CGS1060c - Basic Computer Concepts

Course Description:

This course provides an introductory study of computer topics. Students completing this course will have a solid understanding of 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 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:

Demonstrate understanding of computer concepts, computer hardware, and computer software Explain the Internet, intranets, the Information Superhighway and the World Wide Web Recognize the capabilities of operating systems and word processing software Demonstrate understanding of program design and programming languages Demonstrate the importance of computer ethics, security and privacy, and the impact of computers in the future Explore careers in the computer industry including business, industry, science and medicine Describe strategies for purchasing a computer system

Textbooks:

Textbooks may be purchased at the Seminole State bookstore or ordered online at www.scc.bkstr.com. The following textbooks are normally sold as a shrink-wrapped package in the Seminole State bookstore using ISBN #- 1428388389 for the bundle: (*Shelly Cashman Series) Discovering Computers 2009: Concepts for a Connected World; Brief Edition* Microsoft Windows XP: Introductory Concepts and Techniques* Microsoft Word 2007: Introductory Concepts and Techniques* SAM 2007 Assessment & Training: Student Tutorial w/ CD for testing FREE 180 day trial version MS Office 2007

Data Storage:

You will need one USB Jump drive (64 MB or more) to backup the files you create and store in class. Disks may occasionally be collected with assignments so always bring assignment files to class. It may be necessary to download certain student files for the MS Office text from the Shelly Cashman website. Instructions for downloading Student Data Files can be found on the inside back cover of the textbook. Or you can copy the files from Seminole State's network: G:\Datalib\CGS1060\... (then pick the appropriate application folder/file).

Software Requirements:

You must use the program, Microsoft Office 2007. You will get a 6 month trial version of the Office software with your book if you buy the bundle at the bookstore. This software should contain Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. Ultimate Steal Any student using college facilities to create or distribute illegal copies of software will be immediately reported to the Office of Student Activities, Athletics, and Judicial Affairs. Students informing other students of where to obtain illegal copies of software will also be reported to the Office of Student Activities, Athletics, and Judicial Affairs.

Course Requirements:

The following scale will be used to determine your final grade out of a maximum of 400 points (450 with 50 points possible extra credit).

A B C D 90 - 100% 80 - 89% 70 - 79% 60 - 69% 360 - 400 320 - 359 280 - 319 240 - 279

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

Your scores on exams for a maximum of 200 points: Windows textbook (50 points) Discovering Computers textbook (100 points) Word textbook (50 points)   Your scores on assignments for a maximum of 190 points: Windows assignments (50 points) Word assignments (50 points) Discovering Computers textbook (40 points) Internet Research assignment (50 points)   Attendance will be worth the remaining 10 points.

Network, E-mail and Internet Access:

Each semester, when the network administrator inputs network login ID's, they are created as locked or disabled. For your first time logging on an Seminole State computer, EVERY student MUST login using MYID to unlock their account to use campus computers. (Distance Learning students may come to campus to do work, but will not be able to login, as normal, to the network until you've unlocked your personal login ID.)

Username/ID:

Your network login ID will be the same as what you created on MySeminole State (https://my.scc-fl.edu) when registering for classes. The seven digit Seminole State number you may have used in previous terms is no longer valid (unless you created a MySeminole State login name with the same number). You must use your new id beginning with summer term 2004. On-campus students may use a generic log-in for the first week of class (usually MCStudent) and look up their log-in ID in the classroom. If you did not create a MySeminole State login name when registering for classes, you won't have a network login and mailbox.

Password:

Your Password is your first and last initial, followed by the six digits of your birth date in the YYMMDD format, where YY is the two digit year (don't use the 19 in the 19YY format) MM is the two digit month (Jan-Sep months must use a leading 0) DD is the two digit day (1st-9th must use a leading 0). Make sure that there are no spaces between the items and the letters are lowercase. Example: If your name is John Doe and you were born on March 1, 1977 your password would be: jd770301.

Email:

Due to severe penalties for misuse, you are cautioned to review your Student Handbook regarding the ethical use of this resource. It may be necessary sometime during the semester to email assignments to the instructor. You may use an e-mail account that you have at home and/or at work, providing you can e-mail your files as attachments (online students must use ANGEL account when communicating with instructor). WinZip can be used to condense your files if needed. If you don't have your own personal e-mail account, you may use the Seminole State student e-mail system (MyMail). All Seminole State students are issued an e-mail account, which is recommended for large file sizes or multiple file attachments. Seminole State mail can be accessed through: http://mymail.scc-fl.edu/. Your Username and Password should be the same as your Network login.

Internet:

"Lab Rules" and "Lab Hours" can be found on line and accessible from any student desktop in any Seminole State lab. The URL is: http://www2.scc-fl.edu/labhours/LabRules.htm

Attendance:

A recommended schedule of activities is provided to help you organize your time and create some structure in the course; it 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. It is suggested that you post a copy of the calendar where you will see it so you do not miss due dates. Work not submitted by the required date will not be accepted unless prior arrangements have been made. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to make up the time in the Lab (check the Seminole State website: http://www.seminolestate.edu/cts/labhours/ to see what the lab hours are at each campus) or at your home or work computer. I recommend that you attend all classes. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class, so be sure to check in after class if you arrive late (for online students your attendance is noted through ANGEL participation). You are responsible for assuring that your presence is noted. A student, who is absent from class 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 or via the MySeminole State link from the Seminole State homepage (www.seminolestate.edu). 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 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 State 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 Seminole State 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). If you live with someone else that is taking this class, or sharing a computer with someone else taking this class, it is your responsibility to ensure the other person does not have access to your files.

Exams:

You will have four 50-point exams covering the following modules in your book.

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.

SAM Instructions:

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 Seminole State 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. Discovering Computers Assignments You will be responsible for 8 assignments (5 points each) from the Discovering Computers (DC) textbook for a total of 40 points. You must pick 8 assignments, 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.  You will need to join the class (Soistman) CGS1060 by entering the following code "C14F4385".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 Research Assignments You will be responsible for one Internet assignment worth 50 points. At the appropriate time, you will be provided with detailed instructions. 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 up to 10% (40 points max) extra credit in this class by taking practice tests and doing additional assignments in your book. Please see your instructor for details. 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.

Microsoft Certified Application Specialist Program:

The Microsoft Certified Application Specialist Program is explained in detail in Appendix G of the textbook. This certification provides a valuable industry credential or proof that you have the Office application skills required by employers. Our textbook is a Microsoft-approved textbook that covers the required objectives for the various exams. The Web page http:/www.scsite.com/off2007/cert includes links to general information on certification, choosing an application for certification, preparing for the certification exam, and taking and passing the certification exam.

MSDN Academic Alliance Software:

Seminole State is a member of the Microsoft Developer's Network Academic Alliance. As a member, all of the software licensed under the MSDNAA Program is available for download to registered students. Simply go to http://msdn06.e-academy.com/scc-fl_net and click on the Software tab to see a complete listing of software available. Approximately two weeks after classes start, you will receive a "Welcome Letter" in your Seminole State MyMail account (http://mymail.scc-fl.edu) that includes your MSDN username and password.

Emergency Conditions:

To verify that the college is open and classes are being held, please call: 407-328-2290 or 407-328-4722. The Seminole State website homepage features updated announcements at http://www.seminolestate.edu.