Your Computer Concepts book package will contain all three
items in one shrink-wrapped package.
Note: You should have access to a
computer running Windows XP as the operating system, and Microsoft Office 2003
installed for the applications in order to match the texts and have the greatest
ease with assignments. Microsoft Works (bundled with many PCs) is NOT the
same thing.
Course Description:
3 Credits. Prerequisite:
Acceptable reading level on the College’s placement test. Three hours lecture,
with hands-on use of application software.
Computer Literacy is a
survey course in evolving computer technology and its relevance to individuals
and society. Becoming fluent in necessary technology applications is integrated
into the course, both through demonstration and individual practice, and may
include such topics as word processing, use of email and Web browsers,
spreadsheets, distance learning platforms, and others. Important societal
issues influenced by technological advances are stressed. These issues may
include privacy, security, ergonomics, accessibility, intellectual property,
pervasive computing, as well as other timely topics, such as new laws impacting
computer and Internet use.
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion
of this course, the student should be able to:
·
Explain what a computers is and
how it works
·
Describe basic computer
categories, components and concepts (sizes, central processing unit, memory,
input/output and data storage)
·
Describe types of computer
software (operating systems, utilities, programming languages and applications)
their uses and evolution
·
Locate and run a variety of
software applications on a personal computer
·
Perform basic computer file
operations such as file location, creation, deletion, replication and backup,
using operating system file management systems
·
Demonstrate basic proficiency in
personal productivity software packages such as word processor and spreadsheet
via a software performance assessment tool
·
Use email and other tools, such as
distance learning, to communicate with class members and instructor
·
Explain the impact (benefits and
limitations) of computer technology and information systems on modern society
·
Explain data security risks and
computer viruses
·
Describe basic hardware, software,
and computer work environment risk management strategies
·
Explain general data
communications concepts and basic principles of connectivity
·
Describe the structure and
functioning of the Internet
·
Locate on-line resources on the
World Wide Web
Grade Distribution:
Major Tests
Three objective CONCEPTS
exams based on the Discovering Computers Fundamentals
textbook and class lectures
will be worth a total of 400 points. The SAM Skills Competency Test has a value
of 150 points. The SAM booklet with an access code (see course materials) is
the performance assessment component to determine skills competency. One
assessment will be administered during the first two weeks of the semester that will
measure existing skills in Word, Excel and Windows environment. Based on the
findings of this assessment, practice materials will be available throughout the
duration of the semester to master tasks that were weak or unavailable. A
similar skills assessment will be administered as part of the final exam.
Course Computer Research Project
The Course Computer
Research Project has the value of 150 points (there will be a separate handout
on this long-range project). This project must be created using Microsoft
Office (XP) software. The Computer Purchase Project and the Major Tests
represents 70 percent of your final grade. The remaining 30 percent may
consist of the following:
Laboratory Assignments
You may be required to
complete a specific number of these labs during the semester using Microsoft
Office XP software. Information will be distributed later. Due dates are
given—no makeup.
Practice Tests or
Exercises
Each of the chapters in the Concepts—Discovering
Computers—book contains practice tests and other exercises associated with
that specific topic. Any points that can be earned on this assignment will be
given as well as instructions for completing the work. For documentation of
assignment completion, a printout may be requested. It is suggested that you
exchange telephone numbers with other class members in order to be aware of
assignments should you be absent. Due dates are given—no makeup.
Class Assessments
On selected occasions, you will have opportunity to earn
points on an assigned topic. This may include preparing an assignment that must
be keyed using Microsoft Office 2002 software. Other tasks will be announced in
class. Due dates are given—no make up.
Participation
You cannot learn anything from this (or any other)
course if you do not participate. Your active participation are
essential ingredients in your own learning and that of your classmates.
Accordingly, regular preparation and participation will count
in your favor if your final course grade is borderline between two grades.
Class participation is “priceless.”
Final Grade
The points are summarized as below:
Three Concepts
Tests 400
Test 1 - 100
Test 2 - 150
Test 3 - 150
One comprehensive Skills Exam
150
Course Computer
Project 150
Labs, Practice Tests, Class
Assessments 300
Total 1,000
Letter grades will be
assigned according to the following:
900 and above =A 800-899=B
700-799=C 600-699=D below 600=F
Other letter grade
categories are as follows:
I incomplete
Q administrative withdrawal for students
who “disappeared” during first few weeks of class but did not officially
withdraw
H audit; students pays for and attends
class but does not receive a grade or earn credit. See CIS info sheet for last
date to change to audit or p hone registration office.
W student officially withdrew from course
(deadline this
semester is
Friday April 22nd)).
An I Grade is not given
for students who simply need more time to complete the work of the course!
Everyone would like extra time to finish the course. Deadlines are deadlines.
This grade is reserved for extraordinary circumstances. This means that a
student attended and was passing the course, but due to circumstances beyond his
or her control, was unable to finish the course by the end of the semester. If
a student receives an I but does not complete the work by the end of the
following semester, the grade changes to “F.”
If you receive a D or an F
at PGCC, you may retake the course. When you do, the new grade completely
replaces the old one.
Testing Policies:
Tests are to be taken in the date range specified. No Makeup is
given.
Tests results are available
as the test is taken. If there is a problem with the test, or you wish to
dispute a particular question, email me right away.
Useful Student
Information:
1. You should review the CIS Information Sheet containing
important general Information about taking CIS
courses. This will be posted to
the Blackboard course.
2. Please no eating and drinking during any laboratory
session you may have on campus.
3. Only officially
enrolled students are permitted in the
class and lab environments.
Online
Assignments:
There are online assignments that must be completed at the beginning of this
course. These assignments are designed to help you become familiar and
comfortable with the online environment. The tasks in these assignments
will help you get started with the software and submitting work.
These assignments can be accessed and printed from the online Assignments
section of your Blackboard course site.
Online Discussion Boards:
The Discussion Board contains different forums for online discussion.
Participation in this environment includes your actively contributing to online
discussions as assigned. Your contributions will be monitored. Also,
it is expected that you communicate with your classmates periodically and with
your instructor as necessary.
Withdrawal:
It is your responsibility to complete the paperwork in the Registrar's office if
you decide to withdraw from this course. However, as a courtesy, please
send me an email: bbugg@pgcc.edu.
Cheating:
Copying versus helping: It is very easy to leave the textbook open while
taking a concepts exam or to ask a friend to complete an MS Excel project for
you. It is more difficult to ask that friend to help you understand the
concepts for that exam or to show you how to correctly perform Excel tasks.
The first example is
cheating; the second example is legitimate student-to-student tutoring.
The former teaches you nothing, though it may get you a perfect score on a given
test; the latter improves your ability to tackle the next test and
assignments after that.
While naturally I
discourage cheating, I also encourage you to work with others to improve your
understanding, that is, to tutor and assist each other. If you are not
sure of the difference between helping and cheating, it is better to err on the
side of caution.
If I
suspect cheating, I will demand an on-campus session. For example, if I
suspect you are not doing your own projects or exams, I will demand that you
come on campus and complete work under my supervision.
Quick Tips for
Success:
( The College has a great many resources to help you, including free tutoring and
workshops. Be alert to discussions of these.
& If you would like to
get straight A’s consider reading Getting Straight A’s Gordon W. Green,
Jr.
< Be disk smart! Check for viruses and do backups.
@ Time management is critical. You are expected to spend two hours outside of
class for every hour in class. Check your schedule and plan for spending the
required amount of time.
& Disability Support
Services is a valuable resource for students needing assistance. Mr. Thomas
Mays at 301-322-0838 is available to discuss various processes the College may
have to accommodate your needs.
