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Syllabus - Fall 2008 CSC 160 Introduction to Computing Technology |
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Syllabus - Fall 2008 CSC 160 Introduction to Computing Technology |
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Syllabus |
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Don Conant Class Time and Location: T – Th, 8:00 to 9:20, O'Grady Library Phone: work: (360) 754-4877, home: (360) 556-7359 Web site: http://homepages.stmartin.edu/fac_staff/dconant OFFICE HOURS: By appointment REQUIRED TEXTS: Click on book title for details.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is required for all majors of the Business Division and will satisfy the GER for all other students. The primary objective of this course is to build a strong foundation of computer vocabulary, concepts, and improve computing skills required in business, the sciences, and most other professions. It will be primarily textbook and lecture based with in-class discussions, presentations, and demonstrations. Reading, writing assignments, and self-directed introductory tutorials for Windows XP, Word 2007, PowerPoint 2007, Excel 2007, and Access 2007 will be completed mostly outside of scheduled class hours. OBJECTIVES: After completion of this course, the successful student will be able to: Demonstrate a working knowledge of concepts and vocabulary related to computer hardware, software, systems, and common applications. Access, search, and retrieve relevant information from the Internet. Demonstrate fundamental proficiency using Microsoft Windows XP. Create useful and appropriate documents using Word for Windows, Excel and Access. Demonstrate an understanding of course concepts and an ability to apply these concepts to achieve organizational objectives. TEACHING STRATEGY: The class sessions will be a combination of lectures, interactive exercises, and dialogue. Course content will come primarily from the assigned textbook and tutorials. Additional content will be incorporated where appropriate. Students are responsible for reviewing the class schedule and completing assigned readings, homework, tutorials and other assignments. The primary focus of this course is to develop a basic understanding of computing vocabulary and concepts. By developing a general awareness of the capabilities of the software (what it can do). When the time comes to apply the concepts the student will know how to retrieve the information necessary for successful task completion. Microsoft Office 2007 and the Windows XP operating system are used extensively in business. In addition to exercises and tutorials from the text I will provide numerous real-world situations where the MS Office 2007 suite of applications can be employed to increase operating efficiency and accuracy. Students are encouraged not only to ask questions but to put forth ideas and situations wherein a software solution may be applicable. BRIEF COURSE OUTLINE:
Weeks 1 & 2:
Weeks 3 & 4:
Weeks 5 & 6:
Weeks 7 & 8:
Weeks 9 & 10:
Weeks 11 & 12:
Weeks 13 & 14:
Weeks 15 & 16: GRADING: Grade category and points:
Grade Scale:
REQUIREMENTS: Attendance/Participation: (10 Points) Due to the technical nature of the material attendance and participation in class discussion will evaluated. Each unexcused absence will result in a loss of 2.5 points. Four unexcused absences will result in a 0 for attendance/participation. The main factors in determining participation will be observation of student preparedness and discussion input. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class. If you have an excused absence or if you need to leave class early submit your name, the reason for your absence/early departure, and the date of your absence/early departure in writing to your instructor (email is OK) before the absence/early departure. Microsoft has gone to great pains to make their software intuitive. I have found that when students have the opportunity to discuss the applications with someone who knows how to use them their intuition is enhanced. Sharing knowledge not only clarifies how to use the various software features but it also allows for an information exchange on how to approach problem solving and on how to apply software features. If you miss class you miss out on this exchange. Homework: (40 Points) Each student is required to complete and turn in the homework assignments listed on the course schedule. Without prior arrangements late assignments will be scored as zero. Exams: Mid-Term and Final (25/25 Points) Both the mid-term and the final will consist of task completion exercises. The student is encouraged to use the textbook and his or her notes. The exams will be challenging and will require a familiarity with the contents of the textbook. Missed exams and/or unexcused late exams will be scored as zero. Both the mid-term and final exams will cover information from assigned homework and tutorials. Much of this information is only available to the student by completing these assignments. If students have questions from the homework or the tutorials they are encouraged to ask them in class. SPECIAL ASSISTANCE: The Learning Center offers individual learning consultations, study group assistance, handouts and books on study skills, and free peer tutoring in the following subject areas: math, chemistry, physics, economics, accounting, Spanish, French, and Japanese. The tutoring schedules are posted outside the door in Old Main, room 212. To learn more about resources available through the Learning Center you are encouraged to drop by room 208 or visit their website: www.stmartin.edu/academic/learning_center/index.htm. SPecial needs: If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have medical and/or safety concerns to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible. |
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