CIS 1150 - Intro to Computer Information Systems

TEXTS: Discovering Computers 2011 by Shelly | Vermaat

MS Office 2010 Essential by Shelly | Vermaat

Suggested Reading: E Week, PC Magazine

Suggested Surfing: Microsoft Office Web Site

COURSE MATERIALS: The texts, paper, pens, and optionally, a USB drive.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: An overview of the computing field and its typical applications. Covers key terminology components of computer hardware, software, and operating systems. Other topics include system development methods, management information systems, programming languages, communications, networks, application software, the Internet and career opportunities. Microcomputer applications include word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software in a Windows environment.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

  1. Describe the extent to which the computer is used in today's society.
  2. Identify the major developments in the evaluation of the computer.
  3. Identify the essential components of a computer system.
  4. Differentiate between types of computer memory.
  5. Describe how a computer works noting in particular the method of data representation.
  6. Identify the functions of computer software.
  7. Describe the process of computer programming and identify major programming languages.
  8. Differentiate between the major types of computer storage devices.
  9. Identify trends in computer hardware and software.
  10. Identify the major social issues arising from the impact of the computer.
  11. Introduce personal productivity tools, e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, database, graphics.

RULES: Students are expected to be on time and attend every class (unless prior arrangements have been made). Class attendance can affect your final grade, as every two unexcused absences may result in the reduction of your final grade by one letter grade. Being five or more minutes late constitutes being absent. Once the door to the classroom has been closed, you will not be permitted to enter the classroom. Missing 4 classes or 2 assignments will result in non pursuit of course objectives and automatic withdrawal.

No assignment will be accepted after class has begun on the due date. Note: This course relies heavily on access to computers, specific software, and the Internet. At some point during the term you will have a technology problem: your laptop will crash, a file will become corrupted, a server will go down, or something else will occur. These are facts of life, not emergencies. Technology problems will not normally be accepted as excuses for unfinished work. Count on "stuff" happening and protect yourself by doing the following:

  • Plan ahead and start early, particularly if scarce resources are required
  • Save work often—at least every ten minutes
  • Make regular backups of files in a different location from the originals
  • When editing, set aside the original and work with a copy
  • Practice safe computing when surfing the web and checking email
  • On your personal computer, install and use software to control viruses and malware

Cheating will result in the pursuit of disciplinary action and may include a grade of 'F' for this course. More importantly, you will deny yourself an opportunity to learn something. Cheating includes copying labs, reports, projects, tests, exams, and plagiarism, as well as helping another student cheat by giving them answers, files, or doing the work for them.

Running electronic devices is not allowed in the classroom/lab. Food/drink is not allowed in the lab. 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 catalog.

GRADING: There is one report designed to have you consider ethical issues that is worth 20 points. Software labs reinforce particular concepts covered during class and are worth 125 points (5 labs worth 25 points each). Projects provide you the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to use applications to apply concepts learned from class and are worth 400 points (4 projects worth 100 points each). Practice tests, quizzes and examinations illustrate your knowledge of this material. Practice tests are worth 75 points (15 practice tests worth 5 points each). Quizzes are worth 180 points (18 quizzes worth 10 points each). Examinations are worth 200 points (MidTerm is worth 100 points; Final is worth 100 points). Changes to the grading scale, number of assignments, or relative weight are the instructor's prerogative.

A = 900 - 1000 Points

B = 830 - 899 Points

C = 760 - 829 Points

D = 690 - 759 Points

F = below 690 Points

Incompletes will not be given.

For S/F evaluations, you must obtain the appropriate form and submit it to me for approval. A minimum of 760 points are required to earn a grade of 'S'. Note: Some institutions transfer a `S' grade as a `D'. If you decide not to complete the course, you must go to Registration and formally withdraw. Failure to do so will result in a grade of 'F' for the course.

PROJECTS: Projects must be submitted via Blackboard prior to the start of class. No assignment will be accepted after class has begun on the due date. Resubmitting projects is not allowed. Extra credit is not offered. Changes to the projects are the instructor's prerogative.

WP Project (Word Processing using Word) - Due Monday, February 11: Part 1 - Research how to write resumès and create a resumè. The resumè should contain a graphic that relates to the profession you are interested in. Make up previous employment, if necessary. The resumè should be at least a full page but no more than two pages. Part 2 - Write a cover letter, expounding on the data-oriented facts of your resumè. The cover letter should complement, not duplicate your resumè and add a personal touch. This letter should be between half a page and one page. Content and style will be assessed. Here is an example of what your cover letter and resumè could look like and the grading rubric for this project.

SS Project (Spreadsheet using Excel) - Due Wednesday, February 27: Part 1 - Create a spreadsheet that tracks your expenses for a week. Use a column for each day of the week and include at least 7 items (rows). Using functions, compute the total expense for each day of the week. Using functions, compute the weekly total and daily average expense for each item. Be sure to label the rows and columns, include a title, and name the sheet Expense. Content and style will be assessed. Part 2 - On a separate sheet titled Column, create a clustered column chart based on the total expenses per item. Create a second chart on a separate sheet called Pie based on the total expenses per day, using a 3-D pie chart, and pull out the day with the most expenses. Be sure there are appropriate titles and labels for each chart. Here is an example of what your worksheets could look like and the grading rubric for this project.

Report - Due Wednesday, March 6: Write a reaction paper (minimum one page) involving an ethical scenario. Details will be provided during class. Turn in the hardcopy.

DB Project (Database using Access) - Due Monday, April 1: Part 1 - Create a database consisting of two related tables that tracks your favorite CDs and songs. The tables should contain the following fields: artist, CD title, year, song name, song writer, and song rating (1-5, 5 being the best) with the least amount of redundancy. Use meaningful field names, appropriate data types, and primary keys, and populate your database from at least 3 CDs. Part 2 - Create a report that displays only the songs that you have given a rating of 5. Include the artist, CD title, song name, and song rating sorted by artist, then CD title, then song name. All tables, queries, and/or reports should have appropriate names/titles. Review the grading rubric for this project to ensure that you will receive the grade you desire.

PR Project (Presentation using PowerPoint) - Due Monday, April 15: You are a director of a research and development department making a presentation to your upper management. Your department has developed a new virtual reality application, that, to your knowledge, does not yet exist. Develop a presentation (minimum six slides) that illustrates your new virtual reality application and the benefits it offers. Make sure you use a logo for your company and include animation. Your presentation will be assessed on creativity, legibility, simplicity, clarity, and visual appeal. Review the grading rubric for this project to ensure that you will receive the grade you desire.

CLASS NOTES: Class notes are available as Microsoft PowerPoint presentations. If you do not have Microsoft PowerPoint, you will need the PowerPoint Viewer (which is free) to view and/or print the presentations. The PowerPoint Viewer is available on Microsoft's site here where you can read the instructions to download and install the viewer. Click on the links below to access the PowerPoint presentations used in class.