Metropolitan Community College
Class Syllabus – 2009-10 Winter
CLASS IDENTIFICATION
Title:
- Information Systems and Literacy
Prefix/Section:
- INFO 1001/1L
Credit Hours:
- 4.5
Class Begins/Ends:
- 1 Dec 2009/23 Feb 2010
Meeting Day(s)/Time: - T/8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
No-Class Days:
- 22 & 29 Dec 2009
Section Census Date:
- 14 Dec 2009
Last Day to Withdraw: - 8 Feb 2010
Delivery Type:
- Classroom
Class Location:
- EVC 131
Lab Location/Hours:
- ARCs: http://www.mccneb.edu/arc/locations.asp
Course Web Address: - http://www.mccinfo.net/INFO1001/
CONTACT INFORMATION
Instructor Name:
Alan R. Reinarz
M, W, Sa:
Th:
T:
HOURS*
1:00p-2:00p
10:00a-11:00a
3:30p-4:30p
1:00p-2:00p
METRO OFFICES
LOCATION
PHONE
FAX
SOC MHY 110F
738-4089
(voice-mail)
738-4535
EVC 125
289-1450
289-1222
*Stated office hours may need to be changed due to special circumstances or events. If the student wishes to meet with the
instructor at a time other than scheduled office hours, the student should make an appointment with the instructor.
Home phone:
Email Address:
Faculty Web Site(s):
(402) 556-3071
areinarz@mail.mccneb.edu (alt: areinarz@mccneb.edu)
http://faculty.mccneb.edu/AReinarz/ (also see
http://sharepoint.mccneb.edu/ctvacommons/Reinarz/)
Academic Program Area: Information Technology & E-Learning
Dean’s Office Telephone: 457-2660 (Tom Pensabene, tpensabene@mccneb.edu)
COURSE INFORMATION
Course Description: This course introduces the student to information systems and information
literacy concepts that are needed in the day-to-day academic course of study. Basic skills are
developed using library, research, and office productivity software. The student learns computer
file management by organizing, managing and printing files; creates, edits, and formats
documents using a word processor; plans, develops and validates basic work sheets such as
editing cells, employing formulas using a spreadsheet; builds basic slide presentations using
headings, key phrases, notes and displays the presentation using presentation software; applies
user level security such as selecting passwords and securing the desktop; and uses electronic mail
to send and receive messages and attach documents. Information literacy concepts such as
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accessing information using library databases and the Internet and evaluating sources to
determine validity and reliability of material are also part of this course.
Course Prerequisites: None. WORK 130A [Microcomputer Essentials] and WORK 130B
[Introduction to Learning Technologies] or basic understanding of computer systems is
recommended. [For working with spreadsheets and charts, a working knowledge of order of
operations, decimals/fractions, percentages and translation of story problems into a workable
formula (MATH 0910, WORK 130D) is helpful. 20 wpm keyboarding skill (INFO 1005) is
helpful for composing the research paper.]
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to do the
following:
1. Recognize, identify, and utilize the basic terminology used in information systems and
literacy; understand the main social implications of information and systems.
2. Identify essential objects and basic operating systems; evaluate, plan, organize and
execute a file management plan.
3. Identify, locate, analyze, and organize researched information using the resources in the
library and on the Internet. Evaluate researched information for accuracy and document
information correctly to avoid plagiarism.
4. Utilize collaboration systems and discuss the social and ethical implications involved as
well as the inherent vulnerabilities of using these types of communication systems.
5. Create, edit and format messages, letters, memos, and publications using word
processors.
6. Create worksheets, populate the sheets with labels and values, and create formulas to
calculate sums and percentages using spreadsheet software.
7. Utilize relative and absolute cell references in formulas correctly by evaluating solutions
when using spreadsheet software.
8. Create effective slide presentations using presentation software, incorporating bullets,
graphics, and transitions.
9. Identify the Acceptable Use Policy at Metro Community College and discuss the best
practices to secure personal information while using technology.
Required & Supplemental Materials:
1) Textbooks: NONE
2) USB Device (Thumb drive)
3) Software to include:
a. Web Browser
b. Word processing software that can save to RTF file format
c. Spreadsheet software that can save to XLS file format
d. Slide Show software that can save to PPT and use Speaker’s notes
Course Structure:
a. Major activities that will occur (e.g., lectures, online activities, reading, papers)
Instruction consists of lecture material presented by the instructor, group discussion and
demonstration. In each lecture during this course, the instructor covers material the student needs
to learn and accomplish. In all meetings, discussion opportunities will be provided and the
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student is encouraged to ask questions and clarify information as the instructor is lecturing and/or
presenting material.
In addition, written handouts will be provided. These are used to replace traditional text materials
and customize the course.
b. Streaming demonstrations and narrated lectures will be available online as they
are completed.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT WORK
Types of Assessment/Assignments
a. Types of student work (quizzes, exams, papers, projects, etc) that will be assessed
It is essential the student practices principals covered in class and complete the activities.
Students are expected to attend and participate in class discussions. For on-line courses, the
discussion board is required each week and students must actively participate in the discussions
to receive credit.
b. Other assignments (required reading, homework, etc)
The student will have specific assignments to read and master. These assignments are indicated in the course
schedule and/or outlined by the instructor. The student should have read the material prior to class meeting date.
c. How assessments are measured, how students will receive assignments, and how
assignments will be submitted
Assignments will be posted on-line and/or announced in class. Class assignments and activities can be printed from
the course web site at http://www.mccinfo.net/info1001. All assignments must be turned-in as per the instructor’s
direction. For most assessments, evaluation rubrics will be available.
d. Make-up and late assignment policies
LATE ASSIGNMENTS:
All assignments are due on the weeks indicated unless waived or the instructor excuses the student. Students
missing assignment deadlines may lose the credit for that assignment unless a valid excuse accepted by the
instructor. Assignments turned in late may lose 10% per class day for up to a week and will then receive a
grade of 0 although this is at the instructor’s discretion. Late assignments MAY not be accepted after two weeks
overdue. Please contact instructor regarding the circumstances of any late work. All work must be made up to
the satisfaction of the instructor.
MAKE-UP TEST PROCEDURES:
Students MUST be present on the day of an announced test. If the instructor is informed BEFORE the test
concerning a valid absence, other arrangements MAY be made. There will be no retakes of tests. Test dates are
not firm and are therefore subject to change.
e. How/when you will give student feedback on their progress
Grades will be reflected on the returned items. All grades are kept by the instructor in a grade book and on
computer, which students may see at any time by asking the instructor.
f. When papers/projects/tests/etc. will be returned
Homework and discussions are graded and returned or posted as soon as possible, usually by the following week.
Tests are online and will be graded immediately after submission. The final project WILL NOT be returned and
will be used for Course Assessment and as samples for future classes.
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Grading Policy
Grades will be determined by activities, discussions, quizzes, homework and a final test.
Discussions (9 @ 20 ea pts)
Weekly Homework (9 @ 25 pts)
Final Test 100 pts
Final Project (paper and presentation) 200 pts
Total
A
B
C
D
F
180
225
100
200
705
636 – 705
565 – 635
495 – 564
424 – 494
Below 424
90% - 100%
80% - 89%
70% - 79%
60% - 69%
Below 59%
Assessment of Student Learning Program
Metropolitan Community College is committed to continuous improvement of teaching and learning. You may be
asked to help us to accomplish this objective. For example, you may be asked to respond to surveys or
questionnaires. In other cases, tests or assignments you are required to do for this course may be shared with faculty
and used for assessment purposes.
Use of Student Work
By enrolling in classes offered by Metropolitan Community College, the student gives the College license to mark
on, modify, and retain the work as may be required by the process of instruction, as described in the course syllabus.
The institution shall not have the right to use the work in any other manner without the written consent of the
student(s).
Please note: Nothing in the preceding paragraph overrides the restrictions on sharing or distribution
of solutions to assignments and tests discussed below under the Academic Honesty Statement.
INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS
Attendance/Participation Policy
The course will be covered partially by assigned portions of the text and may be presented in a
sequence different from the text. Material will also be covered that is not in the text. Attendance
is necessary to understand the course material. Each student is expected to recognize the
importance of class attendance and promptness. CHRONIC TARDINESS AND ABSENCES
MAY RESULT IN A REDUCTION IN THE FINAL GRADE BY 10%. If a student should miss
a class for any reason, he/she is expected to cover the material he/she missed on his/her own.
The following interprets (new) college attendance policy and may be subject to adjustment.
 Students who attend no class meetings up to and including the Section Census Date published in the Class
Schedule at www.mccneb.edu/schedule/default.asp may be disenrolled from the class [i.e., the instructor
reports a “WX”]. There is no appeal for this disenrollment.
 On July 1, 1995, federal financial aid regulations began requiring educational institutions to track all
financial aid students who receive grades of "F" to determine if they received the "F" because of nonattendance. If a student receives an "F" grade for non-attendance [reported as “FX” by the instructor], the
Financial Aid office must return all or a portion of the student's federal funds to either the student loan
lender or to the Department of Education. Students receiving financial aid and who receive an “FX” grade
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

are considered to have unofficially withdrawn from the class and may be required to return some or all of
the financial aid funds they received for taking a class or classes. “FX” grades appear on official transcripts.
The “FX” grade does affect GPA calculations in the same manner as “F.” A student who fails to meet class
attendance expectations may receive a final grade mark of “FX,” indicating an absence-related failure, or a
failing (F) grade. If an instructor issues a grade of “F,” the college will assume that the student completed
the course and “earned” the “F” grade.
Current policy of instructor: unless there is documented instructor assent to an alternative means to meet
course requirements, your grade will be reported as “FX”
o If your final grade computation is “F,” AND you have not attended class for two weeks or more,
cumulative; OR
o If you have not attended class for four weeks or more, cumulative, regardless of final grade
computation; OR
o If you fail to take either the mid-term OR the final exams or both.
Also remember, to remain eligible for financial aid, students are responsible for meeting Satisfactory
Academic Progress standards (http://www.mccneb.edu/fa/standards_of_progress.asp,
http://www.mccneb.edu/catalog/financialaid.asp,
http://www.mccneb.edu/bogpolicies/policies/40000/40302_student_academic_progress_and_review_of_ac
ademic_status.htm, and
http://www.mccneb.edu/catalog/academicinformation.asp#standardsacademicprogress).
College Policies
College policies, such as student rights and responsibilities, academic standards, plagiarism, and etc. are outlined in
the College Catalog and Student Handbook. This information can be accessed via the online catalog at
http://www.mccneb.edu/academics/catalog.asp.
Student Code Of Conduct
The College has a standard code of conduct that involves consequences for specific academic and non-academic
behavior that may result in a failing grade, probation, or suspension from the college. More complete information
about the code of conduct is located in the Student Services portion of the online catalog
(http://www.mccneb.edu/catalog/studentinformation.asp).
Communication Expectations
When you communicate with others in this course, you must follow the Student Code of Conduct
(http://www.mccneb.edu/catalog/studentinformation.asp), which calls for responsible and cooperative behavior.
Please think critically, ask questions, and challenge ideas, but also show respect for the opinions of others, respond
to them politely, and maintain the confidentiality of thoughts expressed in the class. You may also wish to review
information at http://www.albion.com/netiquette/.html.
Academic Honesty Statement
To promote ethical use of source materials and integrity in students’ written work, Metro
Community College subscribes to Turnitin.com, a service that provides document source
analysis in order to detect plagiarism. Students enrolled in this section of INFO 1001 agree that
all required work may be submitted by the instructor to Turnitin.com.
Students are reminded that materials they use as sources for classwork may be subject to copyright protection.
Additional information about copyright is provided on the library website at http://www.mccneb.edu/library or by
your instructor.
In response to incidents of student dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.), the College imposes specific actions that
may include receiving a failing grade on a test, failure in the course, suspension from the College, or dismissal from
the College. Disciplinary procedures are available in the Advising/Counseling Centers or at
http://www.mccneb.edu/procedures/V-4_Student_Conduct_and_Discipline.pdf.
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Instructor Policy:
Please note: ANY sharing or transfer of assigned work or test contents or answers between a
student and any other person or party; in part or in whole; whether by disk exchange, E-mail,
manual transcription, co-development of an assignment, or any other means; unless authorized
by the instructor in advance in accordance with the guidelines in the following paragraph; will
be considered academic misconduct and be sanctioned with disciplinary action in accordance
with the above paragraph. Both originating and receiving parties will be liable to such sanction.
Sharing of class notes and handouts is authorized. Obtaining assistance from others (including tutors or
lab techs) for specific programming issues or debugging is authorized. However, no further
collaboration is authorized for any standard assignment. Students wishing to collaborate further must
contact the instructor for special assignments. Such special assignments must clearly identify in
advance which portions are the responsibility of each individual student wishing to collaborate. The
learning objectives, level of difficulty, and typical work involved for each portion must be comparable
to that for a single student working alone on the corresponding standard assignment. Each portion will
be graded individually. Each portion must clearly represent the competency of the individual
responsible for it, and only that individual. The instructor reserves the right to refuse any request for
special assignments.
Indications of unauthorized collaboration and/or intent to defraud include, but are not restricted to,
assignments, submitted by students (not necessarily from the same section) individually under each of
their respective names; but which are essentially identical; are essentially identical except for
mechanical changes such as differing variable or module names; are essentially identical except for
differing comments; or exhibit essentially identical idiosyncratic features such as errors in syntax,
style, logic, output formatting, or spelling. The same criteria apply to submissions, by one or more
students, where those submissions bear indications of copying from any other unauthorized source.
Authorized sources are the student textbook for the class, lecture notes, class handouts, and
compiler/interpreter documentation and help materials.
In summary, since the instructor must report an individual grade for each student, the work you submit
must be your work and only your work.
Student Withdrawal
If you cannot participate in and complete this course, you should officially withdraw by calling Central Registration
at 402-457-5231 or 1-800-228-9553. Failure [to meet the attendance and participation requirements of the course
and] to officially withdraw will result in either an attendance-related failure (FX) or failing (F) grade, [unless there is
documented instructor assent to alternative means to meet course requirements]. [The former procedure for
instructor withdrawal of a student (“IW”) is no longer available.] The last date to withdraw is noted in the CLASS
IDENTIFICATION section of this syllabus.
LEARNING SUPPORT
MCC's Academic Resource Centers, Math Centers, and Writing Centers offer friendly, supportive learning
environments that can help students achieve educational success. Staff members in these centers provide free dropin assistance with basic computing, reading, math, and writing skills. Self-paced, computer-assisted instructional
support in reading, vocabulary, typing, English as a Second Language, and online course orientation is also
available.
Detailed information about the Academic Resource, Math, and Writing Centers is in the Student Handbook, College
Catalog, and online at http://www.mccneb.edu/arc/.
Accommodations For Students With Disabilities
If you have a disability that may substantially limit your ability to participate in this class, please contact a Disability
Support Services Counselor located in the Student Services Office on each campus. Metropolitan Community
College will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with documented qualifying disabilities. However, it is
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the student’s responsibility to request accommodations. For further information, please visit
http://www.mccneb.edu/dss/ and/or contact Student Services.
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
For assistance with student email, passwords, and most other MCC technology, contact the Help Desk at 457-2900
or mcchelpdesk@mccneb.edu.
Technology Resources
By using the information technology systems at MCC (including the computer systems and phones), you
acknowledge and consent to the conditions of use as set forth in the Metropolitan Community College Procedures
Memorandum on Acceptable Use of Information Technology and Resources. It is your responsibility as a student to
be familiar with these procedures. The full text of the Procedures Memorandum may be found at the following
website: http://www.mccneb.edu/procedures/X-15_Technology_Resources_Use.pdf.
Departmental Policy:
Use of College Computers
When you use computers in College academic resource centers, learning centers, libraries and many classrooms, you
will need to login using your student username and password. Your username is the same as your WebAdvisor
username and your initial password is your student ID with leading zeros to make it seven digits. If you need
assistance, please contact staff at any of the computer labs, learning centers and libraries; your instructor may also
be able to help.
It is recommended that students save their files to removable media often as they work. The College reserves the
right to take steps necessary to maintain the confidentiality of student identity information through the use of
automatic logouts and screensavers.
Portable electronic devices may not be used for any assessment unless approved by the
instructor. The Internet may be used as part of an in-class exercise or assignment and the
instructor reserves the right to have all PCs shutdown if surfing interferes with the management
of the class.
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SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS
Notice: This syllabus is written as an expectation of class topics, learning activities, and
expected learning outcomes. However, the instructor reserves the right to make changes in this
schedule that may result in enhanced or more effective learning for students. These modifications
will not substantially change the intent or objectives of this course and will be done within the
policies and guidelines of Metropolitan Community College.
Week:
-112/1/2009
-212/8
-312/15
-41/5/2010
Topics:
Assignments:
Syllabus Review/Orientation
Dynamic Testing
Security and Accessing Metro
Resources
Computer Concepts
Read Handouts and Complete Worksheet
Readiness Assessment
Dynamic Test project (for qualified)
Read Handouts and Complete Worksheet
Read Handouts and Complete Research for
Project Topic
Research
Collaboration
Read Handouts, Complete Worksheet and
Turn in Proposed Project/Topic to Instructor
-51/12
Citing
-61/19
-71/26
Use word processing software to
create, edit, enhance, save and print
information
Use spreadsheets to create, edit,
enhance and print information.
Read Handouts, First Draft of Paper and
Complete Initial Annotated Bibliography for
Project
Read Handouts and Type Up Paper
-82/2
Images, Sounds, and other Support
Materials
Read Handouts, Find and Insert Supporting
Images and Audio
-92/9
Presentation With Speakers Notes
Read Handouts and Complete
-102/16
Class Presentations (Instructor’s
Option)
-112/23
Class Presentations(Instructor’s
Option)
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Graphs to Support Paper
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The important dates can be found at http://www.mccneb.edu/academics/calendar.asp.
Student Services Important Dates
2009 – 2010 WINTER
November 30, 2009 – February 26, 2010
Winter Tuition Payment Due Date .............................................................. November 2, 2009 (M)
Winter Quarter Begins ............................................................................... November 30, 2009(M)
Last class before Holiday Recess ................................................................. December 21, 2009(M)
Holiday Recess (College Closed) .........................................December 25, 2009 – January 1, 2010
Spring/Summer Priority Registration begins .....................................................January 6, 2010(W)
Martin Luther King Recess/College closed .................................................... January 18, 2010 (M)
Spring/Summer General Registration begins...................................................January 20, 2010(W)
Graduation Application Deadline Winter Quarter .......................................... February 1, 2010(M)
Fall Term “I” Grades Due ............................................................................ February 18, 2010(Th)
Last Day of Winter Classes ............................................................................ February 26, 2010(F)
Grades Due and Posted to WebAdvisor by 5 p.m. ............................................... March 2, 2010(T)
The Last Day to Drop for a “W” grade is also the last day for students to change from Credit to
Audit or Audit to Credit with instructor approval. Students must drop by this date to avoid being
assigned a grade of “F”. NOTE: “Last day to drop” refers to grades only.
To view the Last Day to Drop specific to your course section, go to the online class schedule at
http://www.mccneb.edu/schedule/classschedule.asp and click on the Important Dates next to the
course.
The Refund drop dates for each course section are automatically calculated based on the start and
end dates and the number of sessions for the course. NOTE: Refer to refund policy below to
determine the last day to receive a refund for your course.
REFUND POLICY
Eligibility for a refund is automatically calculated by the date of the withdrawal. The amount of
refund is based on the number of class meetings held prior to the withdrawal compared to the
total number of scheduled sessions for the course. Students can access the tuition refund
calculator through WebAdvisor to see what refund percentage they would receive through
midnight of the current day.
For refund or account questions call: (402) 457-2405 or 1-800-228-9553, extension 2405.
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