Kingwood College
A North Harris Montgomery Community College
ITSC 1401 – Introduction to Computers
COSC 1401 – Microcomputer Applications
Syllabus
| I. | Catalog Description | An overview of computer information systems. Introduces computer hardware, software, procedures, and human resources. Explores integration and application in business and other segments in society. Fundamentals of computer problem-solving and programming are discussed. Examines the most current business application and PC operating software including web design. | ||
| II. | Prerequisite | None | ||
| III. |
Instructor
|
Myrna Maurer | ||
| Response within 24 to 48 hours. | ||||
| IV. | Voice Mail | 281-312-1675 | ||
| Toll-free Number: | 1(800) 883-7939 – Extension 1675 | |||
|
Division Contacts |
(281) 312-1665 Tanisha Latino (Faculty Assistant) Margaretha “Mary” Johnson (IT Chair), m.johnson@nhmccd.edu Dr. Elizabeth Chapman, Dean, Elizabeth.chapman@nhmccd.edu |
|||
| E-mail Address | maurermc@nhmccd.edu | |||
| V. | Credit | Four (4) semester hours | ||
| VI. | Required Materials |
Standard, Internet, or
Independent Study
(Number 1-3 should all be sold in a bundle)If you buy used books, buy SAM 2003 Version 3.0 separately 4. USB flash drive or several floppy diskettes for saving files. 5. One pack of laser quality paper (for on-campus courses). |
||
| VII. | Competencies (Learning Objectives) |
In completing this course, you will: o Identify the components of a computer system o Demonstrate basic understanding of commonly used applications o Explain the impact of computers on society o Explore computer careers o Identify fundamental programming structures o Demonstrate proficiency in basic operating system functions o Discuss current issues associated with security, ethics, and legal issues o Describe uses of the internet and learn how to create and publish a web page using HTML coding o Develop a project using the Internet to explore the values, practices, beliefs, and responsibilities of living in a multicultural world o Demonstrate proficiency in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation applications o Demonstrate proficiency in the use of email o Discuss current issues such as viruses and other related topics o Demonstrate basic understanding of network topology and connections |
||
| VIII. | Attendance |
Yet met attendance requirements by logging in regularly to get assignments and information, submit assignments, participate in the bulletin board, take tests, and do other assigned activities. I reserve the right to drop you from the course if you get too far behind in the coursework. Please discuss any special problems or circumstances regarding coursework with me. Should you decide to drop this course, it is your responsibility as the student to withdraw from the course. You do need to contact me and get to get my signature before dropping the course. If you do not officially withdraw before the deadline, the grade of "F"" is assigned. Internet students must complete at least 50% of the coursework before the Official Withdrawal Date. If not, the student might be withdrawn by me on the Official Withdrawal Date. The last date to drop with a “W” is published in the catalog.
2. 75% of course work and exams completed. Work must be completed as soon as possible within the next regular semester. Failure to complete the work within the agreed contract time will result in an "F." An I-contract must be completed with your signature for me to file.
|
||
| IX. | Exams |
Exams are a large part of your
grade. It is important that you take the exams within the date
range. Contact your me for a
possible chance to make up an exam. The final exam is on Tuesday of final exam week. |
||
| X. | Evaluation |
Grades will be determined by
the following items
(Bonus
points might be possible for various assignments):
· Exams (3 objective in WebCT & 4 hands-on in SAM) · Software Lab Assignments and Training · Web Page & VB Projects · Multicultural Project · Final Comprehensive Project See the semester schedule for possible points and grading scale. All students are to complete their own assignments, projects, and tests. Instances of academic dishonesty lead to serious consequences as determined by district policy. See policy below. |
||
| XI. | Instructional Support Services |
Computer labs
are available in the following locations (hours will be posted
at the beginning of each semester).
Note: If you have problems with your home computer, it is your responsibility to use one of the above locations to do your coursework, or use any other NHMCCD college open lab. Not having a home computer or the correct software does not change your due dates for assignments, projects, or tests. |
||
| XII. | Computer Virus | The college will not be held liable for any corruption of data caused by virus contamination. The college computers are regularly screened and are protected against computer viruses to the best of our ability. HOWEVER, there is no guarantee that viruses will not ever exist on our systems. Procedures are in place in all labs for you to scan your diskettes. It is YOUR responsibility to protect your data from corruption due to virus—whether from one of our machines or from any other location. BE SURE TO MAKE BACKUP COPIES OF YOUR FILES. |
| XIII. | Software Piracy | Students are strictly prohibited by law from any unauthorized copying of software that has been purchased by the College for use in the laboratories. The CIS Department is responsible for abiding by the copyright laws, and the Administration of Kingwood College will take appropriate disciplinary action against students violating these laws. |
| XIV. | SCANS |
The Secretary’s Commission on
Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) has researched and listed the
skills and competencies that employees will need for workplace
success. The SCANS skills that are found in the course learning
objectives are. 1. Basic Skills: Students are provided an in-depth understanding of computer terminology by reading their textbooks and related materials. Students, guided by an instructor, work with several software packages such as Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, which allow them to design documents using computers. 2. Learning: Students use note taking, study guides, web searching, textbook references, and online help to design projects, take exams, and complete assignments. They analyze programs to understand cause and effects. 3. Personal Qualities: Students are encouraged to show responsibility by completing assignments and projects on a weekly basis: Time management skills, organizational skills, research skills, and interpretation of material are exhibited through work completed by a given deadline. Working independently to complete assignments in a timely manner will display the reliability necessary in today’s workplace. |
|
4. Team Member Participation: Students interact in classroom groups. Group activities may involve group discussions of deciding which computer system is best for different professions. 5. Cultural Diversity: Within a classroom setting, students will interact with other students of various cultures. Students develop an understanding of studying and living within a multicultural environment which defines the PowerPoint Presentation project. 6. System Understanding: Students will familiarize themselves with the Windows XP environment and have exposure to the DOS operating system. Through textbook material, we speak about various operating systems. Students will obtain an understanding of how to check various properties. 7. Technology Understanding: From instructor lectures that focus on technology concepts and current issues, students are able to inform others of how we are affected by new products or technologies that may be seen in the near future. Students use Internet technology to design a web page and perform searches to acquire information to include into their projects. Textbook material provides a detailed explanation of different technologies 8. Application of Technology: Students will identify default settings that are associated with computer equipment and within the Windows environment. Students will troubleshoot problems involving locked up personal computers, printer problems, and incorrect outputs produced by office software, web searches, programming or HTML coding. |
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
(From the NHMCCD Catalog)
NHMCCD is committed to a high standard of academic integrity in the academic community. In becoming a part of the academic community, students are responsible for honesty and independent effort. Failure to uphold these standards includes, but is not limited to, the following: plagiarizing written work or projects, cheating on exams or assignments, collusion on an exam or project, and misrepresentation of credentials or prerequisites when registering for a course.
· Cheating includes looking at or copying from another student's exam, orally communicating or receiving answers during an exam, having another person take an exam or complete a project or assignment, using unauthorized notes, texts, or other materials for an exam, and obtaining or distributing an unauthorized copy of an exam or any part of an exam.
· Plagiarism means passing off as his/her own the ideas or writings of another (that is, without giving proper credit by documenting sources). Plagiarism includes submitting a paper, report, or project that someone else has prepared, in whole or in part.
· Collusion is inappropriately collaborating on assignments that are to be completed independently.
These definitions are not exhaustive. When there is clear evidence of cheating, plagiarism, collusion, or misrepresentation, a faculty member will take disciplinary action including but not limited to:
· requiring the student to retake or resubmit an exam or assignment
· assigning a grade of zero or "F" for an exam or assignment
· assigning a grade of "F" for the course
Additional sanctions, such as withdrawn from the course or program or expelled from college, might be imposed on a student who violates the standards of academic integrity.
“Education is the best provision for old age.”
--Aristotle
Equal Opportunity Statement: “The North Harris Montgomery Community College District (NHMCCD) is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. NHMCCD does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, disability, age, veteran status, nationality, or ethnicity in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, employment policies, scholarship, or loan programs, and other District or College administered programs and activities.”