Computer Studies & Information Processing
COMI 1100: Introduction to Computers
Fall 2016 Semester
15 weeks: Sept. 1 – Dec. 15, 2016
3 Credits
Hybrid: On-campus and online
On-campus classes held Thursdays from 4:00 to 8:00pm, Knight Campus, room 2108
INSTRUCTOR: Jim Kirby -
Office: room 3556, round building
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 10:00 to 3:00, by appointment
Faculty web: http://facultywp.ccri.edu/jkirby/
Learning Objectives
This computer literacy course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of computers and information processing. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will gain an understanding of hardware and software concepts and how they are used in information systems. The scope of this course includes a historical background that traces the development of the modern computer and the place of the computer in society. There is great emphasis on the operation and terminology of computer systems.
Instructor will:
· Explain the functions of a computer
· Identify types and characteristics of various classes of computers
· Identify types and uses of application software
· Demonstrate fundamental file management abilities
· Explain the function of the system components, including CPU, motherboard, and system unit
· Identify types and characteristics of various peripherals, including storage and I/O
· Explain the role of an operating system
· Identify types of operating systems and utility software
· Identify data compression formats, including audio and video formats
· Demonstrate how to find and evaluate information on the Web
· Discuss the impact of social media on culture and society
· Discuss topics in computer networks, including roles, types, components, and security
· Discuss safe computing practices, including threats to computer safety.
Instructor will teach students how to:
o Perform fundamental tasks common to most application software including print, save, edit, cut, copy, paste, format, spell and grammar check
o Use word processing software to create documents including basic components (e.g. lists, headers, footers) and reference components (e.g. footnotes, citations, bibliographies)
o Use spreadsheet software to create workbooks including simple formulas with both relative and absolute cell references and charts
o Use presentation software to create a presentation including basic components (e.g. transitions, lists, WordArt)
Required Materials
This is a hybrid course that combines classroom instruction with online. Students and instructor will meet Thursdays from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The balance of the work will be done as weekly online assignments, quizzes and tests. This work can be done online via the Internet at home or in the academic computer labs.
Technical Requirements
IMPORTANT: To participate in the course, you must have access to the Internet for the online portion of the class. Most students will use a home computer with Internet access. You may also come to campus to participate in the online learning: checking and responding to your email, doing online assignments, and taking practice quizzes, when it is most convenient to you but before the due date.
For the Microsoft Office 2016 assignments you will need access to a computer with Microsoft Office 2016 installed. If you don’t have this at home, you may need to use the computers in the academic labs on-campus.
Prerequisites
The college does not have prerequisites to taking this course, however, in order to get the most out of the class, a basic knowledge of working with Windows operating systems and the Windows desktop, file handling, e-mail and the Internet, (browsing and searching), is strongly recommended. (For courses of this nature, see: COMI 1000: Computer Basics.)
You must check your CCRI e-mail EVERY DAY for class announcements, assignments, etc.
Texts/Software/Web/materials
· TEXTS:
o Visualizing Technology, Introductory – 5th edition, Debra Geoghan; Prentice Hall, Publisher
o Skills for Success with Microsoft Office 2016, Volume 1
· Learn more at: http://facultywp.ccri.edu/jkirby/texts-comi-1100-fall-2016/
· Two flash drives– MINIMUM of 2 GB each plus a Dropbox account.
Classroom Rules of Conduct
· Be respectful of your instructor and fellow classmates at all times.
· As a courtesy, please do not talk, type (other than note-taking), or print while the instructor is talking to the class or when a student is asking a question that pertains to the class.
· Refrain from surfing the Web during class, unless directed by your instructor.
· Turn off, or switch to vibrate, cell phones.
· Refrain from bringing food and drink into the classroom.
· You are encouraged to work together to solve problems. However, you must complete your own work.
Grading Policy
You will be evaluated based on your combined performance on attendance, class participation, web research projects, homework assignments, tests and exams.
· Quizzes, tests and exams: 65%
· Attendance/class participation/web projects: 15%
· Office 2013 assignments: 20%
Grading scaleLetter grade / Percentage of 100
A / 96 – 100
A- / 91 – 95
B+ / 87 – 90
B / 83 – 86
B- / 77 – 82
C+ / 74 – 76
C / 68 – 73
D+ / 64 -- 67
D / 60 -- 63
F / 0 – 59
Assignments are due on the day designated by the instructor. Failure hand-in/e-mail an assignment on the due date will result in a grade of 0. You may make-up missed work within 7 days. However, work submitted late will have points deducted.
The instructor will raise or lower your grade despite your test, quiz or project grade’s numeric average, based on attendance, punctuality and classroom participation during on-campus classes. See official CCRI grading policy at: http://www.ccri.edu/catalog/pdfs/acadinfo.pdf (see page 24).
Disability Accommodations
Students with a learning disability need to discuss their situation with the Disability Services for Students Department. After meeting with the DSS Coordinator, the student should contact her/his professor, provide him with the Request for Accommodation(s) letter, and discuss the accommodations needed in each class and how the accommodation(s) will be implemented. For more information see: http://www.ccri.edu/dss/
POLICY ON ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
Students may not use or copy another person’s work (or portions of it) without citing that work. See Student Handbook for full text of CCRI’s POLICY ON ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: http://www.ccri.edu/advising/new_students/student_handbook/handbook.html#academic_integrity .
See CCRI Plagiarism Policy at:http://www.ccri.edu/catalog/pdfs/acadinfo.pdf (page 31) .
Attendance Policy
For the on-campus classes: Class begins at 4:00 p.m., sharp. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class. Students not in class at the time attendance is taken will be given a 0.
Absences from classes will also result in a loss of points for attendance.
· A total of 1,500 attendance points are attainable.
· Each absence will result in the loss of 100 points.
· Leaving before the end of class (8:00 pm or upon dismissal by instructor), must be discussed in advance, with the instructor. Students who leave without notice will be assessed an absence for that entire class.
· Students arriving after attendance has been taken (4:00) must check with the instructor upon arrival to the class to receive partial credit for attendance. Do not assume I noted your arrival.
Homework Assignments
Expect to spend an average of 2 hours doing homework per hour spent in class. For this 3-hour class, that equals 6 hours of homework per week. That is the norm for undergraduate courses at U.S. colleges. (To see numerous examples of this norm from various college web sites, use any search engine to search: “How many hours of homework per class hour +college”.) You may choose to use the lab portion of each class (1 hour) to work on your assignments in the classroom with me there for support.
QUIZZES & EXAMS
2 chapter quizzes every week, a midterm and a final exam.
MISCELLANEOUS
· Please bookmark this syllabus; the rules and procedures listed are strictly enforced.
· Please be sure that all electronic devices (cell phones, pagers, etc.) are turned off or to “vibrate” BEFORE enteringclass.
· We will take two scheduled 10-minute breaks per class. The breaks will occur at approximately 5:30 and 6:45.
Print Management for students
CCRI has implemented a Print Management solution which helps to reduce the amount of excess printing on campus which includes the wastefulness of paper as well as toner and ink. See: http://www.ccri.edu/it/documentation/print-management/
Helpful Information Resources
· MyCCRI documentation: http://www.ccri.edu/it/documentation/myccri-tutorials/
· Blackboard Documentation for Students: http://www.ccri.edu/it/cit/blackboard/student/
· CCRI Alerts: Receive Closings, Cancellations and Delays text messages: http://www.ccri.edu/txt-msg-signup.html