The Blackboard course access for this class will be available to students starting 01/21/2020 (First Day of Class).

Course Description: Overview of computer systems—hardware, operating systems, and microcomputer application software, including the Internet, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, and databases.  Current issues such as the effect of computers on society, and the history and use of computers in business, educational, and other modern settings are also studied. This course provides the required computer literacy core competencies that all students need to attain by graduation.

Pre-requisite:  Reading – R.

Keyboarding and mouse operation skills recommended.

Instructional Methodology:  This course will have 50% lecture and 50% laboratory.  If the students are unable to finish the assigned lab work within the lab time, they will need to visit the CIS open labs to complete their assignments.

Course Rationale:  This course meets the Computer Literacy course requirements as defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This course is included in several degree plans and certificates including:

• Associate of Applied Science – Computer Programming
• Associate of Applied Science – Web Programming
• Associate of Applied Science – Local Area Network Administration
• Associate of Applied Science – User and Computer Support
• Associate of Applied Science – Game and Visualization Programming
• Associate of Applied Science – Information Technology Application
• Associate of Applied Science – Security Administration
• Associate of Applied Science – Software Testing

Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes: The students will learn to “use computer-based technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information”. Students will have an “understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of technology, and acquire the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as they become available”.  After successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

1.  Define and describe the hardware used in information technology (IT).

2.  Define and describe the types of software used in IT.

3.  Delineate and discuss societal issues involving the use of IT and networks.

4.  Demonstrate the ability to create and use documents, spreadsheets, presentations and databases in order to communicate and store information as well as to support problem solving.

5.  Use IT to acquire, differentiate and evaluate information and technology.

SCANS (Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills):

The following list summarizes the SCANS competencies addressed in this particular course:

Approved Text and Teaching Materials:

Note:  All required materials for this class are included in your tuition. 

Grade Policy: The final course grade will be assigned based both on concepts and practical application. Non-comprehensive exams on concepts, labs, assignments, Microsoft Office 2016 lab exams, and a final project.  An overall grade will be assigned based on the following:

Concept Exams are Blackboard tests and closed-book. Lab Exams are SAM-based. For both types of exams (Concept and Lab) students work individually.

Any scheduling of computer time outside of regular lab time is the students’ responsibility. Availability of computers is NOT an excuse for being late with any assignment.

There are NO makeup exams given in this course.

Attendance / Class Participation

Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.  

Students who do not come to class and do not contact the instructor during the first week of class (01/21/2020-01/26/2020) will be withdrawn from the class and reported as “Never attended” and will be ineligible for financial aid.

If for any reason you’re unable to come to class, you will be counted as absent. There is not distinction between an excused or unexcused absence. You will be counted absent if you:

• are not in class
• leave the class extremely early
• disappear in the middle of the class for a significant length of time
• get to class late (10 minutes or more after class start time)

Don’t be late. It’s unprofessional to keep others waiting and will count as an absence.

If you must leave class early, please make arrangements with instructor ahead of time, so you'll know what material will be covered for the rest of the class period. Leaving class early will count as an absence.

In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions being missed.”

Students are expected to regularly monitor their ACC email and this class Blackboard site to keep up with the course schedule.

Withdrawal Policy

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is April 27th, 2020.  The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

Incomplete

A student may receive a temporary grade of “I” (Incomplete) at the end of the semester only if ALL the following conditions are satisfied:

1. The student is unable to complete the course during the semester due to circumstances beyond their control.
2. The student must have earned at least half of the grade points needed for a “C” by the end of the semester.
3. The request for the grade must be made in person at the instructor’s office and necessary documents completed.
4. To remove an “I”, the student must complete the course by two weeks before the end of the following semester.  Failure to do so will result in the grade automatically reverting to an “F”.

Communication

Students should ONLY use their ACC email student account (email ending in g.austincc.edu)  or ACC online Blackboard email system when communicating with instructor outside of  class time.

All course material, announcements, changes to course schedule/assignments and grades will be posted on Blackboard. Students are expected to check both Blackboard and their ACC email accounts on a regular basis (at least twice a week). Student emails from non-ACC accounts will not be acknowledged.

When emailing instructor, you must include your course id (COSC1301) in the “Subject” field (e.g., COSC1301 need help with lab1 assignment)

Students are also encouraged to take advantage of Discussion board forums, and FAQ module in Blackboard. In the Q&A forum, you can post questions and comments of general interest so that everyone can benefit from the discussion.

Other questions, such as questions about your grades, should be sent directly to the instructor. Students are encouraged to ask questions. The instructor knows that some material may be difficult to grasp at times and will be glad to give additional examples or one-to-one assistance when asked.

Class progress

Students are expected to keep up with the schedule of the class and demonstrate progress as they engage in each of the weekly material/resources outlined for this course. Each new concept builds on previous concepts and regular progress through the material is crucial to success on exams and assignments.

If an assignment is taking longer than expected to complete and you are struggling, reach out to instructor for guidance. You are not alone! Time is valuable and critical! Use it wisely!

It is going to be difficult to catch up if you fall behind. If you feel you are falling behind, reach out to instructor PROMPTLY, to find ways to get you back on track. If you wait, the only viable option is likely to be dropping or withdrawing from the class.

Exams

Exams will cover material from the textbook and supplemental material shared during lectures and under the corresponding week modules in this class Blackboard site.

If you want to review and discuss the test with the instructor, you may do so by scheduling an appointment with the instructor.

Each exam day is posted in Blackboard (“Course Information” module). Failing to take any of the exams will lead to a grade of 0 in the corresponding exam which may jeopardize successful completion of this course.

Use of Electronic Devices

The use of cell phones, pagers and personal electronic devices is NOT allowed at any time in the class or lab. Students are asked to set their cell phones to vibrate or silent mode. If any student must take an emergency call, he/she is requested to step out into the hallway. Please refrain from texting or tweeting during class. iPod and MP3 player use is not allowed during lecture time or during exams. The use of a laptops or tablets in class or lab is restricted to instructor approved activities. Please do not use any electronic devices and/or lab computers for recreational purposes during class or you will be asked to leave the classroom.

Statement on Academic Integrity

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

All submitted work must be the work of the student. Team assignments should be the result of the contributions of every team member. Students may not share assignment solutions, except within their group on team project assignments. Students may not use solutions from the web. Students must not publicly post their assignment solutions/exams or make it available (e.g. via GitHub), even after the course is over. Students may share it privately with recruiters, provided students make clear it must not be redistributed.

For this course, penalties for any detected cases of cheating or violation of academic integrity rules include: receiving a zero on the assignment (first offense), failing the course (second offense), having a note placed in your permanent academic record, suspension, and ultimately expulsion.

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Academic freedom is a foundation and hallmark of higher education.  In the context of college-level courses, it specifically refers to the rights of free expression and respect for others with differing opinions.  Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student.  Just as you are expected to exercise these rights with respect for state and federal law in the larger world, you are expected to exercise these rights as a student with respect for the college’s standards of conduct.  These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process.  Students and faculty alike should enable a climate of mutual respect and civility while fostering the freedom to debate and discuss the merits of competing ideas.

Enrollment in the college indicates acceptance of the rules set forth in the student standards of conduct policy, which is administered through the office of the campus dean of student services. Due process, through an investigation and appeal process, is assured to any student involved in disciplinary action.

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.

Grades are recorded in Blackboard and may be accessed via the My Grades button (menu on the left).

The information that a student stores in his/her student volume in the Computer Studies Labs may be viewed by their instructor for educational and academic reasons.

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student. Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations.

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.  In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC-sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation.

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.  Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at:

 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

 Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at:

http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

Use of the Testing Center

Under certain circumstances, examinations may have to be taken in a testing center. The ACC Testing Centers follow standard procedures, so students know what to expect when they arrive to take their tests. Students should familiarize themselves with the student guidelines.

Students must present an ACC student ID card or government issued ID and know their ACC ID number before they can test.

It is necessary to check in at the Testing Center kiosk before taking a test. To check in, one must know the following information:

• Student ID number
• Course prefix and number
• Course synonym
• Course section number
• Test number
• Instructor’s name

Personal belongings such as backpacks, books, and electronic devices (including, but not limited to, cell phones and smart watches) are not allowed in the Testing Center. Possession of prohibited items or accessing unapproved resources in the testing room will result in the immediate termination of the exam and possible disciplinary action.

For additional information on using the Testing Center, please go to: http://www.austincc.edu/students/testing-services/instructional-testing

In this session ALL tests must be taken in the classroom on the corresponding date and time as indicated on schedule (at the end of this document).

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

Student Support

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at  http://www.austincc.edu/students.

Student Accessibility Services

Students with documented disabilities who need classroom, academic, or other accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS).   SAS offices are located at each major campus.  Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester; otherwise, the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Accommodations will not be provided retroactively.  Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can only be made after he or she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student.

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at https://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include face-to-face and online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. Tutoring schedules can be found at:  https://www.austincc.edu/students/tutoring/tutoring-schedules

Library Services

ACC has a full-service library at each of its campuses to support ACC courses and programs and to provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty librarians, computers, course reserves, laptop and tablet check out, study spaces, and copying, printing, and scanning services.  In addition, ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website and students can use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos.   ACC Libraries also provide an “Ask a Librarian” service, which allows  students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat.  Faculty librarians are also available via email, phone, and in person seven days a week during hours of operation. Visit:

• Library Website: http://library.austincc.edu
• Ask a Librarian: https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php
• Library Hours of Operation by Location: https://library.austincc.edu/loc/
• Email: library@austincc.edu

In partnership with ACC’s Student Support Center, ACC Libraries also maintain a limited collection of textbooks for students to borrow. Priority access to the textbook collection is given to students receiving assistance. More information is available on the ACC website by searching “Student Support Center Textbook Collection.”

Student Organizations

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

Personal Support

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

• Food pantries are located in all campus Student Life offices: https://sites.austincc.edu/sl/programs/foodpantry/.   
• Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center: http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center.
• The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes: http://www.austincc.edu/SEF.
• Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office: http://sites.austincc.edu/money/.  
• Drop-in child care is available at Highland Campus: http://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care/child-watch-drop-in-center

Clinical Counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns: http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .

If an emergency occurs during operational hours, please come to the Student Services Office and let the front intake staff know that you are experiencing a crisis. They will alert appropriate personnel. You may also contact the ACC District Police at 222 (on campus) or 223-7999 (off campus or cell phone).

After Hours:

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help. However if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

• Austin / Travis County 24 hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
• The Williamson County 24 hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
• Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755
• Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:   1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Concepts: Textbook Chapters 1 - 6

Chapter 1 – Introduction to Computers and the Internet

Chapter 2 – Computer Hardware

Chapter 3 – Computer Software

Chapter 4 – Computer Networks

Chapter 5 – The Internet and Email

Chapter 6 – Security and Privacy

Microsoft Office 2016: Textbook Chapters 7, 9 - 22

Chapter 7 – Exploring Microsoft Windows 10 and Managing Files

Chapter 9 – Introducing Microsoft Office 2016

Chapter 10 – Creating a Document

Chapter 11 – Formatting a Long Document

Chapter 12 – Enhancing a Document

Chapter 13 – Creating a Workbook

Chapter 14 – Working with Formulas and Functions

Chapter 15 – Creating and Advanced Workbook

Chapter 16 – Inserting and Formatting Charts

Chapter 17 – Creating a Database

Chapter 18 – Maintaining and Querying a Database

Chapter 19 – Creating Forms and Reports

Chapter 20 – Creating a Presentation

Chapter 21 – Enhancing a Presentation

Chapter 22 – Integrating Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint