Personal Computers and their Uses
Course Syllabus – Spring 2014
Course Information
Instructor:
Phone:
Email:
Office:
Office Hours:
Dr. Mike Jochen
570.422.3036
mjochen@esu.edu
337 SCITECH Building
Tues/Thurs 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Weds 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
& by appointment
Course Number:
Section:
Class Time/Place:
Semester Hours:
CPSC 100
12615
Tues/Thurs 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
138 SCITECH
3
Prerequisites
None.
Course Overview
This course is designed to familiarize you with the organization/parts of a computer and how computers work.
The majority of the course will focus on building skills within word processing, spreadsheet, presentation,
and database software.
Course Objectives
By the end of the semester, you will be able to:
• Understand the basic components of a computer system, and the jargon associated with computers
• Understand the general concepts of data storage, computer security, operating systems, and application
software
• Work within a window-oriented operating system to create, modify, copy, move, and delete files, to
manipulate windows, to send/read/manage electronic mail, and to access information on the Internet
• Create a variety of documents, spreadsheets, databases, and presentations within the Microsoft Office
2010 suite
Resources
• Textbook: Grauer, Robert T. Exploring Office 2010, Volume 1, 2nd ed. Prentice Hall, 2011. ISBN:
9780133484748.
You have the following choices that pertain to the text book:
– You may buy the book from the bookstore or some other source. Note: We use a special version of
this textbook. This course uses a website for all learning activities. The ISBN above is for a book
that is bundled with an access code for this website. The best place to purchase this is the ESU
bookstore. If you buy a used book, or a book from other sources, you most likely will not receive an
access code, which will cost you approximately $85.00 extra to purchase.
CPSC 100
Personal Computers and their Uses
– You may pay for the electronic text online, through the MyITLab website. When doing so, be sure
to purchase the 2nd edition of the Exploring Office series, volume 1 for Office 2010 with access to
MyITLab (approximately $95).
– You may skip the book and just get the access code for MyITLab from the MyITLab website. Again,
be sure to purchase access to MyITLab for the Exploring Office series for Office 2010.
Which ever choice you decide upon, you must be aware of the following considerations:
– All work will be submitted through myitlab.com. We will begin working in myitlab after the second
week of class. If you do not have access to the site at that time, you will very quickly fall behind in
the course.
– I permit students to bring the textbook with them for use during exams. If you have a hard copy
of the textbook, you can use your book as a reference during the test. If you have an e-text, you
may experience a more difficult time trying to switch back and forth between the book and the exam
on the computer. If you elect not to purchase the text at all, then you will not have access to this
resource during exams (Note Well: I do not permit the sharing of text books, or other
resources, during exams).
– Material for quizzes comes straight from the textbook. If you do not have a copy of the book, you
will be at a disadvantage on the quizzes.
• Course Learning Software: http://myitlab.com/
(Course ID: CRSKLDT-4031506)
Computer Requirements for Work Outside the Classroom
The software that we will use in this class requires the following minimum system configuration:
• Internet connection – preferably high-speed (e.g., cable modem or DSL), for work outside of the classroom
• Microsoft Office 2010 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, & Access)
• Microsoft Windows:
– Microsoft Windows operating system: 8, 7, Vista (SP1), or XP (SP3)
– Web Browser (32-bit only): Internet Explorer (10, 9, or 8), Firefox, or Google Chrome
– Special browser plugins from myitlab home computer setup page
– You must have administrator privileges on the machine that you will use (this is to install the plugins
and controls for the class), when working outside of the classroom
– JavaScript (1.7, 1.6, 1.5, or 1.4.2)
– Adobe Flash (10.4 or higher)
– Screen Resolution: 1280x1024 (recommended), or 1024x768 (minimum)
• Apple MacOS
– MacOS operating system: 10.8.2, 10.7.x, or 10.6.x
– Web Browser (32-bit only): Safari (6 and 5.1), Firefox, and Google Chrome
– JavaScript (1.7, 1.6, or 1.5)
– Adobe Flash (10.4 or higher)
– Screen Resolution: 1280x960 (recommended), or 1024x768 (minimum)
– Remote Desktop Connection software available from myitlab home computer setup page
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CPSC 100
Personal Computers and their Uses
Requirements
Throughout the semester you will complete the following:
• Practice Hands-on exercises (to prepare for homework, quizzes, & exams)
• Graded Homework Assignments
• Quizzes
• Exams
I strongly recommend that you complete the hands-on exercises and Homework assignments before
taking any quiz/exam. These assist you in your studies.
There will be eight exams in this course – two on each major module of the course (i.e., Word, Excel,
Access, and PowerPoint). Tests are open book, so don’t forget to bring your textbook to the exams.
Tentative Class Schedule
The following is a tentative schedule for the course. Homework assignments will be announced in class.
Quizzes may be announced and/or pop (unannounced). An updated version of this schedule will be available
on the class course management site.
Date
01/21
01/23
01/28
01/30
02/04
02/06
02/11
02/13
02/18
02/20
02/25
02/27
03/04
03/06
03/11
03/13
03/18
03/20
03/25
03/27
04/01
04/03
04/08
04/10
04/15
04/17
04/22
Topic
Intro, PCs, Windows, Internet
PC Hardware
PC Software, Networking
Internet Safety
Intro to MyITLab
Word Chpt 1
Word Chpt 2
Word Chpt 3
Word Chpt 4
Excel Chpt 1
Word 1 – 4
Excel Chpt 2
Excel Chpt 2, 3
Excel Chpt 3, 4
PowerPoint Chpt
Spring Break!
Spring Break!
Excel 1 – 4
PowerPoint Chpt
PowerPoint Chpt
PowerPoint Chpt
Access Chpt 1
PowerPoint 1 – 4
Access 2
Access 3
Activity
Homework 0: Intro
Computers Quiz
HW: Word 1
HW: Word 2
HW: Word 3
HW: Word 4
Word Exam
HW: Excel 1
HW: Excel 2
HW: Excel 3
HW: Excel 4
1
2
3
4
Reading
Word
Word
Word
Word
Excel
Chpt
Chpt
Chpt
Chpt
1
1
2
3
4
Excel 2
Excel 3
Excel 4
PowerPoint 1
No Class
No Class
Excel Exam
HW: PowerPoint 1
HW: PowerPoint 2
HW: PowerPoint 3
PowerPoint Exam
HW: Access 1
HW: Access 2
PowerPoint 2
PowerPoint 3
PowerPoint 4
Access 1
Access 2
Access 3
(continued on next page)
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CPSC 100
Personal Computers and their Uses
(continued from previous page)
Date
04/24
04/29
05/01
05/06
Topic
Access 3 & 4
Access 4
Access 1 – 4
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Activity
HW: Access 2
HW: Access 4
Access Exam
Final Exam
Reading
Access 3 & 4
Access 4
Grading
All work is due at the time and day specified when the assignment is given. Class-work and homework
(hands-on and practice exercises) will be assigned and submitted for evaluation via myITLab.com. Handson (practice) assignments will not be graded individually; however, failure to submit hands-on assignments
will result in a very low grade for class participation.
Quizzes will be given weekly (possibly daily if I perceive the need). If you are absent the day a quiz is
given, you will receive a grade of zero for that quiz. I will automatically drop your lowest quiz score (one
score only) when calculating your final grade. Quizzes are generally closed book, closed note.
All exams, hands-on exercises and homework assignments count towards your final grade. No exam,
hands-on exercise or homework grades will be dropped. If you fail to take an exam or do a homework
assignment/hands-on exercise (due before each test), you will receive a grade of zero for that work.
The make-up of the total number of points for your final grade breaks down as follows:
10% Class Participation (in class work), Attendance, and Practice Exercises
10% Quizzes
18% Homework
11% Microsoft Word Exam
11% Microsoft Excel Exam
11% Microsoft PowerPoint Exam
11% Microsoft Access Exam
18% Final Exam
All work is due at the time and day specified when the assignment is given. Submission details for work
to be graded will be given at the time the work is assigned. If you want me to reconsider your grade on a
particular assignment, you must make your request within seven days of my handing out the graded work.
Quizzes will be given throughout the semester. I will automatically drop your one, lowest quiz score
(one score only) when calculating your final grade.
If you are absent the day an exam or quiz is given, you will receive a grade of zero. If you know you
must miss a class, please speak with me ahead of time so that we can try to make a mutually beneficial
arrangement. Some examples of situations that may permit a make-up would be: extreme illness, death in
the family, imprisonment, etc. Some examples that will not get you a make-up are: minor illness, sporting
events, concerts, routine doctor visits, social events, oversleeping, etc.
I do not give separate make-up assignments. If I authorize a make-up for an exam or quiz, the make-up
will consist of the final exam or next quiz grade counting twice (once for the make-up grade, and once for
the final, or next quiz grade).
Class Attendance and Participation Policies
Class attendance is required. As such, attendance will be taken each class. If you are absent for four or
more unexcused absences, you will receive a final grade of E (failure) for the class (regardless
of your average). I expect you to participate constructively in each class. When you fail to come to class,
not only do you miss out on the material for the day, but you disadvantage your fellow students as your
unique perspective is absent from class discussion and problem sessions. Please note: to be considered
“present”, you must be present for the entire class period. If you arrive late, or leave early, you risk
being marked absent for the day (unless prior arrangement has been made with the instructor).
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CPSC 100
Personal Computers and their Uses
Assignment Lateness Policy
I strongly encourage you to keep up with the pace of the class. You risk putting yourself at a distinct
disadvantage for learning when you get into the habit of submitting work after the due date. However,
I do recognize that unforeseen events happen in life and I will accept late assignments with the following
provisions: For each day late (n being the number of days late), you lose 2n percentage points on your
assignment. For example, if you turn in an assignment one day late, you will lose %21 or 2%, two days late
will cost %22 or %4, three days late will cost %23 or %8. In essence, the penalty for lateness doubles each
day. Late assignments are not accepted after the sixth late day. Weekends and holidays count as late days.
Academic Honesty Policy
All work submitted is to be completed individually (unless indicated as a group assignment), and is to be
the sole product of your own efforts. Group work is to be the sole product of members of the group. Any
perception of anything to the contrary or that violates the spirit of the Student Code of Conduct will be
handled accordingly. This policy provides a range of very unpleasant possible outcomes, should a violation
be suspected. I encourage you to become familiar with this policy. Please refer to the relevant sections of
the Student Code of Conduct from the Student Handbook for more information.
Special Needs
If you need special accommodations or require additional assistance to fully participate and be successful in
this class, I encourage you to contact me as soon as possible. I strongly desire each and every one of my
students to be able to achieve their goals in this class. I will work with you and the Office of Disability
Services to ensure that you have every opportunity to do well.
Ten Tips for Success
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Come to class and arrive on time
Actively participate in class discussion and activities
Do the assigned reading (when it is assigned)
Do the assigned homework (when it is assigned)
Review your notes/assignments daily
Ask questions when you are unsure of something
Ask questions when you would like to know more about something
Accept points of view that are different from your own
Respect other members of your class
Come see me as soon as you have difficulty with any of the material that we cover in class – do not wait
until it is too late!
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CPSC 100
Spring 2014
Personal Computers and their Uses
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Statement of Understanding
CPSC 100 12615
Spring 2014
By signing below, I indicate that I have read and understand all policies and provisions described in
this syllabus. I further indicate that I have familiarized myself with the Student Code of Conduct and that
I will abide by this code.
Printed Name
Signature
Date