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.

Credit Hours: 3

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

Pre-requisite:  Reading – R.

Keyboarding and mouse operation skills recommended.

Student Learning Outcomes and General Education Competencies:

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: 

Required Text/Software:

The required textbook for this course is CMPTR³ by Katherine T. Pinard, Robin M. Romer, and Deborah Morley, published by Cengage.

This textbook is included in your tuition fees and can be accessed on the course Blackboard page.

This course also uses Cengage SAM which is available through Blackboard and will require a free Cengage account to login.

Note: This course requires Office 2016 Professional or Microsoft Office 365. No other version or edition will suffice. SAM may not work properly on Mac computers and Microsoft Access is not available on Mac so you must use a Windows computer to complete this course.

All of the computer studies labs have Windows computers and Microsoft Office installed so you may use those labs to complete all assignments. Information about these labs can be found at http://sites.austincc.edu/cs/student-resources/csit-lab-schedule/.

Note: Microsoft Office 365 is free for students, and instructions on how to download it can be found here* or at ACC’s website (austincc.edu).

* Or visit this link for download instructions

http://sites.austincc.edu/newsroom/2014/12/05/microsoft-office-365-offered-free-to-acc-students-employees/

Instructional Methodology: 

This is a Distance Learning course. 

This delivery method uses an online course management system (Blackboard, acconline.austincc.edu) and a publisher supplied web-based course management system (Cengage SAM).  This semester the course will have Cengage SAM integrated with Blackboard so all assignments can be accessed through the course Blackboard page.  Course materials are located on Blackboard, and include but are not limited to PowerPoints, tests, schedules, grade book, Cengage SAM assignments, etc.

Distance Education: 

Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration. Any students who are new to Distance Education should review this* website.

* Or visit this link for Distance Education Information

https://online.austincc.edu/faq/

Grading System:

Grades will be assigned based both on concepts and practical application. The final grade will be made up of test grades, Cengage SAM training grades, Cengage SAM exam grades, and Cengage SAM project grades. An overall grade will be assigned on the following grading scale:

90%  - 100%         A

80%  -  89%          B

70%  -  79%          C

60%  -  69%          D

0%    -  59%          F

Note: Exams and Tests are different and Tests must be taken at a testing center but exams can be taken at home.

All tests must be taken at an official testing center and can be taken up to two times but must be taken by the due date listed on the course schedule. If taken twice the higher of the two grades will be counted. For more information on the testing centers go to the “Testing Center Policy” portion of this syllabus. Tests are not timed, 50 questions long, and multiple choice.

All Trainings, Exams, and Projects are taken with Cengage SAM on Blackboard and are not given at the testing centers. They are due by the dates listed on the course schedule. Projects may be submitted up to three times with the highest score counted toward your grade.

Trainings and Exams are due by the end of the week they are assigned to you.

Your grade is based on the following grading scale:

Attendance/Class Participation

Students are expected to work (read and study the textbook and spend time on computer assignments) each week. Regular work helps ensure satisfactory progression towards completion of the course.

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 27, 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.

Missed Test and Late Work Policies

Contact the instructor, Mary Kohls, at kohls@austincc.edu if you miss an assignment.

Incompletes

A student may receive a temporary grade of “I” (Incomplete) at the end of the semester only if ALL of 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.

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”.

Course Outline/Calendar:

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be posted as a Blackboard Announcement.

*Chapter 9 does not have a Cengage SAM Training or Exam you only need to read the textbook

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

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. Students may view their grades on Blackboard.

Student Files Privacy:

If you wish to use the Computer Studies labs* to complete your lab projects, you will need to be assigned a separate login for those labs (see the lab staff on the campus you wish to use for more information). The instructor for educational and academic reasons may view the information that a student stores in his/her student volume in the Computer Studies Labs. Instructors have read-only access to the students’ files.

* Or visit this link for Computer Studies labs

http://sites.austincc.edu/cs/student-resources/csit-lab-schedule/

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.

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*.

* Or visit this link for Student Guidelines

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=YXVzdGluY2MuZWR1fGFjYy1mb3Jtcy1pbnZlbnRvcnl8Z3g6Yjc5ZjY4NjU4MjJiZTE5

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

* Or visit this link for ACC student ID card information

http://www.austincc.edu/students/student-id-card

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*.

* Or visit this link for Disciplinary Action Information

http://www.austincc.edu/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-standards-of-conduct

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

Students may retest once per test but you must do so by the due date for that test. If you miss the test deadline you can contact Professor Kohls through the email or phone number given at the top of the syllabus.

Student Support Services:

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

o   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)