Information Systems 1800: Computers and Information Systems
Spring 2015
Section #
001
002
003
004
005
E01
All Sections
Reference #
Course Instructor: Mimi Duncan
Days
Time
10218
Tuesday
9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m.
10219
Tuesday
11:00 a.m. until 12:15 p.m.
Above sections combined as section 1 (P) in MyGateway
12898
Tuesday
2:00 p.m. until 3:15 p.m.
12981
Wednesday
12:30 p.m. until 1:45 p.m.
Above sections combined as section 3 (P) in MyGateway
13227
Wednesday
2:00 p.m. until 3:15 p.m.
10221
Wednesday
5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Above sections combined as section 5 (P) in MyGateway
Student Support
Thursday
2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Labs
Room
ESH 003
ESH 003
ESH 003
ESH 003
ESH 003
ESH 003
ESH 003
Note: Since this is a hybrid class, we will not meet every week. This will be described in detail during
the first class meeting. The Tentative Schedule lists the face-to-face class meetings.
Instructor’s Office: 215 ESH
Instructor phone number: 314-516-6282
Fax Number: 314-516-6827
Mail Room: 210 ESH
Instructor Office Hours:
Tuesdays: 12:30 p.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: 3:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Or by appointment
Most Thursdays: 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in Student Support Lab
Course Description:
This course covers the basic concepts of networked microcomputers including the basics of file management
on local and remote computers, electronic mail, Internet browsers, and web page development. Students are
also exposed to applications used in problem solving, communication, and making informed decisions,
including word processors, presentation software, electronic spreadsheets, and databases. The
characteristics of computer hardware and software used in implementing various applications are considered.
Students will develop skills in utilizing applications that run on familiar computer platforms.
Course Objectives:





Access and/or generate information using a variety of technological information sources, including personal
productivity tools (word processing, presentation packages, electronic spreadsheets, and databases) and
information on public networks, such as the Internet
Create and evaluate information for its currency, usefulness, truthfulness, and accuracy using electronic
spreadsheet and database management systems.
Organize, store, and retrieve information effectively using personal productivity tools, including electronic
spreadsheets, database management systems, and file transfer protocols
Present information clearly and concisely, using contemporary technologies such as the graphics features
of an electronic spreadsheet, presentation software, and reporting facilities of a database management
system.
Develop effective communication skills using computer technologies including electronic mail.
Spring 2015
Syllabus
IS 1800
Page 1
Course Materials:
Shrink-wrapped custom package from Pearson that includes:
 Technology in Action 11th edition, e-text, Valuepack Access Card
 Skills for Success with Office 2013 Volume 1, 1/ e
 Compact Guide to Web Page Creation and Design, 2/e
 http://www.pearsoncustom.com/mo/umsl_excel/
Recommended Hardware: flash drive or thumb drive to ease file portability
Learning Objectives/Outcomes/Goals:
Information Systems 1800 meets the Skills Goals requirement on campus for managing information. All
assignments, exams and other projects are meant to meet this goal so that students who successfully
complete this course enhance their skill set and are able to select the correct applications to devise a
strategy to solve and analyze topics they may encounter in or out of a university setting.
At the end of the course, you should be able to:
 Recognize that a system consists of people, procedures, hardware, software, and data.
 Effectively organize, manage, and present individual and enterprise information using contemporary
software applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, databases, and electronic presentation
software.
 Access and create content via open and closed networks.
 Examine professional and ethical practices in business as it relates to managing and sharing
information.
Course Resources, Activities and Tools:
All content and activities are centrally managed and available via MyGateway. The instructor will use the
following features: discussion boards, blogs, grade book, assignment collection, exams, recorded lectures, and
links to all course resources.
Panopto Recordings in MyGateway:
In order to make the best use of class meeting time and to leverage the available technology, recordings of
lectures and tutorials are available for support during the semester. These recordings will enable you to build
skills in the applications, reference as study guides, and review lectures. Since this a hybrid class, some work
will be done in class, others completed online; some projects will be done individually, others done in groups.
The recordings will use the Panopto tool that is available in MyGateway. These recordings will be available as
a direct link in the left frame of the opening page of the MyGateway course site and will remain available all
during the semester. This resource will be demonstrated during the first class meeting.
Student Support Labs Information:
In order to be successful in this course, it is recommended that you attend at least one hour during the Student
Support Labs on Thursdays. Sign in sheets during the Thursday labs will be available and your attendance
tracked. Labs are the opportunity for you to get help in order to be successful with all the assignments and
projects during the semester. Note: all assignments and Skills Mastery Projects are due on Thursdays
at 8:00 p.m.
Graduate Learning Assistants:
During the labs on Thursdays, there will be Graduate Learning Assistants available at all times in the
classroom. The course instructor will be available either in the classrooms or via e-mail for consultation. In
addition, the Graduate Learning Assistants will hold office hours in SSB 103.The office hours will be posted in
in MyGateway. These tutors are resources for students but will not teach course content. If the tutors are
unable to answer your questions, please see your instructor during office hours. The general staff in the
computer labs are not tutors, but can help with machine problems, etc.
Spring 2015
Syllabus
IS 1800
Page 2
Grades:
During the course of the semester, exams, and assignments will be given and managed via MyGateway. The
total points available during the semester will be 1,000. Letter grades will be given as follows:
900 to 1,000
700 to 799
A
C
800 to 899
600 to 699
Below 600
F
B
C
Incremental grades may be assigned. For more information about UMSL grades and definitions, consult the
UMSL Bulletin: http://www.umsl.edu/bulletin/undergraduate/policies.html
Disability statement:
Students requiring special accommodations should meet with me during office hours so that we can discuss
how to meet your needs this semester. Prior to our meeting be sure you have met with someone in Disability
Access Services (MSC 144).
Academic Honesty:
Plagiarism is the use of another person’s words or ideas without crediting that person. Plagiarism and cheating
will not be tolerated and may lead to failure on an assignment, in the class, and dismissal from the University.
View this campus policy here:
http://www.umsl.edu/services/academic/assets/PDFs/Dishonesty-Rev-9-08.pdf
Civility:
 Silence cell phones during class. Adherence to the Student Conduct Code is expected.
 My commitment is to create a climate for learning characterized by intellectual diversity and a respect for
each other and the contributions each person makes to class. I ask that you make a similar
commitment.
 I am committed to insuring a positive learning environment by respecting that University policy:
http://www.umsl.edu/studentlife/dsa/student_planner/policies/positive.html
Campus Safety
 All members of the UMSL community are invited to register their cell and office phone numbers to receive
notification of any pending danger on campus. Find instructions here:
http://www.umsl.edu/~safety/police/notification/index.html
 In the event of an emergency on campus, call Campus Police at 314-516-5155. A call to 911 on a cell
phone only, will go to the St. Louis County Police. The St. Louis County Police will notify UMSL Police,
but this may cause a delay in response. Campus Police know the best way to escort emergency
vehicles to locations on campus.
 If you do not feel comfortable walking to a parking lot, MetroLink stop, or anywhere else on campus,
contact the Campus Police for an escort: 314-516-5155.
Important Dates: Spring Semester 2015
Check out the following link for the academic calendar:
http://bulletin.umsl.edu/#academiccalendartext
This syllabus may be revised at the discretion of the instructor without prior notification or
consent of the student.
Spring 2015
Syllabus
IS 1800
Page 3
Exams:
Exams given during the semester and the final exam will cover material from the texts, lectures, handouts, and
assignments. Make-up tests will be administered at the discretion of the instructor and only circumstances,
such as serious illness, with a doctor’s note. The feedback feature will be available during the next class
meeting. The following table details dates, topics and other important information on the exams. Exams I and
II will be available off-campus, but all other exams will take place on campus. The Final Exam will be
taken in the Online Testing Center.
Exam Dates and Details
Exam
Date
Topics
Point
Value
Format
Study Guide
& Review
Available
Exam I
(taken
remotely)
2/10/15 at
8:00 a.m.
until 2/12/15
at 8:00 p.m.
E-mail,
chapters 1-9 in
TIA, all TIF,
and PowerPoint
100 points
Multiple choice
2/2/15
Word and
HTML
100 points
Multiple choice
2/23/15
Excel
100 points
Multiple choice
and Excel files
3/9/15
Access
100 points
Multiple choice
and Access
files
4/6/15
Comprehensive
100 points
Multiple choice
4/27/15
Exam II
(taken
remotely)
Excel Exam
Access
Exam
Final Exam
in the OTC
Spring 2015
3/3/15 at
8:00 a.m.
until 3/5/15
at 8:00 p.m.
3/17/15 or
3/18/15
during
regular class
meeting time
4/14/15 or
4/15/15
during
regular class
meeting time
5/11/15
beginning at
8:00 a.m.
until 8:00
p.m. on
5/14/15
Syllabus
IS 1800
Page 4
Skills Mastery Projects:
During the semester, there will be 10 Skills Mastery Projects. The formats may be multiple-choice quizzes or
blogs on current technology topics. With either format, the dates and availability are detailed in the table
below. It is your responsibility to keep up with these projects. Out of the 10 attempts, 8 will be counted for a
grade, with a possible point total of 40 points.
Skills Mastery Projects Dates and Details
Spring 2015
Number
Point Value
Format
Due Date
1
5 points
Multiple choice
1/29/15
2
5 points
Multiple choice
2/5/15
3
5 points
Multiple choice
2/19/15
4
5 points
Multiple choice
2/26/15
5
5 points
Blog contribution
3/12/15
6
5 points
Blog contribution
4/2/15
7
5 points
Blog contribution
4/9/15
8
5 points
Blog contribution
4/16/15
9
5 points
Blog contribution
4/30/15
10
5 points
Blog contribution
5/7/15
Syllabus
IS 1800
Page 5
Assignments:
The due dates for all the Assignments are listed on the Tentative Schedule, but may be subject to change as
course work proceeds, with any changes always in the students’ favor. The documents including instructions
you will need for the assignments will be in MyGateway and made available to you based on the information on
the table below and on the Tentative Schedule. All assignments will rollout during the semester as topics are
introduced. For assignments that have files as a component, you will have 2 chances to upload in MyGateway
on or before the due date. Both the documents with instructions and your ability to upload disappear
after the due date, which will always be on a Thursday at 8:00 p.m. No assignments will be accepted
for credit after due date. Be sure that all the work you turn in is your own. There are many ways to check
the authenticity of a student’s work. See the Academic Honesty discussion above.
Assignment Dates and Details
Assignment
Due Date
Point Value
E-Mail
1/29/15
40 points
Concepts
2/5/15
40 points
Discussion
Boards
#1: 2/5/15
#2: 2/19/15
#3: 4/2/15
#4: 4/16/15
#5: 5/7/15
20 points per
component
Word
2/26/15
50 points
Web Page
3/12/15
60 points
Excel
4/2/15
50 points
Access
4/30/15
50 points
Skills
Mastery
Projects
Various dates
40 points
(8 out of 10
counted)
Spring 2015
Syllabus
Deliverable
E-mail
submission
File uploaded
to MyGateway
Responding to
topics within
your group in
MyGateway
Files uploaded
to MyGateway
Personal web
page on the
WWW
Files uploaded
to MyGateway
Files uploaded
to MyGateway
Multiple-choice
quizzes or
blogs
Date Available
In MyGateway
1/19/15
1/19/15
1/26/15
2/19/15
2/26/15
3/9/15
4/6/15
Various dates
IS 1800
Page 6
In Class Projects:
During the face to face class meetings, there will be projects that will be part of the tasks for the day.
These projects will be done during that class meeting and will be uploaded like an assignment into
MyGateway. You will be unable to get the points for the projects if you do not attend the class
session when they are offered. Collaboration is permitted, but each student must upload their own
project, except for PowerPoint, which is a group endeavor. Points and descriptions for these projects
are detailed below.
In-Class Project Dates and Details
Project
Date
Point Value
Description
PowerPoint
2/3/15 or 2/4/15,
depending on regular
class meeting time
50
Group project on ecommerce
Word
2/17/15 or 2/18/15
20
Word file to be
uploaded into
MyGateway
HTML
2/24/15 or 2/25/15
20
TBD
Excel
3/10/15 or 3/11/15
30
Access
4/7/15 or 4/8/15
30
Spring 2015
Syllabus
Excel files to be
uploaded into
MyGateway
Access file to be
uploaded into
MyGateway
IS 1800
Page 7
Tentative Schedule
Topics
Meeting Dates
1/20/15 or 1/21/15
Face to Face
1/27/15 or 1/28/15
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
MyGateway, K drive and Syllabus
Introduce eBook and Pearson link
Panopto, TritonApps and Practice Test
Chapters 1 to 9 Tech in Action
E-Mail and Netiquette: lecture online
2/3/15 or 2/4/15
Face to Face
In-Class project:
PowerPoint on E-Commerce developed and
presented in groups
2/10/15 or 2/11/15
2/17/15 or 2/18/15
Face to Face
Exam I: runs from 8:00 a.m. on 2/10/15 until
5:00 p.m. on 2/12/15. No class meetings
In-Class Project:
Word project
2/24/15 or 2/25/15
Face to Face
In-Class Project:
HTML and file management
3/3/15 or 3/415
3/10/15 or 3/11/15
Face to Face
Exam II: runs from at 8:00 a.m. on 3/3/15 until
8:00 p.m. on 3/5/15. No class meetings.
In-Class Project: Excel
3/17/15 or 3/18/15
Face to Face
3/24/15 or 3/25/15
Excel Exam: held in the classroom
3/31/15 or 4/1/15
Excel Workday
4/7/15 or 4/8/15
Face to Face
In-Class Project: Access
Access Workday
4/21/15 or 4/22/15
Face to Face
Access Exam: held in the classroom
4/28/15 or 4/29/15
Catch-up Day
Spring 2015
Assignments, due dates, & exam dates
Assignments available: E-mail and Concepts
Assignment available: All Discussion Boards
Skills Mastery 1
**E-Mail due: 1/29/15**
Skills Mastery 2
**Concepts due: 2/5/15
**Discussion Board #1 due: 2/5/15**
Study Guide and Panopto Available
Assignment available: Word
Skills Mastery 3
**Discussion Board #2 due 2/19/15**
Assignment available: Web Page
**Word due 2/26/15**
Skills Mastery 4
Study Guide and Panopto Available
Assignment available: Excel
**Web Page due: 3/12/15**
Skills Mastery 5
Study Guide and Panopto Available
Spring Break
4/14/15 or 4/15/15
5/5/15 or 5/6/15
Face to Face
Week of May 11, 2015
Comments:
Final wrap-up: any questions resolved
Extra Credit Project??
Final Exam: will run from 5/11/2015 at 8:00
a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on 5/14/2015
Syllabus
Skills Mastery 6
**Discussion Board #3 due 4/2/15**
**Excel due: 4/2/15**
Assignment available: Access
Skills Mastery 7
Study Guide and Panopto Available
Skills Mastery 8
**Discussion Board #4 due 4/16/15**
Skills Mastery 9
**Access due: 4/30/15**
Final Exam Study Guide and Panopto
Skills Mastery 10
**Discussion Board #5 due 5/7/15.**
Schedule in OTC
IS 1800
Page 8