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.

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 both lecture and lab each week.  If students are unable to finish the assigned lab work within the lab time, they will need to visit the CIS open labs on any campus to complete their assignments. The software required for this course is the Microsoft Office 2016 suite only, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.

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

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

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)

Refer to http://www.austincc.edu/cit/courses/scans.pdf for a complete definition and explanation of SCANS.  The following list summarizes the SCANS competencies addressed in this particular course:

Approved Course Texts

Pinard/Romer/Morley – Bundle: CMPTR, 3rd+ CMPTR Online, SAM 2016 Assessments, Trainings and Projects, ISBN-13: 978-1-337-37097-4.

All the materials are included in the tuition (eTextbook, SAM 2016 Assessments, Trainings and Projects) accessed via your Blackboard account.

You must have access to a computer and internet.  Also, you need to install MS Office 2016 (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)

Grade Policy                                                        

Grade will be assigned based both on concepts and practical application.  Written exams, homework and lab projects will be a part of the grade.  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

Each student’s grade for this course consists of

1. Two (2) non-comprehensive exams on concepts.
2. Lab assignments on Microsoft office 2016 using SAM.  Each Microsoft Office 2016 Lab with due date will be stated in SAM.
3. Microsoft Office 2016 Exams.
4. Semester Presentation based on current computer related topics.  At least ten (10) slides are required for your presentation.  Must be presented in class.

All exams will be taken on your home computer.  The lab exams are SAM based, and you may use your textbook, your notes, or the Windows/Office “Help” feature as references.

Academic Integrity

A student is expected to complete his or her own projects and tests.  Students are responsible for observing the policy on academic integrity as described in the current Student Policies Handbook.  Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses and will be punished by failure on an exam, paper or project, and/or failure in the course.

The penalty accessed will be in accordance with the current ACC Student Handbook policy.  See http://www.austincc.edu/handbook/policies4.php for more information.  For this course, the penalty for scholastic dishonesty is a grade of ‘F’ in the course.

Incomplete

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.
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”.

Freedom of Expression Policy

It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

Tutoring

Free tutoring is provided for this course.  For schedules and details please refer to http:://www.austincc.edu/cit.

Attendance / Withdrawal

Students are expected to attend classes and will be held responsible for all material covered in class.  Regular attendance helps ensure satisfactorily progression towards completion of the course.

It is the student’s responsibility to complete a Withdrawal Form in the Admissions Office if they wish to withdraw from this class.  The instructor may withdraw students from this class if their absences exceed 10% of the total number of class meetings or if the student fails to attempt 4 graded assignments by the last date to receive credit.  The last date to withdraw for this semester is Monday July 20, 2020.  It is not the responsibility of the instructor to withdraw the student from their class even though the instructor has the prerogative to do so under the above listed circumstances.

ALERT: New state law for new students.  No more than six course withdrawals throughout your undergraduate education, regardless of how many colleges you attend.  Students who entered college before Fall 2007 are not affected.  Ask a counselor for details.

Attendance/ Late Arrivals

The final course grade may be reduced for students who are repeatedly late or not present to class. It is disrespectful to self, other students, the professor, and the institution to disregard class start times.

Student Files – Privacy

The information that a student stores in his/her student volume in the Computer Studies Labs may be viewed, but not changed by his/her instructor for educational and academic reasons. Instructors have read-only access to the students’ files.

Students Accessibility Service & Assistive Technology

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities.   Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students Accessibility & Assistive Technology on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes.  Students are encouraged to make this request three week before the start of the semester.  (Refer to the current ACC Student Handbook).

Communication

Instructors will only use the ACC online Blackboard system http://acconline.austincc.edu or equivalent and the ACCmail accounts as the official communication systems during this semester. Instructors can post lecture notes, handouts, changes to course schedule or assignments and your grades on Blackboard and can send all email communication via the ACCmail accounts.  Instructors will expect all students to check both Blackboard and their ACCmail accounts on a regular basis. Instructors/Lab Technicians will conduct a brief lab orientation during the first lab visit.

For information on how to log onto Blackboard and ACCmail please visit the following sites:

http://irt.austincc.edu/blackboard/StudentSupport.php and http://www.austincc.edu/accmail.

Use of Electronic Devices

The use of cell phones and personal electronic devices (including recording, Google glasses etc.) are not allowed at any time in the class or lab.  The use of a laptop computer in class or lab is restricted to instructor approved activities.  Please turn off ALL phones, i.e. put on vibrate, upon entry into the class, failure to do so will result in a deduction of points from your overall grade.

Classroom Discipline

Students who listen to the lectures tend to score highest on the exams.  Therefore, all students are asked to respect the right of others to listen to the lecture.  Also, please model business professional conduct in speech and behavior. Refer to the current ACC Student Handbook under “Student Discipline Policy, Section A” for student responsibilities.

Safety Statement

Each student is expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom. 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-notifications.

Please note, you are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and or barred from attending future activities.

Concealed Handgun Policy:

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.

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.

Semester Tentative Schedule

NOTE: The Instructor has the prerogative to change the course schedule as required.

Students are expected to read the assigned material BEFORE each class.