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COURSE NAME:

 

Using Computers: An Introduction

CREDIT HOURS:

2

CONTACT HOURS:

 

3

TEXTBOOKS :

Discovering Computers Fundamentals (2011 ed.)
Shelly, Vermaat. Course Technology.
ISBN 13-978-1-4390-7945-4
ISBN 1-4390-7945-5

MS Office 2010 Essential Concepts and Techniques
Shelly, Vermaat. Course Technology, ISBN 13-978-0-538-74870-4
ISBN 10-0-536-74870-2

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Prepares students for the use of the computer as a productivity tool. Fundamentals of how a computer works by understanding hardware and the distinctions between system software and application software. Hands-on projects will use microcomputer applications to teach concepts related to word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation graphics. Topics include creation and maintenance of folders and files, networks, and information access using the Internet.

MATERIAL REQUIRED:

2 USB flash drives, #2 pencils for tests.

OBJECTIVES:

At the completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Describe Identify the essential components of a computer system.
2. Differentiate between types of computer memory.
3. Identify the functions of computer software.
4. Differentiate between the major types of computer storage devices.
5. Use personal productivity tools, e.g. word processor, spreadsheet, database, presentation software.
6. Use a computer operating system.
7. Create and maintain folders and files.
8. Use search engines and subject directories on the Internet.
9. Describe network components.

COURSE OUTLINES:

1. Introduction to Computers
2. Internet and the World Wide Web
3. Application Software
4. Components of the System Unit
5. Input & Output
6. Storage
7. Operating Systems and Utility Programs
8. Communications and Networks
9. Databases Management
10. Computer Security, Ethics, and Privacy
11. Information Systems Development and Programming Languages
12. Enterprise Computing

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION:

Classroom lecture, with scheduled lab.  The student should read the assigned chapter(s) in advance of class, and come prepared to discuss the material.  Class discussion, with participation by all, is an important part of the learning process. This is a tough class. Be prepared to study 2-3 hours for each hour in class, which means 6-9 hours of your time outside of class.

RULES:

In addition to the rules outlined in this syllabus, and presented in class, it is the student’s responsibility to understand and abide by all COD academic policies as stated in the current COD catalog.  All work turned in must be completed by yourself.  You will not intentionally use or attempt to use another student's work, or knowingly help another student violate any COD academic policy. There are no group assignments in this course unless indicated by the instructor. Any form of cheating will result in an "F" for the course.  Circumstances may warrant suspension, expulsion, and/or the event recorded on file. Students may bring a beverage to the non-computerized classroom, but no eating is allowed. Please do NOT bring food into the classroom. Turn off your cell phone. Do not disrupt the class.

WITHDRAWAL AND INCOMPLETE POLICY:

You may withdraw on your signature until mid-quarter.  After that date you need my signature on a withdrawal form.  You are responsible for taking your withdrawal form to the registration office.  I will sign a withdrawal form up until the day before the final week. There is no incomplete for this class unless a medical emergency exists.

ATTENDANCE:

Attendance is mandatory.  There will be lecture and discussion that will greatly add to your understanding of computers and the role they play in our lives.  Those lectures and discussions are a source of material for assignments and exams. Three “cuts” of lecture/lab or a missing the entire session will be considered one unexcused absence. Each unexcused absence will be deducted 20 points; total deduction could be up to 100 points. A student who came late or left early without notifying the instructor in advance has “cut” a class. An excused absence is when I am notified IN ADVANCE of the class meeting.

ASSIGNMENTS:

There are two types of assignments: one is textbook/web site assignments that require you to write/print your answers for 20 points; and another assignment is a handout project on each week, both will be given during the sessions. Assignments should be turned in on next week, otherwise it will be announced; 20% of the points will be deducted for a late due assignment each week.  No works accepted after final day of the class.

PASS/FAIL:

A grade of PASS/SATISFACTORY must be requested by midterm and will require an overall class grade of 750 points, including a grade of 75 on the Final Exam. The student should be aware that many schools will not grant credit for a grade of PASS/SATISFACTORY.

TESTS AND EXAMS:

There are three tests: a midterm test, a final test, and a lab exam, no make-up test or exam.

LAB RULES:
  • Read the assigned material prior to the lab session and always bring your disks to lab with you.
  • Don't talk while I am talking. The lab is cavernous! Some of your fellow students may have hearing problems, and most important, if you are talking, you aren't listening.
  • Clean up your area before you leave.
  • EXIT the software gracefully, and turn off the PC when you leave.
  • BE SURE TO REMOVE YOUR DISK when you are finished!
  • Raise your hand if you have a problem, and I will make every effort to help you as quickly as possible, BUT, there will be many students in the lab, and sometimes it takes a long time to get to you.  Try to think your way through your problem. You'll be pleasantly surprised at what you already know!
  • We will start by stepping through each instruction together.  Often, someone makes a mistake and the whole class will sit patiently while that individual is helped.  So be it! It could be YOU next time.  After the first few labs, you will be confident enough to want to race on at your own speedy individual pace.
  • DO NOT BRING FOOD OR DRINK INTO THE LAB AREA!
  • Do not bring personal software into the lab, or attempt to copy software from the lab! 
  • Do NOT use the computer until instructed to do so! 
  • Do not play games, read your personal email, and do homework for other classes or anything other than what you have been instructed to do. You will be withdrawn from the class if you do.
  • Do not use the computer while I am lecturing! Other students cannot hear the lecture while you are typing, and you are not listening if you are typing.

 

SCHEDULE:

 

 

DATE

 

READING and TEXTBOOK/WEB ASSIGNMENTS 

LECTURE (Powerpoint Presentation Download)

LAB and ASSIGNMENTS

WEEK 1

DCV 1 – Chapter 1

Textbook/web assignment #1

Course Overview

Chapter 1 Introduction to Computers

Intro to Windows 7

Intro to Blackboard

Lab  #1- Windows/HELP

WEEK 2

 

DCV1 Chapter 2

 

Textbook assignment #2

Chapter 2 The Internet and WWW

The Timeline

Lab  #2 - Email

WEEK 3

DCV1 Chapter 3

Textbook assignment #3

Chapter 3 Application Software

Intro to Internet

Lab  #3 - Internet Search

WEEK 4

DCV1 Chapter 4

 

Textbook assignment #4

Chapter 4 The Components of the System Unit

More Windows

Lab  #4 - Managing Folders/Files

WEEK 5

DCV1 Chapter 5

MSO2 Office Word Chapter 1 Creating, Formatting, and Editing a Word Document

Textbook assignment #5

Chapter 5 Input

Word Processing

Lab #5 - Word Processing

WEEK 6

DCV1 Chapter 5

MSO2  Office Excel 2003 Project One Creating a Worksheet and an Embedded Chart

Textbook assignment #6

Chapter 5 Output

Intro to Spreadsheets/Charts

Lab #6 - Excel

 

WEEK 7

DCV1 Chapter 6

Textbook assignment #7

Chapter 6 Storage

Web Pages

Lab #7 – Web Page

WEEK 8

DCV1 Chapter 7

Textbook assignment #8

Chapter 7 Operating Systems and Utility Programs

Lab #8 - Buying a PC

WEEK 9

DCV1 Chapter 7

Textbook assignment #9

Mid term Exam

Intro to MS Paint and Publisher

Lab #9 - Drawing and Images

WEEK 10

DCV1 Chapter 8

 

Textbook assignment #10

Chapter 8 Communications and Networks

Intro to Visio

Lab #10 - Drawing a Network Diagram

WEEK 11

DCV1 Chapter 9

MSO2  Office Access Chapter 1 Database and Database Objects An Introduction

Textbook assignment #11

Chapter 9 Database Management

Intro to Database/Reports

Lab #11 - Access

WEEK 12

DCV1 Chapter 10

Textbook assignment #12

Chapter 10 Computers and Society, Security, Privacy and Ethics

Software Application Integration

Lab #12- Integration

WEEK 13

DCV1 Chapter 11

MSO2 Office PowerPoint Chapter 1 Creating and Editing a Presentation with Clip Art

Textbook assignment #13

Chapter 11 Information System Development

Presentation Graphics

Lab #13-PowerPoint/

 

WEEK 14

DCV1 Chapter 11

 

Textbook assignment #14

Chapter 11 Programming Languages and Program Development

Programming

Lab #14 - Programming

 

WEEK 15

DCV1 Chapter 12

Textbook assignment #15

Chapter 12 Enterprise Computing

PowerPoint Presentations

 

WEEK 16

 

FINAL EXAM

FINAL LAB TEST

NOTES:

 1 DCV - Discovering Computers Fundamentals, 2011 edition

 2 MSO Microsoft Office 2010 Essential Concepts and Techniques

 

 

 

LAB ASSIGNMENT

DESCRIPTION

POINT

VALUE

1

Windows HELP

20

2

Emailing

20

3

Internet

20

4

Managing Folders/ Files

30

5

Word Processing

30

6

Spreadsheets/Chart

30

7

WEB Page

30

8

Buying a PC

30

9

Drawing and Images

30

10

Drawing a Network Diagram

30

11

Database/Report

30

12

Integration Project

30

13

Power Point

40

14

Programming

30

TEXTBOOK ASSIGNMENT

 

 

1

Ch. 1

20

2

Ch. 2

20

3

Ch. 3

20

4

Ch. 4

20

5

Ch. 5

20

6

Ch. 6

20

7

Ch. 7

20

8

Ch. 8

20

9

Ch. 9

20

10

Ch. 10

20

11

Ch. 11

20

12

Ch. 12

20

13

Ch. 13

20

14

Ch. 14

20

15

Ch. 15

20

 

 

 

PARTICIPATION

 

100

MIDTERM

Test

50

FINAL

Lab Test

50

FINAL 

Exam

100

 

Total points

1000

 

 

 

LETTER GRADES:

 

 

 

A

900 – 1000 points

 

B

800 – 899 points

 

C

700 – 799 points

 

D

600 – 699 points

 

F

0– 599 points

                      

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Updated on Aug.20, 2011
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