Instructor
Ann Wright
Phone
(775)738-8349
Email ann.wright@gbcnv.edu
or through the WebCampus classroom
Time
Place
Textbook
Phone and email messages checked on weekdays only.
4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m., Tuesdays & Thursdays
HTC 107
Technology in Action
Introductory Eleventh Edition
Evans, Martin, Poatsy
Publisher: Pearson
ISBN: 978-0-13-382735-4
Introduction to Information Systems is an introduction to computer-based information systems management including hardware/software relationships, business applications usage, systems theory, current technology, networking, the Internet, computer security, and privacy issues.
Recommended co-requisite: IS 201.
3 credits.
This course covers essential information technology and is designed to meet the GBC General
Education technology requirement. This course should help you develop a strong understanding of information technology related to your life, including the internet, productivity and creativity software, computer hardware, communications, computer privacy, and computer security.
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1.
Illustrate the relationships between knowledge of technology and the direction our society takes.
Participation in Class Discussions,
Written Assignments, Hands-On
Assignments, Presentation, and Paper
2.
Demonstrate computer and network usage as communications tools;
3.
Show how the knowledge of intellectual property rights, e.g. creative commons, copyright and fair use are used;
4.
Demonstrate the use of and critically evaluate electronic data and the Internet as information resources;
5.
Discuss ethical, privacy, and security issues relating to computer use;
6.
Describe a clear understanding of at least two specific technologies.
Hands-On Assignments and
Presentation
Participation in Class Discussions,
Written Assignments, Hands-On
Assignments, Presentation, and Paper
Participation in Class Discussions,
Written Assignments, Hands-On
Assignments, Presentation, and Paper
Participation in Class Discussions and
Written Assignments
Participation in Class Discussions,
Written Assignments, Hands-On
Assignments, Presentation, and Paper
To meet with the instructor to discuss anything regarding the class message me on WebCampus, call, email or talk to me during class to set up an appointment. The best times are either before or after class but I can be available at other times if needed.
o explanation, demonstration, and examples of information technology concepts using in-class and online resources o hands-on assignments incorporating information technology concepts o reading and written assignments from the textbook, handouts, and online sources o in-class discussions based on assigned readings and hands-on assignments o group work o working in pairs o individual work
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You must attend class. Attendance records are kept and you need to notify me in advance if you expect to miss a class. If I’m not notified, your absence will be recorded as unexcused.
The college catalog states
“Unexcused hours of absence in excess of the number of course credit hours is excessive. This translates to two hours of absence for a two-credit class, three hours of absence for a three-credit class, and so on. An instructor may drop any student who has excessive unexcused absences. An instructor has the sole right to excuse an absence, assign makeup work, or apply a punitive grading policy as established by the instructor’s syllabus for the class. Specifically, you are expected to comply with the attendance policy set by each instructor.”
(p. 62 of the 2015-2016 GBC General Catalog)
If, for some reason, you feel that you cannot complete the course, you must officially withdraw from the class by the course drop deadline (Monday, November 2, 2015) by contacting Admissions & Records at 753-2102, and completing the Course Withdraw Form.

Officially withdrawing results in a "W" on your grade report. The "W" is not used in computing your cumulative GPA; it will appear on your transcript and be permanent.

If you do not officially withdraw, your grade will be based on the work you have completed averaged with zeros for work you have not completed.
If a student has concerns or complaints about grading, s/he should follow the steps of the published procedures as stated on pages 64 and 65 in the 2015-2016 GBC General Catalog.
Students should keep their graded work until they know their final course grade at the end of the semester in case there is any discrepancy in grades.
Students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with college standards. GBC’s
Student Conduct Policy is outlined on pages 35-38 of the 2015-2016 GBC General Catalog.
Students are expected to be academically honest. GBC’s Academic Honesty section of the
2015-2016 General Catalog is on page 25.
Great Basin College is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to qualified students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973. A qualified student must furnish current verification of disability. The Director of
Services for Students with Disabilities (Julie G. Byrnes) will assist qualified students with disabilities in securing appropriate and reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids and services. For more information or further assistance, please call 775-753-2271.
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The GBC computer labs are provided as a service to students. Use of the computer lab is a privilege, not a right. Users must refrain from doing anything that annoys others or disrupts their education. The computer lab cannot be used for non-college work.
1.
Computer lab use is restricted to authorized individuals: students, faculty, and staff with appropriate logins.
2.
Logins are issued to individual users and ARE NOT to be used by anyone else.
3.
Drinks are permitted if they are in a covered container and are kept on the floor.
4.
Children are allowed in the labs only if they are enrolled in a course offered specifically for them.
5.
Internet access is to be used for class-related work only. Internet activities will be randomly monitored.
6.
Computer labs are for students to use for class-related work only.
7.
Copying of ANY software is prohibited without prior authorization.
8.
No ringing cell phones in the labs.

Grades describe the quality of work completed. Grading in this course is based upon the following:
Attendance & Participation 25%
Attendance, unannounced classroom assignments, in-class discussions, and hands-on activities count as this part of the class grade.
Written Assignments 30%
Written Assignments count as this part of the class grade.
Quizzes 25%
Quizzes taken on-line count as this part of the class grade.
Research Paper
Presentation
10%
10%
Attendance & Participation

Come to class with assignments completed, and be prepared to discuss your work.

There will be unannounced in-class assignments throughout the semester.
Written Assignments

Each written assignment has its own handout giving the specifics of the assignment; each written assignment is evaluated with its own rubric, and is worth 100 points.

Written assignments are based on textbook reading, and can also involve research for information beyond what is presented in the textbook.

No late work is accepted, unless it is approved in writing by the instructor by 5:00 p.m. the day prior to the assignment’s due date. For example, if an assignment is due on Thursday, written approval to submit the assignment late must be given by the instructor to the student by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
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Quizzes

All quizzes will be taken through WebCampus and have a specific due date

The quizzes are 20 questions composed of questions from your book

You have one hour to complete each quiz and can retake each quiz 5 times

WebCampus will save the highest score if quizzes are repeated
Research Paper - You will be given the requirements later in the semester.
Presentation - You will be given the requirements later in the semester.
The final course grade is calculated on a percentage scale and then recorded as the corresponding grade point value and letter grade as shown below.
Percentage
94-100
90-93
87-89
84-86
80-83
77-79
74-76
70-73
67-69
64-66
60-63
<60
Grade Point Value Letter Grade Quality of Work
2.3
2.0
1.7
1.3
1.0
0.7
0.0
4.0
3.7
3.3
3.0
2.7
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F
A
A-
B+
B
B-
Superior
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Failure
Grade General Definition
A Demonstrates
Exceptional
Competence
Work Demonstrated

An ability to transcend the obvious, apply principles innovatively, and relate theoretical concepts to everyday life. Resulting insights are often personal and illuminating.

A capacity to develop ideas flexibly and fluently, yet with control and purpose.
B Demonstrates
Competence

Understanding of concepts and principles, and the ability to interpret them meaningfully in a personal context.

A capacity to develop an idea with a clear sense of order.
C Suggests Competence 
Satisfactory understanding of concepts and principles.

Application of classroom-based learning often lacks depth and insight.
D
F
Suggests
Incompetence
Demonstrates
Incompetence

A frequent inability to express competence.

A limited understanding of much of the subject matter.

A lack of commitment or failure to follow instructions.

Work has failed to meet the minimum requirement for the course.

Student may not be adequately prepared for the courses which follow.
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In addition to degree requirements, the faculty of GBC has established a goal to ensure that all students graduating with either an AA, AS, BA, or BS degree have had the opportunity to develop an awareness of and abilities in specific areas. These areas are detailed on pages 67 and
68 of the 2015-2016 GBC General Catalog.
IS 101 is a General Education Technology Area class option, and therefore has particular emphasis with the following General Education Objectives.
1.
Communications Skills Objective
Students will be responsible for completing weekly assignments involving oral and written forms of communication, including presentations (informal and formal) and discussions.
Presentations and discussions will be evaluated on evidence of insight, quest for knowledge, and reflection.
Written assignments will be evaluated on content and mechanics.
Research, comprehension, and analysis of course-related materials will be expected from students throughout the course; materials will be from print and online resources.
Students will give a descriptive oral presentation at the end of the semester. The presentation will be evaluated on preparedness, organization, clarity, content, appropriate length, and delivery.
Accessing Information
Students who complete General Education courses will demonstrate the ability to access information by
 collecting information from electronic, print and live sources;
 evaluating the validity of information;
 organizing information into a usable format; and
 documenting sources of information.
2.
Critical Thinking Objective
The progression of this class through the semester requires creativity, logic, quantitative reasoning, and inquiry as the means toward knowledge.
Quantitative Ability Element (significant)
Throughout the semester students will demonstrate quantitative ability with a variety of class content. A few examples are calculating file sizes, specifying file resolution, creating spreadsheet formulas, and determining bandwidth.
Reasoning and Independent Thought Element (significant)
During the class students will analyze multiple information technology concepts including interface design, networking, HTML, algorithms, multimedia, software, and scripting.
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Scientific Understanding Element (some degree)
Various science-based concepts will be addressed such as digital data representation, artificial intelligence, what-if analysis, scripting, debugging, and principles of computer operation.
3.
Technological Understanding Objective
The primary tools used in this class will be technology based: computer hardware and software.
Students will use standard computer hardware, and may use a DVD burner, jump drive, scanner, and digital camera.
Students will use a variety of software, which may include file management, word processing, database, presentation, animation, web browser, web page design, graphics, and digital audio editing.
Don’t let yourself get behind! Once we begin, we will address several concepts each week.
If you are confused about any particular concept, let me know immediately. Don’t wait until the last minute to submit assignments!!
You will be learning a tremendous amount of new material in this semester. For some, all this new information may be overwhelming. Be patient. You are here to learn and I am here to facilitate your learning.
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Wee k
1
Dates
Sept 1-3
Topic
Introductions, Computer Logins, WebCampus, Syllabus, Class Website,
Textbook Overview
Chapter 1 , Using Technology to Change the World
2
3
Sept 8-10 Chapter 2 , Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts
Sept 15-17
Chapter 2 , Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts
Chapter 6 , Understanding and Assessing Hardware: Evaluating Your System
4
Sept 22-24 Chapter 6 , Understanding and Assessing Hardware: Evaluating Your System
5
Sept 29-Oct 1 Chapter 3
, Using the Internet: Making the Most of the Web’s Resources
6
Oct 6-8
Chapter 3
, Using the Internet: Making the Most of the Web’s Resources
Chapter 4 , Application Software: Programs That Let You Work and Play
7
Oct 13-15 Chapter 4 , Application Software: Programs That Let You Work and Play
8
9
Oct 20-22
Oct 27-29
Chapter 4 , Application Software: Programs That Let You Work and Play
Chapter 5, System Software: The Operating System, Utility Programs, and
File Management
Chapter 5, System Software: The Operating System, Utility Programs, and
File Management
Nov 3-5 Chapter 7, Networking: Connecting Computing Devices
10
11
Nov 10-12
Chapter 7, Networking: Connecting Computing Devices
Chapter 8 , Digital Devices and Media: Managing a Digital Lifestyle
12
Nov 17-19 Chapter 8 , Digital Devices and Media: Managing a Digital Lifestyle
13
14
Nov 24
Nov 26
Chapter 9 , Securing Your System: Protecting Your Digital Data and Devices
** NO CLASS – THANKSGIVING DAY **
Dec 1-3 Chapter 9 , Securing Your System: Protecting Your Digital Data and Devices
15
16
Dec 8-10 Presentations during class this week
Dec 15 Finals Week: Papers Due Tuesday, Dec 15
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