This course provides the student with an understanding of computers and their impact on our personal and professional lives. Course content is divided into two major areas: general computer knowledge and use of application software. Topics include hardware and software, internal representation of data, history and classifications of computers, user interfaces, networks, societal issues, and use of spreadsheet, word processing, database, presentation, and communication software packages.
Prerequisite: Familiarity with the basic operation of the personal computer.
Shelly, Cashman, and Vermaat; Microsoft Office 2003: Introductory Concepts and Techniques, 2nd ed.; Thompson Course Technology, 2006. ISBN: 0-619-25477-7 (softcover), 0-619-25485-8 (softcover, spiral bound).
Grades are based on the following assessment items:
The textbook used in this course presents topics in the context of projects. Portions of these projects will be done in class, while other portions are to be completed as homework. Not all components presented in the textbook will be done - your instructor will announce the parts of each project that will be required.
Collaboration on these projects is permitted, and encouraged.
Textbook projects will be collected and factored into the student's grade. Projects that are completed in full receive full credit, and projects partially completed receive half credit. Late projects will not be accepted.
Assignments will consist of problems or projects that involve concepts and software presented in class. Use of a computer will be required for each assignment, and many assignments will require the same software and version that is used in class. Assignments are individual assignments (not colaborations), and are to be submitted in electronic form. Your instructor will give you instructions on submitting assignments electronically.
A tentative assignment schedule will be posted in a password-protected area of your instructor's web site.
Tests will consist of written and computer-based portions. The written portion will consist of short-answer and/or short-essay questions. The computer-based portion will involve short tasks to be completed, or short problems to be solved, using the software presented in class.
Students who are active and attentive members of the class, and who contribute to the class from time to time, will receive 5 points for class participation. Students who fall short of this expectation will receive fewer points, commensurate with their level of participation. Also, students who do not abide by Classroom Protocol guidelines will receive a reduced class participation grade.
The following is a tentative schedule for the course, and may be adjusted as necessary throughout the semester.
| Dates | Topic | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| 8/30, 9/1 | Introduction to Computers | COM |
| 9/6, 9/8, 9/13, 9/15 | Using an Operating System's Graphical User Interface | WIN |
| 9/20, 9/22, 9/27 | Word Processing | WD - Projects 1, 2, 3 |
| 9/29 | Test 1 | |
| 10/4, 10/6, 10/13, 10/18 | Word Processing (continued) | |
| 10/20, 10/25 | Spreadsheets | EX - Projects 1, 2, 3 |
| 10/27 | Test 2 | |
| 11/1, 11/3, 11/8, 11/10, 11/15 | Spreadsheets (continued) | |
| 11/17, 11/22 | Presentation Software | PPT - Projects 1, 2 |
| 11/29 | Test 3 | |
| 12/1, 12/6, 12/8 | Presentation Software (continued) | |
| TBA | Test 4 |