CSC 101 Introduction to Computers
Professor Jean Insinga
Email: jean.insinga@snet.net
For many of you this may be the first online course you’ve taken. We can all have a very pleasant and resourceful experience if we follow some simple steps.
About the Course
CSC 101 Introduction to Computers will cover hardware and software concepts. Topics will include how to buy a computer, how to use a computer, working with Microsoft Office 2003, accessing and researching using the Internet and designing and creating a web page. You must have access to the Internet, to Microsoft Office 2007, and a working email account. You will be given reading assignments, projects, quizzes and exams that will be due on specific dates. Your work must be timely in order to receive an appropriate grade.
The assignments will be available to you by chapter or topic and can be accessed from the site. The due dates and schedule for you to follow will be in the syllabus and calendar on the course site. Throughout the semester there may be recorded chat sessions where everyone will have the chance to ask questions or discuss topics within the course. You will have access to your grades using the built in grading feature.
Accessing the Course:
When you begin the course, it will be important for you to navigate through the website with ease. The following are examples of important documents to access.
· View and print the class Syllabus and Outline from Course Information on the Homepage.
· View the Class Calendar for assignments from the Navigation Bar to the left. Click on the day to read the details. For example for the 17th, click on 17 and the details will display.
The Class Syllabus:
After reviewing the class syllabus, there are some items I would like to bring to your attention:
I look forward to the teaching and learning involved in your online course!
COURSE SYLLABUS
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Information Systems |
CSC 101 |
Introduction to Computer Applications |
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3 hrs |
1.5 |
1.5 |
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Prepared by |
Jean Insinga |
May 10, 2009 |
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Course prerequisites: |
None unless placement tests indicate otherwise. |
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Course Location (building/room number): |
Online |
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Meeting time (days/hours): |
Online |
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Course Description:
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An introductory course presenting the business uses of computer hardware and software. It will teach the fundamentals of the Windows environment and use of popular business software using word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation applications. E-mail communication skills will be developed, and the use of the Internet as a communication and research tool will be covered using Internet Explorer. An overview of web page design will be covered. |
Scope of Course:
Introduction of Computers offers a comprehensive study of computer concepts. The course begins with an explanation of the basics of the computer, the Internet, Web, and email. Next, students will learn about various types of computer software, their uses and applications. The course also explores hardware and the components that make up a personal computer system and local area network. Fundamentals of file management, virus protection, and backup are also covered and students learn several techniques for keeping computers secure. The Internet is an extremely important part of modern computing and students learn about its origin, infrastructure, and many resources. Web pages, Web sites, and e-commerce, and digital media are also explored.
The course also provides in depth training on the Microsoft Office Suite of software applications: Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. Projects are completed in each application and popular features are fully explored. Students also learn how to create a Web page using Microsoft Word.
Program/Discipline Learning Outcomes Contained in Course:
The goal of the Business Division is to incorporate the following learning outcomes into each course:
§ Written and oral communication skills
§ Critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills
§ Interpersonal skills and awareness
§ Teamwork, team-building, and project focus
§ Knowledge of ethical and legal business behavior
§ Awareness and respect for other perspectives
§ Global awareness and diversity
§ Flexibility and adaptive to change
§ Personal productivity and organizational skills
§ Ability to understand your customer
§ Understand process management
Importance of Course in Program/Discipline:
CSC101 – Introduction to Computers is a very important component of the Business Division. In today’s highly competitive and technologically advanced society, good computer skills are an imperative. Students in CSC101 are able to acquire and/or refine their computer skills. The ability to efficiently research and extract information from the Internet, resolve technical issues, and use software to enhance productivity are all skills that will serve the students in both academic and professional careers. Knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite of software application is highly desirable in today’s workplace. The course gives a very practical technical foundation on which students can build more advanced expertise.
Learning Outcomes:
The goal of CSC101 is to provide each student with a basic level of computer proficiency. The following list describes the learning outcomes that support this overall goal:
§ Understand the basics of the personal computer, the Internet, the World Wide Web, and e-mail basics.
§ Explore PC and LAN hardware components
§ Differentiate between application software and operating systems
§ Examine Internet resources
§ Demonstrate knowledge of:
o WORD
o EXCEL
o ACCESS
o POWERPOINT
o E-Mail
o Search Engines
§ Develop vocabulary of technical terms
§ Explore digital media
Textbooks and other required readings/computer software/materials/library reserve room:
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Technology in Action 5e (Introductory) Evans, Martin, Poatsy Pearson Education
Exploring Microsoft Office 2007 Brief Grauer Pearson Education
180
Day trial of MS Office 2007
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Office Location (building/room number): |
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Office Hours: |
24/7 Monday – Thursday |
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Office Telephone: |
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Office e-mail:
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860-343-5763 |
Attendance Policy:
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Students are Expected to participate in an online course through assignments, projects, Exams and chat sessions. An online course allows the student to establish a flexible schedule to do work; however, chat sessions will be scheduled times. Discussion Postings will be 5% of your final grade. Open chats are strongly recommended to interact with other students and clarify any questions or problems that are causing difficulty in your understanding of the course assignments. |
Evaluation (exams, term papers, projects, etc., and percentages towards final grades):
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The final grade will be determined by two exams and hands-on computer applications projects, and will be affected by course participation, conduct, and attendance.
Midterm Exam 20% Software Projects/Trainings 40% Quizzes/ Chat Sessions/Discussion Postings 15% Final Exam Project 25%
There are no make-up exams given unless arrangements have been made prior to the exam. |
Unit Outlines/Unit Objectives/Expected Outcomes/Assessment Measures:
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Each unit will cover specific topics from the textbook as well as a software product. Each student is expected to read the assigned chapters, do all homework assignments, and complete all hands-on lab assignments. The labs, homework assignments, and test scores will be used to calculate the student’s overall grade. An assignment sheet lists the projects, quizzes and exams. All will be posted on the Calendar as well.
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Class |
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Reading Assignments from Text Book |
Assignment
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Chapter 1 –Why Computers Matter to You: Becoming Computer Literate Read pages 3 -15 |
Discussion Posting Myitlab – Chapter 1
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Chapter 1 – continued Read pages 15-26 |
Making the Transition to Next Semester 1-5, page 31 |
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Chapter 2 – Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts Read pages 49-68 |
Myitlab – Chapter 2 |
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Chapter 2 – continued Read pages 68-81 |
Making the Transition to Next Semester 1-5, page 88 |
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To be continued…. |
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ADA Accommodations Statement
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Students with physical or learning disabilities who may require accommodations are encouraged to contact the Counseling Office. After disclosing the nature of the disability, students are urged to discuss their needs with individual instructors. This should be done at the beginning of each semester. Instructors, in conjunction with appropriate college officials, will provide assistance and/or accommodations only to those students who have completed this process. |
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Academic Ethics and Classroom Behavior
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At Middlesex Community College we expect the highest standards of academic honesty. Academic dishonesty is prohibited in accordance with the Board of Trustees’ Proscribed Conduct Policy in Section 5.2.1 of the Board of Trustees’ Policy Manual. This policy prohibits cheating on examinations, unauthorized collaboration on assignments, unauthorized access to examinations or course materials, plagiarism, and other proscribed activities. Plagiarism is defined as the use of another’s idea(s) or phrase(s) and representing that/those idea(s) as your own, either intentionally or unintentionally.
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All resources and facilities of the Data Processing Labs, including the computer classroom sites, are to be used solely for the legitimate and authorized academic and administrative purposes. Any unauthorized or illegitimate use of the computer systems, resources, and/or facilities will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including but not subject to criminal prosecution in accordance with Section 53a-250, et seq., of the General Statutes.
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