HEARTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
COURSE SYLLABUS FOR STUDENTS
DIVISION: SOCIAL AND BUSINESS SCIENCES
COURSE PREFIX AND NUMBER: ACSM 102 01E
COURSE TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER CONCEPTS
EFFECTIVE DATE OF FIRST CLASS: August 2011
CREDIT HOURS: 1.5
Contact Hours: 1.5
Lecture Hours: 1.5 Lab Hours: 0.0
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
Introduction to Computer Concepts will introduce students from any major to the essential
computing concepts including computer hardware and software in addition to the Internet and
World Wide Web. Social and ethical issues will be emphasized. Credit will not be awarded for
students who have previously taken ACSM 101.
TEXTBOOK:
Gordon, J., Lankisch, K., Muir, N., Seguin. D., & Verno, A. (2011). Our Digital World
Introduction to Cmputing. St. Paul, MA: Paradigm
RELATIONSHIP TO ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND TRANSFERABILITY:
ACSM 102 fulfills 1.5 semester hours of elective credit for the A.A. or A.S. Degrees. It is a core
course for pursuing the A.A.S. degree of Microcomputer Applications and for the Certificate in
Microcomputer Applications. ACSM 102 and ACSM 103 combined equate to ACSM 101, which
fulfills 3 semester hours of elective credit for the A.A. and A.S. degrees. It should transfer to most
colleges and universities as an elective course. However, since this course is not part of either the
General Education Core Curriculum or a baccalaureate major program described in the Illinois
Articulation Initiative, students should check with an academic advisor for information about its
transferability to other institutions program described in the Illinois Articulation Initiative,
students should check with an academic advisor for information about its transferability to other
institutions.
Computer literacy was once defined as being familiar with hardware and software, including applications
such as word processing or the use of spreadsheets. Today, understanding and using technology has
become a survival skill, and computer literacy must include knowing the role and uses of the Internet and
the connection of technology to nearly every aspect of daily activities at home and in the workplace. In
this course students will build their knowledge of key computer concepts, including the functions of the
Internet and Web, computer systems and applications, and the range of ethical issues that continue to
emerge in our global, technology-driven society.
LEARNING OUTCOMES (Course Objectives):
After successfully completing the course, students should be able to:
Course Outcomes
1. Demonstrate the understanding of the
relationship between the basic
components and functions of a
computer system
2. Identify and explain the process of
purchasing, operating, and
maintaining a personal computer.
3. Demonstrate the understanding of
the Internet and World Wide Web.
General
Education
Outcomes*
Throughout
the semester,
students will
achieve the
following Gen WT
Ed outcomes: Workplace
Technology
PS1
WC
CT1
Workplace
DI1
Communication
CO1
4. Identify and reflect upon the social and
ethical issues regarding responsible
computer use.
Program
Outcomes
DI3
Range of
Assessment
Methods
Throughout the
semester, the
following
assessment
methods will
be used to
measure the
course and Gen
Ed learning
outcomes:
Quizzes,
Exams, and
Assignments
* CO1: Students compose a message and provide ideas and information suitable to the topics,
purpose and audience.
DI1: Students are receptive to believes and values that differ from their own.
PS1: Students solve problems based on examples and frameworks provided by instructors.
CT1: Students gather knowledge, apply it to a new situation, and draw reasonable
conclusions in ways that demonstrate comprehension.
DI3: Students reflect upon the formation of their own perspectives, beliefs, opinions,
attitudes, ideas and values.
COURSE OUTLINE:
1. Course overview and instructional objective, and introduction to the world of
computers
2. The central processing unit and memory
3. System & application software
4. Secondary storage
5. Input and output
6. The Internet and World Wide Web
7. Communication and Network Technologies
8. Ethics Issues
9. Review of topics
METHOD OF EVALUATION
Satisfactory completion of quizzes, exams and assignments is required for this course:
Assessment Method
End of Chapter Concepts Checks and Projects
Core Content quizzes
Supplemental activities
Exams
TOTAL
% of Final Grade
40%
20%
10%
30%
100%
Students will be evaluated based on quizzes, exams and assignments including end of
chapter concepts checks, projects, core concept quizzes, supplemental activities, and
exams. The points you will earn for each chapter will be specified in the assignments and
are posted on Blackboard.
Final Grades will be calculated using the following grading scale:
90 – 100%
A
80 – 89%
B
70 – 79%
C
60 – 69%
D
Below 60%
F
Additional Grading Policies: Submit all your assignments on BB. Open Learning courses
allow students to complete course work at their own pace, but certain guidelines are still in place.
You gain what you put in. The instructor is here to help you succeed and have a positive
experience in college learning. Please read carefully about the additional policies of grading as
the follows:
1. Submit a copy of your individualized course calendar (see the examples provided at the
end of the Course Syllabus. The instructor is more than happy to work with you to create
one based on your learning needs.
2. Bonus points will be awarded to the student who submits the homework with no missing
items at the end of the semester.
3. Two weeks after your enrollment a zero will be given to the assignment for the first
chapter that has not been submitted as an indicator that you have not actively in engaged
in learning for the first two weeks.
4. Midterm grades will be determined by the points you have earned for the assignments
submitted by Monday, Week 8.
5. While hoping each and every one to submit your assignments during the week as
indicated in your individualized calendar, you are allowed an extension for late
submission. In this case, it is your responsibility to send me an email in advance
explaining a good reason why you are behind your schedule, and the date when you can
complete them. You earned points will be in place of the zero when your submission has
been graded.
Computer and Study Time
Approximately 4.5 or more hours per week of computer and study time is recommended
for successful completion of the 16 week course requirements. 9 or more hours per week
will be needed if 8 or 9 week completion is desired.
E COURSE STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
1. Students enrolled in E courses must attend an orientation meeting to sign a learning
contract before they will be allowed to proceed with the course. Sign up for the date and
time with your instructor for the orientation.
2. Students enrolled in E courses will be required to log into the course within 72 hours of
the beginning of their semester.
3. Students in E courses will not have a dedicated class meeting time on campus; however
students are required to complete two on campus lab hours for this course as specified in
the course learning contract.
4. Students are required to complete all coursework at their own pace and complete
assignments at home, or in other HCC lab.
5. Students are expected to go to the BT Learning Center for individualized instruction if
needed.
6. All the course work has to be completed by the conclusion of the semester in which they
enrolled.
7. E courses may be completed at an accelerated pace, as appropriate for the student.
TWO LAB HOURS REQUIREMENT
You can use the lab hours for individualized instruction, completion of your assignments,
quizzes and exams. You are also encouraged to use the BT Learning Center as many
hours as needed.
BELIEFS
Academic Discipline
Computer literacy was once defined as being familiar with hardware and software, including
applications such as word processing or the use of spreadsheets. Today, understanding and using
technology has become a survival skill, and computer literacy must include knowing the role and
uses of the Internet and the connection of technology to nearly every aspect of daily activities at
home and in the workplace. In this course students will build their knowledge of key computer
concepts, including the functions of the Internet and Web, computer systems and applications,
and the range of ethical issues that continue to emerge in our global, technology-driven society.
Student Learning
Students enrolled in this class are responsible for learning the course material and completing the
required assignments. Be motivated, well-planned, and self-disciplined. In general, students need
to spend about 4.5 hours or more per week for 16 week class. If you plan to complete the course
several weeks earlier by the end of the semester, more study hours per week are needed. Feel free
to contact the instructor if you have any concerns about your learning.
Instructor’s Role
The instructor will do the best to help students learn, and succeed. See the schedule for BT
Learning Center hours when the instructor is present. Other hours can be scheduled with the
instructor if needed. One-on-one conferences will be conducted as foreseeing any student who is
not likely to succeed.
IMPORTANT DATES
Nov 8 Final Day to withdraw for 16-week session
Dec 9 Final Day to submit all your assignments
Dec 13 Final Day to complete your final exam
REQUIRED WRITING AND READING:
Each lesson consists of reading from the textbook with about one hundred and fifty pages per
semester. Students will need to write approximately five to ten pages per semester.
SYLLABI DISCLAIMER:
This course syllabus is subject to change at any time by the instructor, you will be informed of
changes as they are deemed necessary by the instructor.
IMPORTANT: Assignment of the Week of Enrollment
You are expected to complete the following tasks during the week of your enrollment:
_____ 1. Sign up and attend a scheduled Orientation meeting with Professor Lisa
Sharp and/ or Dr. Ruifang Cao.
_____ 2. Review your course syllabus posted on Blackboard (BB).
_____ 3. Purchase your textbook.
_____ 4. Create your own Course Calendar and send a copy to your instructor (15
points).
_____ 5. Go to Discussion Board to post your assignment of Self Introduction (15
points).
_____ 6. Feel comfortable to the postings of course materials on BB.
_____ 7. Fill in a survey form with your preferences of Business Technology Learning
Center open hours (optional)
Assignments for the remaining semester are posted on BB so get online at least three times per
week to keep you updated with changes.
ACSM 102-01E COURSE CALENDAR
Example 1:
Course Calendar for 8 Week Completion
Students who are enrolled in Week 1 and plan to complete the course in 8 or 9 weeks may
consider adapting the calendar below.
Week
Chapter/Topics
Assessment
1
Orientation Meeting at Business Learning Center, WDC 2606
Learning
Contract
1
Chapter 1 — Digital Technologies: Exploring a Wealth of Possibilities
2
Chapter 2 — The Internet: Gateway to a World of Resources
3
Chapter 3 — Computer Hardware and Peripherals: Your Digital Toolbox
3
Exam 1: Chapter 1 through Chapter 3
4
Chapter 4 — System Software: The Control Center of Your Computer
5
Chapter 5 — Applications Software: The Key to Digital Productivity
6
Chapter 6 — Communication and Network Technologies: Connecting
Through Computers
6
Exam 2: Chapter 4 through Chapter 6
7
Chapter 7 — The Social Web: Opportunities for Learning, Working, and
Communicating
Assignment
Quiz
Assignment
Quiz
8
Chapter 8 — Digital Defense: Securing Your Data and Privacy
Assignment
Quiz
9
Exam 3: Chapter 7 through Chapter 8
Student Name: _______________________________________________
Date of Enrollment: ______________________________
Week of Enrollment: _______________
Assignment
Quiz
Assignment
Quiz
Assignment
Quiz
Assignment
Quiz
Assignment
Quiz
Assignment
Quiz
ACSM 102-01E COURSE CALENDAR
Example 2:
Individualized Course Calendar
Students who are enrolled in Week 1 or later and plan to complete the course in any of the 16
weeks can use the table below to create an individualized calendar. Write the Week number of
enrollment in the first row under Week, and the Week number to complete a certain chapter. Last
day to submit assignments and quizzes is December 9, and Exam 3 is December 13.
Week
Chapter/Topics
Assessment
Orientation Meeting at Business Learning Center, WDC 2606
Learning
Contract
Chapter 1 — Digital Technologies: Exploring a Wealth of Possibilities
Chapter 2 — The Internet: Gateway to a World of Resources
Chapter 3 — Computer Hardware and Peripherals: Your Digital Toolbox
Assignment
Quiz
Assignment
Quiz
Assignment
Quiz
Exam 1: Chapter 1 through Chapter 3
Chapter 4 — System Software: The Control Center of Your Computer
Chapter 5 — Applications Software: The Key to Digital Productivity
Chapter 6 — Communication and Network Technologies: Connecting
Through Computers
Exam 2: Chapter 4 through Chapter 6
Chapter 7 — The Social Web: Opportunities for Learning, Working, and
Communicating
Chapter 8 — Digital Defense: Securing Your Data and Privacy
Exam 3: Chapter 7 through Chapter 8
Student Name: _______________________________________________
Date of Enrollment: ______________________________
Week of Enrollment: _______________
Assignment
Quiz
Assignment
Quiz
Assignment
Quiz
Assignment
Quiz
Assignment
Quiz
Assignment
Quiz