BUSINESS OFFICE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Course Syllabus for Summer 2008 (200901)

COURSE NAME:            SCT 100, Introduction to Microcomputers

HOURS:             Class/Week – 1                  D.Lab/Week – 4               Credit – 3

PREREQUISITES/COREQUISITES:  Provisional admission; keyboarding recommended.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Introduces the fundamental concepts and operations necessary to use microcomputers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include: computer terminology, introduction to the Windows environment, introduction to the Internet, introduction to word processing, introduction to spreadsheets, introduction to databases, and introduction to presentation graphics.

COMPETENCY AREAS:

                Computer terminology

Introduction to the Windows Environment

Introduction to Internet

Introduction to Word Processing

Introduction to Presentation Graphics

Introduction to Spreadsheets

Introduction to Databases

INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES/METHODS

Lecture/Demonstration

PowerPoint presentations

Critical Thinking:  You will be required to complete some of the Independent Challenges at the end of each unit.

Writing Across the Curriculum:  You will research and make a presentation to the class using PowerPoint.

REQUIRED BOOKS AND SUPPLIES:

        Bundle ISBN 324815379 includes:

Courseware Illustrated Series:  Microsoft Office 2007, Beskeen/Cram/Duffy/Friedrichsen/Reding, Thomson/Course Technology.

Microsoft Office 2007 180-day trial, ISBN 1423997026

A jump or flash drive USB storage device, 1 GB or higher recommended, ISBN 1423998278

CaseGrader: Autograding Technology for Microsoft Office 2007, ISBN 1423998561 

        Purchasing Alternative:  http://wgtcscot100.ichaptersbuy.com

Also needed:

Pencil or pen (highlighter optional)

A moderate amount of intelligence, common sense, and the ability to read and follow directions.

GRADING SYSTEM: 

Grading scale:               90-100=A            80-89=B              70-79=C               60-69=D               Below 60=F

Minimum Course Grade Required for Progress:   C

Students must achieve a minimum of C or better in each competency area to progress.  If a student earns less than a C in a competency area, she/he will not pass the course.

Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Describe how all people are being affected by computers in their daily lives.
2. Identify the many current uses of computers.
3. Describe how computers might be used in the future.
4. Describe the three basic elements of data processing (i.e., input, process, output).
5. Identify the functional units of a computer system (i.e., the processor, input devices, output devices, and secondary storage devices).
6. Demonstrate the ability to access a variety of software applications using the graphical user interface (GUI) features (i.e., the ability to have multiple applications open at any given time and switch from application to application).
7. Demonstrate the ability to manage electronic files.
8. Describe the purpose of networking in a microcomputer environment.
9. Demonstrate ability to access the Internet.
10. Create, save, format, modify, spell check, and print a document.
11. Create, save, modify, and print a spreadsheet.
12. Create a chart from a worksheet.
13. Create, save, and modify a database and generate a report/query.
14. Create, edit, and format a presentation utilizing transitions and animation.
15. Develop critical thinking skills by presenting ideas in both oral and written form.

COURSE EVALUATION:

What we will cover

Attendance/Participation/Discussion Boards:  Being in class, participating actively in class discussions, and posting to the weekly discussion boards will earn 5% of your final grade.

Textbook Assignments:  Concepts Reviews, Skills Reviews, Independent Challenges and other projects and readings will be assigned to provide hands-on experience working with application software. These assignments will require the application of various software applications. All assignments are due according to the class schedule.

CaseGrader Assignments:  Students will utilize Cengage Learning's CaseGrader autograding technology to complete assignments in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Read the CaseGrader pamphlet included in your bundle for instructions on creating your account. The CaseGrader assignments are located at http://cgoffice2007.course.com where you will be prompted to enter your access code and instructed to join the appropriate class using the class code sent to you by your instructor. All CaseGrader assignments are due according to the class schedule.

Unit Quizzes: There is an objective quiz on each unit of the textbook. All quizzes will be closed book/note and will test assigned readings and material covered in class. The instructor reserves the right to retest on material that was not appropriately comprehended.

Presentation:  Students will be required to research a topic, create a PowerPoint presentation, and present it to the class. Tools to be used include MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, the Internet, and e-mail. Specific directions are in a separate handout to follow.

Final Exam:  The final exam will consist of a comprehensive objective exam and one or two CaseGrader cases.   

A teacher-created PowerPoint presentation on Computer Hardware as well as PowerPoint presentations on each unit are located for convenient access from any Internet-enabled computer at http://www.westgatech.edu/facultywebs/kcarpenter/sct100/. 

Work Ethics Evaluation:  Good work habits are as valuable as technical skills.  Work ethics traits including attendance, character, teamwork, appearance, attitude, productivity, organizational skills, communication, cooperation, and respect are included in the work ethics evaluation.  This grade is not included in the Grade Point Average, but is shown on the student's transcript.  The Work Ethics grading scale is as follows: 3 - Exceeds Expectations, 2 – Meets Expectations, 1 – Needs Improvement, and 0 – Unacceptable.

Attendance Policy

Online:  Attendance is measured in two ways:  by posting to the weekly Discussion Board and by how often students are submitting their work. Failure to submit your work as directed is like missing class and may result in you being dropped from the course.

On-campus:  Attendance and punctuality in classes are two of the student's primary responsibilities.  Time lost can never be replaced.  In the event that the student deems an absence necessary, he/she is held accountable for all work missed.  Whenever possible, the instructor should be notified prior to an absence or tardy.  If tardy, be sure the instructor marks you present.  If a student is absent 20% of scheduled classes (10 contact hours) prior to the end of the sixth week of the quarter, he/she will automatically be dropped from the course.  Attendance will be noted at all classes.  To be eligible to receive a grade of “A”, students cannot miss more than five contact hours.  Absence from six contact hours may result in the loss of the attendance credit in the work ethics grade.

Make-Up Test Policy

If a student misses a class, the student will be expected to obtain any notes from a classmate.  If absent on the day of a scheduled test, a zero will be recorded for that test unless a doctor’s excuse is presented or prior arrangements have been approved by the instructor.  It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the instructor to take a missed test.  A missed test must be taken within a week of the student’s absence.  There will be no make-up work for daily grades or pop quizzes.

Withdrawing from Class/Administrative Withdrawals

To withdraw for the quarter, a student must obtain a Drop/Add/Withdrawal Form from the Registrar’s Office, obtain the signature of the instructor, sign and date the form, and submit it to the Registrar’s Office immediately but no later than the close of business on the last class day of the quarter.  This deadline is strictly enforced. It is the student's responsibility to drop the class. 

However, you may be administratively dropped from the course for non-participation if you neglect to do the following:

• Visit the ANGEL class web site at least once a week.
• Maintain contact with the instructor through the discussion boards or by email.
• Meet a deadline.
• Submit any lessons you have completed each week.

If you drop or are dropped before mid-quarter, you will be assigned a grade of “W” in that class if the withdrawal is completed before midterm. The instructor will assign a grade of “W” or “WF” (determined by the student’s grades) if the withdrawal is completed after that period but by the close of the Registrar’s Office on the last class day of the quarter. A grade of WF is the same as failing the class.

Cheating

Students are expected to uphold a standard of conduct relating to academic honesty.  Students assume full responsibility for the content and integrity of the academic work they submit.  The guiding principle of academic integrity shall be that a student's submitted work, examinations, reports, and projects must be that of the student's own work.  Students shall be guilty of violating this honor code if they:

1.       Represent the work of others as their own.

2.       Use or obtain unauthorized assistance in any academic work.

3.       Give unauthorized assistance to other students.

4.       Modify, without instructor approval, an examination, paper, record, or report for the purpose of obtaining additional credit.

5.       Misrepresent the content of submitted work.

The penalty for violating the honor code is severe. Any student violating the honor code is subject to receiving a failing grade for the course.  If a student is unclear about whether a particular situation may constitute an honor code violation, the student should meet with the instructor to discuss the situation.

Confidentiality statement

The rules of confidentiality do not apply to the instructor/student relationship. Please do not disclose information assuming it will be confidential. An instructor is considered a “mandatory reporter”.  Any information revealed to an instructor that may represent potential harm to the student or another individual must be reported by law.

ADA statement

If you have a disability that you think may affect your ability to function in this class, please inform the instructor and the West Georgia Technical College Special Needs Coordinator, Gil Ausman at 706-756-4590 (Student Services Office) to discuss a request for accommodations. All requests for accommodations are welcomed.

DTAE Guarantee

The Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education warrants every graduate of our Technical College programs offering a certificate of credit, diploma, or associate's degree as follows:

The warranty guarantees that the graduate has demonstrated the knowledge and skills and can perform each competency as identified in the industry-validated Standard or Program Guide. Any program graduate who is determined to lack such competence shall be retrained at no cost to the employer or the graduate.

A claim against the warranty may be filed by either an employer in conjunction with a graduate or a graduate if the individual is unable to perform one or more of the competencies contained in the industry-validated Standard or Program Guide, including failure to pass a State of Georgia required licensing examination. 

The warranty shall remain in effect for two years immediately following the date of graduation and shall be honored by any state governed Technical College that offers the program from which the individual graduated.

Exit exams (diploma/degree programs only)

All graduating degree and diploma students are required to take program area graduation exam in their field. The exam must be taken in the last quarter or next to last quarter before graduation. Information on scheduling the exit exam may be obtained from the program advisor. 

CAAP testing (degree level programs only)

All graduating degree students are required to take the Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency exam. The exam must be taken in the last quarter or next to last quarter before graduation. Scheduled times for the exam will be posted on campus.

Applying for graduation

Students expecting to graduate must complete an application for graduation. This form is available from the Office of Student Services located in the Administration Building. Students should apply for graduation during the registration period in which they register for their last quarter of classes.

khc (SCT 100, 200901)