Course Syllabus – BCIS 1305 Business Computer Applications
Page | 1
HILL COLLEGE
112 Lamar Drive
Hillsboro, TX 76645
COURSE SYLLABUS—FALL 2015
Megan Carpenter Vadasy
BCIS 1305
Business Computer Applications
Hill College is committed to the principal of equal opportunity in education and
employment. The college does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of
age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status in the
administration of its educational programs, activities, or employment policies.
Catalog Description
Students will study computer terminology, hardware, and software related to the
business environment. The focus of this course is on business productivity software
applications and professional behavior in computing, including spreadsheets,
databases, presentation graphics, and business-oriented utilization of the Internet
Lecture Hours: 3 Laboratory Hours: 2 Semester Credit Hours: 3
Pre-requisites: None
Introduction and Purpose of the Course
This course equips students with a working knowledge of computer technologies to meet
the information needs for their professional, person, and academic life. Students will use
digital tools to gather facts, interpret, analyze and create meaning and new meaning form
the information they gather. Effective communication in today’s constantly changing
business environment is emphasized. Students will practice selecting appropriate data
sources and technologies to make effective decisions; communicate with others and
work collaboratively; recognize deadlines and develop the ability to prioritize tasks.
Instructional Materials: Textbooks - Required:
Technology in Action 11th Ed / Exploring Office 2013, Pearson, and MyITLab access
bundle. (ISBN: 9780133975468) Both text books come as e-text viewable in myitlab.
Supplies
Storage media: diskette, USB drive
Course Syllabus – BCIS 1305 Business Computer Applications
Page | 2
Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes:
This course partially satisfies the requirements for a degree or certificate in Computer
Science or Information Processing. At the completion of the course, the student should be
able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Describe the fundamentals of Information Technology (IT) infrastructure components:
hardware, software, and data communications systems using effective, professional,
and appropriate communication.
Explain the guiding principles of professional behavior in computing through
collaborative efforts with others in a diverse environment considering the ethical
implications of their communication practices.
Demonstrate proper file management techniques to manipulate electronic files and
folders in a local and networked environment intended for end-user support.
Use business productivity software to manipulate data and find solutions to business
problems.
Explain the concepts and terminology used in the operation of application systems in a
business environment to individuals who do not have a background in the industry.
Identify emerging technologies for use in business applications and distinguish the
appropriate use.
Complete projects that integrate business software applications following an established
timeline.
Description of Institutional Core Objectives (ICO’s)
Given the rapid evolution of necessary knowledge and skills and the need to take into
account global, national, state, and local cultures, the core curriculum must ensure that
students will develop the essential knowledge and skills they need to be successful in
college, in a career, in their communities, and in life. Therefore, with the assistance of the
Undergraduate Education Advisory Committee, the Coordinating Board approved a 42
semester credit hour core curriculum for all undergraduate students in Texas, including a
statement of purpose, six core objectives, and common component areas.
Statement of Purpose
Through the Texas Core Curriculum, students will gain a foundation of knowledge of human
cultures and the physical and natural world, develop principles of personal and social
responsibility for living in a diverse world, and advance intellectual and practical skills that
are essential for all learning. Hill College faculty periodically evaluate the objectives
included in the Component Area Option.
Course Syllabus – BCIS 1305 Business Computer Applications
Page | 3
COMMUNICATIONS College SLO
Core Objective
CT1: Generate
Critical Thinking
and
Skills
communicate
ideas by
combining,
changing or
reapplying
existing
information
Communication Skills
Use All
CS1: Develop,
interpret, and
express ideas
through written
communication
Communication Skills
Use All
CS2: Develop,
interpret, and
express ideas
through oral
communication
Communication Skills
Use All
CS3: Develop,
interpret, and
express ideas
through visual
communication
Teamwork
Use Any
TW1: Integrate
different
viewpoints as a
member of a
team
Course SLO
General Learning Activities
Assessment
1. Describe the
fundamentals of
Information
Technology (IT)
infrastructure
components:
hardware, software,
and data
communications
systems using
effective,
professional, and
appropriate
communication.
7. Complete
projects that
integrate business
software
applications
following an
established
timeline.
6. Identify
emerging
technologies for
use in business
applications and
distinguish the
appropriate use.
Students will demonstrate their
ability to express ideas and
answer questions orally or
written, as well as discuss current
events and assigned outside
readings on a regular basis
through the duration of the
semester. These oral and written
activities will allow the student to
demonstrate the critical thinking
process.
Rubric, exam,
or embedded
assessment
Students will develop an in-class
presentation, which includes a
written element, pertaining to the
applications of concepts, theories
or issues in computer technology.
Rubric, exam,
or embedded
assessment
Students will demonstrate their
ability to express ideas and
answer questions orally and
written, as well as discuss current
events and assigned outside
readings on a regular basis
through the duration of the
semester. Students will develop
an in-class presentation pertaining
to the applications of concepts,
theories or issues in computer
technology. The presentation will
include an interview with a third
party.
Students will develop an in-class
presentation pertaining to the
applications of concepts, theories
or issues in computer technology.
Rubric, exam,
or embedded
assessment
Through groups, students will
demonstrate their ability to
express ideas and answer
questions orally or written, as
well as discuss current events and
assigned outside readings on a
regular basis through the duration
Rubric, exam,
or embedded
assessment
4. Use business
productivity
software to
manipulate data
and find solutions
to business
problems
3. Demonstrate
proper file
management
techniques to
manipulate
electronic files and
folders in a local
Rubric, exam,
or embedded
assessment
Course Syllabus – BCIS 1305 Business Computer Applications
Page | 4
Teamwork
Use Any
TW2: Work
with others to
support and
accomplish a
shared goal
Personal
Responsibility
PR1: Evaluate
choices and
actions, and
relate
consequences
to ethical
decisionmaking
and networked
environment
intended for enduser support.
of the semester.
5. Explain the
concepts and
terminology used
in the operation of
application systems
in a business
environment to
individuals who do
not have a
background in the
industry.
2. Explain the
guiding principles
of professional
behavior in
computing through
collaborative
efforts with others
in a diverse
environment
considering the
ethical implications
of their
communication
practices.
Through groups, students will
demonstrate their ability to
express ideas and answer
questions orally or written, as
well as discuss current events and
assigned outside readings on a
regular basis through the duration
of the semester.
Rubric, exam,
or embedded
assessment
Students will demonstrate their
ability to express ideas and
answer questions orally or
written, as well as discuss current
events and assigned outside
readings that relate choices /
actions to consequences /
decisions on a regular basis
through the duration of the
semester.
Rubric, exam,
or embedded
assessment
Methods of Instruction
This course in completely online. Students are expected to be independent learners and
have the resources needed to complete work. Instructor is available for questions through
email however, students should exhaust all independent methods of problem solving first.
Assignments and Schedule
All work for this course will be done in Myitlab using Office 2013. Students will register with
Myitlab, enroll using the course code provided by instructor, login and complete work each
week. All work for a particular week is due on the following Monday at 11:59 p.m. Once the
due date passes, zeros are assigned automatically. Students may work ahead if they wish
but should not fall behind. So, each week the student will 1)login to Myitlab; 2)open each
assignment for that week and complete before the next Monday’s deadline.
Grades
Grades are managed in Myitlab. You will be able to see a current average at any given time
under the Grades tab in Myitlab. The system updates every couple of hours.
Methods of Evaluation
Course Syllabus – BCIS 1305 Business Computer Applications
Page | 5
The students' success in completing the core objectives within the Component Area Option –
Communication, will be measured using rubric, exam, or embedded assessment activity. A
student's final grade shall be based on his/her performance on scheduled examinations and on
computer assignments.
TIA - Chapter Tests
TIA - In Class Exercises / DB
EO - Hands-On Skills
EO - Simulated Chapter Tests
EO - Grader Projects
Final Exam
Total
90 - 100
80 - 89
70 - 79
60 - 69
Below 60
20%
10%
20%
20%
30%
10%
100%
A
B
C
D
F
Each test will be weighed equally and will consist of laboratory practicum, multiple
choice, true/false, matching, short answer and/or long answer questions. There will be a
minimum of three examinations during the semester. The final exam will be comprehensive
and will, in all cases, constitute at least 20% of your final grade.
The project assignments will be made at the discretion of the instructor to afford practice in
utilizing the concepts discussed in class. These concepts include but are not limited to
fundamental operating system usage, word processing, spreadsheet development, data
base administration and fundamental program design. The assignments must be of such
difficulty as to test the student's grasp of each laboratory objective (see Objectives and
Course Outline).
One or more writing assignments will be made during the semester. These assignments
are designed to test the student's ability to rationally organize his/her thoughts in the
application of concepts discussed in class. The writing assignment(s) may include a
research paper, book reviews and/or journal reports. The type of written assignment(s) given
will be at the instructor's discretion.
Class Policies—may not be applicable for online courses
I.
Attendance
A. Regular login is expected.
B. Late work is not accepted unless prior approval is given. Students are expected to plan
ahead and not procrastinate. Managing your time and meeting deadlines is expected
C. Failure may occur when more than 20% of the class assignments are incomplete,
with the resulting grade of F.
II. Academic dishonesty
A student will, minimally, receive a grade of zero on an assignment or test for the
following. Any of the following, at the sole discretion of the instructor, may result in a
grade of F being awarded for the course and the student being remanded to the
Dean of Students for disciplinary action which may include expulsion.
1) cheating
2) plagiarism
3) collusion
Course Syllabus – BCIS 1305 Business Computer Applications
Page | 6
**When working in Myitlab, students should be aware that they must download their
own start file. If they share start files, the system will flag the documents as cheating.
A student will receive an F for the course for cheating on the final examination.
Contacting Me
To contact me please email me at mvadasy@hillcollege.edu. You must give me 24 hours to
respond to emails. I typically do not check my email on weekends or holidays. If you do not
get a response in 24 hours of a work day, please email me again. Sometimes, emails get lost,
accidently deleted or sent to spam. I will respond within 24 hours except weekends or
holidays.
Communication
This is an online course so it is expected that you can communicate effectively using email.
When emailing me, start with a new email unless it directly relates to a previous email in which
case you can reply. Please make sure you give me a complete description of your situation
(name of assignment, week it is located, problem, tried solutions, provide screen shots if
possible). Do not use text type! This information will allow me to expedite a response to you.
I will not spend an unreasonable amount of time trying to figure out what you are talking about
so please provide the needed information.
Technology Problems
Students are expected to have access to MS Office 2013 with full versions of Word, Excel,
PowerPoint and Access as well as a working computer with high speed internet for the
duration of this course. If problems arise with technology, students are expected to contact
the Myitlab support team for assistance. You may contact the instructor if you have technical
trouble and the instructor may be able to provide some possible solutions based on previous
problems. However, the student should be aware that the instructor of this course is not a
technician. The instructor for this course will not be able to physically touch a student’s
laptop or provide technical support. Technical problems do not excuse the student from
assigned work. With notice, the instructor may provide additional time for completion but the
assignments must be completed for credit.
Disabilities/ADA:
Reports of discrimination based on disability may be directed to the ADA/Section 504
coordinator. The College District designates the following person to coordinate its efforts to
comply with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, which
incorporates and expands the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
as amended:
Name:
Position:
Address:
Telephone:
Dr. Heather Kissack
Executive Director of Human Resources
112 Lamar Drive, Hillsboro, TX 76645
(254) 659-7731
Students with qualified and documented disabilities may request accommodations which will
enable them to participate in and benefit from educational programs and activities. Students
should contact the Academic Advising and Student Success Center for more details
at: 254 659 7650 for Hillsboro, 817 760 5650 for Cleburne, or 817 295-7392 for Burleson.
Course Syllabus – BCIS 1305 Business Computer Applications
Page | 7
In accordance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the
regulations published by the United States Department of Justice 28 C.F.R. 35.107(a), Hill
College’s designated ADA coordinator Director of Academic Advising and Student Success,
shall be responsible for coordinating the College’s efforts to comply with and carry out its
responsibilities under ADA. Students with disabilities requiring physical, classroom, or testing
accommodations should contact the Director of Academic Advising & Student Success at
(254) 659-7651.
Topics and Tests
A. Overview of Computer Systems
1. Fundamental concepts and terms
2. History and development of the computer
B. Microcomputer Operating System Fundamentals
1. Basic functions and features of Operating Systems.
2. Categories of operation systems, including Windows, Mac OS, UNIX, and
Linux
3. Purpose of utilities programs.
4. Device drivers.
C. Input/Processing Operations
1. Central Processing Unit
2. Fundamental Types of Input Devices a. Keyboards
b. Pointing devices c. Scanners
d. Digital capture devices e. Audio capture devices
D. Word Processing Concepts
1. Creating a document
2. Editing a document
3. Formatting a document
4. Printing a document
5. Saving and retrieving documents
6. Ribbons, Galleries, Tab information
E. Output and Secondary Storage Considerations
1. Basic Types of Output Devices a. Monitors
b. Printers
c. Audio output devices
2. Secondary Storage Devices a. Magnetic storage
b. Optical Storage
c. Solid state storage
d. Tape storage
F. Fundamental Spreadsheet Operations
1. The Spreadsheet Environment
2. Worksheet Entry
a. Making entries on the worksheet
b. Saving and retrieving a worksheet
3. Formulas and Functions
Course Syllabus – BCIS 1305 Business Computer Applications
Page | 8
4.
5.
6.
Worksheet Appearance
Printing the Worksheet
Copying and Moving Information
G. Telecommunications, Networking and Legal Considerations
1. Fundamental of Telecommunications
2. Network Basics and design
3. Data and system security
4. Disaster management and recovery
H. Database Management and Usage
1. The Database Environment
2. Database Creation
a. Designing and creating a database
b. Entering and modifying database structures c. Information entry and
modification
d. Saving and Retrieving database
3. Displaying and printing database data
4. Database searches
I. Presentation Software Usage
1.
Presentation Software Environment
2. Slide Entry
a. Making entries on the Slides
b. Saving and retrieving a presentation
3. Appearance of the slides a. Background
b. Transitions
4. Printing the Slides
Bibliography
Capron, H. L., Computers: Tools For An Information Age, 8th Ed., Benjamin-Cummins,
Course Technology, 2003.
Kelly, Mary Louise and Suzanne Weixel, Microsoft Office Professional Essentials, Que
College, 1995.
O’Leary, Timothy, Computing Essentials Complete 2008, 19th Ed., McGraw Hill Publishing,
2008.
Parker, Charles S., Understanding Computers - Today and Tomorrow, Dryden Press, 1996.