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CS105 N- Introduction to Microcomputer
Applications 3 credits |
Spring,
2008 | |
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Instructor:
Anthony Matty |
E-mail:amatty@manor.edu | |
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Class
Time: Thursday 6:30-9:30 pm |
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Course Description: Laboratory course to provide students with proficiency
in Windows, and the application of word processing, spreadsheet, presentation
and database management program functions. Class exercises will focus on
business situations, and instructional software packages will reflect current
business usage. The Internet will also be covered, with topics including use of
an Internet browser, e-mail, and using the Web. (Three hours lecture/no assigned
lab periods - students need to allow time to complete lab assignments during
open lab periods).
Prerequisites: None
Philosophy of the Course: Computer literacy is critical to survival in a world of
ATM machines, Electronic Funds Transfer, Internet, e-mail,
given an increasing number of business, school and home computers. To
function effectively and efficiently, Manor students need to understand basic
computer concepts, such as input/output, processing, and software application
functions. They also should be proficient in the basic skills needed to
effectively use the computer for word processing, spreadsheet, database and
presentation applications. A basic understanding of Internet terminology and
ability to access the Internet and use a search engine to obtain information
will be covered. Students should be aware of major computer ethical issues, such
as program licensing and data security. They also must learn how to evaluate the
information available on the Internet, to validate its authenticity, and to
properly cite its use in research papers.
Projects can also be worked on with Office XP (the 2002 version of the
applications), but you may need to complete some features on a computer with
Office 2003.
Course
Objectives: The objectives of this
course are to provide the student with an understanding of general computer
terminology, an overview of the programming process, and an introduction to
commonly used application software for word processing, spreadsheet, and
database management. This course is intended to provide students with sufficient
computer skills to include specific software (Windows, Office 2003 including
Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint) on their resumes. The course will also
provide students will the skills necessary to access Internet resources and use
search engines to locate data. Students will also learn basic concepts of
e-mail. In addition to technical material, this course will include discussions
of ethical issues, research and evaluation techniques, and MLA (Modern Language
Association) guidelines for citation of references.
Student
Outcomes:
1. To demonstrate
the ability to use the basic functions of a word processing package,
illustrating the use of word wrap, spell check, double spacing, changing margin
size, line justification, changing font, bold, underline, and the ability to
print and save the document.
a) Measure - Student
will use a word processing package to complete a project which will require that
they type a minimum of 2 pages using the above mentioned formatting features.
Student will save the file, and print a copy of the document. Each correctly
used function (word wrap, spell check, double spacing, changing margin size,
line justification, changing font, bold, underline,
printing and saving) will contribute 5 points to the final grade, with 70%
representing a passing grade for the project.
b) Standard - 70% of students who complete the CS105
course will score at or above 70% on the word processing
project.
2. To demonstrate the ability to use the basic
functions of a spreadsheet: entering text, values, and simple formulas; creating
a simple chart; printing and saving the spreadsheet.
a) Measure - Student
will use a spreadsheet package to complete a project that will require that they
create a printout and file of a simple spreadsheet that includes both text and
numeric values. Formulas will be included that use cell addresses (absolute,
relative and mixed) as variables, and correctly use the functions for SUM and
AVG. A simple bar chart will be constructed to represent the data. Student will
produce a file, and a printout of the spreadsheet. Correctly entering cell
values (text, numbers, formulas, or functions) will contribute 70% to the final
grade; successful completion of the chart, printing the spreadsheet, and saving
the file will each contribute 10% to the final grade. A final score of 70% on
the project will represent a passing grade for the project.
b) Standard - 70% of
students who complete the CS105 course will score at or above 70% on the
spreadsheet project.
3. To demonstrate the ability to use the basic
functions of PowerPoint, illustrating the use of title pages, and features such
as bullets, clip art, and charts in presentations to present an overview of
major current ethical issues relating to computer use. Student’s presentation
will be clear and logical, with supporting references (properly cited). Final
presentation will be spell checked, and will demonstrate student’s ability to
change the background colors and text fonts. Student will print the final
document in OUTLINE form and save the document.
a) Measure -
Student will use PowerPoint to prepare a presentation that includes the features
mentioned above. A final score of 70% on the project will represent a passing
grade for the project.
b) Standard - 70% of
students who complete the CS105 course will score at or above 70% on the
PowerPoint project.
4. To demonstrate knowledge of basic database
terms and concepts, and the ability to use the basic functions of
Access.
a1) Measure -
Student will be able to correctly define the following database terms: database,
table, record, field, primary key, query, form, report, and sort. A final score of 70% on the test will
represent a passing grade.
b1) Standard - 70%
of students who complete the CS105 course will score at or above 70% on the
Access database test.
a2) Measure -
Student will use Access to create a database with at least 2 tables, each of
which will contain at least 5 records.
The tables will contain a field that will allow the student to create a
query to join the two tables. The
database will contain at least one form, one report, and a query that joins the
two tables on the common field. A final score of 70% on the project will
represent a passing grade for the project.
b2) Standard - 70%
of students who complete the CS105 course will score at or above 70% on the
Access database project.
5. In either the PowerPoint or the Word project
above, students will be required to pull and cite APPROPRIATE references from
the Internet.
a) Measure - Student
will use the Internet and a search engine to gather data for either a Word
document or a PowerPoint presentation (at the discretion of the instructor).
Students must pull at least three (3) references from a reliable source,
must pull information that is appropriate to both the topic and the
student’s point of view, and must properly cite the references in their
work. The Internet portion of the assignment will be graded separately. A final
score of 70% on the project will represent a passing grade for the project.
b) Standard - 70% of
students who complete the CS105 course will score at or above 70% on the proper
use and citation of Internet sources.
6. Student will demonstrate ability to use
e-mail, including attachment of WORD or EXCEL files.
a) Measure -
Student will successfully e-mail assignments to instructor. Student will respond
to e-mail from instructor.
b) Standard - 100%
of students who complete the CS105 course will successfully communicate with the
instructor by the conclusion of the course, including demonstrating the ability
to attach files to e-mail and retrieve attached files.
Approaches to
Teaching:
This course is
taught by a combination of lecture and hands-on lab work. Questions on the
covered material are encouraged. The primary emphasis of the lectures is to
reinforce the readings and to give the necessary background to complete the
assignments.
Procedures for
Evaluation:
|
Class
Participation/Attendance* |
10% |
|
Assignments |
35% |
|
Word
Test |
5% |
|
Excel
Test |
5% |
|
Access
Test |
4% |
|
Access
Terminology Quiz |
1% |
|
Word
Paper |
15% |
|
PowerPoint
Project |
15% |
|
E-mail
Exercises/ In Class Projects/Citations/Internet
Assignments |
10% |
All
assignments are expected to be formatted properly and completed according to
project specifications. Failure to follow directions will result in a decrease
in your grade. Projects are expected to be on time and complete. It is your responsibility to notify your
instructor if your project is not completed. At that time it will be discussed how to
submit your late project. Any
assignment not received by the deadline will be penalized by a drop of 15%.
Projects are deemed to be on time if they are submitted by e-mail prior to the
due date and any paperwork turned in during the class it is due. If for some
reason you cannot attend class on a date the assignment is due, submit the
file(s) prior to the due date. When you miss class, send an e-mail so that I may
keep you up to date with assignments and lectures. At that time I will let you know how to
turn in paperwork.
No project will be accepted more than one week late without the permission of the instructor. If permission is given then any additional point reduction may apply.
All
assignments must be completed in the software assigned (both product and version
number). If students have a different version of Office at home, they may be
able to complete some of the assignment, but will need to produce the final
project on a computer on Manor’s Academic Network.
PROJECTS
COMPLETED IN MICROSOFT WORKS or other software applications will NOT be
accepted.
Also – if
multiple students turn in the same file it is considered CHEATING – all those
who handed in that file will receive a grade of zero (0) for the assignment.
With the exception of the team project you must do ALL the work yourself –
beginning with a NEW blank document.
Any evidence that you handed in a file that was created by someone
else will result in a grade of 0 on the assignment for you and it will also
result in the creator receiving a grade of zero (0) if they are currently
enrolled in a CS105 class (even if there is a different instructor).
You cannot learn the skills by just
taking someone else’s file and making a few changes. THIS IS CHEATING!
It is the
student’s responsibility to ensure that their assignment files are secured and
not copied.
Grading: (note
the scale)
|
A |
90 and
above |
|
B |
80 to
89 |
|
C |
75 to
79 |
|
D |
70 to
74 |
|
F |
Below
70 |
Attendance: This is a skills course. You need to work in the classroom,
demonstrating your knowledge to the instructor, in addition to turning in the
project and assignment files. Lack of attendance WILL impact your grade. If you
feel you can do the work without the assistance of the instructor you should
consider taking the ONLINE version of this course.
In order to successfully complete this class,
it is important that you attend class and participate. Because this class has a hands-on
component, any absences will cause the student to fall behind. If you miss a class, please notify me as
soon as possible. Due to the classes building upon prior concepts, it is
important to notify the instructor of any difficulties that you may have with
the material. Your attendance will effect your class participation
grade.
Lab Assignments:
This course requires hands-on work and thus
requires lab time outside of class or access to a computer with the appropriate
software. For those that will be
using one of the schools labs (Academic Computer Labs, Learning Center or
Library), please take note of the hours of operation for that lab. Assignments
will not be accepted using other software.
You must dedicate enough time using the software to successfully complete
the projects.
Materials
Used
Required
Materials:
Text: Office
2003 Introductory Concepts and Techniques, Shelly, Cashman, Vermaat, Course
Technology © 2003, ISBN:
0-619-25485-8
Access to Microsoft
Office 2003, Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher, an e-mail account, and access to
the Internet
Materials to keep
notes and handouts.
It is also
recommended that you have some type of media to back up your work – diskettes,
USB drive etc.
Optional
Materials:
SAM Training
Companion, Course Technology, ISBN: 0-619-171731
Academic Honesty College Policy -
The College expects that its students
will uphold the principles of truth and honesty in the performance of all
academic work. Plagiarism (the unacknowledged use of another person’s words or
assistance) and academic cheating (falsifying data, submitting without
instructor’s approval work in one course which was done for another, actually
doing another student’s work, and/or the use of any unauthorized aid) are
prohibited.
The Academic Dean will be formally notified of
any violations of this policy. The penalty for the first violation will be a
grade of F for the assignment. Any subsequent violations will result in a grade
of F for the course and possible dismissal from the
college.
Class
Policies:
No food or drink is
allowed in the computer labs.
Any destruction of
equipment or facilities will not be tolerated. Any student vandalizing property will be
ejected from class and will be dealt with according to school
policy.
This class is to
provide an environment to learn the material. You are expected to treat your
fellow students with respect. Any actions detrimental to learning will be dealt
with a warning. Subsequent actions may lead to a reduction in your grade or
ejection from class.
Please turn off
your cell phones and beepers during class.
Instructor
availability outside of class:
I do not have an
office on campus but I check e-mail frequently. Please leave an e-mail address where you
can be reached if it is different than the one you are using. If you need specific help or need to see
me in person, I can arrange a time to see you before or after class. Please do not wait until class to tell
me about any problems you are having with the material. E-mail me so that I may help you prior
to class so you do not fall behind.
References:
Magazines
(available in the college library)
Communications
(ACM)
Computer
(IEEE)
PC
Computing
PC
Magazine
e-Week (formerly PC
Week)
Syllabus (Education
Technology)
Technology
Training
Books (available
in the college library)
The Road
Ahead, Bill Gates, Viking Penguin ©
1995
Computers,
Ethics, and Society, edited by Ermann,
Williams, and Gutierrez, Oxford University Press © 1990
Computers
Simplified, Third Edition, IDE Books ©
1996
Ethics and
Computing - Living Responsibly in a Computerized World, Kevin W. Bowyer, IEEE Press ©
1996
Web
Sites:
Text support
http://www.course.com/
MLA citations: http://www.mla.org/main_stl.htm
Using the
Internet: http://www.learnthenet.com/
Search Engines:
http://www.altavista.com/
NOTE: The
College has a policy regarding the use of campus computers to access Internet
resources. No student may use the computer to access sites that are not
appropriate to the academic purpose of the campus computers. Your user login id
can be used to trace the sites you visit, and disciplinary action can be taken
for inappropriate use of campus computer resources.