Course Description: |
The course is an introduction to concepts of information processing and systems design and development. Covers impact of the computer on the organization and the management decision-making process. The software emphasis is on solving business problems through use of spreadsheet software, but also includes hands-on introduction to operating system, Internet Browser, word processing, database management, presentation graphics, and Visual Basic programming software. | |||||
Course Objectives: |
1. Students will be able to understand the vocabulary related to computers, the uses to which they are put and the present and future developments of the computer industry. Subject matter covered includes: Overview of Computer Concepts, Computer Software Applications, Input and Output, The System Unit, Secondary Storage, Communications and Networks, Privacy, Security, and Ethics. 2. Students will complete exercises using word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation graphics and Visual Basic programming applications. | |||||
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Course materials: |
Required Texts:
Other materials:
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SWC Policies | ||||||
Behavior Discipline: |
Students are adults and will be treated as such. Responsible behavior in the classroom and lab is vital for a quality-learning environment for all students. | |||||
Cheating: |
Cheating or other unethical behavior/actions including the sharing of disks will NOT be tolerated (zero tolerance). In order to learn, students need to do their own work on all assignments and tests. A failing grade of "F" (for the entire course) will be assigned to any student guilty of cheating, copying, or allowing the copying of their work by any other student. | |||||
Absences & Tardiness: |
Attendance is mandatory for this and all SWC courses. Any student with excessive absences and/or late arrivals to lecture will be asked to withdraw for the course. Excessive is defined a 6 unexcused absences or 6 late arrivals after the second week of class. Do not come late to lecture! It is disrespectful to your fellow students. Come early and make friends! You are responsible for all information covered in class. Note: If you do miss a class period you are required to do all class/lab assignments and to turn in work on time regardless of absence. | |||||
Academic Success Center |
To further your success, reinforce concepts, and achieve the stated learning objectives for this course, I refer you to Academic Success Center learning assistance services. Upon request for tutorial services, you will be automatically enrolled in NC 3: Supervised Tutoring, a free noncredit course that does not appear on your transcripts. Services are located in the ASC (420), the Writing Center (420D), the Reading Center (420), Math Center (426), the Library/LRC Interdisciplinary Tutoring Lab, MESA, specialized on-campus School tutoring labs, the Higher Education Center, and the San Ysidro Education Center. Online learning materials and Online Writing Lab (OWL) are available at http://www.swccd.edu/~asc | |||||
Disability Support Services: |
Southwestern College recommends that student with disabilities discuss academic accommodations with their professors during the first two weeks of class. An alternative media of this syllabus and class handouts is available upon request. | |||||
Course Policies | ||||||
Class Format:All scheduled reading should be done before class lectures! |
Lectures are the primary vehicle for introducing and motivating new material, some of which is not in the book. All lectures will be available online. It is essential that you read the assigned material and review the lectures, as I will assume you have already seen the material, and will build upon it. Most people learn more effectively when they study in small groups and cooperate in various other ways on homework. This can be particularly true in lab assignments, where working with a partner is a very effective way of catching conceptual and other errors, and of refining one's thinking and understanding. I am very much in favor of this kind of cooperation, so long as all participants actively involve themselves in all aspects of the work - not just split up the assignment and each do only a fraction. Groups will be assigned during the third week of the semester but it is recommended be that students work together on during lab time. Labs: The assigned labs complement and reinforce the material taught in the class. You must do the labs/assignments on your own. Of course, you may ask for help and advice from classmates, but the final work that you turn in must be your own. Group Concept:
Lab assignments are due by the assigned method and date given in the assignment sheets on the Blackboard site. Students will be using the Blackboard to submit all of their assignments. Students will be instructed on its use by the instructor. Projects will be presented in class and are designed to be a larger scale activity, in which group activity can often be a key component. More information on class Projects will be explained during week 3 by the instructor. | |||||
Course Grading Policies: |
Grade will be determined by the following approximate weighting: labs (50%), projects (20%), and exams (30%). However, you must do the projects to pass the course. Labs: You are expected to do all the labs. While performance on exams is an indication of basic competence, performance on labs is your major opportunity to demonstrate outstanding achievement in CIS 101. Mediocre labs performance will result in a lower grade, even if performance on exams is good. It is virtually impossible to get an A in CIS 101 unless all lab assignments have been turned in. Missing more than one of the homework assignments may result in a lower grade for the semester, regardless of performance in exams, projects, and participation. Graded assignments will be returned to the student via Blackboard and grades will be posted in Blackboard Gradebook . Please monitor your progress and discuss any problems you have with me as soon as possible. I evaluate student grades two times during the semester and talk to individual students with their results. Lab assignments are expected to be turned in by the required due date. Late assignments will be given a 10% late penalty per week and will only be accepted for two weeks following the due date and all work must be submitted by May 15. Projects topics will be explained during week 3 by the instructor. Exams: There are 4 fifty-minute, closed-book quizzes covering the material from the lectures, assigned readings, and class notes. These are scheduled every 4 weeks and are worth 60 - 65 points each. If exceptional circumstances make it impossible to take a quiz at your assigned time, please contact the Instructor before the quiz to see if other arrangements can be made. Requests for make-ups after the test has been given are unlikely to be successful. The final exam will cover all course material covered. There are no make-up exams for the final. Testing is done online in Blackboard. Quizzes are taken during the lab portion of the class. Students that maintain an average of 90% or better on all quizzes are exempt from the final. Points earned will be accumulated and the course grade will be assigned as follows:
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Workload : |
CIS 101 course reading can be time-consuming; but the labs are not intended to require excessive amounts of time. In past subject evaluation surveys, students have typically reported that they spend 9 - 12 hours per week out side of class on the subject. Spending enormous amounts of time is often the result of simply not asking for help when you need it. If you find yourself spending more time than you think you should, please speak to the instructor. It is also possible to spend an excessive amount of time on labs. This is often the result of failing to prepare properly, i.e., not reading the assigned text and exercises or not understanding the purpose of the software. In addition, please be aware that prolonged computer usage combined with poor posture or improper typing habits can result in conditions such as repetitive strain injury. Remember to take frequent short breaks and to consult your doctor for more information. | |||||
Class Schedule: |
The Assignments page link to the Lectures and Assignments in Blackboard for the course. The Calendar link shows daily activities and due dates for assignments. | |||||