Faculty Syllabus

This class can MOSTLY be completed on either a PC (Windows OS) or a Mac. However, the Microsoft Access Projects MUST be completed on a Windows computer. 

Each student’s grade for this course consists of class participation, non-comprehensive exams on concepts, and Microsoft Office 2021 SAM trainings, exams, and projects.

12 SAM Trainings -- SAM Training average worth 10% of final grade

12 SAM Exams -- SAM Exam average worth 10% of final grade

12 SAM Projects -- SAM Project average worth 20% of final grade

4 SAM Capstone Projects -- SAM Capstone Project average worth 16% of final grade

12 Concepts Tests -- Concepts Test average worth 36% of final grade

Class Participation -- worth 8% of final grade

An overall grade will be assigned based on the following scale:

90% - 100% A   89% - 80% B   79% - 70% C   69% - 60% D   0% - 59% F

DO NOT PURCHASE THIS TEXTBOOK. IT IS INCLUDED WITH YOUR TUITION.   

Technology for Success + Microsoft 365 & Office 2021 inclusive access, Cengage 2023.

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.

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.

5. Use IT to acquire, differentiate and evaluate information and technology

Professor Ralph E. Hooper

Office Phone: 512-223-2599

Office Location: Room 1300.25 San Gabriel Campus

Virtual Office Hours available: Tue, Thurs 12 pm -- 2 pm via Zoom (email for appt.)

ACC email: ralph.hooper@austincc.edu -- Zoom will be available for meetings

Instructor Website: https://hooper.accprofessors.com/ 

Instructor Bio: I have been teaching at the college level for many years in both mathematics and computer science. My research interests are computational thinking and educational technology. I enjoy travel and baseball.

Generative AI Policy for COSC 1301 -- Introduction to Computing

1. Introduction

This course adopts a balanced approach to Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) use, recognizing both its potential as a learning tool and the importance of developing fundamental problem-solving skills independently. Students are permitted to use GAI for specific learning activities while prohibited from using it for assessment and core skill development exercises. This policy aims to prepare students for professional environments where they will need both the ability to leverage AI tools effectively and the foundational knowledge to work independently when needed.

2. Rationale

Permitted Use: GAI is allowed for exploratory learning, concept clarification, and generating practice problems because these activities enhance understanding without replacing the development of core competencies. In professional computing environments, practitioners regularly use AI tools for research, brainstorming, and preliminary exploration.

Prohibited Use: GAI is prohibited for homework assignments, training, exams, and projects because these activities are designed to build essential analytical thinking skills, reasoning abilities, and problem-solving strategies. These skills cannot be developed if students rely on AI to complete the cognitive work.

3. Definition of GAI

For this course, Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) refers to any artificial intelligence system capable of creating text, code, mathematical solutions, or other content in response to prompts. This includes but is not limited to:

• Large Language Models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.)
• Code generation tools (GitHub Copilot, Tabnine, etc.)
• Mathematical problem solvers (Wolfram Alpha when used for step-by-step solutions)
• Any AI-powered tutoring or homework assistance platforms
• AI-enabled search tools that generate synthesized responses

4. Resources

Students are encouraged to use the following resources when GAI use is permitted:

• Recommended Platforms: ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini for conceptual discussions; Wolfram Alpha for computational verification
• Office Hours: Instructor support for questions about appropriate GAI use

5. Assessment

For Permitted Activities: GAI use will be assessed based on:

• Quality of questions/prompts submitted to AI systems
• Critical evaluation of AI-generated responses
• Ability to identify errors or limitations in AI output
• Integration of AI insights with course concepts

Documentation Requirement: When GAI is used in permitted activities, students must:

• Include a brief statement describing which tools were used and how
• Reflect on the accuracy and usefulness of the AI-generated content
• Demonstrate their own understanding through explanation or extension of AI-generated ideas

6. Penalties

Violations of this GAI policy will result in the following consequences:

• First Offense: Warning and required completion of AI ethics module
• Second Offense: Zero grade on the assignment and required meeting with instructor
• Third Offense: Failure of the course and report to academic integrity committee

Severe Violations (submitting AI-generated work as original on exams or major assignments): Immediate failure of the course and report to academic integrity committee.

All violations will be documented and may affect future academic standing and recommendation letters.

7. Exceptions

Exceptions to this policy may be granted under the following circumstances:

• Accessibility Needs: Students with documented disabilities may receive modified GAI permissions through the Office of Disability Services
• Technical Difficulties: If course-required GAI tools are unavailable during designated activities, alternative arrangements will be made
• Research Projects: Advanced students conducting independent research may petition for expanded GAI permissions with instructor approval
• Emergency Situations: Documented emergencies affecting a student's ability to complete work independently may warrant temporary policy modifications

Students seeking exceptions must submit a written request to the instructor at least 48 hours before the relevant deadline.

8. Usage Permissions

Prohibited GAI Activities

• All Homework Assignments: GAI may not be used to solve, check, or generate solutions for any graded homework problem
• Examinations: No GAI use during quizzes, midterms, or final examinations

Permitted GAI Activities

• Concept Exploration: Using GAI to explore definitions, ask clarifying questions about course topics, or request alternative explanations
• Practice Problem Generation: Requesting GAI to create additional practice problems (not for submission)
• Study Guide Creation: Using GAI to help organize study materials or create concept maps
• Background Research: Exploring historical context or applications of mathematical concepts

This policy is subject to revision based on evolving technology and pedagogical best practices. Students will be notified of any changes with at least one week's notice.