Course Description: Computer terminology, hardware, software, operating systems, and information systems
relating to the business environment will be covered. The course will also explore business applications of
software, including spreadsheets, databases, presentation graphics, word-processing, and business-oriented
utilization of the Internet.

Pre-requisite: E-Reading and Writing.

Course Rationale: This course is designed to teach students the theoretical approach to information technology and management information systems within a business/computer science environment. Practical business computer applications will emphasize word spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, and electronic commerce of the Internet. Since this course is designed to transfer into a bachelor degree program, check with your degree plan as to what computer science course your college requires.

Instructional Methodology: Because this is a Distance Learning course, the delivery method is Blackboard. Course materials are located on Blackboard or the equivalent i.e SIMnet and Connect, and include but are not limited to PowerPoints, practice tests, schedules, grades etc. The student is responsible for reading the material and completing the assignments by the specified due dates outlined on Blackboard. The software required for this course is the Microsoft Office 2019 suite which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.

Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes:

• Gain familiarity with the concepts and terminology used in the development, implementation and operation of business application systems.
• Explore various methods that Information Technology can be used to support existing businesses and strategies.
• Investigate emerging technology in shaping new processes, strategies and business models.
• Achieve hands-on experience with productivity/application software to enhance business activities.
• Accomplish projects utilizing business theories, Internet resources and computer technology.
• Work with simple design and development tasks for the main types of business information systems.
• Develop an advanced information technology skill, focusing on office productivity software with emphasis on spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
• Develop advanced techniques for use in data analysis and decision-making using electronic spreadsheet and databases.

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 Text:

Business Driven Technology ^7th Edition, Baltzan: ISBN-13: 978-1-260-26248-3

All the materials are included in the tuition (eTextbook, SIMnet, Connect) accessed via your Blackboard account. In the textbook link indicates "(INCLUSIVE COURSE")

Grade Policy:

Grades will be assigned based both on concepts and practical application. Exams, quizzes, 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
 

Homework assignments are located on the McGraw Hill SIMnet and Connect tool. Each Microsoft Office 2019 homework assignment is due by the date outlined on Blackboard.  No labs will accepted after that date. Scheduling of computer time outside of regular lab time is the student’s responsibility.  Availability of computers and or personal technical issues is NOT an excuse for being late with any assignment. There will be no exceptions so don’t ask. There are no makeup examsin this course. If you miss an exam you will receive a grade of zero for that exam.

Absolutely under no circumstances will assignments be accepted via email.
 

If any of the exams are not completed by the December 12th due date, you will receive a grade of zero for those exams. The instructor may receive over 200 homework assignments per class. To keep these organized; the instructor has adopted a file naming convention that can be found within the instructions for each assignment.

Failure to follow this naming convention may result in your file being misplaced, not graded or reduced points. It is the student‘s responsibility to submit files with the correct file name.

Students can expect to have feedback a minimum of a week after the submission of an assignment. This does not include resubmitted or late assignments.

Under normal operating conditions, ACC students can expect the instructor to view and respond to email messages within 24 hours, Monday through Thursday. In addition, students can expect the instructor to respond to voice mail messages within the same timeframe, within 24 hours, Monday through Thursday. Keep in mind from time to time, that normal operating conditions may be affected by weather, technology-related interruptions or some other unforeseen circumstance. Do not wait until the last minute to ask questions or complete your assignments. Failure to plan on your part does not and will not constitute an emergency on my part. Please note that emails received during the weekend and outside of the above mentioned timeframe will be addressed the following Monday.

Course/Class Policies:

The instructor may receive over 200 homework assignments per class. To keep these organized; the instructor has adopted a file naming convention that can be found within the instructions for each assignment. If a file name has not been designated; logically name the file and include your last name in the file name.

Failure to follow this naming convention may result in your file being misplaced, not graded or reduced points. It is the student‘s responsibility to submit files with the correct file name.

Students can expect to have feedback a minimum of a week after the submission of an assignment. This does not include resubmitted or late assignments. Grades are recorded in Blackboard and may be accessed via the My Grades link.

Exams for this course are completed in the ACC CIT/Accounting  lab on the campus of your choice. If you are not able to complete labs in an ACC CIT/Accounting lab due to location, then you will need to make arrangements with the Distance Learning office by calling 512-223-8026 or Toll Free: 888-223-8026.

Under normal operating conditions, ACC students can expect the instructor to view and respond to email messages within 24 hours, Monday through Thursday. In addition, students can expect the instructor to respond to voice mail messages within the same timeframe, within 24 hours, Monday through Thursday. Keep in mind from time to time, that normal operating conditions may be affected by weather, technology-related interruptions or some other unforeseen circumstance. Do not wait until the last minute to ask questions or complete your assignments. Failure to plan on your part does not and will not constitute an emergency on mine. Please note that emails received during the weekend and outside of the above-mentioned timeframe will be addressed the following Monday.

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 ACC Student Handbook, under “Student Discipline Policy, Section C”.

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 April 26, 2021.  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.

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 weeks before the start of the semester.  (Refer to the current ACC Student Handbook).

Communication:

Instructors will use the ACC online Blackboard system http://acconline.austincc.edu  or equivalent and the ACCmail accounts as the official communication system 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.

Classroom Discipline:

Students who follow the suggested course schedule tend to score highest on the exams.  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.

Tentative Schedule:

In order to successfully complete the homework assignments for this course you MUST complete the simulations for each assignment as well as the online readings associated with each assignment.  Everything you’ll need to complete the homework assignment is provided for you.

NOTE:  The instructor has the prerogative to change the course schedule as required or needed.  

Exams for this course are completed at home.