Basic Computer Concepts (CGS1060C) Syllabus

Course Description:

This course provides an introductory study of computer topics.  Students completing this course will have a solid understanding of basic computer concepts, how to use a personal computer, access information using the Internet, send and receive email, manage computer files, and utilize operating system tools.  In addition, the student will receive hands-on experience with GUIs and word processing software.  This course utilizes classroom lectures and hands-on computer exercises.  No prior experience with computers is assumed. Lab Fee Required.

Course Objectives: (Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:)

Grading:

The following scale will be used to determine your final grade out of a maximum of 400 points (440 with 40 points possible extra credit):

The points to be used in determining your final grade are obtained by adding the points you get on the following:

1. Your scores on exams for a maximum of 200 points:

1. The Windows textbook (50 points)
2. The Discovering Computers textbook (100 points)
3. The Word textbook (50 points)

2. Your scores on assignments for a maximum of 200 points:

1. Windows assignments (50 points maximum)
2. Word assignments (50 points maximum)
3. Discovering Computers assignments (50 points maximum)
4. The Internet project (50 points)

Textbooks:

The following items are sold as a shrink-wrapped package in the SCC bookstore using ISBN # 1428392173 for the bundle (Shelly Cashman Series)

Discovering Computers 2009 Brief: Concepts for a Connected World; Brief Edition
Microsoft Windows XP: Intro Concepts & Techniques, SP2 Edition
Microsoft Word 2007: Introductory Concepts and Techniques
Windows Vista Coursenotes

Supplies:

You will need one USB Jump drive to backup the files you create and store in class.  Your storage media must be available when turning in assignments for review by the instructor. 

Attendance:

A recommended schedule of activities is provided to help you organize your time. This schedule does not provide 'slack' time.   You may choose to work at your own pace but it is important that you adhere to the due dates.   I strongly suggest you post a copy of the calendar where you will see it so you do not miss due dates.  Work submitted after the due date will not be accepted unless prior arrangements have been made.

It is your responsibility to make up the time in the Lab, at your home, or work computer if you miss class. I recommend you attend all classes. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class. Check with your instructor after class if you arrive late.  You are responsible for ensuring your presence is noted. A student absent from 10% of the scheduled class time is subject to being dropped without warning by the instructor.

You may withdraw from class by visiting the registration office. The deadline to withdraw is usually no later than when 70% of the class has been completed. After the deadline, your instructor can withdraw you from class, but you must send a written notice or an email to your instructor requesting a "W".  Students who fail to withdraw will be graded with zeroes for the incomplete assignments and exams and the earned grade will be assigned (usually an "F").   Remember, it is your responsibility to withdraw from class if you can no longer attend.

A student who has to be absent because of jury duty, a court-mandated appearance or a religious observance that would result in a missed exam, must contact the instructor within 24 hours to schedule a make-up exam before the next class period. Any student who has a disability and is in need of special services should contact Disability Support Services (Room S-002, Phone 407-328-2109) by the second week of class.

Academic Integrity:

You are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity while in this course and as a student at Seminole Community College.  If you fail to maintain these standards as a student in this class I will pursue the fullest possible implementation of academic discipline for your offense.  If you have any questions about the college's code of academic conduct, please consult the SCC catalog or me.   In short, lying, cheating, stealing, or deception of any type will not be tolerated in any way, shape, or form. 

Although students are encouraged to seek assistance from their instructor, fellow students, and lab assistants, each student must submit their own work. This means you may not use another student's work as your own. You may not allow another student to use your work. You may not obtain copies of prior semester's work or exams from previous students for your own use. Students that submit duplicate work will receive a zero for the first infraction and an automatic “F” in the course for their second infraction. (Student Handbook - Section I - Academic Integrity and Classroom Behavior).

Exams:

All exams are given using the Angel WWW class management system.

Windows
You will have one 50 point exam following the lab/assignment work for the Microsoft Windows Projects (1 - 3) in your textbook. The closed-book exam will consist of questions using the multiple choice and/or true/false format.  You can use Windows on your classroom PC during the exam. It is highly recommended that you complete all Windows assignments and take a few Practice Tests before the exam!  Extra credit points may be earned by taking Practice Tests before the exam.

Discovering Computers 
You will have two 50 point exams from this textbook.  The first exam will cover chapters 1 - 4.  The second exam will cover chapters 5 - 8.  These closed-book exams will consist of questions using the multiple choice and/or true/false format.  It is highly recommended that you read each chapter, complete the "Learn it Online" assignments tests and take a few Practice Tests before each exam! Extra credit points may be earned by taking Practice Tests before each exam.

Microsoft Word 
You will have one 50 point exam following the lab/assignment work for the Microsoft Word Projects (1 - 3). The closed-book exam will consist of questions using the multiple choice and/or true/false format. You can use the Word software on your classroom PC while taking the exam.  It is highly recommended that you complete all Word assignments and take a few Practice Tests before the exam!  Extra credit points may be earned by taking Practice Tests before the exam.

Assignments:

Windows
You will be provided with a "Windows Assignment Sheet."  You must print and keep a copy of specific items (pages) as indicated on the assignment sheet as you're working through the Windows projects. Each printed page must contain your name and copy (assignment) number as indicated on the assignment sheet.  Each copy is worth 2 points (one point for doing the assignment correctly and one point for including your name in the  footer) for a total of 50 points.  You must have the copies correctly sequenced with the Windows Cover Sheet on top when you submit your copies to the instructor.  Assignments without a cover sheet or out of order will not be graded. Assignments are due by the end of the class period on the date indicated.  Late assignments will not be accepted.

Most copies require a PrintScreen capture, which is easily obtained by using the PrintKey software The Windows software will capture the display on the screen when you touch the PrintScreen  key (Ctrl + Print Screen on some machines).  The PrintKey software on the SCC computers will then provide you a method to add your name and copy number in the footer of your printed page. The Print Screen utility is freeware and you can load it on your home PC if you wish.

Word
You will be provided with a  "Word Assignment Sheet." You must print and keep a copy of specific items as indicated on the assignment sheet as you're working through the Word projects. Each printed page must contain your name as indicated on the assignment sheet.  Each copy is worth 2.5 points for a total of 50 points. You must type your name on the individual Word document as described in the assignment. Documents with hand written names will not be accepted. You must have the copies correctly sequenced with the Word Cover Sheet on top when you submit your copies to the instructor.  Assignments without a cover sheet or out of order will not be graded. Assignments are due by the end of the class period on the date indicated.  Late assignments will not be accepted.

Student Data Files for the Word projects can be downloaded from www.scsite.com (see instructions in your Word book), or they can be found on SCC's network at G:\Datalib\CGS1060\...(then pick the appropriate application folder/file).  You can also download the files from your instructor's web site (www2.scc-fl.edu/dgrant).

Discovering Computers Assignments
You will be responsible for 10 assignments (5 points each) from the Discovering Computers (DC) textbook for a total of 50 points. You must pick ten assignments (at least one per chapter) from the "Learn it Online" section at the end of chapters 1-8 in your Discovering Computers book.  You will use the Internet (http://login.course.com) to gain access to these online resources.  This site maintains a grade book which will automatically track your scores on the projects. Complete only the Learn It Online projects approved by your instructor. You will submit a printed copy of your grade book twice during the course - once on the day of the exam for chapters 1 - 4 and again on the day of the exam for chapters 5 - 8.  Assignments are due by the end of the class period on the date indicated.  Late assignments will not be accepted.

Internet Assignments
You will be responsible for one Internet assignment worth 50 points. At the appropriate time, you will be provided a handout for the "Internet Assignment" with detailed instructions. This assignment is not necessarily derived from any one textbook.  All the information needed to complete the assignment will be discussed in class.   Assignments are due by the end of the class period on the date indicated.  Late assignments will not be accepted.

Extra Credit
You can earn an extra forty points by taking practice tests. Requirements for extra credit will be explained in class.  Extra credit assignments are due by the end of the class period on the date indicated.  Practice tests completed after the deadline will not be accepted for extra credit.

Computer Usage

The computers at SCC are provided for academic use only not personal use. Your instructor can and will monitor your usage. He/she will immediately shut down your PC if you are using it for something other than CGS1060C class assignments.

Emergency Conditions:

Call 407-328-2290 or 407-328-4722 to verify the college is open and classes are being held. The SCC website homepage (www.scc-fl.edu) will contain updated announcements.