Course Description:  Computer terminology, hardware, software, operating systems, and information systems relating to the business environment will be covered.  The course will explore business applications of software, including spreadsheets, presentation graphics, word processing, and business-oriented utilization of the Internet. The course will also offer an introduction and utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in an educational environment, including the history of and proper ethical and legal uses.

Pre-requisite:  E-Reading and Writing.

Instructional Methodology:  This course will have assignments on both the CONNECT and SIMNET sites each week including an online Smartbook text. All of the assignments are accessible from Blackboard under the link CONNECT/SIMNET assignments. You need to initially pair your Blackboard ID with both the CONNECT and SIMNET McGraw-Hill website - instructions are in Blackboard. The SIMNET assignments will be based on Microsoft Office (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point). Please connect into the online classroom with a laptop or computer that you will be able to also work on your SIMNET for all projects in the Office 365 product suite (available free from ACC during your time as a student at ACC).

To Download Microsoft 365: https://instruction.austincc.edu/students/article/office-365-steps/

Course Rationale:  This course is designed to teach students the theoretical approach to information technology and management information systems within a business/computer science environment. Practical business computer applications will emphasize word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, and electronic commerce of the Internet.  Since this course is designed to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program, check with your degree plan as to what business computer courses the transferring college requires.

Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes:

1. Recognize the concepts and terminology used in the development, implementation, and operation of business application systems.
2. Explore various methods that Information Technology can be used to support existing businesses and strategies.
3. Investigate emerging technology in shaping new processes, strategies, and business models.
4. Use productivity/application software to enhance business activities.
5. Accomplish projects utilizing business theories, Internet resources, and computer technology.
6. Work with simple design and development tasks for the main types of business information systems.
7. Develop an advanced information technology skill, focusing on office productivity software with emphasis on spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
8. Develop advanced techniques for use in data analysis and decision-making using electronic spreadsheets and databases.
9. Recall the fundamental concepts of artificial intelligence, including its definition and key components.
10. Analyze ethical and legal implications associated with AI technologies, including issues related to privacy, bias, and job displacement and its use in education.
11. Integrate various AI tools into Microsoft Office software used for word processing and presentation software.

COURSE SUBJECTS

Smart Book - Business Driven IS 8e, By Baltzan (referred to as SB)

Chapter 1 – Management Information Systems: Business Driven MIS

Chapter 2 – Decisions and Processes: Value Driven Business

Appendix A – Hardware and Software Basics

Chapter 3 – Ebusiness: Electronic Business Value

Chapter 4 – Ethics and Information Security: MIS Business Concerns

Chapter 5 – Infrastructures: Sustainable Technologies

Appendix C – Designing Databases (Complementary Reading)

Chapter 6 – Data: Business Intelligence

Appendix B – Networks and Telecommunications (Complementary Reading)

Chapter 7 – Networks: Mobile Business

Chapter 8 – Enterprise Applications: Business Communications

Chapter 9 – Systems Development and Project Management: Corporate

MS Office 2021 SIMbook – A Skills Approach

Word 2021:

     Chapter 1 - Getting Started with Word 2021

PowerPoint 2021:

     Chapter 1 - Getting Started with PowerPoint 2021

Excel 2021:

     Chapter 1 - Getting Started with Excel 2021

Chapter 2 - Formatting Cells

Chapter 3 - Using Formulas and Functions

Chapter 4 - Formatting Worksheets and Managing the Workbook

Chapter 5 - Adding Charts and Analyzing Data

Chapter 6 - Exploring Advanced Functions

Chapter 7 - Exploring Advanced Charts and Graphics

Chapter 8 - Exploring Advanced Data Analysis

Chapter 9 - Importing Data, Reviewing, and Finalizing the Workbook

Chapter 10 - Working with Macros

Artificial Intelligence:

Concepts and Theories:

            What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

            History of AI.

            Examples of AI.

            Legal and Ethical implications of AI.

            Educational uses for AI.

Applications:

            How to use ChatGPT.

            What is Iterative Prompt Engineering?

                   How to use generative AI with Microsoft office applications.