GTCC      Moodle

SYLLABUS FOR
CIS 110 - Introduction to Computers
(Hours and Credits:
2 lecture - 2 lab and 3 credits)

Department: Computer Information & Networking Technologies (IT)
Department Chair: Kevin Lee
Division: Business Technologies (BDIV)
Division Chair: Kenneth Rowe

Course Description

This course introduces computer concepts, including fundamental functions and operations of the computer.  Topics include identification of hardware components, basic computer operations, security issues, and use of software applications.  Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers and use the computer to solve problems. 

Prerequisites

RED 090

Co-requisites

None

Instructor Information

Your Instructor Information can be found on your class Moodle site and
also on the Information Technology Department home page at:
www.gtcc-it.org

Text Books &
Companion Websites

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Books &
Companion Websites

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Books &
Companion Websites

 

The text books are bundled from Pearson - Prentice Hall Publishing and include:

Technology in Action, Introductory, 5/E
Alan Evans, Mary Ann Poatsy, and Kendall Martin
Publisher: Prentice Hall
Technology in Action

 

 

 

Link to Companion Web Site

and


Skills for Success Using Microsoft Office 2007, 1/E
Kris Townsend
Publisher: Prentice Hall
Skills for Success

 

 

Link to the Companion Website

and


myitlab 12-month Student Access Code Cardmyitlab
Publisher: Prentice Hall
Format: Access Code Card

and


You will be using the Pearson GTCC Portal to connect to your Internet work spaces.
NOTE: You MUST use the Windows Internet Explorer to access the Pearson GTCC Portal - Firefox will not function properly.

If you are a first-time user you will need two numbers to successfully register with myitlab. They are:
1. You can find your Student Access Code in the Student Access Kit that comes with your text. It only comes in the bundle.
2. You can find your Course ID on your Moodle main page.

Click the Register button for your course below to register your Pearson Online Solutions Student Access Code.

Once you have registered:
Click the Login button for your course below and enter the login name and password you created in the registration process.
You will also need the Course ID. Get it from your Moodle Main page.

Register

Write down and remember your login name and password.

Once you have registered:
Click the Login button below for your course and enter the login name and password you created in the registration process.
You will also need the Course ID. Get it from your Moodle Main page.

Login


The GTCC Book Store bundle information is:

ISBN: 0-536-77841-8

Publisher: Prentice Hall
Copyright: 2009
Format: Kit/Package/Shrink Wrap

Please be aware that the texts are bundled, and that if purchased that way are less expensive than the cost of the books and myitlab separately.

Required Material

In order to successfully complete any computer or online course work a student must have reliable access to appropriate computer equipment.

An appropriate computer MUST include:
  • Windows XP® SP2 or Windows Vista® as its operating system. Systems running LINUX or the MAC O/S are not acceptable. In addition systems with earlier versions of Windows XP are not acceptable. If running Windows XP you must have SP 2 installed.
  • Microsoft Office 2007 (Note: The GTCC Book Store has Microsoft Office 2007 at a student price.)
  • A reliable high speed (Broadband) Internet connection.

All students in seated classes MUST own and use your own head phones or ear buds.

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Drop Deadline

GTCC has established the drop deadline for this course, it may be found on the GTCC website (www.gtcc.edu). Students wishing to withdraw from this course after classes begin must do so by that date or they will be assigned the grade that they earn for the course. It is the student responsibility to process a drop. Faculty will not drop you.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Define and use correctly terminology associated with computers
  • Define and use correctly terminology associated with information systems
  • Describe differences between types of computing systems
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the basic components of a computer system
  • Demonstrate beginning level proficiency in either Windows XP or the Windows Vista operating systems
  • Recall the names and usage(s) of the most commonly used operating systems
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the most common input/output devices
  • Describe the impact of the Internet on society and business processes
  • Demonstrate knowledge of file structure and commands
  • Manipulate files using either Windows XP or Windows Vista
  • Demonstrate beginning level proficiency in using either Windows XP or Windows Vista
  • Demonstrate beginning level proficiency in using Word 2007
  • Demonstrate beginning level proficiency in using Excel 2007
  • Demonstrate beginning level proficiency is using PowerPoint 2007

Employability Skills

GTCC has worked with representatives from business and industry to identify six skills that are essential to your success in obtaining and keeping a job. You will work towards obtaining and improving these skills in all your courses. By helping you develop the employability skills and holding you responsible for their application; your teachers will help you increase the likelihood of career success.

Employability Skills give you an added value in the labor market, because employers prefer to hire and promote individuals who:

  • Learn new knowledge, skills and jargon.
  • Follow procedures and instructions given to complete assignments.
  • Meet deadlines and turn in assignments on time (See late policy discussion below)

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Methodology

Lecture, Assignments, and/or Self study.

Course Requirements

Final grades are determined through a weighted average of exams and assignments. Your final grade in the course will be based on the following grading scale.

CAUTION

THE TASKS PERFORMED IN THE INITIAL ASSIGNMENT ARE THE MINIMUM SKILLS THAT YOU NEED TO BEGIN THIS COURSE, AND YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO COMPLETE THEM WITHOUT ASSISTANCE.

IF YOU ARE IN A REGULAR SEATED CLASS AND YOU FIND THE ASSIGNMENT ONE IS DIFFICULT FOR YOU TO COMPLETE YOU SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER SWITCHING INTO A CTS 112, WHICH IS A CLASS DESIGNED FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE NOT READY FOR THIS COURSE.


Assignments 100% - 50 points each, 1000 points total
Tests No mid-term or final exams

See the discussion below for details

Grading Policy: Grading is done on a 1000 point scale.
Grades are not curved or rounded. As an example: 939 points equals a "B" not an "A".

GTCC Grading Scale*:

   940 - 1000  A =>94%
860 - 939 B 86% - 93.99%
780 - 859 C 78% - 85.99%
700 - 779 D 70% - 77.99%
     0 - 699 F <70%

*This scale has been converted to a 1000 point scale, but the percentages are the same as used in the 100 point scale. To determine your grade simply add your total points for the semester, and apply the above scale.
GRADES ARE NOT ROUNDED! YOU MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED NUMBER OF POINT TO EARN A GRADE.
As an example, a student with 939 points will earn a "B" not an "A" for this class.

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Quality of Instruction Statement: The GTCC faculty members are committed to providing quality instruction. If there is a concern about the instruction provided, treatment of an individual or a group of students, or professional conduct of instructors, consult with the faculty member, then the department chair, then the division chair, or read the description of Students' Rights and Responsibilities which can be found in the 2006-2007 Student Handbook/Calendar.

Classroom Instruction: It is expected that you will participate in your learning by coming to class and spending sufficient time outside class to master the material. Reading the text alone will not prepare you. To master the material, you must use a computer to do the exercises and assigned projects on a consistent basis. Consider this analogy—Can you become a proficient golfer just by watching Tiger Woods on television? Probably, not. Study and practice, practice, practice are essential for your success. You will lose points from the current assignment if you miss class, and if you exceed the number of absences allowed by the GTCC rules, you may be removed from the class.

College Attendance Policy: Regular attendance in class is essential to receiving maximum benefit from the educational experience. A curriculum student is to attend and be on time for all classes and lab/shop/clinic sessions. A student who has missed more than the number of clock hours the class meets each week may not be permitted to continue in that class, shop, lab, or clinic without permission of the instructor. The student will be required to meet with the instructor when the student misses the number of clock hours the class meets per week. If a student misses the equivalent of two weeks worth of classes (4 classes) s/he must drop the course. If a student is not allowed to remain in the class it is the student responsibility to officially drop the class. Failing to drop the class will result in a grade of "F" being assigned. In all cases of absence, the student is responsible for making up all missed class work and for coming prepared to the class following the absence.
YOUR INSTRUCTOR STRICTLY ENFORCES THE ATTENDANCE RULES

Course/Dept./Div. Attendance Rules: Three tardies constitute one absence. A tardy is defined as coming to class 10 minutes or more after the class period has started or leaving class 10 minutes or more prior to the class being dismissed.
YOUR INSTRUCTOR STRICTLY ENFORCES THE ATTENDANCE RULES.

Dropping the Course: The college has established drop deadlines. The drop deadline is published in the schedule booklet, the general catalog and on the school calendar. It may also be found on the GTCC web site. If a student wishes to drop the class the student must take the appropriate steps prior to that time or the student will receive a grade of "F" for the course.

Assignments: The students are expected to complete all assigned reading. The assignments for each lesson and the due dates are posted in Moodle. Assignments will be graded and the grade posted in the grade book.

Grade Book: Grades are posted in the on line grade book. Your instructor will post grades for each assignment prior to the time the next assignment is due. The instructor will keep a separate grade book, using Microsoft Excel, which is the official grade book. On many occasions the two will not match, this is especially true if you question a grade and your instructor makes an adjustment. Your instructor is always willing to tell you what the official grade book shows for your grades, but may not always update the online grade book after a grade is change. Do not be concerned about this.

If there are difference(s) in the two grade books the spreadsheet kept by the instructor is presumed to be correct. The instructor reserves the right to change any grade if it is learned that is was derived as the result of misconduct or dishonesty. No grade is final until it is submitted to the registrar at the end of the semester.

Late Policy: To avoid confusion and possible disappointment over late assignments and tests please be aware that this policy is strictly enforced. Late assignments are never accepted for a grade, unless written approval is obtained from the instructor prior to the original due date. It is almost impossible to receive an extension. Makeup exams are not given! In the event that you do not complete an exam you will not be given the opportunity to make it up regardless of the circumstances.
YOUR INSTRUCTOR STRICTLY ENFORCES THE POLICY CONCERNING LATE ASSIGNMENTS

Behavior: Professional adult behavior is expected in this class. Beepers, cell-phones, radios, tape recorders, or any other electronic devices are not permitted without prior approval. Anyone causing a disruption in class will be dropped from the class and reported to the Dean of Student Conduct. If your cell phone rings in class you will be asked to leave the class and will be marked absent.

The following is an excerpt from the college handbook (2007 - 2008 General Catalog) regarding student responsibilities.
You cannot:

  • Be dishonest
  • Be physically or verbally lewd or indecent or distribute obscene or libelous material
  • Assault or threaten anyone on college property or at a college-sponsored or supervised event
  • Sexually harass a student or employee
  • Obstruct or disrupt study, teaching, research, administration or disciplinary proceedings or other college activities
  • Steal or misuse computer time
  • Be an accessory to a violation or help someone else commit an offense.

Ethics: Students may not consult each other on exams.

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Grading Information

Assignments: There are a number of assignments this semester. They are worth a total of 80% of your grade or 800 points. The assignments will consist of a variety of tasks depending on the subject being covered in the lesson.

Your instructor will aggregate all of the components of the assignment and will post your total assignment grade, UNLESS they notify you that posting will be delayed. Grading is normally done on the week end.

A portion of each assignment grade may be based on your attendance and participation and will be explained in class, as each instructor handles this differently, BUT you must be aware that missing class will result in earning a lower grade, however simply attending every class does not guarantee that a student will pass the course.

Files and Folders - the first assignment: The initial assignment consists of a number of tasks that must be preformed in order to be ready to begin the substantive portion of the course. If this assignment is not completed and turned in on time you will be reported to the registrar's office and the financial aid office as a no show and removed from the course. If you have any trouble with this assignment this course may be too difficult for you and you are urged to meet with your instructor for advice.

Syllabus Quiz: There is a brief objective quiz that must be completed concerning the syllabus. If you fail to complete the quiz by the assigned date you will not be allowed to remain in the course. It is worth 10 points or 1% of your grade.

Tests: There will be tests given for each Microsoft Application chapter assigned and a test for for each Technology in Action chapter assigned.
They are worth a total of 200 points or 20% of your grade.

Notice: If you have a disability that may affect your academic performance and are seeking accommodations, it is your responsibility to inform the disAbility  Access Services  Counselor (Melissa Cox: Room 202B Medlin Campus Center, ext. 2363) as soon as possible. It is important to request accommodations early enough to give disAbility Access Services adequate time to consider your request and recommend reasonable accommodations. Instructors will provide necessary accommodations based on the recommendations of disAbility Access Services.

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12/2/08 DGB