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/Desktop Support
• Associate of Applied Science – Game programming
• Associate of Applied Science – Microcomputer Application Support

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:

Approved Course Texts:

The Shelly Cashman Series Collection, Microsoft 365 & Office 2021, 1e

By Cable, Sandra/Freund, Steven M./Monk, Ellen

Edition: 23

Publisher: CENGAGE L

ISBN 13: 8220126383852

Note:  This custom bundled for ACC is a First Day Access and you will get access to a web-based software package called MindTap and SAM (Skills Assessment Manager).  You must have access to these applications to complete the course.

Approved Devices and Internet Connectivity

The course is best completed using a Windows PC. Mac computer usage should not be used as Office for Mac is different than Office for Windows. Chromebooks may NOT be used as they are not compatible with MS Office.

It is the responsibility of the student to secure appropriate computer hardware, software and reliable internet connection at home throughout the semester. ACC libraries, Accelerator buildings, and the Computer Science labs all have the necessary computers and internet connections needed for this course.

Microsoft Office 365
http://sites.austincc.edu/newsroom/microsoft-office-365-offered-free-to-acc-students-employees/

ACC Computer Science – Computer Lab Hours:
http://sites.austincc.edu/cs/student-resources/csit-lab-schedule/

CS/IT Tutoring Services:
http://www.acctutor.org

Optional but recommended: USB Flash drive, at least 4 GB capacity

Course grades consist of non-comprehensive exams on concepts, projects on Microsoft office 2021 applications, Microsoft Office 2021 trainings and exams, and Prepare for the Exam activities.

Prepare for the Exam activities:

1. All assignments have "Due Dates".
2. Submission links are programmatically removed after Due Dates.
3. Therefore, it is not possible to submit after due dates.
4. All other assignments are through the links in Blackboard to MindTap or SAM.
5. Due Dates for the assignments are displayed in MindTap and SAM plus under Syllabus in Blackboard.
6. You must submit all your assignments to pass the course.
7. Copy/Cheating an Assignment from Another student: First Offense will result in a grade of Zero (0) for the said assignment. Second Offense will result in a grade of “F” for the course.

Exams:

1. Links to the Projects and Application Tests appear in the "MindTap" section in Blackboard. The Orientation Exam is available on the first day of the course.
2. All work (homework/exam) is administered online. They must be taken and submitted by 11:59pm of the due date.
3. Concept Practice Exams are accessed in MindTap and may be taken once.  All work is due before midnight on the scheduled due date. Late homework policy: 24-hour with 20% penalty.
4. MS Office Homework are accessed in MindTap and may be taken up to 3 times.  The highest grade is entered in the gradebook.  All work is due before midnight on the scheduled due date. Late homework policy: 24-hour with 20% penalty.
5. Concept Exams are accessed in MindTap and may be taken once.  They are timed exams meaning, once started the student must submit the exam before the allotted time to receive a grade.  Failure to submitting work by the due date will result in a grade of zero.
6. MS Office Capstone Exams are accessed in SAM from MindTap and may be taken 3 times.  They are timed exams meaning, once started the student must submit the exam before the allotted time to receive a grade.  Failure to submitting work by the due date will result in a grade of zero.
7. Copy/Cheating during an Exam will result in a grade of “F” in the class.

Each Microsoft Office 2021 assignments will be available in Blackboard until the due date. After the due date, the assignment is no available and the submission link is programmatically removed. Scheduling of computer time outside of regular lab time is the student’s responsibility.

Exams are closed book. Concept and Application Exams are MindTap/SAM-based. For both types of exams (Concept and Application) students work individually and questions are not addressed after exams have begun.

Grade Policy:

The instructor will assign grades based both on concepts (including Computer Literacy terminology) and practical application skills.  The instructor will use the following grading scale and table to award the student's final grade:

Orientation Quiz ........................................................... 50

6 Concepts Practice Exams @ 50 ............................. 300

2 Concepts Tests @ 100 ............................................ 200

13 Skills Projects @ 50 ............................................... 650

4 Skills Tests @ 100 .................................................... 400

Total: .......................................................................... 1600

Instructional Methodology:

You should expect to spend approximately 2 hours of time doing course work outside of class for each 1 hour of in-class time per week.  You are expected to read the concept modules 1 through 6 before its respective class lecture.  The student will benefit from completing the skills modules prior to the start of lecture.  The due dates for all assignments are strictly enforced. There is a 20% penalty for submitting a late assignment up to 24 hours (tests excluded).  Missing a scheduled assignment or test will result in the grade of zero regardless of the excuse - no exceptions.

Expectations:

You should expect to spend approximately 2 hours of time doing course work outside of class for each 1 hour of in‐class time per week.  You are expected to read the concept modules 1 through 6 before its respective class lecture.  Furthermore, it is highly recommended to complete the skills modules before the lecture. The due dates for all assignments are strictly enforced.  There is a 20% penalty for submitting a late homework up to 24 hours (tests/exams excluded).  Missing a scheduled assignment or test will result in the grade of zero regardless of the excuse - no exceptions.

Makeup, Retesting & Extra Credit

Students are informed that there will be neither any makeup exam, retesting nor extra credit work to raise the student’s grade.

Attendance / Withdrawal:

You are expected to attend every class of the semester. If you have an emergency that conflicts with class, then it is recommended that you to contact the instructor before class about your absence.

You are expected to work in class for the entire duration of the class time. If you have an emergency that requires you to leave class early, then it is recommended that you inform the instructor of your need to leave class.

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 April 27, 2026.  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.

If the withdrawal is not completed by 5 PM on the last day to withdrawal, the student will receive a performance grade (A, B, C, D, or F) that they have earned.  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.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.”

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.

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.

AI (Artificial Intelligence) Generative Tools Use Policy:

Our Course and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

As we explore new topics, it's important to talk about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, like ChatGPT or Google Gemini, fit into our learning. My main goal is to help you think critically, develop your own ideas, and express them clearly. This policy is here to support your learning journey, not to complicate it.

Why This Policy Matters

Learning to think for yourself and create original work is a key part of your education. When you use your own brainpower to complete assignments, you're building valuable skills that will help you succeed in this course, other classes, and your future career. This policy helps us ensure:

• Fairness: Everyone has an equal chance to learn and demonstrate their understanding.
• Skill Development: You gain strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and writing abilities.
• Academic Integrity: Your submitted work truly represents your efforts and learning.

What is Generative AI?

For this course, Generative AI refers to any computer program or tool that can create new content (like text, images, code, or answers to questions) in response to a prompt or input. Examples include:

• AI chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT, Google Gemini)
• AI writing assistants that generate paragraphs or essays
• AI tools that summarize texts or generate ideas from scratch

Using Generative AI in This Course: Permissions and Limitations

We want you to learn effectively, and sometimes AI tools can be helpful. However, it's crucial to understand when and how they can be used.

Permitted Uses (with caution and transparency):

You may use Generative AI for these purposes, but you must cite any significant use:

• Brainstorming ideas: To help you start thinking about a topic.
• Outlining: To help organize your thoughts before writing.
• Rewording/clarifying your own sentences: If you're stuck on how to phrase something you've already written.
• Checking minor grammar and spelling: As a final review of your work (similar to a spell checker).

Important: If you use AI for any of these permitted purposes, you must include a brief note at the end of your assignment explaining how you used it (e.g., "AI used for brainstorming essay topics," or "AI used to rephrase a sentence in paragraph 3").

Prohibited Uses (strictly forbidden):

You may NOT use Generative AI for these purposes:

• Generating full drafts of essays, paragraphs, or answers: Submitting content entirely or substantially written by AI.
• Answering specific questions directly: Using AI to provide the answers to assignment questions without your own thought process.
• Plagiarizing: Presenting AI-generated content as if it were your original work without proper citation or permission.
• Mimicking your voice or style: Using AI to generate text that sounds like it came from you.

Resources for Ethical AI Use

• If you’re interested in exploring how to use AI ethically and responsibly:
• AI Ethics Guidelines for Students – EDUCAUSE @ https://library.educause.edu
• Academic Integrity in the Age of AI – International Center for Academic Integrity @ https://academicintegrity.org
• Campus writing center or academic support services

You’re always welcome to ask me (your instructor!) if you’re unsure whether using an AI tool is okay for a particular assignment.

Learning to use new tools responsibly is a part of being a good student and citizen. We'll discuss AI and its ethical implications in class. If you're ever unsure about how to use an AI tool ethically, please ask me! There are also many great resources online about responsible AI use.

How I Determine AI Use

• I may use detection tools, compare writing style across assignments, or ask follow-up questions to understand how you created your work. If something feels generated or inconsistent with previous submissions, I’ll reach out directly before making any decisions.
• Furthermore, I will review your work for signs of AI generation, which can include unusual phrasing, lack of personal voice, or incorrect information that AI models sometimes produce. The most important thing is that your work reflects your own learning and understanding.

Penalties for Misuse

Using Generative AI in prohibited ways, or failing to cite its permitted use, will be treated as an academic integrity violation, similar to plagiarism. Penalties may include:

• First Instance: Receiving a zero on the assignment and a required meeting with me to discuss the policy and how to avoid future violations.
• Second Instance: Failing the course and a report to the college administration, which could lead to further disciplinary action.

Exceptions

I understand that students have diverse learning styles and needs. If you have a specific accessibility need or learning accommodation that you believe might involve the use of AI tools, please talk to me privately as soon as possible. We can discuss your situation and determine if an exception can be made and how it would be managed to support your learning while maintaining academic integrity.

My priority is to support your success. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about this policy or anything else related to the course.

Incomplete:

The instructor has full discretion on awarding the incomplete grade. A student may receive a temporary grade of “I” (Incomplete) at the end of the semester only if ALL 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 has met and discussed his/her grades with the instructor a week prior to the withdrawal date.
3. The student must have earned at least 70% of the grade points needed for a “C” by the end of the semester.
4. The request for the grade must be submitted to the instructor with the complete necessary documents.
5. To remove an “I”, the student must complete the course by two weeks before the withdrawal date 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  https://acctutor.org

Testing Center Policy [Open Campus Sections Only]

http://www.austincc.edu/support-and-services/services-for-students/testing-services/instructional-testing/testing-center-guidelines

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/ and http://www.austincc.edu/google/.  Instructors/Lab Technicians will conduct a brief lab orientation during the first class laboratory period.

Safety Statement:

Each student is expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Emergency posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency/.
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.

    Computer Concepts: 

·         Module 1 – Impact of Digital Technology

·         Module 2 – The Web

·         Module 3 – Computer Hardware

·         Module 4 – Operating Systems and File Management

·         Module 5 – Software and Apps

·         Module 6 – Security and Safety

Microsoft Office 2021 from Textbook:

Word 2021:

·         Module 1 – Creating and Modifying a Flyer

·         Module 2 – Creating a Research Paper

·         Module 3 – Creating a Business Letter

PowerPoint 2021:

·         Module 1 – Creating and Editing Presentations with Pictures

·         Module 2 – Enhancing Presentations with Shapes and SmartArt

·         Module 3 – Inserting WordArt, Charts, and Tables

Excel 2021:

·         Module 1 – Creating a Workbook and a Chart

·         Module 2 – Formulas, Functions, and Formatting

·         Module 3 – Working with Large Worksheets, Charting, and What-if Analysis

·         Module 4 – Financial Functions, Data Tables, and Amortization Schedules

Access 2021:

·         Module 1 – Databases and Database Objects: An Introduction

·         Module 2 – Querying a Database

·         Module 3 – Maintaining a Database

* This is a tentative schedule.  The instructor will notify the student if the schedule changes.