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CGS 1000 Introduction to Computers and Technology Course Syllabus 3 crs Fall 2009 (Last updated on 10-13-2009)
Instructor: Wayne Pollock Office Location: DTEC-404 Phone: 253-7213 Office
Hours :
Monday – Thursday: 3:55–5:25 PM, 8:15–8:30 PM (in classroom, not office) Instant Messenger ID (Yahoo Messenger): waynepollocklive E-mail: Use WebCT for all
email. Facilities: top In addition to WebCT (also called HCC@online, online@HCC, or blackboard.com) you can use HawkNet (also called WebAdvisor) to obtain your final grade for this course. You can use CampusCrusier for email, college calendars, and some other course (and college related) resources. See here for information about accessing WebCT “online@HCC”. Quick Links:
Provides students with an introductory overview of the Internet, World Wide Web, impact of computer on society and business, historic development of data processing, basic functions and use of computer hardware, software applications, system software, basic skills in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation system and desktop publishing software applications, basic skills using a Web browser and search engine, and careers in the field of computer science.
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1. recognize the value of computer literacy within an individual’s personal and career environments 2. identify the components of a computer 3. discuss the role the Internet and WWW serve in today’s society 4. describe the categories of computers 5. discuss various computer applications in society 6. recognize the difference between installing and running a computer program 7. determine how the elements of an information system interact 8. define and discuss the representation of data in binary and hexadecimal forms 9. define the roles information systems play in today’s business models 10. discuss the history of the Internet and WWW 11. compare and contrast the Internet and WWW 12. describe the various ways to access and connect to the Internet 13. analyze the components of a Web address – URL 14. identify the most common browsers 15. explain the purpose of a Web browser 16. define the purpose of a Web server 17. describe how to identify and define the purpose of a Web page hyperlink 18. define the purpose of a search engine, search text and Web subject directories 19. effectively use a search engine to locate information on the WWW 20. define the term multimedia 21. explain the purpose of a Web portal, Web community, and Web newsgroup 22. define the term graphic and the types of graphic formats used on the Web 23. define the purpose of a plug-in as related to a Web browser 24. define the term ecommerce and the role each of the following play in an ecommerce business model: electronic storefront, shopping cart, online auction, B2B, C2C and C2C 25. define the purpose of the following most popular Internet services: e-mail, FTP, newsgroups, message boards, mailing lists, chat rooms, and instant messaging 26. define the following terms as they relate to e-mail: username, password, email address, address book 27. demonstrate correct email etiquette and knowledge of using attachments 28. describe the difference between uploading and downloading files from the Internet 29. define and discuss the term netiquette as well as identifying appropriate communication behaviors as a user of Internet services 30. explain how to publish a Web site 31. compare and contrast the following categories of software: packaged, custom, shareware, freeware and public-domain 32. define the purpose of application software and system software 33. identify the most common operating systems 34. define the purpose of the following terms related to using an software application: desktop, icon, button, click, double-click, pointer, menu. Command, window, title bar, clip art, format, edit, font, and font size 35. define the general purpose of each of the following types of software applications: word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and desktop publishing 36. demonstrate the basic skills to use the following types of software applications: word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation and desktop publishing 37. compare and contrast application suite, integrated software application and application service providers 38. demonstrate effective use software application online help 39. define the function of the following terms related to computing: system unit, motherboard, processor, control unit, arithmetic logic unit, machine cycle, registers, system clock, clock speed, heat sink, heat pipe, parallel processing, analog, digital, bit, byte, memory, memory slot, memory module, RAM, Cache, memory cache, kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte, ROM, firmware, Flash memory, CMOS, access time, expansion slot, adapter card, peripheral, video card, sound card, modem card, network card, plug and play, PC card slot, PC card, port, serial port, parallel port, USB port, USB hub, firewire port, midi port, IrDA port, bus, bay, power supply 40. compare and contrast the terms input and output 41. define the purpose of input and output devices 42. identify various types of input and output computing devices 43. define the terms display device, CRT, LCD 44. discuss the parameters to measure the quality of CRT and LCD display devices 45. discuss the parameters for printer quality 46. differentiate between storage media and storage device 47. describe the characteristics of CD and DVD storage media 48. define the terms reading and writing as related to storage media 49. describe the characteristics of a floppy disk, zip disk, and hard disk 50. discuss the purpose of the following as each relates to operating system functions: booting, cold boot, warm boot, POST, recovery disk (boot disk), user interface, command line interface, menu-driven interface, graphical user interface (GUI), memory management, virtual memory, spooling, and driver 51. define the general purpose of a system software utility programs: file manager, image viewer, uninstaller, disk scanner, disk defragmenter, diagnostic utility, backup utility, antivirus program, personal firewall, file compression, 52. define the term computer network 53. describe the role of the following basic components of a communications network: sending device, receiving device, and communications channel 54. define the following acronyms related to networks: LAN, WAN, MAN, client/server, bandwidth, transmission media, 55. define the term network topology 56. describe the characteristics of the following types of telephone network connections: dial-up, dedicated lines, ISDN, DSL 57. describe the characteristics of the following communication devices as related to a network: dial-up modem, wireless modem, cable modem and wireless access point 58. define the following terms related to databases: character, field, field name, data type, record, primary key, data file, file maintenance, query, report generator, and database administrator 59. discuss the following terms related to computer security risks: computer crime, cybercrime, virus, work, Trojan horse, trusted source, virus definition, quarantine, cracker, hacker, unauthorized access, firewall, online security service, password, username, biometric device, encryption, decryption, surge protector, power surge, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), denial of service attack (Dos attach), digital certificate, secure socket layer (SSL), and digital signature 60. discuss the following areas of computer ethics: unauthorized use of computers and networks, software piracy, information accuracy, intellectual property rights, codes of conduct and information privacy 61. discuss ethics as they may apply in a variety of implementation scenarios such as programming, database design, security, "whistle-blower" activities, etc. 62. discuss the issues related to electronic profiling, cookies, spyware, spam, and e-mail; filtering 63. discuss specific laws related to computers and privacy: 1986 Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), 1984 and 1994 Computer Fraud and Abuse Acts, 1970 Fair Credit Reporting Acts 64. discuss various health concerns related to the use of computers 65. discuss various careers available for individuals interested in the field of computer science 66. discuss the purpose of computer certifications and the benefits certifications bring to the individual holding the certification and to the potential employer
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS AND SOFTWARE top Required Textbooks: “Tomorrow’s Technology and You”, Beekman
and Beekman, 9th ed. “GO! MS Office 2007 Introductory”,
Gaskin, Ferrett, Vargas, McLennan 3rd ed. The HCC bookstore is now on-line! You can view book adoptions for a course, or purchase the books directly from bookstore.hccfl.edu. Required Software: Microsoft Office 2007 suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access Additional Information: 1. You cannot use prior versions of the MS Office software applications. The MS Office 2007 assignments are written for the 2007 version. See Microsoft Software for Students below for discount software purchase information. 2. Neither MS Works nor WordPerfect can be used as the software for this course. You will not be able to follow the instructions for the software assignments if you use MS Works. In addition, the instructor may not be able to open the files for assessment of a grade. 3. You need to have the textbook by the first week of classes. 4. Computers with the correct software are available in the computer lab (DTEC 462) for student use. To save your work you will need a USB Flash drive. 5. Flash drives can be purchased at many retail stores and the College bookstores. This is a requirement for students attending campus classes. Campus class students must save their work to the drive at the end of class. OPEN COMPUTER LAB top Computers are located in the open lab in TECH 462. Lab hours are ACADEMIC DISHONESTY top · Submitting another student’s work/assignment(s) for yours is unacceptable and a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Such incidents may be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action. · Any student who submits an assignment from another current or past student will receive a grade of “F” for the course. · In cases where the student submits the work of a currently enrolled student in a course instructed by this instructor, the student who permitted the submission of the course work will also receive a grade of “F” for the course. · Testing: Each student is to complete the online required tests/quizzes without the assistance of another individual. A student who permits another student to complete a test/quiz, or has assistance from another person, will receive a failing grade for the course. (top) PLAGIARISM top Remember, this is an academic environment. The act of plagiarism will not be tolerated. Follow the simple guidelines. · If you use content from a Web site in an assignment, include a citation for the content. · The act of copying/cutting and pasting Web based text or any other electronic based media without appropriate citation will be an act of plagiarism. · Any acts of plagiarism will result in a grade of zero for the assignment. · A second offense of plagiarism during the course will result in a grade of “F” for the entire course and may be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.
ASSIGNMENTS & PROJECTS top There are a variety of assignments in this class. The purpose of the class is to provide you with a broad overview of computers and technology. You have assignments in each of the following: end of chapter exercises, discussion boards, and software application projects. Additional documents are posted in your WebCT account with directions for each of type of assignment. Assignments are not graded when you turn them in. Within one week after the due date for submissions for some assignment (or as soon thereafter as possible), the instructor will grade all submissions for that assignment at one time. Note that WebCT allows students to review their own submissions, so you can check and make sure your assignment was submitted correctly.
Tomorrow’s Technology and You: Weekly reading assignments are required from this textbook. Assessment of student comprehension of the chapter concepts is demonstrated with completion of course exams. (Test specifics are discussed below.) General Assignments: In addition to the chapter exams there are 4 assignment based on the material you read in the text.
MS Office Software Application Assignments: The most important skills you can develop for college and eventual entry into the workforce are word processing, spreadsheets, and database and presentation software skills. This course is designed to provide you with the basic skills for each of the software applications. While several popular office suites are available (such as Open Office), this course standardized on Microsoft Office, currently the most popular office suite. The MS Office textbook is used to complete the assignments.
Discussion Board Assignments: The purpose of the discussion board is to have a “dialog with your peers” about a specific topic. The goal of the discussion board assignments is to create constructive interaction about current technology topics in society. In addition, the discussion allows you to develop the necessary professional on-line communication skills required in today’s workplace. The professional workplace on-line communication skills differ from those you use in social on-line communications. Professional communications require attention to grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and tone of content. The instructor will post the initial discussion question(s). You will respond to messages your peers and instructor post in the discussion board. Discussion boards are worth a total of 45 points. By the end of the semester, you could have earned 180 points toward your final grade. The board is only available during the seven to ten days of the assignment period shown in the course schedule. You need to check the course schedule for the dates of the actual on-line discussions. Missed discussion board assignments cannot be made up. If you miss one and can prove extenuating circumstances, your instructor will use your score from one of the other discussion board projects for the missed project. There may or may not be an additional late penalty. In order to earn proper credit for discussion boards you must follow the instructions below. 1. Read the specific instructions for the discussion at the top of assignment discussion window. 2. Initial response message: Thoroughly respond to the question(s) posted within this discussion board. A thorough response is a minimum of 250-300 words reflecting on your perspective and understanding of the assigned topic. This posting must contribute to an ongoing discussion of the topic. Including a question in a message is an excellent strategy for contributing to the ongoing discussion. 3. Responses to others: After your initial response post at minimum of 2 replies to other students’ postings. Be sure to reply to at least two different students. These postings should be substantive and contribute to the ongoing discussion. Substantive messages posted to others in the course must include a minimum of 3-4 sentences and indicate whether you agree, disagree, or can offer a different perspective on the other student’s perspective. Meeting the stated minimum requirements will earn a passing grade for the assignment, but to earn the maximum grade (points), your postings must be well-reasoned arguments. 4. Grammar: All postings and responses must use business writing and etiquette. Proper grammar, sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation are required. (You are encouraged to type up your responses and posting in a word processor, such as Word to check for spelling, grammar, homonyms, and punctuation. Once you have completed them, copy and paste the text into the discussion board window.) Remember, this is an academic/professional environment and “text-messaging” writing is not acceptable. 5. Short trivial responses (one or two sentences), the use of slang, abbreviations, and acronyms will be penalized. For example, “Yeah, you’re right! I agree with you because what you said is so true” is not a substantive response to contribute to the conversation. 6. Total days to post: You must participate in the discussion throughout the posting period, by posting on at least three separate days. 7. You are encouraged to research the topic using the Internet and World Wide Web to identify sources to support your response and posting. Be sure to include the URL (Web address) and indicate it as the source of your supporting documentation. A Discussion Instructions video is available for you to watch on how to complete a discussion assignment. The video link is in the Frequently Asked Questions folder on the class “Home Page”.
Discussion Board Grading Rubric:
Turning In Your Assignments: · Project step by step directions will be assigned from WebCT Project Descriptions page, and must be submitted using the correct drop-box in the WebCT “Submit Projects” tool. The number of point for each project is shown in the “Submit Projects” tool. · All assignments are due on the dates indicated in the assignment drop-box. These dates are also shown on the course schedule posted in WebCT. You will have sufficient time to complete the projects. · You submit your assignments using the WebCT assignments tool, as shown by your instructor during the course orientation session. Each assignment has its own drop-box there. Each drop-box has a due date; after that date it will not be possible to submit that assignment. · Feedback comments are sometimes given by your instructor in addition to a grade. You should always check for a comment from your instructor if your grade is not what you expect. Note comments can only be seen when you review the graded project from the “Submit Projects” tool, and not from the “Grades” tool of WebCT. If the project status says “Graded”, click on that to view the comments. Always check for comments first if the grade isn’t what you expected. · Projects are not graded when you submit them! They are graded all at once, sometime after the project deadline has passed (usually the next weekend). Every effort will be make to grade projects within a week of the due date, or as soon thereafter as possible. · No late assignments will accepted without extenuating circumstances and documentation. · Late assignments may be accepted at the discretion of your instructor. All late assignments will be assessed a penalty of 10% or more depending on circumstances and how late the assignment is. However your instructors reserve the right to waive any or all of this late penalty at their discretion. · A video called Sending Assignments Instructions is available for you to watch on how to send an assignment. The video link is in the Frequently Asked Questions folder on the Home Page. Backing-Up Your Work: Backup your work frequently! This is a safety precaution to protect your work until you submit it. On occasion a disk or flash drive becomes corrupted and you lose all the files stored on it.
Chapter Tests: Assessment of the student comprehension of the chapter concepts is demonstrated with completion of chapter exams. · There are 5 Tests throughout the term: · Exam 1 covers chapters 1 and 2 · Exam 2 covers chapters 3 and 4 · Exam 3 covers chapters 5 and 6 · Exam 4 covers chapters 7 and 8 · Exam 5 covers chapters 9 and 10
GRADING SCALE top
REQUEST FOR ACCOMMODATION top If, to participate in this course, you require an accommodation due to a physical disability or learning impairment, you must contact the Office of Services to Students with Disabilities, Dale Mabry campus: Student Services Building (DSTU) Room 204, voice phone: (813) 259–6035, TTD: (813) 253–7035, FAX: (813) 253–7336. Brandon campus: voice phone: (813) 253–7914. HCC has a religious observance policy that accommodates the religious observance, practices, and beliefs of students. Should students need to miss class or postpone examinations and assignments due to religious observances, they must notify their instructor at least one week prior to a religious observance. ATTENDENCE POLICY top · Attendance is required for the orientation session, except with permission of the instructor. · Students must also log into our course on WebCT at least twice each week to verify continued enrollment. Note that students who receive federal financial aid may have to return some or all funds if they fail to meet this policy. The current flu pandemic requires some changes to normal policies. HCC is implementing the recommendations for institutions of higher learning of the CDC. (See www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/ and www.flu.gov/ for guidance from the CDC.) You won’t need documentation if you miss class due to the flu. (But if you think you have the flu, you should see a doctor as soon as you can.) In the unlikely event of a school closure, some plan to make up the missed work will be made. If you think you have the flu, stay home. Do not come to HCC until 48 hours after your fever has broken. People are infectious to others for a day or so before they have any symptoms. Flu is spread by touching doorknobs, computer keyboards, railings on stairs, etc., that were touched by someone with the flu. Avoid shaking hands; use the “fist shake” (touching of fists) if you must use a physical greeting. The most effective way to prevent catching the flu is to wash your hands frequently, especially after touching something that was touched by others. Avoid unnecessary touching of eyes, nose and mouth. While not as good as properly washing hands, hand sanitizers have been installed throughout the campus; use them often. Communication between the instructor and students is a critical success factor for students. You are to use your WebCT email to send messages to the instructor. A response to your email will be received within two working days or less. Please email only through WebCT. Grades can only be discussed in person, or via email only if you use your assigned HCC CampusCruiser email account. (As per official HCC policy.) Another method of communication is the MAIN discussion board. This is a place to post general questions about the course. Use this board like you would if you were asking a question in the classroom. Many times a question you have is a question another one or more students are thinking about! The instructor as well as other students will answer these messages. Who’s Online: WebCt has an instant message system. You click the “Who’s Online” button on the course menu. You can send a request for a chat session to whoever is online at the same time. All individuals who are enrolled in the course and online will have his or her name displayed. Just check the name and click the “Send Chat Invitation” button. It takes a few second for the individual to respond. Unlike most chat software, you cannot see when the other person is typing. So please be patient and give the person a chance to respond. |
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WEBCT LOGIN INFORMATION (top) |
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Materials for this course and section are located online at: https://hcconline.blackboard.com/ (Note there is no www in the address)
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To log into WebCT use the following:
· User ID: First Initial (lower case) + Last Initial (lower case) + your complete seven digit student id number · Password: Initially the same as your User ID. (You should change this right away!) · Example:
User ID: ws1353536 · You should Use the “My Settings” link on the WebCt course list (initial) page to set your email address, change your initial password, and set a security question (and answer). Unless you do all that you won’t be able to have blackboard.com email you a new password (a password reset) when you forgot yours. |
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Please be aware that as a student at Hillsborough Community College you have many academic resources available to you. Below are few that you may find useful as you progress through this course. SmarThinking is an Internet Tutorial center. It provides students with qualified tutors and study resources, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Students can access tutors and resources at home, school, or anywhere else they have an Internet connection, whenever they need help. Getting started with Smarthinking.com is very quick and easy. HCC has already paid for the services; therefore it is free for Students. For more information visit SmarThinking on the eCampus website at www.hccfl.edu/Distance-learning.aspx. Please contact your instructor for a Username and Password. DALE MABRY TUTORING CENTER Students can receive tutoring help with difficult concepts and material. This office is located on the 3rd floor of the Social Science Building in room 322. Phone: (813) 253-7445, Web Link: Dale Mabry Tutoring Services HCC LIBRARY Phone:
(813) 253-7381 Web Link: http://www.hccfl.edu/library/ DALE MABRY WRITING CENTER Students
can receive help with papers, articles, and other types of academic writing.
This office is located on the 3rd floor of the Dale Mabry
Library. Phone: (813) 253-7536 COLLEGE HELPDESK Phone: (813) 253-7000 ext. 4357 (WebCT concerns can be directed to (813) 253-7329.) REFUNDS The method for students to receive financial refunds (financial aid monies, refunds for dropped or canceled classes, overpayments, etc.) is via the HCC OneCard. This card is mailed to each student’s home address with instructions for activation (at www.HCCOneCard.com). |
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MICROSOFT SOFTWARE PURCHASES (top) Students at HCC have the ability to purchase Microsoft software for heavily discounted prices from retail. Examples of software available through this program include MS Office 2007 Professional Plus edition, Windows Vista, MS Visio, and other related Microsoft products. These software products are the full academic versions and have the same benefits as software purchased off the shelf at a retail store. Students will need to access a website at hccfl.onthehub.com and will need to provide their HawkMail email address to be properly authenticated. (This may take up to a week.) This program requires that students pay for their selected software products with a credit card and the software will be mailed to their home address. Students will be allowed to purchase only one copy of a selected software product. An additional location you can try is www.TheUltimateSteal.com, the official Microsoft student discount program. One benefit of this is the software is available for immediate download. Also this bundle may contain more applications than the hccfl.onthehub.com version. |
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