Computer Applications and Information Technology

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

2004—2005

Mr. Prezelski

Course Description

In this lecture/lab course students will be introduced to the basics in computer applications and information technology. Students will learn about application software, system software, the processing unit, input and output, secondary storage, available communications resources, and connectivity. Lab work will focus on keyboarding, word processing, and the use of spreadsheets. Additional basic lab exercises will involve an introduction to Windows, the Internet, and presentation software. Students will acquire touch keyboarding and word processing skills specifically in the areas of creating term papers, letters, and resumes. Students will learn to create electronic spreadsheets and associated charts and graphs. All instructional activities will be completed on IBM compatible computers using Microsoft Office XP Professional software.

Course Objectives

Information Technology

To learn basic computer terminology and operations.

To develop an understanding of the different types of computers.
To learn about the different kinds of software, including application software and system software.

To understand the purpose of computer hardware such as: keyboard, mouse, CPU, disks, monitor, the printer, and the modem.

To learn the different types of secondary storage.
To understand the purpose of a computer network as well as the different types of networks

To learn about data communication systems and the different kinds of communications channels.

To understand the concept of connectivity and the options it makes available such as fax machines and electronic mail.
To learn what the Internet is and be able to describe some of the most popular components of the Internet.

To know how to access the Internet to conduct searches.

Windows

To learn how to open, close, move, maximize and minimize windows.

To learn how to format disks, copy files, move files, rename, and delete files.

To learn how to create folders in Windows Explorer.

Keyboarding and Word Processing

To learn the appropriate fingering for the keyboard

To develop good techniques in the use of the keyboard.

To improve speed and accuracy in the use of the letter and number keys.

To learn how to create, edit, save, print, and retrieve documents.

To learn how to use spell check, thesaurus, macros, etc.
To learn the basic formatting of term papers, letters and resumes.
To learn how to enhance documents through the use of graphics.

Spreadsheets

To understand the purpose and use of spreadsheets.
To learn how to create, save, format, edit, and print a basic worksheet.
To learn how to write formulas to calculate simple math problems within the worksheet.
To learn how to create charts and graphs of data on a spreadsheet.

Presentations

To become familiar with presentation software and create a presentation.

Texts

Students will be expected to purchase the following texts:

Discovering Computers 2003, Brief Edition, Gary Shelly, Thomas Cashman, and Misty Vermaat.
A Guide to Microsoft Office XP Professional, First Edition, Bruce Presley, Beth Brown, Elaine Malfas, and Jan Marrelli .
Students are encouraged but not required to purchase a USB thumb drive with 128 MB of flash storage. It is available at the bookstore for $32 and is typically used for portability.

Requirements

Homework – Students will be responsible for reading “Discovering Computers 2003” chapters and for answering chapter questions, completing outlines, definitions, article reviews and assigned end-of-chapter activities.

Tests -- Students will be given objective tests on material covered in class. Students will also be given performance tests on Lab work.
Lab Assignments -- Students will be expected to complete Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint production assignments. A sufficient amount of time will be allotted during the regular class sessions for the completion of these assignments.

Students will be expected to follow the computer lab rules as well as MountSt. Joseph regulations with regard to computer usage. (Please see the Computer Users Policy in the MountBook)

Keyboarding Technique -- Students will be expected to develop correct touch keyboarding skills.
Students are expected to participate in the work of the classroom. Students are expected to question what they either don’t understand or are attempting to gain a deeper understanding of. The student is ultimately responsible for his learning. Therefore, if you do not understand ask or seek additional help after school.
Assignments missed from the result of excused absences are the responsibility of the student. This should be dealt with before or after class. The student will have one day to make up work for every day absent. Otherwise the assignment is graded as a zero.
Make up exams are to be taken during a student’s free time or after school. Quizzes can not be made up and will neither help nor hurt the students grade.

Grading Scale

All graded assignments will be given a point value. The larger the point value the more important the assignment. A typical quarter will have about 400 points possible. (including 3 tests, quizzes, homework, lab assignments, etc.) Grades will be posted weekly on the bulletin board of each student. The student has the ability to know where they stand on a weekly basis. If you take the total points you scored and divide by the total possible points you could have scored if you received all points you will have your grade. Remember, borderline grades can go up or down based on the little things you do or do not do in class. I do not give any extra credit assignments which is reflected in my grading scale.

A100-90

B 89-80

C 79-70

D 69-65

F 64 and below (see you in the summer)

Availability

If students require additional assistance on assignments or have any questions, I will be available after school in my office in the Computer Science Lab in Xavier Hall from 2:25 to 3:00.