COSC-1301 Introduction to Computing
Mary Kohls
Credit Spring 2023
Section(s)
COSC-1301-007 (55055)
LEC DIL ONL DIL
COSC-1301-021 (55062)
LEC DIL ONL DIL
COSC-1301-030 (55063)
LEC DIL ONL DIL
LAB DIL ONL DIL
COSC-1301-031 (55064)
LEC DIL ONL DIL
COSC-1301-050 (55070)
LEC DIL ONL DIL
Covid-19 Statement
COVID-19 Updates: Please visit https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus frequently for the latest updates and guidance. Also refer to the Health & Safety Protocols Addendum at the bottom of this syllabus.
COURSE DESCRIPTION/RATIONALE
Course Description:
Overview of computer systems—hardware, operating systems, and microcomputer application software, including the Internet, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, and databases. Current issues such as the effect of computers on society, and the history and use of computers in business, educational, and other modern settings are also studied. This course provides the required computer literacy core competencies that all students need to attain by graduation.
Pre-requisite: Reading – R.
Keyboarding and mouse operation skills recommended.
Course Rationale:
This course meets the Computer Literacy course requirements as defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This course is included in several degree plans and certificates including:
- Associate of Applied Science – Computer Programming
- Associate of Applied Science – Web Programming
- Associate of Applied Science – Local Area Network Administration
- Associate of Applied Science – User and Computer Support
- Associate of Applied Science – Game and Visualization Programming
- Associate of Applied Science – Information Technology Application
- Associate of Applied Science – Security Administration
- Associate of Applied Science – Software Testing
- Bachelor of Applied Science – Software Development
Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives
Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes:
The students will learn to “use computer-based technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information”. Students will have an “understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of technology, and acquire the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as they become available”. After successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. Define and describe the hardware used in information technology (IT).
2. Define and describe the types of software used in IT.
3. Delineate and discuss societal issues involving the use of IT and networks.
4. Demonstrate the ability to create and use documents, spreadsheets, presentations and databases in order to communicate and store information as well as to support problem solving.
5. Use IT to acquire, differentiate and evaluate information and technology.
SCANS (Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills):
The following list summarizes the SCANS competencies addressed in this particular course:
|
RESOURCES 1.1 Manages Time |
INTERPERSONAL |
INFORMATION 3.1 Acquires and Evaluates Information 3.2 Organizes and Maintains Information 3.3 Uses Computers to Process Information |
SYSTEMS 4.1 Understands Systems 4.2 Monitors and Corrects Performance |
|
TECHNOLOGY 5.1 Selects Technology 5.2 Applies Technology to Task |
BASIC SKILLS 6.1 Reading 6.5 Listening |
THINKING SKILLS 7.2 Decision Making 7.3 Problem Solving 7.4 Mental Visualization 7.5 Knowing How to Learn 7.6 Reasoning |
PERSONAL SKILLS 8.1 Responsibility 8.2 Self-Esteem 8.3 Sociability 8.4 Self-Management 8.5 Integrity/Honesty |
Approved Devices and Distance Learning
Approved Devices:
The course is best completed using a Windows PC. Mac computers may be used with the understanding that Office for Mac is different than Office for Windows and the Mac user will need to make the necessary adjustments to complete the work assigned, for example make arrangements to complete Microsoft Access assignments Windows PC machine. Chromebooks may NOT be used as they are not compatible with MS Office.
Distance Learning:
This delivery method uses an online course management system, Blackboard or equivalent. Course materials are located on Blackboard or equivalent, and include but are not limited to PowerPoints, practice tests, schedules, grade book, etc.
Course Requirements
Grade Policy:
Grade will be assigned based both on concepts and practical application including trainings, exams, and projects. An overall grade will be assigned on the following grading scale:
|
Max |
Min |
Grade |
|
1455 |
1310 |
A |
|
1309 |
1164 |
B |
|
1163 |
1018 |
C |
|
1017 |
873 |
D |
|
872 |
0 |
F |
Course Requirements
Each student’s grade for this course consists of non-comprehensive Module Computer Concepts Skills and Practice Assignments, Module Concept Exams, Office SAM Project Homework Assignments on Microsoft office 2019 applications, and Office SAM Capstone Projects.
|
|
Assignments Given |
Total number of attempts Each |
Total (1455 Points) |
|
Module Computer Concepts Skills Trainings |
6 |
Unlimited |
~11% (150 Points) |
|
Module Computer Concepts Practice Exams |
6 |
2 |
~11% (150 Points) |
|
Module Concept Exams |
3 |
2 |
~20% (300 Points) |
|
Office SAM Project Homework Assignments |
13 |
3 |
~31% (455 Points) |
|
Office SAM Capstone Projects |
4 |
2 |
~27% (400 Points) |
The Module concept exams are based on the lectures for chapters 1-6. The Office SAM Capstone Projects are SAM based and cover Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access.
All assignments and exams can be taken up to the number of attempts listed above but must be taken by the due date listed on the course schedule. If taken twice the higher of the two grades will be counted. The Capstone Projects are tests that must be completed in one 120-minute sitting and can be submitted twice in this 120-minute time span.
COURSE POLICIES
Class Participation
Regular class participation is expected of all students. If compliance with this or other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.
Withdrawal Policy
It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decides to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. The last date to withdraw for this semester is April 24, 2023. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.
Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall, 2002, may be charged a higher tuition rate, for that course. State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities. With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count towards this limit. Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog.
Incompletes
A student may receive a temporary grade of “I” (Incomplete) at the end of the semester only if ALL of the following conditions are satisfied:
- The student is unable to complete the course during the semester due to circumstances beyond their control.
- The student must have earned at least half of the grade points needed for a “C” by the end of the semester.
- The request for the grade must be made in person at the instructor’s office and necessary documents completed.
- To remove an “I”, the student must complete the course by two weeks before the end of the following semester. Failure to do so will result in the grade automatically reverting to an “F”.
Statement on Academic Integrity
Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process. Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students’ academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations. Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources. Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process
See the Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process.
For this course, the penalty for scholastic dishonesty is a grade of ‘F’ for the course.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Opportunity for students to examine and question pertinent data and assumptions of a given discipline, guided by the evidence of scholarly research, is appropriate in a learning environment. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. As willing partners in learning, students must comply with college rules and procedures.
Students Accessibility Service & Assistive Technology
Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through the office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS). Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed. Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student. Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations.
Communication
Instructors will only use the ACC online Blackboard system http://acconline.austincc.edu or equivalent and the ACCmail accounts as the official communication systems during this semester. Instructors can post lecture notes, handouts, changes to course schedule or assignments and your grades on Blackboard and can send all email communication via the ACCmail accounts. Instructors will expect all students to check both Blackboard and their ACCmail accounts on a regular basis.
For information on how to log onto Blackboard and ACCmail please visit the following sites:
http://irt.austincc.edu/blackboard/StudentSupport.php and http://www.austincc.edu/accmail.
Safety Statement
Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for study and work. You are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the Emergency Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom.
Please note, you are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.
Freedom of Expression Policy
It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.
Tutoring
Free tutoring is provided for this course online. For online schedules and details please refer to http://acctutor.org/
Student Files – Privacy
Their instructor for educational and academic reasons may view the information that a student stores in his/her student volume in the Computer Studies Labs.
Concealed Handgun Policy
ACC faculty may notify students in their classes or learning environment about the Texas Campus Carry law taking effect at Austin Community College (and other Texas community colleges) on August 1, 2017. The following is recommended syllabus language, approved by legal counsel and the college. For courses including ACC-sponsored field activities, language is still being drafted.
The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.
It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.
Refer to the concealed handgun policy online.
Facts
- All public Texas colleges and universities must abide by the law.
- Private institutions may opt out of implementing the law.
- The concealed campus carry law does not allow open carry on campus.
- A person must have a License to Carry a Handgun (LTC).
- A person must be at least 21 to obtain a LTC, unless he/she is active duty military or a police officer.
- Faculty and staff do not have authority to ban handguns from classrooms.
- Campus carry laws exist in eight states (Texas, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Mississippi, Kansas, Oregon, and Wisconsin).
- Licensed gun owners have been allowed to carry concealed handguns on public campuses (but not in buildings) for 20 years.
- While Texas is currently in a legislative session, there are no indications lawmakers will change the law.
Health & Safety Protocols Addendum
Operational areas of ACC campuses and centers are fully open and accessible through all public entrances. While some health & safety protocols are no longer mandatory, the college encourages its staff, faculty, and students to be mindful of the well-being of all individuals on campus. If you feel sick, feverish, or unwell, please do not come to campus.
Some important things to remember:
- Vaccination Clinics - ACC may host a series of on-campus COVID-19 vaccination clinics for eligible members of the ACC community. Clinics are offered at select campuses districtwide. The clinics may be offered in partnership with Austin Public Health and Travis County Fire & Rescue. The college strongly urges those who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine to get one.
- COVID Testing - If you are experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms, please get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible before returning to an ACC facility. Testing is now widely available. If you test positive, please report it on the ACC self- reporting tool located here. Please do not come to campus if you are feeling ill or if you test positive for COVID-19.
- Social Distancing - The college asks that we all continue to respect the personal space of others. We are encouraging 3 feet of social distancing.
Course Subjects
COURSE SCHEDULE
Introduction to Computing
|
Week |
Date |
Concepts Lecture |
Lab Session |
Homework |
Modules 1-6 Due Dates |
MS Office Due Dates |
Test Dates |
|
1 |
01/17 |
Course Orientation |
Lab Orientation/SAM |
Orientation Quiz |
|
|
01/22 |
|
Module 1 |
|
Module 1 Reading, Concepts Skill Training, Concept Practice exam |
01/22 |
|
|
||
|
2 |
01/23 |
|
Word Module 1 – Creating a Document |
Word Module 1 SAM Project A |
|
01/29 |
|
|
3 |
01/30 |
Module 2 |
|
Module 2 Reading, Concepts Skill Training, Concept Practice exam |
02/05 |
|
|
|
|
Word Module 2 – Formatting a Long Document |
Word Module 2 SAM Project A |
|
02/05 |
|
||
|
Concept exam (chapter 1-2) |
|
|
|
|
02/05 |
||
|
4 |
02/06 |
Module 3 |
|
Module 3 Reading, Concepts Skill Training, Concept Practice exam |
02/12 |
|
|
|
|
Word Module 3 – Enhancing a Document |
Word Module 3 SAM Project A |
|
02/12 |
|
||
|
5 |
02/13 |
|
Word Modules 1-3 Sam Capstone Project |
|
|
|
02/19 |
|
|
PowerPoint Module 1 – Creating a Presentation |
PowerPoint Module 1 SAM Project A |
|
02/19 |
|
||
|
6 |
02/20 |
|
PowerPoint Module 2 – Enhancing a Presentation |
PowerPoint Module 2 Sam Project A |
|
02/26 |
|
|
7 |
02/27 |
Module 4 |
|
Module 4 Reading, Concepts Skill Training, Concept Practice exam |
03/05 |
|
|
|
|
PowerPoint Module 3 –Inserting Word Art, Charts, & Tables |
PowerPoint Module 3 Sam Project A |
|
03/05 |
|
||
|
Concept exam (chapter 3-4) |
|
|
|
|
03/05 |
||
|
8 |
03/06 |
Module 5 |
PowerPoint Modules 1-3 Sam Capstone Project |
Module 5 Reading, Concepts Skill Training, Concept Practice exam |
|
|
03/12 |
|
|
Excel Module 1 – Creating a Workbook |
Excel Module 1 SAM Project A |
|
03/12 |
|
||
|
9 |
03/20 |
Module 6 |
|
Module 6 Reading, Concepts Skill Training, Concept Practice exam |
03/26 |
|
|
|
|
Excel Module 2 – Formatting a Worksheet |
Excel Module 2 SAM Project A |
|
03/26 |
|
||
|
10 |
03/27 |
|
Excel Module 3 – Working with Formulas and Functions |
Excel Module 3 SAM Project A |
|
04/02 |
|
|
Concept exam (chapter 5-6) |
|
|
|
|
04/02 |
||
|
11 |
04/03 |
|
Excel Module 4 – Inserting and Formatting Charts |
Excel Module 4 SAM Project A |
|
04/09 |
|
|
12 |
04/10 |
|
Excel Modules 1-4 Sam Capstone Project |
|
|
|
04/16 |
|
13 |
04/17 |
|
Access Module 1 – Creating a Database |
Access Module 1 SAM Project A |
|
04/23 |
|
|
14 |
04/24 |
|
Access Module 2 – Maintaining and Querying a Database |
Access Module 2 SAM Project A |
|
04/30 |
|
|
15 |
05/01 |
|
Access Module 3 – Creating Forms and Reports |
Access Module 3 SAM Project A |
|
05/07 |
|
|
16 |
05/08 |
|
Access Modules 1-3 Sam Capstone Project |
|
|
|
05/14 |
Office Hours
M W 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM Highland Campus (HLC) Building 2000 Room 2200.01
NOTEPublished: 01/14/2023 21:41:50