Course Syllabus
Microcomputer Fundamentals & Applications
CGS 2100
Instructor: Jim Johnson Phone: 407-582-1517
Office: Mod 7, Rm 127 E-mail:
Office Hours: as posted Web: http://frontdoor.valenciacc.edu/?jjohnson
Prerequisite: none (basic keyboarding skills will be very helpful)
Textbook: We are not using a standard textbook in this class. We will be using SimNet, an online product produced by McGraw-Hill Publishers. You will need to purchase an access code to the web site, either from our bookstore (West campus only) or directly from the publisher’s web site, with a credit card. You will receive detailed instructions on the first day of class. We will also use a book of case problems from another publisher, Course Technology, created especially for Valencia and only available from the West campus bookstore. We have experienced delays in having this book shipped from the publisher, but hope to have it in the bookstore by the beginning of classes.
Software: This course covers Office 2007. All students must use Office 2007 and all assignments must be turned in stored in Office 2007 file formats. Note that you MAY NOT turn in assignments that were created using earlier versions of Office including (but not limited to) Office XP and Office 2003. Assignments turned in using any of these earlier versions will automatically receive a grade of zero. No exceptions
Course Description: This course covers the fundamentals of computers and computer nomenclature, particularly with respect to personal computer hardware and software used in today’s business environment. Students will survey and use business application programs utilizing pre-written programs that include word processing, spreadsheets, databases, spreadsheet graphics, and web browsers. Students completing the course will have a solid understanding of computer concepts, how to use computers in today’s business world, and how to access information on the World Wide Web.
Materials: USB drive if you plan to work on assignments outside Valencia labs.
Disclaimer: The policies and requirements described in this syllabus may be changed at the discretion of the instructor. Any changes will be announced in class and posted on the website listed above.
Attendance Policy: You are expected to attend class regularly. You are responsible for any material covered, tests announced, and/or assignments given during any absence. You must withdraw from class on or before Friday, October 31, 2008 in order to receive a grade of W. If you withdraw after that date, you will receive either a WP or WF, depending on your status at the time of withdrawal. Withdrawal is your responsibility--you will not be automatically withdrawn from this class. See the college catalog for further details on the withdrawal policy.
Evaluation: The grade in this class will be determined by student performance in the following areas:
Grade Scale:
SimNet Exams 25% 90 - 100% A
SimNet Assignments 15% 80 - 89 B
Hands-on Tests 30% 70 - 79 C
Case Problems 30% 60 - 69 D
below 60 F
Make-up Policy: Case Problems to be handed in (see below) must be submitted at the beginning of the next class if you are absent on the due date. Those that are submitted via the Internet must be dated prior to the beginning of class on the due date—no late submissions accepted. Note that skipping class is not to be considered as a method of gaining extra time to work on an assignment. If evidence indicates that the assignment was not completed by the due date, it will not be accepted. Arrangements must be made immediately (before the next class) with the instructor to make up a missed hands-on test.
Description of Requirements:
SimNet Exams: There will be five exams administered through SimNet, one each on Concepts, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint. No makeup exams will be given. All exams must be taken during the time period indicated on the Course Schedule. Once you start an exam, you must complete it within the specified time. Missing an exam will result in a grade of zero for that exam.
SimNet Assignments: SimNet assignments will be assigned for each application and for Computer Concepts. These SimNet Assignments must be completed by the due date as indicated on the Course Schedule. SimNet Assignments will not be available after the due date. In order to receive credit for the SimNet Assignments, you must complete each step under the Teach Me tab, the Show Me tab, and the Let Me Try tab. Failure to complete these steps will result in zero (0) points for the SimNet Assignment.
Hands-on Tests: Three hands-on tests will be given—one on Word, one on Excel, and one on Access. Test dates will be announced in class at least one class in advance (the Access test will be given during the regularly scheduled final exam period). If you miss a test, you must make immediate (before the next class) arrangements for a makeup test. All tests will count equally and will be graded on a percentage basis.
Case Problems: Case problems will be assigned throughout the semester. Requirements will be discussed in class and posted on the Internet at the URL specified above. Due dates will be announced as case problems are assigned. Please note that assignments and due dates posted on the Internet are tentative and may be changed until assigned in class. Some class time will be provided to work on case problems; however, most students will require significant out-of-class time to complete them. For those who do not have access to a computer or are having computer problems, labs are available in rooms 7120/122/129, 9/233, and the MAC Lab on the first floor of the library. Problems with your computer at home will not serve as an excuse to turn in work late, nor will forgetting to bring your assignment to class. Be sure to keep backups of your work at all times to avoid losing points should your computer suddenly fail to function or your storage device crash. Case problems to be submitted in printed format must be turned in at the beginning of class on the due date. Those to be turned in via email must be dated by the beginning of class on the due date. Late labs will NOT be accepted! Each case problem will be graded as follows:
0 points not completed or contains major deficiencies.
1 contains significant deficiencies.
2 substantially correct.
The final grade for case problems will be computed as a percentage by dividing the student's total points by the total possible points.
Learning Community
The learning community consists of 4 elements: Professor, Student, Course Content and the Physical Environment. As your professor I serve to introduce you to the material, give examples and explanations, and serve as a helpful resource in my office hours. It is my job to empower you to become a successful learner. As the student you must explore all resources available that are needed to help you be successful. You must realize that the learning is ultimately your responsibility through attending class lectures, reading the book, attempting homework and using any other tools you feel might individually help you. Whether or not you feel the course content is exciting or boring should not govern the amount of time and energy that you put into learning the content. Keeping a positive attitude always helps, and thinking negatively will affect you mentally by making you less motivated. The physical environment refers to the classroom in which the content is presented. If you are respectful of your fellow students and keep the classroom as a proper learning environment (without any unnecessary interruptions) then the maximum amount of learning will take place in the environment.
Communication
I will communicate to you mainly during our contact in class. However, I will use your Atlas email account as a means of contacting you occasionally. It is your responsibility to check and read your Atlas email frequently. I will assume that you check your Atlas email just as you check your mailbox at home, and claiming that “Atlas was down” will not be considered a legitimate excuse when ample time (at least 24 hours) is given to check your mail. If there is a problem with your Atlas account, it is your responsibility to contact Atlas support and get the problem fixed.
Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a letter from the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with the professor during the first two weeks of class. The Office for Students with Disabilities determines accommodations based on appropriate documentation of disabilities (West Campus SSB 102, ext. 1523). The needs of students with appropriate documentation will always be supported in class.
Academic Honesty and Conduct
Each student is expected to behave appropriately in class. Any student caught cheating on an exam will receive a grade of zero on that exam. In addition, a course grade of “F” may be assigned at the instructor’s discretion.
Fairness Policy
Valencia is a great place for students with multiple obligations to pursue an education, as we offer many different class scheduling options and we are committed as an institution to helping students reach their goals. However, it is crucial to the success of our students after graduation (or upon transfer) that we maintain the academic integrity of our classes. Please understand that all students must earn grades using the same scale in order to maintain integrity and provide a level of fairness to all students within a class. Unfortunately, it is not possible to grade students based on what they are experiencing in their individual personal lives because many students are working full time and supporting and raising families, often as single parents. While I am always willing to talk to you and to advise you through difficult times, it would not be fair to your fellow classmates, many of whom are going through or have gone through similar situations, for me to make grading exceptions for one student based on their life situation.
Online Student Assessment of Instruction
As part of our continuing goal to provide the best possible instruction for Valencia Community College students, the student evaluation of instructor form is now available online.
On a completely anonymous basis, all students are invited to complete this online form. To do so, go into Atlas, click on My Courses then click on the box at the right that says ‘Assessment Survey’. You will be able to submit one assessment form per class. After that, the form will no longer be available to you.
Please set aside some time toward the end of the semester to complete the assessment. By doing so, you will assist the instructor is assessing the effectiveness of his/her teaching methods and techniques. Thank you for your feedback
VALENCIA STUDENT COMPETENCIES:
The following Valencia Student Competencies will be reinforced throughout the entire course.
THINK - Think clearly, critically, and creatively. Analyze, synthesize, integrate, and evaluate in many domains of human inquiry.
To think, what must you do?
a) Analyze data, ideas, patterns, principles, and perspectives
b) Employ the facts, formulas, and procedures of the disciplines
c) Integrate ideas and values from different disciplines
d) Draw well supported conclusions
e) Revise conclusions consistently with new observations, interpretations, or reasons
How and where must you think?
· With curiosity and consistency
· Individually and in groups
VALUE - Make reasoned value judgments and responsible commitments.
To value, what must you do?
a) Recognize the values expressed in attitudes, choices, and commitments
b) Distinguish among personal, ethical, aesthetic, cultural, and scientific values
c) Employ values and standards of judgment from different disciplines
d) Evaluate your own and others' values from individual, cultural, and global perspectives
e) Articulate a considered and self determined set of values
How and where must you value?
· With empathy and fair mindedness
· Individually and in groups
COMMUNICATE – Communicate with different audiences using varied means.
To communicate, what must you do?
a) Identify your own strengths and need for improvement as communicator
b) Employ methods of communication appropriate to your audience and purpose
c) Evaluate the effectiveness of your own and other's communication
How and where must you communicate?
· By speaking, listening, reading and writing
· Verbally, non verbally, and visually
· With honesty and civility
ACT - Act purposefully, respectfully, and responsibly
To act, what must you do?
a) Apply disciplinary knowledge, skills, and values to educational and career goals
b) Implement effective problem solving, decision making, and goal setting strategies
c) Act effectively and appropriately in various personal and professional settings
d) Assess the effectiveness of personal behavior and choices
e) Respond appropriately to changing circumstances
How and where must you act?
· With courage and perseverance
· Individually and in groups
· In your personal, professional, and community life