CSC-110, Introduction to Computers, 3 cr COURSE DESCRIPTION: Familiarizes the student with business, personal, and industrial uses of microcomputers. Broad based overview of microcomputer topics is presented; concepts of storage media, file organization, and data representation are included. The fundamentals of computer problem solving and programming are discussed. Prerequisite: Ability to use a keyboard, mouse, access the internet, send email and email attachments. INSTRUCTOR: Samantha Hench, samantha.hench@kirkwood.edu REQUIRED MATERIALS: Bundle purchased through the Kirkwood bookstore contains: Marquee Series : Microsoft Office 2010, Our Digital World Textbook and Online Companion Site, SNAP 2010 Training and Assessment Code, Note: You cannot do any of the projects or exams in this course without this code. If you bought your books used you must obtain this code separately from paradigm or the Kirkwood Bookstore. MS Office 2010 180 Trial Software HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS: In order to take this course on-line you MUST have access to the following: Windows 7 Operating System. You may use a different version, but there are a few assignments that will not work the same on a different version of Windows. You may use a MAC, but your MAC must include a virtualization program to run Windows and Windows version of Office 2010, such as Boot camp or Parallels. If you are using a MAC you will not be able to take any exams without using Boot camp or Parallels to run the free trial version of Windows based Office 2010 that was bundled with your textbook. Microsoft Office 2010: The software package should contain Word 2010, PowerPoint 2010, Excel 2010 and Access 2010. A 180-day trial version of Office 2010 professional is included with the textbook package when purchased through the Kirkwood bookstore. COURSE OBJECTIVES: This class provides an introduction to computer concepts by focusing on computer basics, societal issues, and a framework for using this knowledge effectively in everyday life. This is achieved through a combination of understanding computer concepts and mastering today s software. This course provides the student with a general understanding of hardware and software, and the ability to use this knowledge in the creation of useful information while using application software in the areas of word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation graphics. Unit 1 - Microcomputer Concepts; Hardware: Identify the four basic components of a computer system Identify the major classifications of computers and their primary uses
Identify the components of the central processing unit, how they work together, and interact with memory Differentiate between primary storage and secondary storage Describe how a series of bits is used to represent data in the computer List some of the common input, output devices Differentiate the principal types of secondary storage media and their corresponding storage devices Describe how data is stored on a disk Identify how data is organized, accessed, and processed Describe some of the factors that can affect the performance of a computer system Software: Explain the difference between application and system software Explain the relationship between application and system software Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the most popular types of operating systems. Describe the major functions of an operating system Identify the role of essential utility programs and describe the tasks utility programs can perform Communications: Explain what a communications network is and list the basic components of a network Draw three of the typical network configurations Give examples of local area networks and wide area networks Identify the various protocols that can be used to connect the devices on both a local and wide area network List several issues that are of concern to network administrators. Identify the various types of individuals and organizations involved in the Internet community and explain their purposes Describe some of the various methods of connecting to the Internet Search effectively for information on the Internet Describe some of the on-going problems associated with Internet use. Describe several use of the Internet in addition to browsing Describe the various tasks involved in designing a Web site Define Enterprise Computing Identify a variety of E-commerce business models List several strategies for implementing E-commerce Information Systems: Identify several types of information systems found in an organization Identify the phases of system development Discuss the various approaches to system development Identify the steps involved in the program development life cycle Describe what constitutes good program design Identify the basic tools for facilitating program development Identify several programming languages Explain the activities involved with coding, documenting, and debugging programs Define common database terminology Identify some basic database classifications Describe how a relational database is designed, created, and used
Society and Information Technology Identify the various types of computer crime and security risks that can threaten computers Describe methods to safeguard a computer against computer crime Recognize the ethical and societal impacts of computer usage Describe the impact computers may have on health and the environment Describe the importance of privacy and how it is affected by technology Explain the importance of computer users being aware of intellectual property rights List the important factors to consider when purchasing a computer system for personal use List some computer maintenance practices to protect the hardware and software List the guidelines for troubleshooting problems and seeking assistance Describe some of the ways to upgrade a PC and explain the conditions that prompt an upgrade Unit II Microcomputer Applications Windows Explorer: navigate the computer using Windows Explorer. Identify the various components of the desktop Move, copy, delete, and rename files or folders Define a path Organize files using folders Word Processing: use fundamental editing techniques to create useful information in documents. Navigate the Word window Describe the function of the icons on the Home ribbon Create, save, close, open, and print a document Insert graphics Create tables Divide a document into columns Spreadsheets: demonstrate competency in a spreadsheet program by manipulating data using formulas and functions, and plotting charts using Excel. List the basic features of a spreadsheet program Identify the components of the Excel window Describe the function of the icons on the Home ribbon Create, save, close, open, and print a workbook Use various methods to move around a worksheet Create formulas and functions Describe the difference between an absolute and a relative cell references Create, preview and print a chart Databases: use a computer to create a database, add, change, define, and sort data in the database; retrieve data; and create forms and reports. Correctly demonstrate knowledge of databases by storing data in an organized file and quickly retrieving specific information using Access. List the basic features of a database program Identify the components of the database window Describe the function of the icons on the Standard and Formatting toolbars Create, save, close, open, and print a database Create tables and establish a relationship between tables Sort, filter and query a database Create a form Create a report
Presentations: correctly structure, design, and present information to an audience so that it is both interesting and visually appealing. Describe the components of the PowerPoint window Describe the function of the icons on the Standard and Formatting toolbars Select commands using the menu bar and shortcut menus Create, save, close, open a slide presentation Run a slide presentation Format a slide presentation GRADING CRITERIA: 62% Weekly Work 8% Computer Skills (13 x 10pts each = 130 pts) 26% Our Digital World Assignments (82 x 5pts each = 410 pts) 10% Discussion Forums (15 x 10pts each = 150 pts) 18% Office 2010 Assignments (28 x 10pts each = 280 pts) 38% Exams 26% 4 Exams (4 x 100pts each = 400 pts) 12% Final Exam (1 x 200 pts each = 200 pts) Assessment of Student Learning: Students will be assessed on their knowledge of the course competencies, outcomes, and objectives through weekly assignments and exams. At the completion of this class, the student will score at least a 70% in each of the major units of instruction in order receive a passing grade. This class is taught 100% online via the Angel learning Environment. This site contains your grades, instructions for homework assignments, and exams. Your weekly assignment instructions will be posted under the appropriate week on the ANGEL course website. You may be linked to other sites such as SNAP to complete your assignments. You are required to use the proper software listed in the Required Software section of this syllabus. All weekly assignments are due by 11:00pm Central time on Saturday of the assigned week. COURSE POLICIES: Testing Out: There is a test out for Intro to Computers. It is available in the Test Center, in Cedar Hall. There is no charge to take it. The test has two sections, the first part tests general computer literacy knowledge. The second part tests the student s knowledge of the MS Office applications. Both tests are multiple choice and true/false or hands-on. Students must score at least 80% on both sections to test out of the class. Late Work/Make-up Test Policy: No make-up assignments or exams will be allowed unless you have contacted your instructor before the exam or assignment with a valid excuse. Valid excuses are usually granted on an emergency basis only. Even with a valid excuse, all missed assignments and can only be made up on the make-up day at the end of the semester. A reduction of 20% will be applied for late assignments or exam.
Everyone comes to a course with different expectations. This online course DOES duplicate the content of the traditional course, but NOT the delivery. An online course relies on a selfdirected student completing the assignments, readings, and threaded discussions on their own time schedule while meeting the posted deadlines. It is very easy to fall behind in an online class. The entire course is asynchronous and can be accessed at your convenience. Your only requirement is to complete assignments and exams as scheduled. You must be a self-directed student who can plan your schedule to accommodate the deadlines outlined in the syllabus. You are expected to visit the course Angel and SNAP sites several times a week as there are STRICT deadlines. Ideally, once a day. Once there, you will find announcements, lecture material, assignments, and exams. KIRKWOOD S PLAGIARISM AND STUDENT POLICIES: http://www.kirkwood.edu/site/index.php?p=1743