CGS1060C - 1755 Introduction to Microcomputers
Instructor: Ruben Arias
Course ID: 204596
E-mail: rarias1@mdc.edu
Modality: MDC Live
Schedule: Fridays
Time: 7:00 am – 10:20 am
Term: Fall 2023; 08/25/2023-12/10/2023
Credits: 4
Last Revised: 08/21/2023
Canvas Website: http://mycourses.mdc.edu
Required Course Materials:
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McGraw Hill SIMnet
Registration: Please, visit McGraw Hill SIMnet at https://mdcvirtual.simnetonline.com/sp/ to
register as new user, or sign in as existing user.
SIMnet Introduction & Help: https://mdcvirtual.simnetonline.com/sp/
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Personal Computer (Windows or Mac*). MS Access application is not available for Mac. To complete
assignments using Microsoft Access you will need to use a separate computer or set up a Virtual Machine to run
Windows 10 on your Mac.
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Broadband Internet Connection
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Headset w/ mic.
Course Description
CGS1060 is an introductory course covering the fundamentals of microcomputers. Topics include
Microcomputer hardware, operating systems, application software, data processing concepts and
applications, the Internet, and the World Wide Web.
At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe the differences between hardware and software.
- List basic hardware components of a personal computer.
- Describe the difference between operating system software and application software.
- Use word processing, Spread Sheet, Multimedia, and Data Base applications.
- Use the Internet to send and receive email.
Course Competencies are included in the last 4 pages of the syllabus.
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CLASS POLICIES
Grading Policies:
Hour of Code (1)
5%
Lesson Assignments (16)
40%
MS Office Projects (3)
20%
MS Office & Technology Exams (6)
25%
Technology Quizzes (6)
10%
Grade Total
100%
PLAGIARISM and academic dishonesty will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Plagiarism and
academic dishonesty are a major infraction and will be dealt with severely.
Grading Scale:
A
90%-100%
B
80- 89%
C
70- 79%
D
60- 69%
F
Less than 60%
Academic Dishonesty:
Academic dishonesty is defined as an action inconsistent with the ethical standards of Miami Dade College.
Academic dishonesty includes the following actions, as well as other similar conduct aimed at making false
representation with respect to a student’s academic performance.
A. Cheating on an examination
B. Collaborating with others in work to be presented, if contrary to the stated rules of the course
C. Plagiarizing, including the submission of other’s ideas or papers (whether purchased, borrowed, or
otherwise obtained) as one’s own
D. Submitting, if contrary to the rules of a course, work previously presented in another course
E. Knowingly and intentionally assisting another student in any of the above actions, including assistance
in an arrangement whereby any work, classroom performance, examination, or other activity is submitted
or performed by a person other than the student under whose name the work is submitted or performed.
Some actions of academic dishonesty, such as stealing examinations or course material and falsifying
records, may be processed through the Student Disciplinary Procedure.
The Student Disciplinary Procedure may be found on the Student’s Rights & Responsibilities Guide (page
20).
Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to attend all the classes, except when precluded by emergencies. If you will be absent
from class for any reason, please notify me in advance. Attendance will be taken randomly in class; Students
will be marked absent if they are late more than 10 minutes. It is the student’s responsibility to keep fully
informed about notes, class material discussed (including syllabus adjustments, additional assignments,
change in examination material and dates, etc.). Students who stop attending class will receive a letter grade
of “F” for the course unless they submit a drop card to the registrar office prior to the withdrawal deadline
date (Wednesday, August 30).
Withdrawal (DROP):
A student not completing the course for any reason is required to submit an official drop notice to the
Registrar’s office prior to the deadline. If you do not comply with this procedure, a grade of “F” will be given.
Make Ups and Extensions:
Make up and extensions for graded assignments will be given, in extreme cases only and with proactive and valid written
documentation.
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Extra Credit:
There is no extra credit in the class. Students are expected to check the assignments due dates and the gradebook
regularly to avoid missing assignments.
Incomplete “I” Grade:
When a student has failed to complete the requirements of a course, the student may be given an
“Incomplete” or “I” grade. To be awarded this grade the student must present, to the instructor, valid reasons
for not having completed the course requirements. The instructor and the student then complete an
Agreement for Grade of Incomplete form. This agreement will determine the requirements for a course
grade which must be completed by the end of the next major term or failing grade may be assigned. In this
class an “Incomplete” or “I” grade is not usually given. The “I” grade applies to students that cannot take the
final test because of extreme circumstances. If by the last day to WITHDRAW with a grade of W you know
that you will not be able to complete the course, please go to the Registrar’s Office and drop the class.
No Eating and Drinking:
Food and beverages will not be allowed in the class.
Cell Phones:
If you must have your cell phone on, please set it to vibrate mode. You must leave the classroom to
use your cellular phone.
Office hours:
Scheduled upon request.
Assignments Schedule:
Please, visit https://mdc.instructure.com/courses/35176/modules for assignments’ due dates.
Important Dates
Friday, August 25, 2023
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Friday, October 27, 2023
Friday, December 15, 2023
Classes Begin
Last day to change courses without
penalty; withdraw from classes with a
refund
Last day to withdraw from course with
grade of W
Last Day of Classes and Final Exams
MDC Mission Statement: “The mission of Miami Dade College is to provide accessible, affordable high
quality education by keeping the learner's needs at the center of decision-making and working in partnership
with its dynamic, multicultural community.”
Please review the Miami Dade College Learning Outcomes and Course Competencies attached in the
next pages.
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Miami Dade College Learning Outcomes
This course addresses the following MDC learning outcomes:
Through the academic disciplines and co-curricular activities, General Education provides multiple, varied, and intentional
learning experiences to facilitate the acquisition of fundamental knowledge and skills and the development of attitudes that
foster effective citizenship and life-long learning.
As graduates of Miami Dade College, students will be able to:
Learning Outcome # 1:
Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Learning Outcome # 2:
Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data.
Learning Outcome # 3:
Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning.
Learning Outcome # 4:
Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information.
Learning Outcome # 5:
Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical perspectives
Learning Outcome # 6:
Create strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic, and social responsibilities
Learning Outcome # 7:
Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in society.
Learning Outcome # 8:
Use computer and emerging technologies effectively.
Learning Outcome # 9:
Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities.
Learning Outcome # 10:
Describe how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans on the
environment.
This course will effectively meet the following MDC Learning Outcomes:
Learning Outcome # 1:
Communicate effectively using listening, speaking reading, and writing skills
Learning Outcome # 2:
Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data
Learning Outcome # 3:
Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning
Learning Outcome # 4:
Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information
Learning Outcome # 5:
Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in society
Learning Outcome # 6:
Use computer and emerging technologies effectively
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Course Competencies
Competency 1:
The student will demonstrate general knowledge of computer concepts by:
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Competency 2:
The student will demonstrate proficiency using the Internet by:
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Competency 3:
Distinguishing between an email address and an Internet Uniform Resource Locator (URL).
Defining the elements of a URL and their functions.
Defining the elements of the Domain Name System (DNS) hierarchy.
Using a URL and a web browser to navigate to a specific website.
Formulating strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply online information.
Using an Internet search engine to find a website on a specific topic.
Using the MDC Bibliographic search engine to find books, eBooks, videos, and journal
articles on a specific topic.
Organizing and saving a URL as a favorite or bookmark for later reference.
Managing browsing history (Internet temporary files, cookies, and passwords).
Saving a web page as a web archive file.
Using private browsing to protect personal information.
Configuring a web browser (e.g., compatibility view, certificates, trusted sites, privacy, popup blockers, etc.).
The student will demonstrate knowledge of a personal computer operating system by:
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Competency 4:
Explaining and identifying the four basic computing functions of the information processing
cycle (input, process, output, and storage).
Comparing the different types of computers (e.g., desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphones,
embedded computers, mainframe, supercomputers, etc.) and the hardware components of a
personal computer.
Demonstrating the proper use and handling of portable data-storage devices.
Explaining the proper use of cloud storage.
Distinguishing between a computer operating system and application software.
Comparing common types of computer application software (e.g., word processing,
spreadsheets, databases, web-browsing, and email) and their uses.
Identifying the components of a network and various topologies.
Defining and describing the components of a typical operating system interface.
Identifying the components of an interface window.
Maximizing, minimizing, restoring, moving, and resizing windows.
Creating, naming, renaming, copying, moving, and deleting files.
Creating, naming, renaming, copying, moving, and deleting folders and subfolders.
Navigating through folders and subfolders to retrieve saved files.
Formatting an external storage device (e.g., USB, hard drive).
Using File Explorer to download, compress, extract, and locate files and folders.
Opening and closing an application.
Managing and recovering from application errors.
Using the Help system.
The student will demonstrate knowledge of the ethical use of computers by:
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Identifying the ethical use of information as it affects privacy, accuracy, intellectual
property, and accessibility.
Distinguishing between appropriate and inappropriate use of technology in an academic
setting regarding plagiarism (such as in Internet research).
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Competency 5:
The student will demonstrate an understanding of basic computer security and privacy by:
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Competency 6:
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Describing how social media helps individuals and businesses interact, collaborate, share
information, and build relationships.
Selecting social networking sites used for personal versus professional purposes.
Identifying privacy concerns associated with social networking.
Differentiating between the terms blog and blogger.
Explaining why microblogging services such as Twitter are popular and important tools for
the quick dissemination of information.
Describing the purpose of social news sites such as Reddit.
Identifying terms associated with popular content or trends such as hashtag, viral, and meme.
Describing video streaming and video sharing, including the difference between
premium/paid content and free (or ad-supported) content.
Describing music streaming, purchasing, and downloading, including the difference between
premium/paid streaming and ad-supported streaming.
The student will demonstrate the ability to use programming concepts by:
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Competency 9:
Identifying the standard form of an email address.
Creating, sending, and forwarding an email message with and without a file attachment.
Responding to an email using reply and reply all techniques.
The student will demonstrate proficiency in using social media by:
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Competency 8:
Explaining safe computing practices.
Identifying the sources of computer viruses (e.g., email-attachments, loading a file from a
disk, file-sharing, etc.).
Discussing the most common threats to computer security (e.g., viruses, worms, spyware,
spam, phishing, identity theft, etc.).
Describing practices to safe guard against email phishing and identity theft.
Discussing how firewalls, virus scanners, passwords, and other practices act to safeguard a
computer from security threats.
Distinguishing between appropriate and inappropriate social media postings and information
sharing.
The student will demonstrate proficiency in using electronic email by:
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Competency 7:
Discussing what constitutes intellectual property rights infringement.
Distinguishing between appropriate and inappropriate use of technology in a professional
business setting.
Distinguishing between legal and illegal file-sharing practices on a network such as the
Internet.
Constructing a set of statements to be acted out to accomplish a simple task.
Describing and analyzing a sequence of instructions.
Defining an algorithm.
Performing the basic steps in algorithmic problem solving.
Participating in a coding experience (e.g., Hour of Code)
The student will demonstrate knowledge of word processing software by:
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Creating, editing, and printing a document utilizing multiple formatting features and
functions of the software, including:
1. Creating a document and inserting text.
2. Inserting and formatting graphics and online video.
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Competency 10:
The student will show knowledge of spreadsheet software and its uses by:
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Competency 11:
3. Inserting, formatting, and converting text to a SmartArt graphic.
4. Inserting and modifying text boxes and shapes.
5. Formatting and changing the layout of paragraphs and documents.
6. Inserting page and paragraph borders.
7. Creating and modifying lists.
8. Setting and modifying tab stops.
9. Inserting and modifying headers and footers in a document.
10. Creating, adding, and formatting text in a table.
11. Using proofing options for a document.
Creating a new document from an existing document.
Creating a document using a template.
Creating a research paper (e.g., MLA, APA, etc.).
1. Inserting footnotes in a research paper.
2. Inserting citations and a bibliography in a research paper.
Creating and formatting a multiple-column newsletter.
Using special characters in a document.
Saving a document in multiple formats (e.g., pdf, html, etc.).
Creating mailing labels using Mail Merge.
Using the Help system.
Creating, editing, saving, and printing multiple worksheets in a workbook utilizing various
formatting features and functions of the software, including:
1. Creating, saving, navigating, and renaming worksheets.
2. Inserting, copying, cutting, and pasting data into a worksheet using the paste
options gallery.
3. Grouping worksheets to format and edit multiple worksheets at the same time.
4. Constructing and copying formulas for mathematical operations (+, -, *, /).
5. Moving data and resolving error messages.
6. Defining and constructing functions (e.g., Sum, Average, Median, Count, CountIF,
Min, and Max).
7. Constructing and copying logical IF functions.
8. Formatting cells with Merge & Center, cell styles, rotating text, and themes.
9. Applying conditional formatting.
10. Displaying and printing formulas in a worksheet.
11. Using proofing options for a worksheet.
12. Entering data by range.
13. Using Flash Fill to enter data or separate data into multiple columns.
14. Using Clear Contents and Clear Formats for editing a cell.
15. Using Date & Time functions and Freeze Panes.
Creating summary worksheets with linking formulas.
Using Goal Seek to perform what-if-analysis.
Charting data to create bar, column, line, and pie charts.
Formatting bar, column, line, and pie charts and inserting sparklines.
Converting data.
1. Converting a range to a table.
2. Creating sort and filters in a table.
Using the Help system.
The student will show knowledge of database software and its uses by:
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Discussing how databases are used in daily transactions.
Defining the capabilities and uses of a relational database management system.
Defining good database design using referential integrity concepts.
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Competency 12:
Identifying the four objects of a database (table, query, form, and report).
Creating a database from a template.
Creating and modifying tables, queries, forms, and reports using various methods (e.g., tools,
wizards, layout, and design views).
1. Implementing a second table and changing the structure of tables.
2. Creating and identifying relationships between tables.
3. Entering data into tables.
4. Sorting records in a table.
5. Importing external data.
Creating and using a form to add and delete records.
Using the filter by form feature to filter records in a table.
Creating a query using multiple tables, including:
1. Creating a new query using an existing query.
2. Sorting, specifying text, numeric, wildcards, and compound criteria, and using
wildcards in a query.
3. Creating calculated fields in a query.
4. Calculating statistics and group data in a query.
5. Creating a crosstab query.
6. Creating a parameter query.
Creating and modifying a report to include grouping and sorting of data and adding
functions (e.g., Sum, Average, Median, Count, Min, and Max).
Printing a report and keeping grouped data together in a printed report.
Using the Help system.
The student will demonstrate the ability to create presentations using presentation software by:
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Selecting a design theme and applying it to a presentation.
Creating, editing, saving, and printing a presentation utilizing multiple formatting features
and functions of the software, including:
1. Adding text, pictures, objects, and multimedia elements to a slide.
2. Formatting numbered and bulleted lists.
3. Converting text to SmartArt and SmartArt to text.
4. Customizing slide backgrounds and themes.
5. Creating and modifying tables and charts.
6. Aligning objects on slides.
7. Inserting, deleting, copying, and moving slides.
8. Formatting and editing a presentation using the outline view and the slides pane
view.
9. Creating headers and footers.
Applying animations and transitions to slides.
Switching views.
Delivering a presentation in Slide Show view.
Printing presentations, slides, and notes.
Using the Help system.
MDC Mission Statement: “The mission of Miami Dade College is to provide accessible, affordable
high quality education by keeping the learner's needs at the center of decision-making and working in
partnership with its dynamic, multicultural community.”
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Miami Dade College – Learning Resources
REMOTE LIBRARY AND TUTORING SERVICES
Learning Resources (LR) and campus academic labs offers students access to library and
tutoring services on-demand and online through the MDC’s library’s webpage. Services are
available in several modalities including synchronous or asynchronous, and one-on- one
or group-study in a variety of subject areas. To access these services and more, go the
Learning Resources website: https://www.mdc.edu/learning-resources/
How to Access
The 2020 update of Learning Resources website contains four “quick links” that connect
users directly to library and tutoring support. Learning Resources offers tutoring on a
walk-in basis during its traditional hours of operation to all MDC students, including those
in Dual Enrollment. However, we encourage students to ask about appointments as
there are a number of academic labs offering this option through the Learning Resources
webpage.
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Online Tutoring
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Remote Learning FAQs
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Ask a Librarian
How to get remote help from a librarian:
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From your Blackboard course click on
“MDC Library” link on navigation pane
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From LR Website, select Ask a
Librarian
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Type your name (optional)
Type your question and be connected with
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a live
Librarian
• You can also chat or text questions
How to get remote help from a tutor:
From your Blackboard course click
on “MDC Tutoring” link on
navigation pane
• From LR Website, select Online
Tutoring
• Select the campus where you
typically meet with a tutor, then
select the discipline you are
requesting tutoring from
• You will be connected to a
Collaborate Ultra room where a
staff member will further direct you
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Hours of Operation
Learning Resources is available to assist students during standard hours of operation as
detailed below. Please note, however, that remote library and tutoring services may differ
based on campus available resources.
Monday –
Thursday
7:30am - 9:00pm
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
7:30am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 1:00pm
-closed-
Contact Information
For more information regarding library and tutoring services, students may contact
Learning Resources directly via email.
Campus
Homestead Campus
Medical Campus
Wolfson Campus
Hialeah Campus
Kendall Campus
Entrepreneurial Center
North Campus
Padron Campus
West Campus
Contact Email
HomesteadLibrary@mdc.edu
MedicalLibrary@mdc.edu
WolfsonLibrary@mdc.edu
HialeahLibrary@mdc.edu
KendallLibrary@mdc.edu
EECLibrary@mdc.edu
NorthLibrary@mdc.edu
PadronLibrary@mdc.edu
WestLibrary@mdc.edu
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