COSC-1301 Introduction to Computing
Rene Polanco
Credit Fall 2024
Section(s)
COSC-1301-003 (89563)
LEC TuTh 11:00am - 12:20pm DIL DLS DIL
LAB TuTh 12:20pm - 12:45pm DIL DLS DIL
COSC-1301-017 (89574)
LEC TuTh 9:00am - 10:20am DIL DLS DIL
LAB TuTh 10:20am - 10:45am DIL DLS DIL
COSC-1301-018 (89575)
LEC DIL ONL DIL
LAB DIL ONL DIL
COSC-1301-019 (10183)
LEC DIL ONL DIL
LAB DIL ONL DIL
Course Description/Rational
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.
Instructional Methodology: This course will have both 2 hours of lecture and 2 hours of lab each week. If the students are unable to finish the assigned lab work within the lab time, they will need to visit the CIS open labs to complete their assignments.
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/Desktop Support
· Associate of Applied Science – Game programming
· Associate of Applied Science – Microcomputer Application Support
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):
Refer to http://www.austincc.edu/cit/courses/scans.pdffor a complete definition and explanation of SCANS. 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 |
Readings
Approved Course Texts:
MindTap for Cable/Freund/Monk/Sebok/Starks/Vermaat's The Shelly Cashman Series Collection, Microsoft® Office 365 & Office 2021.
ISBN-13: 9780357026229: (E-book, MindTap and SAM Access)
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 completing the work assigned, for example making arrangements to complete portions of the assignments on a Windows machine. Chromebooks may NOT be used as they are not compatible with MS Office.
Course Requirements
Grade Policy:
Grade will be assigned based both on concepts and practical application. Exams, and lab projects will be a part of the grade. An overall grade will be assigned on the following grading scale:
|
Max |
Min |
Grade |
|
1600 |
1440 |
A |
|
1439 |
1280 |
B |
|
1279 |
1120 |
C |
|
1119 |
960 |
D |
|
959 |
0 |
F |
Course Requirements
Each student’s grade for this course consists of non-comprehensive exams on concepts, Lab exams, and chapter homework on Microsoft office 2021 applications.
Each Microsoft Office 2021 Lab is due no later than midnight of the Sunday following the assignment date. Late assignments will be accepted for 24 hours, after assignment date, with a late penalty of 20%. No credit will be given for exercises received after 24 hours from assignment date. Scheduling of computer time outside of regular lab time is the student’s responsibility. Availability of computers is NOT an excuse for being late with any assignment.
|
Assignment |
Points |
|
1 - Orientation Quiz |
50 |
|
2 - Concept Exams |
200 |
|
4 - LAB Exams |
400 |
|
13 - Chapter Homework Assignments |
650 |
|
6 - Module Skills Training |
150 |
|
6 - Modules Concept Practice Exams |
150 |
|
Total Possible Points |
1600 |
|
|
The concepts exams are based on the lectures for chapters 1-6. The lab exams are SAM based and cover Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access.
There are no makeup EXAMS in this course. If you miss an exam you will receive a grade of ZERO for that exam.
Students are expected to read and study the assigned material, per course schedule, BEFORE each class.
Course Class Policies
Academic Integrity
A student is expected to complete his or her own projects and tests. Students are responsible for observing the policy on academic integrity as described in the current ACC Student Handbook, under “Student Discipline Policy, Section C”.
The penalty accessed will be in accordance with the current ACC Student Handbook policy. See http://www.austincc.edu/handbook/policies4.phpfor more information.
For this course, the penalty for scholastic dishonesty is a grade of ‘F’ for the course.
Incomplete
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:
1. The student is unable to complete the course during the semester due to circumstances beyond their control.
2. The student must have earned at least half of the grade points needed for a “C” by the end of the semester.
3. The request for the grade must be made in person at the instructor’s office and necessary documents completed.
4. 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”.
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. For schedules and details please refer to http:://www.austincc.edu/cit.
Attendance / Withdrawal
Students are expected to attend classes and will be held responsible for all material covered in class. Regular attendance helps ensure satisfactorily progression towards completion of the course.
It is the student’s responsibility to complete a Withdrawal Form in the Admissions Office if they wish to withdraw from this class. The instructor may withdraw students from this class if their absences exceed 10% of the total number of class meetings or if the student fails to attempt 4 graded assignments by the last date to receive credit. The last date to withdraw for this semester is November 21, 2024. It is not the responsibility of the instructor to withdraw the students from their class even though the instructor has the prerogative to do so under the above listed circumstances.
ALERT: New state law for new students. No more than six course withdrawals throughout your undergraduate education, regardless of how many colleges you attend. Students who entered college before fall 2007 are not affected. Ask a counselor for details.
Student Files – Privacy
The information that a student stores in his/her student volume in the Computer Studies Labs may be viewed, but not changed by his/her instructor for educational and academic reasons. Instructors have read-only access to the students’ files.
Students with Disabilities
Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to make this request three weeks before the start of the semester. (Refer to the current ACC Student Handbook).
Communication
Instructors will use the ACC online Blackboard system http://acconline.austincc.eduand the ACCmail accounts as the official communication system 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 8.0 and ACCmail please visit the following sites: http://irt.austincc.edu/blackboard/stlogin.htmlhttp://www.austincc.edu/google/. Instructors/Lab Technicians will conduct a brief lab orientation during the first class laboratory period.
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.
Course Subjects
|
Week |
Date |
Concepts Lecture |
Lab Session |
Homework |
Exams |
|
1 |
|
Course Orientation |
Lab Orientation/SAM |
|
Orientation Quiz |
|
|
|
|
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2 |
|
|
Word Module 1 – Creating a Document |
Word Module 1 SAM Project A |
|
|
Module 1 |
|
Module 1 Reading, Concepts Skill Training, Concept Practice exam |
|
||
|
3 |
|
|
Word Module 2 – Formatting a Long Document |
Word Module 2 SAM Project A |
|
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Module 2 |
|
Module 2 Reading, Concepts Skill Training, Concept Practice exam |
|
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4 |
|
|
Word Module 3 – Enhancing a Document |
Word Module 3 SAM Project A |
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Module 3 |
|
Module 3 Reading, Concepts Skill Training, Concept Practice exam |
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5 |
|
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PowerPoint Module 1 – Creating a Presentation |
PowerPoint Module 1 SAM Project A |
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Word Modules 1-3 Sam Capstone Project Exam |
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6 |
|
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PowerPoint Module 2 – Enhancing a Presentation |
PowerPoint Module 2 Sam Project A |
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Concept exam (chapter 1-3) |
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7 |
|
|
PowerPoint Module 3 –Inserting Word Art, Charts, & Tables |
PowerPoint Module 3 Sam Project A |
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Module 4 |
|
Module 4 Reading, Concepts Skill Training, Concept Practice exam |
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8 |
|
|
Excel Module 1 – Creating a Workbook |
Excel Module 1 SAM Project A |
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PowerPoint Modules 1-3 Sam Capstone Project Exam |
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9 |
|
|
Excel Module 2 – Formatting a Worksheet |
Excel Module 2 SAM Project A |
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Module 5 |
|
Module 5 Reading, Concepts Skill Training, Concept Practice exam |
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||
|
10 |
|
|
Excel Module 3 – Working with Formulas and Functions |
Excel Module 3 SAM Project A |
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Module 6 |
|
Module 6 Reading, Concepts Skill Training, Concept Practice exam |
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11 |
|
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Excel Module 4 – Inserting and Formatting Charts |
Excel Module 4 SAM Project A |
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Concept exam (chapter 4-6) |
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12 |
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Excel Modules 1-4 Sam Capstone Project Exam |
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13 |
|
|
Access Module 1 – Creating a Database |
Access Module 1 SAM Project A |
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14 |
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Access Module 2 – Maintaining and Querying a Database |
Access Module 2 SAM Project A |
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15 |
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Access Module 3 – Creating Forms and Reports |
Access Module 3 SAM Project A |
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16 |
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|
Access Modules 1-3 Sam Capstone Project Exam |
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Note: The instructor has the prerogative to change the course schedule as required.
Students are expected to read and study the assigned material, per the course schedule, BEFORE each class, this includes the lab assignments!
Office Hours
M W 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Zoom
NOTET 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Zoom
NOTEPublished: 09/24/2024 17:09:47