COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
Fall 2011 Course Syllabus
Teacher: Mr. Christianson
Location: Room 218
Period: 8th
Email: christiansonc@pontiac.k12.il.us
Prep Period: 2nd and 7th Hour (Room 217)
Course Overview
This is an introductory course utilizing computers and their capabilities, limitations,
terminology, and functions. Students will be introduced to types of information
processing software and business applications. Word processing, data bases and reports,
and spreadsheets will be created and edited in this course. (1/2 Credit)
Grading
The grading scale will be as follows:
92-100 A
83-91 B
Semester Class Grade 80%
74-82 C
65-73 D
Below 65 F
Final Exam = 20%
You will be evaluated on the following criteria:
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Tests – Students will periodically be given announced tests throughout the
semester. Tests will be composed of questions and hands-on application.
Quizzes – Students will be given announced quizzes throughout the semester.
These quizzes could be written or hands-on application.
Homework – Students will be given both individual and group projects
throughout the semester.
Final Exam - Students will be required to take a final exam covering all of the
topics discussed throughout the semester.
** All work is due on the date given in class. Any late work will be handled in the
following way:
 1 day late will be 50% off the score you receive
 2 or more days late will be a zero unless arrangements have been made in
advanced
**It is important that students attend class regularly. This class will be evaluated by
work completed in the classroom. There are no take-home textbooks or software for this
class. We will be using Microsoft Office 2007 software in the classroom. Students who
do not regularly attend class will not earn a high grade in this course.
Materials
Students are expected to come to class prepared to participate and learn. Each student is
expected to bring the following items each day to class:
 Pen/Pencil & Paper
 3-ring Binder/Folder
Computer Policy
 You will be expected to follow the computer use agreement in the handbook that
you have already signed.
 Students will not open any program or use the computer for any reason unless
authorized by the teacher.
 Students will not vandalize any of the equipment in the computer lab.
 Students are not to change the desktop wallpaper, download anything, or tamper
with any of the hardware in the computer lab.
 You are not to print anything unless given permission by the teacher.
ANY STUDENT VIOLATING ANY OF THESE RULES OR THE RULES IN THE
INTERNET AGREEMENT WILL BE REMOVED FROM THIS COURSE AND
RECEIVE AN “F” IN THE CLASS.
Make-Up Work
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Excused Absence – Upon returning to class, students will have the same number
of days as they were absent to turn in assignments upon their return.
Unexcused Absence – Students absent from school without a valid excuse for any
part of the day will be expected to turn in assignments upon their return. Work
assigned the day of the absence will be due the day after the student returns to
school.
Long-term absence – See me ASAP if you know you are going to be gone from
school for an extended amount of time to come up with a plan.
**You are expected to ask me what you have missed upon your return to school from an
absence. Remember, it will be very hard to make-up missed work in this class. It is
imperative that you attend class.
Classroom Rules
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BE RESPECTFUL!!
o Do not talk while the teacher or another student is speaking.
o Raise your hand before talking.
Be in your seat and ready to start class when the bell rings.
Be on time. See the Student Handbook for tardy consequences.
Pick up after yourself. Do not leave any trash in the room.
Absolutely no food or drink in the classroom.
Most importantly!! TRY YOUR BEST!!
Course Outline
**This is a tentative schedule and may be changed at my discretion. We may cover more or
less than what is listed below.
Unit 1 – Microsoft Word
Lesson 1
Word Basics
Lesson 2
Basic Editing
Lesson 3
Helpful Word Features
Lesson 4
Formatting Text
Lesson 5
Formatting Paragraphs and Documents
Lesson 6
Desktop Publishing with Word
Lesson 7
Working With Documents
Lesson 8
Increasing Efficiency Using Word
UNIT 1 EXAM
Unit 2 – Microsoft Excel
Lesson 1
Excel Basics
Lesson 2
Changing the Appearance of a Worksheet
Lesson 3
Organizing the Worksheet
Lesson 4
Worksheet Formulas
Lesson 5
Function Formulas
Lesson 6
Making the Worksheet Useful
Lesson 7
Working with Multiple Worksheets
Lesson 8
Worksheet Charts
UNIT 2 EXAM
Unit 3 – Microsoft Power Point
Lesson 1
Power Point Basics
Lesson 2
Enhancing a Power Point Presentation
Lesson 3
Working with Visual Elements
Lesson 4
Expanding on Power Point Basics
UNIT 3 EXAM
Unit 4 – Microsoft Access (Time permitting)
FINAL EXAM TO BE ANNOUNCED
COURSE OUTCOMES
At the completion of this course the student should be able to:
1. List the advantages of using word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation
software
2. Describe how words processing software is used for document construction
3. Define and state the purpose of using presentations, word processing, and
worksheets
4. Describe how to construct and format a generic spreadsheet
5. Create and manipulate a table in a word processing program
6. Save and copy files to multiple directories
7. Delete and move files and directories
8. Create and manipulate subdirectories
9. Use word processing software to create business letters, memos, and reports
10. Use spreadsheet software to create cumulative tables
11. Create charts from spreadsheet software
12. Develop presentations with text, graphics, animation, and sound
13. Create mail merge using word processing software
14. Move, resize, and embed graphics objects in word processing, worksheet, and
presentation software
15. Develop mathematical formulas and create statistical summaries using word
processing and spreadsheet software
16. Move from word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software to the WWW
17. Send documents electronically
18. Create documents using templates and wizards
19. Integrate word processing and spreadsheet software
20. Integrate word processing and presentation software
21. Integrate spreadsheet and presentation software
22. Explain situations where the word processors, worksheets, and presentations can
be used and why
23. Use the internet as a search engine to answer a series of questions
24. Check documents for spelling and grammar errors
25. Verbally explain and listen to procedures