BUSINESS/IT DEPARTMENT
CIS 1103--INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Section 22
Course Syllabus--Spring 2013
Instructor: Cherie Conner
Time:
Monday 5:30pm
Lab:
B206
Contact Information cconner@northark.edu 870-391-3154, Office location- Center Campus C201
Office Hours Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm (by appointment only)
COURSE DESCRIPTION: (3 credit hours) Introduction to IT provides a working vocabulary of terms used
by computer personnel and an introduction to the latest version of Microsoft Office, an integrated
software package that encompasses database management, presentation graphics, spreadsheet, and
word processing applications. In addition to providing marketable skills, mastery of this course will
enhance students’ efficiency and effectiveness. This course also provides an opportunity to use the
Internet and email as learning tools and emphasizes proper file management. Students with limited
keyboarding skills should take CIS 1013, Computer and Keyboarding Fundamentals before or along with
CIS 1103. (ACTS Department/Number/Title – CPSI 1003 Introduction to Computers)
PREREQUISITE: None
AUDIENCE: This course is required of all AAS degree-seeking students at North Arkansas College and is
a transfer course for AA degree-seeking students.
NEXT COURSE IN SEQUENCE:
 Business Administration Majors: CIS 2543 Management Productivity Tools
 IT Majors: CIS 2423 Database Management, CIS 1333 Spreadsheet, CIS 2533 Business
Presentations, and CIS 1253 Word Processing
TEXT AND MATERIALS:
 The items in the box below are bundled into one package and available in the Northark
Bookstore:
1. Visualizing Technology, Complete (customized with nine chapters and
blue/white cover), Prentice-Hall
2. Go! With Microsoft Office 2010, Volume 1, Prentice Hall
3. My IT Lab, Training and Assessment Simulation Access Code for Microsoft
Office 2010; Prentice Hall
4. 180-day trial version of Office 2010
 If materials are purchased individually (not in the Northark Bookstore), the textbook information
is as follows:
1.The ISBN number for the Visualizing Technology book is: 0-13-705634-6 (approximately $150
on Pearson's site). This book is a complete book and will have more chapters than we cover;
however, it does include all of the needed chapters for the course.
2.The ISBN number for the Office 2010 book is: 0-13-245446-7 (approximately $150 on Pearson's
site).
3.My IT Lab is sold online at www.myitlab.com for approximately $100.
 Data Files (on-campus)—The data files for your textbook are available on our campus network
at the following location: data files on artemis\Intro to IT (CIS 1103)
 Data Files (off-campus)—The data files may be downloaded to your personal computer or flash
drive from the textbook’s companion website (link in portal).
 Email Account—A Northark email account was issued to you automatically when you enrolled in
your classes. To access your email, navigate to Northark’s Web site at www.northark.edu. Your
email address will be your username@mail.northark.edu. If you prefer to use an existing email
account, follow the instructions on the portal to forward your emails.
 Storing assignments for grading—Files may be stored in your network folder, which is located at
the following location on campus: home on artemis\username. Students may store work on a
portable device (flash drive, external hard drive, etc.). Students may also store files offline and
transfer to campus via email or cloud computing.
 Login Information—See information at the end of this syllabus.
 My IT Lab Account—You will choose the username and password for this account. Be sure to
write it down. Lost usernames and passwords that cannot be retrieved through Pearson
Publishing will require you to purchase another access code for $100. When registering your
code, do NOT use an existing Pearson account!
Websites for the Class:
www.northark.edu
North Arkansas College Website
portal.northark.edu
North Arkansas College Portal
web.mail.northark.edu
North Arkansas College Email
http://wps.prenhall.com/bp_geoghan_vistech_1/
Visualizing Technology Textbook Resources
http://wps.prenhall.com/bp_go2010_vol_1/
Office 2010 Textbook Resources
www.myitlab.com
My IT Lab
SOFTWARE AND SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:
 System Software: You will be using Windows 7 on campus. You may use Windows XP, Windows
Vista, or Windows 7 on your personal computer.
 Application Software: Office 2010 (Access 2010, Excel 2010, PowerPoint 2010, Word 2010). A
trial version was included in your bundled materials for this course. The trial version is PC
compatible (not MAC compatible).
 Simulation: My IT Lab (Must complete the installation steps on your personal computer. MIL
may not be compatible with the web browser, Mozilla Firefox. MIL will not work with dial-up
Internet access.) My IT Lab is compatible with MAC computers; however, additional setup may
be required.
 System Requirements: If you want to use your own personal computer to complete work
outside of class, please refer to the recommended system requirements on the portal. Your
computer must have the capabilities of running the software specified on the list.
RATIONALE: Every day computers play a key role in how we work and how we live. Today, even the
smallest organizations usually have computers to help them operate more efficiently. Personal
computers continue to make an increasing impact on our lives. Today, many people believe that
knowing how to use a computer, especially a personal computer, is a basic skill necessary to succeed in
business or to function effectively in society.
COURSE OBJECTIVES—Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
 compare and distinguish different types of microcomputers and peripherals that are available in
business and industry.
 use database management, presentation graphics, spreadsheet, word processing, Internet and
email software.
 define basic computer terminology.
 describe the major components of a computer system.
 manage computer files and folders and navigate a network at the introductory level.
 integrate technology appropriate for learning.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION: The material will be presented by lecture, classroom discussion, and lab
exercises. You will have outside class work which you can complete on campus in any computer lab.
Students are not expected to own a computer; however, if you have a computer at home, you are
welcome to use it to complete class work IF you have the same software. It is important that you
understand that you will be required to work on a computer outside of your class meeting times. Plan to
spend at least three hours per week outside of class on your own personal computer or in a computer
lab.
COURSE CONTENT: Visualizing Technology
Chapter 1: What is a Computer?
Chapter 2: Hardware
Chapter 3: File Management
Chapter 4: Digital Devices and Multimedia
Chapter 5: Application Software
Chapter 6: System Software
Chapter 7: The Internet and World Wide Web
Chapter 8: Communicating and Sharing: The Social Web
Chapter 9: Security and Privacy
Microsoft Office 2010
Common Features Chapter 1: Using the Common Features of Microsoft Office 2010
Integrating Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint
Word Chapter 1: Creating Documents with Microsoft Word 2010
Word Chapter 2: Using Tables and Templates to Create Resumes and Cover Letters
Word Chapter 3: Creating Research Papers, Newsletters, and Merged Mailing Labels
Excel Chapter 1: Creating a Worksheet and Charting Data
Excel Chapter 2: Using Functions, Creating Tables, and Managing Large Workbooks
Excel Chapter 3: Analyzing Data with Pie Charts, Line Charts, and What-If Analysis Tools
Access Chapter 1: Getting Started with Access Databases
Access Chapter 2: Sort and Query a Database
Access Chapter 3: Forms, Filters, and Reports
PowerPoint Chapter 1: Getting Started with Microsoft Office PowerPoint
PowerPoint Chapter 2: Formatting PowerPoint Presentations
PowerPoint Chapter 3: Enhancing a Presentation with Animation, Video, Tables, and Charts
EVALUATION: Students will be evaluated in this course and given grades: A, B, C, D, F or other "grade
symbols" as explained in the current College Catalog. Your grade will be based on points earned from
the following:
Exam, Visualizing Technology, Chapters 1-3
10%
Exam, Visualizing Technology, Chapters 4-6
10%
Exam, Visualizing Technology, Chapters 7-9
10%
Exam, Microsoft Word 2010
10%
Exam, Microsoft Excel 2010
10%
Final Exam (Microsoft 2010: Access, Excel, PowerPoint, & Word)
20%
Assignments and Class Participation
30%
ATTENDANCE:
Students are expected to attend all class meetings and officially withdraw from courses they are no
longer attending.
Please come to class on time. Tardiness disrupts the instructor and other students. You are allowed four
(4) absences with no point deductions. Your grade will be reduced by 1% point for each absence over
four. Use your four absences wisely! Absences are absences (no excused or unexcused as I do not want
to decide who has a good reason and who does not. An absence is an absence. If you miss class, you are
still responsible for the same material and assignments as those in attendance!
Grading Scale
90-100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
Below 60 F
Making Up Work: Students are expected to complete any work he or she misses because of absences
BEFORE the next scheduled class. This is YOUR responsibility. Late assignments will not be accepted for
credit. If you must miss class and know prior to the absence, you may turn work in early. If you must
miss unexpectedly, it is your responsibility to know what you missed and be caught up by the next class
session.
Exams can only be made up for unavoidable circumstances. If you must miss an exam, you should make
arrangements with the instructor to take the test early. These arrangements must be made in a
reasonable amount of time prior to test day. In the event of unavoidable circumstances which might
cause you to miss an exam without prior notice, you MUST contact the instructor immediately to make
arrangements—this MUST be done before the next class meeting after a test. Exams not taken before
the next class meeting will result in a score of zero.
CERTIFICATION/TESTING CENTER: If you do not take an exam in the classroom during the regularly
scheduled exam date/time, it will be YOUR responsibility to contact the Certification/Testing Center and
make an appointment. The Center is located in the Library on the South Campus. It is the student's
responsibility to check with the Center for hours of operation and guidelines. Typically, if you are taking
an exam which requires a computer, you must make an appointment with the Center prior to taking the
exam.
CHALLENGE EXAM: This course may be challenged and credit received by successfully passing a
comprehensive examination. Students desiring to receive credit through the Challenge Exam process
must be enrolled in the course and complete the examination no later than the first week of class.
Students have the option to receive credit for the class with the grade earned on the Challenge Exam or
to remain in the class. The challenge exam is available in the Testing/Certification Center (South Campus
Library) by appointment only. Allow two (2) hours for the exam. You will be given the option of
accepting the score as your grade for the course. If a score is accepted, the proper paperwork will be
completed by you and your instructor and submitted to the Registrar's Office.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: North Arkansas College is committed to academic achievement supported by a
strict but fair policy to protect academic integrity. This policy regards academic fraud and dishonesty as
disciplinary offenses requiring disciplinary actions. Students are expected to uphold the highest standard
of academic honesty. Please refer to North Arkansas College Catalog for additional information.
COMPUTER LAB SAFETY: Use common sense with food and drinks in the labs. If you must communicate
by phone during class, please step outside in the hallway and close the classroom door as not to disturb
the classroom. Your understanding is appreciated!
STUDENT RESOURCES: Please do not hesitate to contact your instructor during office hours. Computer
labs are available for you to use to complete class work. The labs (206, 207, 208, 209, and 302) in the
JPH Building are open for student use when classes are not in session; schedules are posted on the
bulletin board outside B202. The open computer lab, located in the library, is available daily. See Library
information in the College Catalog or online at Northark’s Website for the library’s hours of operation.
Other computers may be available on the North Campus. Please ask your instructor if you have
questions concerning computer lab availability. You may also use your own computer to complete work;
however, you are not required to own your own computer to complete this course. Tutors may be
available in the Learning Commons! NOTE: The best way to contact Mrs. Melton is by email! I may try
using Remind 101 this semester, which would allow me to send text messages to those who want to use
it.
ADA STATEMENT—Accommodations for Students with Special Needs
North Arkansas College complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990. Students with disabilities who need special accommodations should make
their requests in the following way:
 Talk to your instructor after class or during office hours about your disability or special need
related to your classroom work; and/or
 Contact Student Support Services in Room M184 and ask to speak to Kim Brecklein. Ms.
Brecklein may also be reached by phone at 870-391-3338.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION—See the current Northark College Catalog for additional information. You
may access the catalog online at www.northark.edu.
2013 Spring Academic Calendar—Online at www.northark.edu under Catalogs and Schedules
PROVISION FOR CHANGES: Students will be notified by the instructor of any updates/changes in the
course syllabus.