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SYLLABUS
IS 101 - Introduction to Information Systems
Credits:
Instructor:
Classroom:
Begin/End:
Day/Time:
No Class:
Class Website:
Office:
Phone:
E-mail:
Three (3)
Gary Kimber
GHTC 107
January 24 – May 18
Tuesday / Thursday 4:00 to 5:15
March 26-30 Spring Recess
Produced in class
No campus office
738-2298 340-7315 (mobile)
infosys101@gmail.com
Textbook:
Using Information Technology-Introductory
9th Edition - Williams / Sawyer
http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0073516775/student_view0
ISBN:
978-0-07-733108-5
MHID:
0-07-733108-7
Site:
Software:
Microsoft Office 2010 Suite, Web Downloads, Webs.com
Classmarker.com (quizzes and testing site)
None required
Prerequisite:
Course description:
Information Systems 101 - Introduction to computer-based information systems
management including hardware/software relationships, business applications usage,
systems theory, current technology, networking, the Internet, computer security, and
privacy concerns.
Welcome to IS 101
Introduction to Computer Information Systems
This course covers essential computer technology and is designed to meet the GBC
General Education technology requirement. We will cover computer hardware, major
applications, systems theory, application development, emerging technologies, security,
ethical, and privacy issues. This course should help you develop a strong understanding
of computers and the role they play in the business environment and society at large. IS
201 is a recommended companion to this class. This class is a riveting combination of
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discussion but includes significant hands on component. Three of the more significant
assignments include a written report, an oral presentation and a personal website.
All other assignment due dates will be noted when the assignments are given. Additional
time outside of class will be needed to complete assignments. To complete assignments
students may use any open GBC computer lab or, if available, their own computer and
appropriate software.
The Williams, Using Information Technology, 9e, utilizes a practical, applied approach
to technology. This text is user-focused and has been highly updated including topics,
pictures, and examples. The Williams text contains less theory and more application to
engage students who might be more familiar with technology. Continually published and
updated for over fifteen years, Using Information Technology was the first text to foresee
and define the impact of digital convergence—the fusion of computers and
communications. It was also the first text to acknowledge the new priorities imposed by
the Internet and World Wide Web and brings discussion of them from late in the course
to the beginning. Today, it is directed toward the “Always On” generation that is at ease
with digital technology—comfortable with iPhones, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter,
Wikipedia, and the blogosphere—but not always savvy about its processes, possibilities,
and liabilities. This ninth edition continues to address the two most significant challenges
that instructors face in teaching this course:
• Trying to make the course interesting and challenging, and
• Trying to teach to students with a variety of computer backgrounds.
In addition, this text correlates with Simnet Online for full integration of resources within
the Computing Concepts course.
The schedule of reading assignments, homework and tests is found below. Additional
assignments will be given verbally or as class handouts.
MAJOR OBJECTIVES OF IS 101
The primary objective for this class is to provide students with a working knowledge of
technology, primarily computers, as used in modern society. To this end, the essentials of
both computer hardware and software use in the workplace will be covered. Appropriate
uses and common misuses of this seemingly omnipresent tool will be discussed. Some of
the topics to be covered in this class include:
 How computers can augment and enhance many traditional human activities, but
rarely, if ever, replace such activities;
 Computers and networks as communications medium, e.g. Websites.
 Enhancing both quantitative and qualitative information analysis, e.g. information
systems are useful for collecting, organizing, and analyzing data but only if the
assumptions behind the data are understood and the formulas used in their
correlation are accurate;
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Understanding the complex relationships between computer hardware and
software;
Ethics and confidentiality when collecting, analyzing, and using personal
information, e.g. database use and privacy issues;
Intellectual property rights, e.g. patent, copyright and fair use doctrine;
Health ramifications of computer use, e.g. carpel tunnel syndrome, eye strain, and
possibly long term problems;
List and define computer technology related careers and career requirements
Grading Policy
Letter grades will be determined using a standard percentage point evaluation as outlined
below. A=90-100%, B=80-89%, C=70-79%, D=60-69%, F=59% or less or W=Official
Withdrawal if done before the withdrawal deadline. GBC grading policies will be
enforced. For additional information, see: http://www.gbcnv.edu/grades/#grading.
All assignments are due by the beginning of the next class unless otherwise indicated by
the instructor when they are assigned. The instructor must agree in advance to any
excused absences unless there are strong extenuating circumstances. The code of conduct
stated in The Rules and Disciplinary Procedures for Members of the University
Community will be enforced.
Source of Points
# of Assignments
14
7
1
1
1
32
Category Name
Engagement Exercise
Chapter Quiz
Final Exam
Midterm Paper
Student Presentation
Attendance
Points for
25
100
350
300
200
3.125
Available
Points
350
700
350
300
200
100
Total Points Available
*Instructor will provide a grade report with updated scores on a regular basis.
2000
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Learning Outcome
Illustrate the relationships between
computer hardware, applications, operating
systems, platforms, corporations, etc.
Measurement
Multiple assessments and read write
worksheets during the semester.
Create basic data presentation and analysis
constructs using essential computer
software tools.
Student presentation at the end of the
semester. Student website presented at the
end of the semester.
Demonstrate the use of and critically
evaluate electronic data and the Internet as
information resources
Student will prepare a written report with
supporting data and resources.
Discuss ethical and privacy issues relating
to computer use in the business
environment
Students will write a brief paper outlining
all of the steps necessary in order to secure
their personal information.
Learn the relationship between the Internet
and the World Wide Web.
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft PowerPoint
Student presentation must include
application of web base technology.
Successful completion of final paper.
Successful completion of excel document.
Successful completion of final presentation
and weekly assignments.
Successful completion of access database.
Successful use of Internet software.
Microsoft Access
Google Productivity Software
Course Schedule- Tentative
#
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Date
Chapter Topics
Assignments
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY:
Your Digital World
January 24
Chapter 1 Introduction to IT
Engagement 1
January 26
Chapter 1 Introduction to IT
Engagement 2
January 31
Chapter 1 Introduction to IT
February 2
Chapter 1 Introduction to IT
Online Quiz 1
Chapter 2 THE INTERNET & THE WORLD WIDE WEB:
Exploring Cyberspace
February 7
Chapter 2-The Internet and WWW
Engagement 3
February 9
Chapter 2-The Internet and WWW
Engagement 4
February 14
Chapter 2-The Internet and WWW
February 16
Chapter 2-The Internet and WWW
Online Quiz 2
Chapter 3 SOFTWARE:
Tools for Productivity & Creativity
February 21
Chapter 3-Software
Engagement 5
February 23
Chapter 3-Software
Engagement 6
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11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
February 28
Chapter 3-Software
March 1
Chapter 3-Software
Chapter 4: HARDWARE: THE CPU & STORAGE:
How to Choose a Multimedia Computer System
March 1
Chapter 4-Hardware: CPU and Storage
March 6
Chapter 4-Hardware: CPU and Storage
March 8
Chapter 4-Hardware: CPU and Storage
March 13
Chapter 4-Hardware: CPU and Storage
Chapter 5: HARDWARE: INPUT & OUTPUT:
Taking Charge of Computing & Communications
March 15
Chapter 5-Hardware: Input & Output
March 20
Chapter 5-Hardware: Input & Output
March 22
Chapter 5-Hardware: Input & Output
5
Online Quiz 3
Engagement 7
Engagement 8
Online Quiz 4
Engagement 9
Engagement 10
Spring Break Recess
Chapter 6: COMMUNICATIONS, NETWORKS, & SAFEGUARDS: The
Wired & Wireless World
20
April 3
21
22
23
April 5
Chapter 5-Hardware: Input & Output
April 10
Chapter 6- Wired and Wireless World
April 12
Chapter 6- Wired and Wireless World
Chapter 7: PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY:
The Future Is You
April 17
Chapter 6- Wired and Wireless World
April 19
Chapter 6- Wired and Wireless World
April 24
Chapter 7-Personal Technology
April 26
Chapter 7-Personal Technology
May 1
Chapter 7-Personal Technology
May 3
Chapter 7-Personal Technology
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
May 8
May 10
May 15
May 18
Chapter 5-Hardware: Input & Output
Student presentations
Student presentations
Final Test – Comprehensive
Final grades posted
This syllabus is neither a contract nor a legal document.
It is an outline of a course of study for IS 101 that may be changed by the instructor at any time.
Paper Due
Online Quiz 5
Engagement 11
Engagement 12
Online Quiz 6
Engagement 13
Engagement 14
Website Due
Online Quiz 7