Word 1 Hands-On Task

5Unit 2A – The Internet, Unit 2B – The World Wide Web

Unit 2A & Unit 2B Review Questions
Word 2 Hands-On Task

6Unit 2C – Electronic Communication

Unit 2C Review Questions
Web Page Hands-On Task

7Unit 2D – Internet Threats & Security

Unit 2D Review Questions
Word 3 Hands-On Task

8Quiz 2, Unit 3A – Hardware Overview

Unit 3A Review Questions
Word 4 Hands-On Task

9Unit 3B – Processors & Memory, Unit 3C – Storage Devices

Unit 3B & Unit 3C Review Questions
Word 4 Hands-On Task

10Unit 3D – Peripheral Devices, Intro to Excel

Unit 3D Review Questions

Excel 1 Hands-On Task

11Quiz 3, Basic Excel Spreadsheets

Excel 1 Hands-On Task

12Unit 4 – Computer Software, Formatting in Excel

Unit 4A & Unit 4B Review Questions

Excel 2 Hands-On Task

13Unit 4C – Protecting Your Information, Cell Referencing in Excel

Unit 4C Review Questions

Excel 2 Hands-On Task

14Quiz 4, Excel Functions & Absolute References

Excel 3 Hands-On Task

15Computer Concepts Exam

Excel 3 Hands-On Task

16Charts and Graphs in Excel

Excel 4 Hands-On Task

17Final Exam, PowerPoint

PowerPoint Hands-On Task

Course Competencies

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Understand and explain the different types of computers available
  2. Identify and explain the role of the core hardware components of a personal computer including motherboard, CPU, RAM, storage devices, input devices, and output devices
  3. Explain the role and function of computer networks, including common connection methods such as Wi-Fi, DSL, cable, and mobile broadband.
  4. Use the Internet to browse and search the World Wide Web and to send/receive email
  5. Identify and explain how to avoid common security threats present on personal computers
  6. Explain the role of computer software, including system software and application software
  7. Use storage managementskills such as creating, copying, moving and deleting files and folders
  8. Create, edit, and save Microsoft Office documents
  9. Understand how to copy, paste, move, and delete text
  10. Use formatting capabilities such as fonts, bold, underline, text alignment, bullet points, tables, headers, and footers
  11. Enhance the appearance of a document using WordArt, borders, and images
  12. Use formulas to calculate values in a spreadsheet
  13. Copy formulas using relative and absolute cell referencing
  14. Understand how to use Excel functions in a spreadsheet
  15. Create charts and graphs using data in an Excel spreadsheet
  16. Create PowerPoint presentations with the slide design, slide transition, and animation features

Honors Program

If you are eligible to participate in the Honors Program and wish to pursue honors credit for this course, please let your instructor know as soon as possible so that you can work together to develop a project and compose an honors contract.

Inclement Weather

HCC makes its decisions on inclement weather delays and closures independent of other school systems and organizations. HCC is either on a specified "delayed schedule" or we are closed. We do not have a "1-hour delay”, “2-hour delay”, etc. schedule. Inclement weather decisions are made separately for "day" and "night/evening" classes at HCC. This section is considered a day class. For information on how to sign up for weather notifications, please refer to the Inclement Weather page on our website.

If the College is on a delayed schedule due to inclement weather, this course will meet from 11:30am to 12:50pm.

Class Rules & Regulations

  • Students are expected to behave in a manner that contributes to a learning environment.
  • Our classroom is not a phone booth. Phone calls and text messaging are distracting to others. If a response is urgent, please leave the room and return when finished.
  • Students are expected to be present for the entire class period. At times a student may find it necessary to leave the room during class. This should be infrequent and not habitual.

Electronic Communication

Faculty will only contact students through HCC email or Moodle message.

Academic Honesty

Cheating is not tolerated in any form at HCC.Please refer to the plagiarism module in Moodle for more information on defining, understanding, and avoiding plagiarism. The Haywood Community College policy on plagiarism and academic consequences can be found in the HCC Student Handbook.

Concerns with this Course

If you have any concerns about this course, including accessibility concerns,first consult your instructor. If after meeting with your instructor, if you feel that your concern has not been satisfactorily addressed, or if you feel that you cannot effectively communicate with your instructor about the issue, you may contact the following people in the following order:

Second Contact

Business and Industry Dean: Douglas E.

Third Contact

Vice President of Instruction: Wendy

Syllabus Changes

Other documents provided by the instructor are incorporated by reference into this syllabus and are binding. Changes announced or posted in class or via Moodle take precedence over the syllabus. It is the responsibility of the student to keep abreast of such changes.

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