Metropolitan Community College Class Syllabus – FALL 2014 (14/FA) CLASS IDENTIFICATION TITLE: PREFIX/SECTION: CREDIT HOURS: CLASS BEGINS/ENDS: MEETING DAY(S)/TIMES: NO CLASS DAYS: WITHDRAWAL DATE: DELIVERY: Information Systems and Literacy INFO 1001 7G 4.5 03 Sep 2014/17 Nov 2014 Monday & Wednesday/2:00 p.m. – 3:50 p.m. 03 Nov 2014 Classroom instruction will be augmented through the use of an Online Course Management System through Blackboard at http://blackboard.mccneb.edu/. SOC MHY 222 CLASS LOCATION: CONTACT INFORMATION Instructor Name: Alan R. Reinarz METRO OFFICES HOURS* LOCATION M W 9:00a-10:00a FOC 008 203 T Th M W 1:00p-2:00p 4:00p-5:00p SOC MHY 110 PHONE FAX 402-738-4089 (voice-mail) 402-738-4535 *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): Academic Program Area: (402) 556-3071 areinarz@mccneb.edu http://faculty.mccneb.edu/AReinarz/ (also see https://mccadc.mccinfo.net/infodept/areinarz/Course%20Resources/) Dr. T. C. Pensabene, Dean of Information Technology & e-Learning (tpensabene@mccneb.edu) COURSE INFORMATION COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course introduces students to information systems and information literacy concepts needed in the day-today academic course of study. Skills are developed using library, research, and productivity software. Students use existing and emerging technologies to complete project-based assignments. NOTE: Students desiring to take a basic introductory computer course should enroll in WORK 0900 Introduction to Microcomputer Technology. COURSE PREREQUISITES: None MINIMUM TECHNICAL SKILLS: This course introduces information systems and literacy concepts that are needed in both business and the academic course of study using a flipped classroom/problem based learning approach. A basic understanding of computers, college level reading and writing skills are recommended. A working knowledge of elementary arithmetic including the order of operations, decimals/fractions, percentages and translation of story problems into a workable formula is also strongly recommended. A working knowledge the following skills is strongly advised: Use of elements of personal computers (keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, external drive, etc.) Use of email with attachments Ability to save files to and retrieve from a local drive and USB drive Ability to identify and use a compatible web browser. Page 1 COURSE OBJECTIVES: 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, documents, reports and other 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 or Cloud based storage solution and headphones. These devices must be brought by students to all class sessions. 3) Software to include: a. Web Browser compatible with browsers listed on browser support page. b. Word processing software that can save to DOC, DOCX or RTF file format c. Spreadsheet software that can save to XLS file format d. Presentation (Slide Show) software that can save to PPT and use Speaker’s notes e. College Provided email software to send and receive course notification COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS Although you do not need to own a personal computer, you must have regular access to a computer in order to complete this course. Computers are available for student use in the Library and Academic Resource Center. The choice of computer used outside the classroom for coursework is up to the student with four notes: The student is responsible for interpreting the course material and applying it to their chosen computing environment appropriately. The student is responsible for completing all course assignments, discussions and quizzes within the assigned windows. The student’s choice of technology is not an acceptable excuse for failure to meet schedules or deliver assignments that satisfy the established requirements The computer you use for outside of the classroom must be able to run one of the Blackboardcompatible web browsers listed on the Browser Support Page: http://www.mccneb.edu/online/browsers.asp. During class sessions, the student is expected to use one of the computers provided within the classroom. Use of student owned devices are only permitted during the lab portions of the class sessions and with the instructor’s permission. Please discuss the use of personal devices with the instructor prior to use. All outside electronic devices will be shut down and put away during instructor led sessions. 2 SOFTWARE/FILE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Metropolitan Community College uses Microsoft products as part of its standard software and encourages students to do the same. You may use other compatible software products but must be able to submit assignments in the appropriate file formats as outlined in the Required & Supplemental Materials paragraph (see above). The school makes Microsoft Office for Windows and Macintosh available to all students for free. If you do not already have a copy of Office, I suggest you download it by using the Student Software Discounts link (Select MyWay, select Student Services, Select Discounts (middle tab)). NOTE: I do not offer technical assistance or support in downloading or installing Microsoft Office software made available by the school. If you encounter technical difficulties, you should contact the Helpdesk by telephone at 402-457-2900 or via email at helpdesk@mccneb.edu. Because the school makes office available for free, all document submissions must be in Microsoft Office format (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.). NOTE: if you are using Office 2013, you will need to save all documents in compatibility mode so the instructor can open them. CLASS STRUCTURE: This course uses Scenario Based Learning with a flipped classroom approach. Each topic or module includes Learning Materials that must be reviewed prior to the first session of that module. The student can expect to spend between 8 and 10 hours of time outside the class meeting times in preparation for class or completing assignments for class. The instructor will provide an overview of the problem description that forms the basis of the activity during the session. Then student working individual and/or in groups will complete the activity, conducting any additional research necessary. The instructor may provide additional activity materials (such as document formats, spreadsheet templates, etc.) to assist the students in developing the deliverables due in the assignment. Additional resources will depend on the topic and may include optional reading assignments. Additional resources will depend on the topic and may include video(s), white papers and/or web links. At a minimum, the student should browse the optional materials. The use of the Internet as a resource is encouraged at all times. STUDENT EMAIL REQUIREMENTS: Email sent from a Blackboard course is delivered to both the sender and recipient’s MCC Email account at https://portal.microsoftonline.com. No email is stored in Blackboard. Students enrolled in online and hybrid classes are required to check and use MCC Email for all official course correspondence. New email sent from Blackboard will include the course number, section, and title in the subject line. Students should include the same information in the subject line when responding or composing new email from the MCC Email inbox. RESPONSE TIME: Faculty will respond within 48 hours, Monday through Friday, to student emails concerning course content, learning activities, and private matters appropriate for discussion within the teacher-student relationship. Posting of feedback and grades for major assignments is addressed under Assessment of Student Work. ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT WORK TYPES OF ASSESSMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS: Discussions: Class discussions on related topics will occasionally posted be posted in the Learning Management System as an class assignment. In that event, all students are expected to post an original comment and reply to other student’s posts. 3 Learning Materials: Learning Materials for these activities may include a review of presentations, on-line tutorials, handouts, weblinks etc. which replace the textbook for this course. Students are expected to complete the review of all learning materials by the beginning of associated module. Failure to review the material will seriously impact your ability to complete individual assignments or Milestones. Individual Assignment: Individual Assignments based on the learning materials may include a guided lab that provides a more focused instruction in a specific area or topic as well as one or more applied labs for you to practice the skills taught. Individual Assignments should be at the beginning of the module so students can ask questions on the materials. These activities must be completed by an individual (without help from other students, family or friends) and returned to the designated assignment box by the date and time specified. Failure to submit prior to the associated module will result in a zero score. The student should contact the instructor with any questions about the assignment or problems encountered in submission. Quizzes: There will be nine quizzes in this course, administered as part of Modules 2 through 9 with a summary quiz in Module 10. The purpose of these quizzes is to assess how well the student understands the learning materials, has learned terminology and can apply the concepts. Guidance is as follows: Each quiz will be administered on line by the date and time specified by the instructor. The student will have three opportunities to complete each quiz. The final grade recorded will be the maximum of the three scores earned by the student. Questions can be multiple choice, true-false, fill in the blank, short answer or matching. Late submission of quizzes is not permitted. Any student not submitting a quiz will receive a score of zero (0) for that quiz. If you encounter problems with submitting a quiz, notify the instructor immediately via an email communication. Email notification should have a date/time stamp prior to the quiz due date/time as well as a screen shot documenting the specific issues encountered. Milestone Activities: Each module will have one Scenario Based Milestone associated with it. The purpose of these milestones is to allow the skills taught in the milestones to be practiced in a “real world” setting that a student may encounter. The milestones are a mix of group and individual activities designed to be completed within specified timeframes. Students who know they will unavailable during the assignment window will need to work with the instructor to ensure they can contribute to the milestone activity. Students who do not contribute to a milestone will receive a zero score for that milestone. Individual Project: The intent of the Individual Project is to demonstrate the skills learned throughout the quarter. A set of individual scenario based assignments will be made available to the students. Your instructor may assign an project, or you may be allowed to select one. The focus of the Individual Project is to assess your ability to conduct research where necessary and develop an appropriate set of deliverables to meet the requirements of the assignment. The deliverables may include a document with embedded images, tables and/or charts, a spreadsheet and an accompanying slide presentation. Submission of the class project is mandatory. Failure to complete and/or submit the individual project by the date specified by your instructor will result in a failure for the course. Individual Independent Assignments: Occasionally the instructor will make independent assignments available to the class. The intent is to provide more focused instruction in a specific area or topic or provide an opportunity for extra credit. In the event an independent assignment is assigned, it must be completed as an individual (without help from other students, family or friends) and returned to the designated assignment box by the date and time specified. 4 General Guidance: Each assignment has a maximum value established. Specific scores will be assigned based on the quality of the work and how well the submitted assignment met the requirements. If a student is unsure of the grading criteria, it is the student’s responsibility to ask for clarification prior to the assignment due date. Assignments are expected to be completed within the time frames specified. Late submissions will not be accepted. Any assignment received after the due date will not be graded and will automatically receive a score of zero (0). If you encounter problems with submitting an assignment, notify the instructor immediately via email. The notification should have a date/time stamp prior to the due date/time of the assignment as well as a screen shot documenting the issue. Don’t wait until the start of class to tell the instructor about the problem. DO NOT COPY AND PASTE THE ASSIGNMENT INTO THE TEXTBOX associated assignment submission box. Student assignments must be uploaded using the attachment feature and submitted using the submit button. Assignments incorrectly submitted will receive a grade of zero (0). DO NOT SUBMIT ASSIGNMENTS VIA EMAIL or PRINTOUT: This is a course that uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Any assignment received via email will not be graded and the student may receive a grade of zero (0). If you use software other than Microsoft Office, you must save it in a format that can be access such as .doc, docx or .rtf. If I cannot easily open your files, a score of zero (0) will be awarded for that assignment. For example .WPS formats cannot be opened and will receive a score of zero. If you are using Microsoft 2013, remember to save all files in compatibility mode. GRADING POLICY The following table shows a breakdown of the points that can be earned and the overall grading scale that is used. Instructor has the prerogative of modifying the point values if required but the overall weight for each area will remain the same. Grading Scale Individual Activities 325 25% Milestones 400 31% Quizzes 150 12% Individual Project 425 33% Total 1300 CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING FINAL COURSE GRADE: A B C D F 90% - 100% 80% - 89% 70% - 79% 60% - 69% Below 60% 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 student also gives permission for the work to be used as an excellent demonstration of a 5 concept to be used only within the instructional setting. The institution shall not have the right to use the work in any other manner without the written consent of the student(s). INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS: This syllabus is augmented by the Course Expectations Document that will be reviewed with students as part of the Getting Started Activities in the Course Management System. All students must complete the expectations document before beginning any of the Week 2 Activities ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION POLICY: Attendance/Participation Reporting: To confirm each student’s eligibility to remain registered for the class, the instructor will officially report attendance/participation on or before the Census Date. Students in this section of INFO 1001, Information Systems and Literacy, must attend a class meeting by 15 Sep 2014. Due to the group nature of the course assignments, continued attendance and regular participation is required. This course is not self-paced and attendance will be graded throughout the quarter. A student has attended if they are present for at least 80% of the class session. A student missing 6 or more sessions may receive a grade of an F. A student stops attending class and does not return may receive a grade of an F. Extenuating circumstances should be discussed with the instructor. If a class needs to be cancelled, the instructor will attempt to notify students in advance and notification will be posted near the classroom door. Student email and Blackboard Announcements communication should be checked regularly for class announcements. College closing announcements are made on the MCC Website (www.MCCNEB.edu) and most local television stations. INFO 1001 is a team-based learning course. This requires an active role on the part of the student. While attendance is not separately graded, actively participating in the course is required. Students should make every attempt to arrive to class on time and students who must be absent should communicate with their instructor and group. Moreover, Students who do not understand assignments should ask their instructor for guidance as soon as possible. The two most common causes for failure in online sections of INFO 1001 is 1) lack of participation in group activities; and 2) failing to communicate with the course instructor. INFO 1001 is an easy course. The group work aspect of the course makes taking INFO 1001 online more challenging; however, more challenging does not mean impossible. More challenging simply means that the student cannot treat the course as a self-study course, or a course in which the student participates in once a week only. COMMUNICATION EXPECTATIONS: When you communicate with others in this course, you must follow the Student Conduct Code (http://mccneb.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/Course-Catalog/Student-Services/Student-Conduct), 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/. 6 EMAIL EXPECTATIONS: “Students are expected to check their email on a frequent and consistent basis in order to stay current with college-related communications. Students have the responsibility to recognize that certain communications may be time-critical. ‘I didn’t check my email’, error in forwarding mail, or email returned … with ‘Mailbox Full’ or ‘Unknown User’ are not acceptable excuses for missing official College communications via email...” (Source: College Use of Student Email) Each student has a Metropolitan Community College email address, which is in the form of (username@mail.mccneb.edu) (where username is the same username you use to log into Blackboard). Typically instructors will reply using the school email which means the response will be sent to your MCC student email account. For this reason you are required to check the school email on a daily basis (excluding holidays). You must use the MCC Student Email system. Due to Federal Education and Rights Privacy Act (FERPA) concerns, your instructor will not send email to a non-MCC account. RECORDING IN THE CLASSROOM: Students may not video or audio record class sessions without the instructor’s knowledge and permission. If recording of class sessions is authorized as a reasonable accommodation under Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the instructor must have the appropriate documentation from College Disability Support Services. Permitted recordings are to be used only for the individual student’s educational review of the class session and may not be reproduced, posted, sold or distributed to others. Students who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary procedures as outlined in the Student Conduct Code. ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT: 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, illegal peer-to-peer file sharing, 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/V4_Student_Conduct_and_Discipline.pdf. STUDENT WITHDRAWAL: If you cannot participate in and complete this course, you should officially withdraw through My Services on the MCC My Way portal at http://myway.mccneb.edu or by calling Central Registration at 402-457-5231 or 1-800228-9553. Failure to officially withdraw will result in a failing (F) grade. The last date to withdraw is noted in the CLASS IDENTIFICATION section of this syllabus. LEARNING SUPPORT: MCC's Learning and Tutoring 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 drop-in 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 Learning and Tutoring, Math, and Writing Centers is in the My Way portal, the College Catalog, and online at http://www.mccneb.edu/ltc/. 7 ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Metropolitan Community College will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with documented qualifying disabilities. It is the student’s responsibility to request accommodations from Disability Support Services (DSS) located in each Student Services Office. After students have arranged for accommodations with DSS, the student and instructor should privately discuss these accommodations. For further information, please contact DSS or visit http://www.mccneb.edu/dss/. NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: Metropolitan Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, age, disability or sexual orientation in admission or access to its programs and activities or in its treatment or hiring of employees. TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT BLACKBOARD SUPPORT: If you have difficulty connecting to the Internet, call your Internet provider. If you need help connecting to the course from the Blackboard login page, refer to “Getting Started Online” at http://www.mccneb.edu/elearning/orientation.asp. If you are unable to solve the problem, email BlackboardSupport@mccneb.edu or call 402-457-2834. For assistance with student email, passwords, and most other MCC technology, contact the Help Desk at 4572900 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/X15_Technology_Resources_Use.pdf. PROCEDURE FOR GRADE APPEALS AND OTHER COURSE CONCERNS: A student who wishes to appeal a grade or other course matters should follow the appeal procedure listed below. The appeal process for course grades or other course matters must be initiated no later than the end of the quarter (last class day) following the quarter in which the course was completed. The appeal process begins when a student writes a letter to the instructor (1st level of appeal). If dissatisfied with the appeal at any level, the student may appeal in writing to the next level: 1st Level: Instructor 2nd Level: Appropriate Academic Dean 3rd Level: Vice President for Learning and Academic Affairs Course concerns are best resolved with the course instructor. If you feel you have an on-going issue, you must first e-mail the instructor with your course concerns in a respectful, straightforward manner. The purpose of this e-mail is to seek a resolution between you, the student and the instructor, pointing specifically to the syllabus and how you (as the student) can show that the procedures set up in the syllabus were not upheld. At this point, most disputes can be resolved. A further appeal makes it to the level of Dean only in rare cases when a written appeal to the instructor is unsuccessful. If after the instructor/student dialog a disagreement remains, you may contact the dean’s office via e-mail including: 1. Your initial correspondence to the instructor 2. The instructor’s reply to you 3. Your supporting data that the procedures established in this syllabus were not upheld. 8 SECTION IV: SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS: NOTICE: This syllabus sets forth a tentative schedule of class topics, learning activities, and expected learning outcomes. However, the instructor reserves the right to modify this schedule to enhance learning for students. Any modifications will not substantially change the intent or objectives of this course and will conform to the policies and guidelines of Metropolitan Community College. A detailed schedule of assignments will be available within the Blackboard Course Management System. Course Layout Week Description Assignment Week 1 9/3/ & 9/8/2014 Getting Started Week #1 Activities Week 2 9/10 & 9/15 Computer Technology & Security Learning Materials, Individual Assignments #2, Milestone A, Quiz #2 Week 3 9/17 & 9/22 Email and Collaboration Tools Learning Materials, Individual Assignments #3, Milestone B, Quiz #3 Week 4 9/24 & 9/29 Research Tools and Techniques Learning Materials, Individual Assignments #4, Milestone C, Quiz #4 Week 5 10/1 & 10/6 Basic Word Concepts Learning Materials, Individual Assignments #5, Milestone D, Quiz #5 (note Milestone D extends over 2 weeks Week 6 10/8 & 10/13 Basic Excel Concepts Learning Materials, Individual Assignments #6, Milestone D, Quiz #6 Week 7 10/15 & 10/20 Basic PowerPoint Concepts Learning Materials, Individual Assignments #7, Milestone E, Quiz #7 Week 8 10/22 & 10/27 Advanced Word, Excel and PowerPoint Learning Materials, Individual Assignments #8, Milestone F, Quiz #8 Week 9 10/29 & 11/3 Advanced Cloud Applications Learning Materials, Individual Assignments #9, Milestone G, Quiz #9 Week 10 & 11 11/5 & 11/10 11/12 & 11/17 Individual Projects Individual Project, Quiz #10 9 2014 (14/FA) Fall Quarter Important Dates Classes begin ....................................................................................................................................................Sep 2 Tu Census Date/Tenth Day* date ...................................................................................................................... Sep 15 M Student Withdrawal Deadline to “drop” a class without receiving a grade ........................................ Varies by Class** Student Withdrawal Deadline to “drop” a class with a refund varies** ..................................... See Refund Policy Summer quarter “I” incomplete grades are due ................................................................................................ Nov 3 M Classes end ..................................................................................................................................................... Nov 17 M Fall grades due and posted by 7:00 a.m. ........................................................................................................ Nov 20 Th Thanksgiving Day recess/college closed ...............................................................................................Nov 27-28 Th-F Current Student (greater than 50 hours) Winter 2014 (14/WI) Registration begins……. .............................. Sep 25 Th Current Student (less than 50 hours) Winter 2014 (14/WI) Registration begins .............................................. Sep29 M General Registration Winter 2014 (14/WI) Registration begins ....................................................................... Oct 2 Th *Tenth Day is the date on which your enrollment level is checked. **To view the last day to withdraw “drop” a class to prevent receiving a grade, go to the class schedule found online at http://www.mccneb.edu/schedule/classschedule.asp . Then, find the course section and click on the Important Dates link on the same line as the course title. Dates for each course section are automatically calculated based on the start and end dates and the number of sessions for a course. A student must withdraw by this date to avoid an “F” grade. Note: Schedule changes may have implications for students on Financial Aid. Check with the Financial Aid Office prior to any schedule changes at 402-457-2330. The Census Date is the date on which Financial Aid Student’s enrollment is checked to determine the type and amount of authorized funds for the quarter. Payment is based on enrollment as of that date. REFUND POLICY for Credit Courses A student is responsible for withdrawing “dropping” from a course(s) if unable to attend. Non-attendance or non-payment does not relieve a student from the obligation to pay. An official schedule change that reduces or terminates a student’s academic credit load may entitle the student to a refund. Go to “My Services” and click “Student Accounts”, then “Tuition Refund Modeler” to see the refund percentage received through midnight of the same day you “drop” withdraw from a class. 10