College of San Mateo
Course Outline
New Course
Update/No change
x Course Revision (Minor)
Course Revision (Major)
Date: 10/13/11
Department:
CIS
Course Title:
Introduction to Computer and Information Science
Total Semester Hours
Number: 110
Lecture:
48
Lab:
0
Length of Course
x
Homework: 96
3
By Arrangement: 0
Grading
Semester-long
Short course (Number of weeks
Units:
Letter
)
Open entry/Open exit
Pass/No Pass
x
Grade Option (letter or Pass/No Pass)
Faculty Load Credit (To be completed by Division Office; show calculations.):
48/16 = 3 FLCs
1.
Prerequisite (Attach Enrollment Limitation Validation Form.)
None
2.
Corequisite (Attach Enrollment Limitation Validation Form.)
None
3.
Recommended Preparation (Attach Enrollment Validation Form.)
Eligibility for ENGL 838/848
4.
Catalog Description (Include prerequisites/corequisites/recommended preparation. For format,
please see model course outline.)
CIS 110 Introduction to Computer and Information Science (3)
(Pass/No Pass or letter grade option) Minimum of 48 lecture hours per term. Recommended
Preparation: eligibility for ENGL 838/848. Introduction to computers and information science.
Includes computer terminology, computer hardware and software, networks, operating systems,
data representation, telecommunications, Internet access, and security, computer ethics,
beginning programming in Visual Basic and/or HTML, and an introduction to research processes
and methods through online tools and sources. Topics are motivated by current issues and
events such as: privacy, intellectual property, cloud computing, and copyright infringements. A
materials fee in the amount shown in the Schedule of Classes is payable upon registration. (AA:
Area C3a/E2c/E5d, CSU, UC)
09/6/11
Course Outline
Page 1 of 10
5.
Class Schedule Description (Include prerequisites/corequisites/recommended preparation. For
format, please see model course outline.)
Same as above.
6.
Student Learning Outcomes (Identify 1-6 expected learner outcomes using active verbs.)
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
7.
Articulate a general understanding of computers and digital basics
Differentiate between basic concepts of computer hardware and software
Demonstrate use of the operating system to effectively o rganize and maintain computer files
Select equipment and processes for building a wired or wireless network
Demonstrate effective use of the Internet and World Wide Web
Recognize, create, and manipulate digital media
Demonstrate ability to use and evaluate Internet tools for research
Course Objectives (Identify specific teaching objectives detailing course content and activities.
For some courses, the course objectives will be the same as the student learning outcomes. In
this case, “Same as Student Learning Outcomes” is appropriate here.)
Same as above.
For representative samples of objectives see Attachment I.
8.
Course Content (Brief but complete topical outline of the course that includes major subject
areas [1-2 pages]. Should reflect all course objectives listed above. In addition, a sample
course syllabus with timeline may be attached.)
(A) Articulate a general understanding of computers and digital basics
Computers and Digital Basics
a.
All things Digital
b.
Digital Devices
c.
Digital Data Representation
d.
Digital Processing
(B) Differentiate between basic concepts of computer hardware and software
Computer Hardware and Software
a.
Hardware and Software Basics
b.
Microprocessor and Memory
c.
Storage Devices
d.
Input and Output Devices
e.
Hardware Security
f.
Popular Applications
g.
Buying Software
h.
Installing Software and Upgrades
i.
Security Software
3/24/08
Course Outline
Page 2 of 10
(C) Demonstrate use of the operating system to effectively organize and maintain computer files
Operating Systems and File Management
a.
Operating Systems Basics
b.
Contemporary Operating Systems
c.
File Basics and File Management
d.
Backup Security
(D) Select equipment and processes for building a wired or wireless network
Computer Networking
a.
Network Building Blocks
b.
Wired Networks
c.
Wireless Networks
d.
Using LANs
e.
Security Though Encryption
(E) Demonstrate effective use of the Internet and World Wide Web
The Internet and the World Wide Web
a.
Internet Technology
b.
Fixed Internet Access
c.
Portable and Mobile Internet Access
d.
Internet Services
e.
Internet Security
(F) Recognize, create, and manipulate digital media
Digital Media
a.
Digital Sound
b.
Bitmap Graphics
c.
Vector Graphics
d.
Digital Video
e.
Digital Rights Management
(G) Demonstrate ability to use and evaluate Internet tools for research
Internet Research
a.
Understanding Internet Search Tools
b.
Creating an Internet Research Strategy
c.
Identifying the Right Keywords
d.
Analyzing Search Results
e.
Citing Online Resources
f.
Understanding Boolean Operators
g.
Searching with Filters
h.
Using Metasearch Engines
i.
Understanding Subject Guides
j.
Understanding Evaluative Criteria
k.
Evaluating a Web Page
9.
3/24/08
Representative Instructional Methods (Describe instructor-initiated teaching strategies that
will assist students in meeting course objectives. Describe out-of-class assignments, required
reading and writing assignments, and methods for teaching critical thinking skills. If hours by
arrangement are required, please indicate the additional instructional activity which will be
provided during these hours, where the activity will take place, and how the activity will be
supervised.)
Course Outline
Page 3 of 10
The course includes the following instructional methods as appropriate:
- Lectures, and computer demonstrations;
- Group activities in the computer laboratory or online;
- Student participation in in-class projects or via e-activities;
- Occasional videos;
- When possible - guest lectures, field trips (local museums, CSM multimedia lab), and
participation in on-campus activities when appropriate
10.
Representative Methods of Evaluation (Describe measurement of student progress toward
course objectives. Courses with required writing component and/or problem-solving emphasis
must reflect critical thinking component. If skills class, then applied skills.)
The course uses a combination of the following evaluation methods:
- Cyber activities provided by the text including but not limited to:
Quick Check Questions, Practice Tests, Summary Sessions, and “Screen Tours”
- Weekly or bi-weekly computer lab assignments
- 2-3 one-hour midterms and/or weekly quizzes
- Final project or exam
- Projects, which may include: development of an HTML web site, a visual basic program,
a “e-poster” presentation, and / or research paper.
11.
Representative Text Materials (With few exceptions, texts need to be current. Include
publication dates.)
At the time of this submission two books are required for all sections of the course:
1. June Jamrich Parson and Dan Oja, Computer Concepts2012, Introductory,
Course Technology, Boston, MA, 2012
2. Barker, Barker, Pinard, Internet Research, 5th Edition, Course Technology,
Boston, MA, 2010
Prepared by:
(Signature) Martha J.Tilmann
Email address:
tilmann@smccd.edu
Submission Date:
10/13/11
3/24/08
Course Outline
Page 4 of 10
ATTACHMENT I. Learning Objectives
SLO
Learning Objectives – Students should be able to answer these questions in
support of the course SLO
(A) Articulate a general
understanding of
computers and digital
basics
1.
What is convergence and how does it apply to the digital devices we use every
day?
2. How do computers work with input, output, processing, storage, and stored
programs?
3. What is the difference between an operating system and application software?
4. Are PDAs, portable media players, and smartphones classified as computers?
5. Aren’t data and information the same thing?
6. What’s the difference between analog and digital?
7. How do digital devices use 1s and 0s to work with numbers, text, images, and
sound?
8. Why do computers need programs?
9. How do a microprocessor’s ALU and control unit work?
10. How do hackers steal passwords?
11. How do I create secure passwords?
(B) Differentiate between
basic concepts of
computer hardware and
software
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
16.
17.
What are the components of a typical personal computer system?
What’s the best way to select a computer?
How does a microprocessor work?
Why are some computers faster than others?
Why does a computer need memory?
What is the best type of storage for my data?
What’s the best way to add devices to a computer system?
Are there guidelines for troubleshooting hardware and software problems?
What kinds of system software are typically installed on personal computers?
What do software shoppers need to know?
What is a EULA?
How does local software differ from portable software and web apps?
How does Cloud computing software and hardware differ from traditional
computing?
Is installing downloaded software different from installing software from a
distribution CD?
What are the differences between proprietary software, commercial software,
shareware, open source software, freeware, and public domain software?
What are software patches and service packs?
How does antivirus software work?
(C) Demonstrate use of
the operating system to
effectively organize and
maintain computer files
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
What are system resources?
When do users interact with the operating systems?
What happens during the boot process?
What is a virtual machine?
Do operating systems put limits on the names that can be used for files?
What is a file specification or path?
What is a native file format?
What happens behind the scenes when a computer stores a file?
What is the best backup device?
How does backup software work?
(D) Select equipment and
processes for building a
wired or wireless
network
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What are PANs, LANs, MANs, and WANs?
Which devices are most common on LANs?
Why do networks have different topologies?
What is the purpose of communications protocol?
Why do most networks transmit digital rather than analog signals?
14.
15.
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Course Outline
Page 5 of 10
(E) Demonstrate effective
use of the Internet and
World Wide Web
6.
7.
8.
9.
How does data find its way over a network to a specified destination?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of LANs?
What makes a network a security risk and how can networks be secured?
How does encryption work?
1.
2.
3.
4.
How does the Internet work?
How does the World Wide Web work?
What is TCP/IP?
What are the differences between static IP addresses, dynamic IP addresses,
private IP addresses, and domain names?
Is there a difference between portable Internet access and mobile Internet access?
How do cell phones and other handheld devices access the Internet?
How do chat, instant messaging, and other Internet based communications work?
What are grid and cloud computing?
How is FTP different from file sharing technologies such as BitTorrent?
How do hackers break into computers?
How can I protect my computer from intrusions?
What is HTML?
How does a browser work?
Where do cookies come from?
What tools are available for creating Web pages?
How do I create a simple Web page?
How do search engines work?
How do online shopping carts work?
What are the security risks of using the Web?
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
(F) Recognize, create, and
manipulate digital media
1.
2.
3.
How do computers and portable media players such as iPods store digital music?
What are bitmap graphics, where are they used, and how can they be identified?
What affects the quality of a bitmap graphic, its file size, and whether it is best
suited for uses such as Web pages, e-mail attachments, printed photos, or desktop
published documents?
4. How do vector graphics differ from bitmaps, and how does that affect the way in
which they are created and used?
5. What kinds of devices can be used to capture video?
6. What affects the amount of video that can be stored on a hard disk or portable
media player?
7. How is digital video deployed on the Web?
8. What are the most popular digital media file formats and software players?
9. How do digital rights management technologies restrict the ways in which I can use
digital media?
10. How are time shifting, place shifting, and format shifting related to digital media?
(G) Demonstrate ability
to use and evaluate
Internet tools for
research
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
3/24/08
What are the most common Internet search tools?
How do you analyze search results?
How do you cite online resources?
What are Boolean operators and how are they used in Internet searches?
What is a filter? What are common filters and how do they affect Internet
searches?
What is a metasearch engine?
What is a subject guide and how can it be effectively used in Internet searches?
What is “evaluative criteria?”
How do you evaluate a Web page?
Course Outline
Page 6 of 10
ATTACHMENT II. Course Content
SLO
Course Topic Outline
(A) Articulate a general
understanding of
computers and digital
basics
Computers and Digital Basics
a. All things Digital
b. Digital Devices
c. Digital Data Representation
d. Digital Processing
(B) Differentiate between
basic concepts of computer
hardware and software
Computer Hardware and Software
a. Hardware and Software Basics
b. Microprocessor and Memory
c. Storage Devices
d. Input and Output Devices
e. Hardware Security
f. Popular Applications
g. Buying Software
h. Installing Software and Upgrades
i. Security Software
(C) Demonstrate use of the
operating system to
effectively organize and
maintain computer files
Operating Systems and File Management
a. Operating Systems Basics
b. Contemporary Operating Systems
c. File Basics and File Management
d. Backup Security
Computer Networking
a. Network Building Blocks
b. Wired Networks
c. Wireless Networks
d. Using LANs
e. Security Though Encryption
(D) Select equipment and
processes for building a
wired or wireless network
(E) Demonstrate effective
use of the Internet and
World Wide Web
(F) Recognize, create, and
manipulate digital media
3/24/08
The Internet and the World Wide Web
a. Internet Technology
b. Fixed Internet Access
c. Portable and Mobile Internet Access
d. Internet Services
e. Internet Security
Digital Media
a. Digital Sound
b. Bitmap Graphics
c. Vector Graphics
d. Digital Video
e. Digital Rights Management
Course Outline
Page 7 of 10
(G) Demonstrate ability to
use and evaluate Internet
tools for research
3/24/08
Internet Research
a. Understanding Internet Search Tools
b. Creating an Internet Research Strategy
c. Identifying the Right Keywords
d. Analyzing Search Results
e. Citing Online Resources
f. Understanding Boolean Operators
g. Searching with Filters
h. Using Metasearch Engines
i. Understanding Subject Guides
j. Understanding Evaluative Criteria
k. Evaluating a Web Page
Course Outline
Page 8 of 10
ATTACHMENT III. ASSESSMENT
SLO
Assessment Techniques
Cycle**
(A) Articulate a general
understanding of
computers and digital
basics
Testing over this material should contain one
or more essay questions regarding computer
and digital basics.
a. Fall semester,
(2012) and every
fourth semester
thereafter.
(B) Differentiate between
basic concepts of computer
hardware and software
Testing over this material should contain a
“compare and contrast” and/or matching
section on computer hardware component,
and software categories.
b. Spring semester
(2013) and every
fourth semester
thereafter.
(C) Demonstrate use of the
operating system to
effectively organize and
maintain computer files
Lab assignment that requires students to
organize and manage a file hierarchy.
c. Fall semester
(2013) and every
fourth semester
thereafter.
(D) Select equipment and
processes for building a
wired or wireless network
Lab assignment that requires students to
design a network, select equipment, and
virtually implement (on paper) a computer
network.
d. Spring semester
(2014) and every
fourth semester
thereafter.
(E) Demonstrate effective
use of the Internet and
World Wide Web
Lab assignment that requires students to
write an HTML program.
e. Fall semester
(2014) and every
fourth semester
thereafter.
(F) Recognize, create, and
manipulate digital media
Lab assignment that requires students to
manipulate graphic files and/or enhance
audio files.
f.
(G) Demonstrate ability to
use and evaluate Internet
tools for research
A series of lab assignments to build students’
research skills. ***
g. Fall semester
(2015) and every
fourth semester
thereafter.
Spring semester
(2015) and every
fourth semester
thereafter.
** This Cycle-schedule begins when this course outline becomes official in fall 2013. Assessment until then
continues on the present SLOs and as currently scheduled.
*** Since this
3/24/08
is a new module, there are a few assignment examples below.
Course Outline
Page 9 of 10
SAMPLE Information Literacy Exercises
(A) Evaluate a Web Page
Choose a website from those provided by your instructor.
a. Evaluate this Web page for authority and accountability. What areas of the page did
you use to do this?
b. Is this Web page objective and accurate? Does it show any bias? How did you
determine this?
c. Describe the organization of the Web site. Is it well organized in your opinion?
d. Describe the scope of this Web site. How did you determine this?
e. Is the Web page current? How do you know?
(B) Search Strategy and MLA Citation
After selecting a topic from the list provide by your instructor.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Identify the topic statement
Note your keywords and any synonyms or related terms
Create a basic search query, choose a search engine, and perform a search
Analyze the search results using the skills you learned in this unit, and then refine
your search query to so that it returns fewer results.
e. Create an MLM citation for one of your resulting papers in your document.
(C) Student Edition Lab Assignment: Visual Workshop
Use a vertical search engine to fine the photograph shown in below. This photograph
shows Bobby Orr, a hockey player on the Boston Bruins professional hockey team,
scoring the winning goal in the 1970 Stanley Cub Finals.
3/24/08
Course Outline
Page 10 of 10