CPSC 1105 Introduction to Information Technology
SYLLABUS
Course Information
Course Description and
Objectives
Course Outcomes
Required Materials
Software
Methods of Instruction
Evaluation
Student Responsibilities
Instructor's
Responsibilities
Attendance Policy
Academic Dishonesty
ADA Accommodation
Notice
Course Information
Instructor:
Class
Information:
John Hupp
Phone Number: 706.302.0712
Office Hours: MTWR 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
E-mail: hupp_john@columbusstate.edu
Website: http://myitlab.com
Contacting Me: For issues related to this course, please email me at
hupp_john@columbusstate.edu. If you need to discuss something with me
personally, please feel free to contact me to arrange an appropriate time or
call me any time prior to 10:00 p.m. I want to help, but you must contact me
to engage my assistance.
CPSC 1105 Introduction to Information Technology, section CRN 51686
(3 credits)
Class Meetings: This course is offered MTWR from 10:55am to
12:20pm in the Summer term of 2012. Class uses
http://myitlab.com
Class Web Site:
The class Web site is located at http://myitlab.com. Below you can find
details how to register and access the class Web site.
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Course Description and Objectives
Course
Description:
Course
Objectives:
Prerequisites: None
This course provides an introduction to computer and information
technologies. It discusses the nature of information, computer hardware,
software, communications technology, and computer-based information
systems. The theory is complemented by practical work aimed at gaining
basic proficiency with different types of widely used application software.
(3 credits).
University Requirement: This course satisfies the University requirement
regarding communication technology skills.
Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate an appreciation of
the role of information technology in modern society. They will be familiar
with the principal components of computer hardware and the functions of
different types of software that make computers useful in daily life. They
will demonstrate a basic understanding of the processes involved in the
development of software for problem solving, and the life cycle of
information systems. Students will be introduced to modern data
communication technology including the Internet and the World Wide Web.
They will be aware of various issues related to computer security and
privacy. Students will obtain basic practical skills necessary for manipulating
and presenting information in a productive way. Software packages used will
deal with word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, databases
and Web page creation.
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Course Outcomes
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Students will demonstrate an understanding of the role of information technology.
o Strategies and Actions used to produce the outcome:
 Study the application of information technology in everyday life.
 Class discussion about what an information system is, and aspects of
information technology.
o Assessment Methods: Written Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams.
Students will demonstrate knowledge of the main components of a computer system.
o Strategies and Actions used to produce the outcome:
 Study different types of hardware components such as the CPU, memory
and input/output devices.
 Class discussion of how different hardware components work together
and, with system software, make a computer system operational.
o Assessment Methods: Written Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams.
Students will demonstrate familiarity with and basic proficiency in popular application
packages such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access.
o
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Strategies and Actions used to produce the outcome:
 Study the application of different types of software applications
 Supervised laboratory sessions for gaining hands-on experience with using
common application packages.
o Assessment Methods: Written and Practical Assignments, Quizzes, Labs, and
Exams.
Students will demonstrate knowledge of the use of programming languages and the
process of software development.
o Strategies and Actions used to produce the outcome:
 Study of the concepts of computer programming and the use of
programming languages, algorithms, compilers.
 Classroom discussion and hands-on experience of computer programming
using a user-friendly programming environment.
o Assessment Methods: Written Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams.
Students will be familiar with the concepts and technology used in modern computer
networks including the Internet.
o
Strategies and Actions used to produce the outcome:
 Study concepts of data communication technology.
 Classroom discussion of how computer networks are constructed and how
they enable communication of information.
o Assessment Methods: Written Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams.
Students will demonstrate awareness of possible threats to computer security and how
information can be protected.
o Strategies and Actions used to produce the outcome:
 Study various types of security threats and protection mechanisms.
 Classroom discussion of computer security and relevant tools.
o Assessment Methods: Written Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams.
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Required Materials
All class materials with this course are available on the class MyITLab Web site(
http://myitlab.com ). It includes e-text, slides, audio-videos, online quizzes, assignments,
simulation software with trainings and tests, and online midterm and final exams.
Title: Technology In Action, Complete, 8th edition
Authors: Evans, Martin, Poatsy
Publisher: Prentice Hall
Copyright: 2012
Published: 2011
The book is available as e-text when you register on MyITLab and enroll in
the course.
This course is being provided through the use of MyITLab. You can access
MyITLab at: http://www.myitlab.com/
You can register and enroll in CPSC 1105 Introduction to Information
Technology in two ways:
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
Register and enroll in the class directly on the http://myitlab.com
Register and enroll in the class on http://myitlab.com with an access
code purchased from the CSU bookstore
The purchase cost (online or with access code) is $110.
The course ID at http://myitlab.com is CRSABP9-842725
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Software
Software
To complete all lessons, quizzes, assignments, trainings, tests, and exams, you will need a
computer with access to:
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Internet
Windows XP/Vista/7
Internet Explorer browser
Microsoft Office 2010 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
Access to our class site at MyITLab
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Methods of Instruction
Methods of Instruction:
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Lessons
Quizzes
Assignments - Techfires
Trainings
Tests
Midterm and Final Exams
Lessons
The CPSC 1105 class lessons are based on online e-text chapters readings, review of slides and
audio-videos. The topics covered in the class follow the course schedule. Each student is
expected to complete all class lessons, read the textbook chapters, review the slides and listen to
the audio-videos, making notes. The students have to complete the online end of chapter selftests as preparation for the chapter quizzes. All chapter readings with slide reviews, audiovideos, and end-of-chapter self-tests are assigned and have to be completed within two class
sessions (only Chapter 1, slides, audio-video, and end-of-chapter self-test are assigned for one
session).
Quizzes
Two sets of quizzes are given– Prep and Power Quizzes. Twenty-six (two per a chapter) are
scheduled. Questions on each chapter’s quiz pair are identical. The Prep Quizzes are open
textbook. You can attempt a Prep Quiz up to two times. The highest score will count. The Prep
Quizzes are open until midnight at the due date. Power Quizzes are given only in class and are
closed book. Power Quizzes have one attempt only. These are timed at 10 minutes and are
given at the start of class exactly. No quiz of either kind can be taken after the due dates. The
quizzes consist of multiple-choice questions covering topics from the textbook chapters. You can
take a Prep Quiz earlier but not later than the deadline. All due dates and times of the quizzes
are firm. No make-ups are available for missed quizzes.
Assignments - Techfires
Six assignments are scheduled and will be graded. These are learning events that require you to
work in groups and to explore a topic. You will be given a clear challenge that requires not only
textbook knowledge but other skills that you will find in yourself or others in your group. These
activities will give you some introductory experience with information technology areas such as
infrastructure, programming, and social networking. Late assignments are penalized one grade
level. See the Schedule and Assignment areas of the class Web site for details.
Trainings
The trainings are skill development and learning tools. They are based on the MyITLab
simulation environment where you are practicing with scheduled set of activities. Five trainings
are scheduled and available on the class Web site at MyITLab - Windows 7, MS Office 2010
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. Multiple training sessions are scheduled to complete and
repeat the task of the trainings. The trainings will not be graded. You have to use them in
preparation for the tests. For details how to work with MyITLab simulation environment and do
trainings, go to the How To.. Web page , open and listen to the audio-video Explore MyITLab
Office Simulation.
Tests
Five tests are scheduled on the MyITLab ( http://myitlab.com ) simulation environment. The
tests are for Windows 7, Microsoft Office 2010 MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. The
tests are not timed and will be graded. They measure your proficiency and skills in the test
topics. Due dates and times of the tests are to help you keep up. The final date for all test
submissions is given and cannot be changed. You cannot take a test after the final deadline,
but you have some leniency to do them prior to that. For details how to work with MyITLab
simulation environment and take a test, go to the How To… Web page , open and listen to the
audio-video Explore MyITLab Office Simulation.
Exams
Your performance in this class will be measured by two exams, six Techfires, thirteen quizzes,
and your professional conduct. While the Midterm and Final Exam are important, they cannot
alone enable you to pass the class. No make-up exams will be given without prior
arrangement with the professsor. Questions on the Midterm and Final exams are from the
textbook topics. Some of the questions are similar to the questions in the chapter quizzes. The
Midterm Exam and the Final Exam will be in-class, proctored exams. See the class Schedule
for the exam date, time and location. If you are not able to take the Final Exam in-class on the
scheduled date/time, you have to take it at a testing center. If you cannot take the Final Exam inclass, you have to contact me not later than Wednesday, July 18th with your decision. You have
to find a proctor at a testing center who will administer the exam and certify that the exam was
taken by you under the prescribed conditions. The proctor must be approved by me ahead of
time, so I can verify your proctor identity and communicate by mail and phone with the proctor.
The testing centers required a small fee to administer tests.
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Evaluation
The final grade will be obtained from the following:
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Exams
MS Office Tests
2
30%
5
15%
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AssignmentsTechfires
Quizzes
o Prep
Quizzes
o Power
Quizzes
Professionalism
6
30%
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26 20%
(13) (10%)
(13) (10%)
-
5%
The letter grade will be assigned as follows:
Grade
A
B
C
D
F
Points
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
0 -59
All grades will be posted on the class MyITLab site.
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Student Responsibilities
As a student in this course, you are responsible to:
 manage your time and maintain the discipline required to meet the course requirements,
 come to class prepared to ask questions to maximize your understanding of the material,
 complete all readings,
 complete all assignments,
 complete all quizzes, tests, and exams,
 actively participate in discussions,
 read any e-mail sent by the instructor and respond accordingly.
"I didn't know" is NOT an acceptable excuse for failing to meet the course requirements. If you
fail to meet your responsibilities, you do so at your own risk.
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Instructor's Responsibilities
As your instructor in this course, I am responsible to:
 lead the class discussion and answer student's questions,
 post weekly lessons outlining the assignments for the week,
 read all responses to discussion questions and comments to responses,
 actively participate in discussions when necessary,
 grade assignments, quizzes, and exams, and post scores
 read any e-mail sent by the you and respond accordingly.
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Attendance Policy
Class attendance is the responsibility of the student, and it is the student's responsibility to
independently cover any materials missed. Class attendance and participation may also be used
in determining grades. It is your responsibility to sign a roll sheet for every class meeting. At my
discretion, I may drop you from the course for more than 6 absences. Missing an exam or quiz is
considered an absence. Missed classes caused by participation in documented, formal,
University-sponsored events will not count as absences provided you notify me of such
anticipated absences in advance and as soon as possible.
You are responsible for all class work missed, regardless of the reason for the absence(s). Late
assignments will not be accepted, so if you are absent on the day an assignment is due, it is your
responsibility to make alternate arrangements. No makeup exams or quizzes will be given, so
please make sure you are present for all exams/quizzes. Refer to the CSU Catalog (
http://ace.columbusstate.edu/advising/a.php#AttendancePolicy ) for more information on class
attendance and withdrawal.
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Academic Dishonesty
Academic Dishonesty:Academicdishonesty includes, but is not limited to, activities such as
cheating
andplagiarism(http://ace.columbusstate.edu/advising/a.php#AcademicDishonestyAcademicMisc
onduct).It is a basis for disciplinary action. Anywork turned in for individual credit must be
entirely the work of the studentsubmitting the work.All work must be your own.You may share
ideas butsubmitting identical assignments (for example) will be considered cheating.You may
discuss the material in the course and help one another;however, any work you hand in for
a grade must be your own.A simple way toavoid inadvertent plagiarism is to talk about the
assignments, but don't readeach other's work or write solutions together unless otherwise
directed. Foryour own protection, keep scratch paper and old versions of assignments toestablish
ownership, until after the assignment has been graded and returned toyou.If you have any
questions about this, please see me immediately.Forassignments, access to notes, the course
textbooks, books and other publicationsis allowed. All work that is not your own, MUST be
properly cited. This includesany material found on the Internet. Stealing or giving or receiving
any code,diagrams, drawings, text or designs from another person (CSU or non-CSU,including
the Internet) is not allowed. Having access to another person's workon the computer system or
giving access to your work to another person is notallowed. It is your responsibility to keep your
work confidential.
No cheating in any form will be tolerated. Penalties for academic dishonesty mayinclude:
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a zerograde on the assignment or exam/quiz
a failing grade for the course
suspension from the Computer Science program
dismissal from the Computer Science program.
All instances of cheating will be documented inwriting with a copy placed in the Department's
files. Students will be expectedto discuss the academic misconduct with the faculty members and
the chairperson.For more details see theStudent
Handbook:http://ace.columbusstate.edu/advising/a.php#AbsencePolicy.
Getting help
Student assistants in the Computer Center can help you with basiccomputer-related problems
such as logging on to the network, saving your work,etc., but they are not obligated to help you
with your assignments. There areseveral tutors at the Department of Computer Science CCT 450
Lab, who can help you with theassignments. Their schedule is posted in the Computer Science
department site. Youcan also always contact me during my posted office hours, by e-mail, or
byappointment.
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ADA Accommodation Notice
CSU ADA statement
If you have a documented disability as described by theRehabilitation Act of1973(P.L. 933112Section 504) andAmericans with DisabilitiesAct (ADA)and would like to request academic
and/or physical accommodationsplease contact Joy Norman at theOffice of Disability Servicesin
theCenter for Academic Support and Student Retention, Tucker Hall (706) 568-2330,as soon as
possible. Course requirements will not be waived but reasonableaccommodations may be
provided as appropriate.
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