Spring 2010 – CIS12 Syllabus
(CIS12) – USING
Instructor: PJ Elson
VOICE RECOGNITION SOFTWARE
COURSE: ...................... Code #43193
FORMAT:: ...................... Online/Hybrid requiring 5 on-ground meetings
INSTRUCTOR: ............. PJ Elson
OFFICE: ........................ V115b
OFFICE PHONE: ........... On campus: Ext. 7822,
....................................... Off campus: (916)660-7822
EMAIL: ........................... pelson@sierracollege.edu
OFFICE/LAB HOURS: ... See office door or posted in Blackboard
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Uses voice-recognition software, Dragon NaturallySpeaking, in place of the computer keyboard to create
documents and navigate the Internet. Covers dictation procedures and voice commands to input text,
format documents, access program menus, and activate keyboard commands. Uses voice dictation to
create reports, letters, memos, e-mail messages, and other business documents. Reviews punctuation,
capitalization, number usage, and word usage principles in the context of creating business documents
by voice. Teaches students how to do file management, browse the Internet, and communicate via email
using voice commands. Covers the transfer of information from a hand-held digital recorder into a
Word document.
REQUIRED SUPPLIES:
 Textbook: The Nifty 59 for Dragon Naturally Speaking® 10; by Speaking Solutions, Inc., 2009.
www.speakingsolutions.com
 Software: Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred Version 10 - comes with headset
 Binder, three-ring, 1-inch or greater capacity
 USB drive (minimum 8GB) – when you come in for your on-ground meetings, you will use this
USB disk to transfer your user files back and forth from home to school
PARTICIPATION:
Each week, you will be expected to complete the weekly assignments, answer the review questions
from the previous week, and participate in a Voice Thread or other online discussion. You will also
be expected to attend each of the 5 on-ground meetings to be held during the semester at the times
listed below. Weekly class activities and lectures held during on-ground meetings extend your
understanding and application of your new skills and knowledge. It is only through regular practice
that you will improve your dictation skills. You are encouraged to obtain the email address (or
phone number) of a fellow classmate so that you have a virtual Study Buddy .
ETHICS:
You are expected and required to do your own work. You may discuss assignments and problems
encountered with fellow students. In fact, studying the "concepts" together is a good idea.
However, cheating on tests or turning in someone else’s work as your own is expressly
forbidden. Penalties for violation of this will be severe and may include expulsion from class,
or the college.
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Spring 2010 – CIS12 Syllabus
Instructor: PJ Elson
LABORATORY LESSONS AND HOMEWORK:
Each week we will be working on Exercises from your textbook. Successful completion of this
course involves a commitment on your part to spend adequate time to become comfortable with the
software and to complete the lessons. Completion time for lessons may vary depending on the
lesson. Anticipated completion dates for all lessons are listed on the Course Schedule accessible
under Blackboard’s Course Information button. No work will be accepted late unless you use the
Late Homework coupon which can be found under the Turn in HW link on Blackboard.
QUIZZES and EXAMS:
There will be a weekly review quiz each week throughout the semester starting in Week 2; plus a
comprehensive Final Exam. Quizzes are accessible in Blackboard by clicking the Weekly Review
?s button. Please note the due dates for the Weekly Review ?s. Once the date has passed, the link to
the quiz is no longer available. No make-up quizzes will be given, however your lowest quiz score
will be dropped. The comprehensive final exam will include both a written test and dictation test
with accuracy and error correction heavily weighted. The written final will be closed book and opennote (2 single-sided typewritten pages of notes). Test questions may include multiple choice,
true/false, short answer or hands-on exercises. You are responsible for knowing material covered in
the weekly assignment sheets, textbook reading assignments, handouts and hands-on exercises.
EVALUATION OF STUDENT PROGRESS
Students will be evaluated on the basis of weekly assignments exercises, production work (requiring
the use of Dragon NaturallySpeaking to prepare business documents), live demonstrations of
dictation, formatting and editing skills, accuracy assessments (four 60-second, timed assessments),
weekly quizzes/final exam, and participation in Voice Thread discussions. A breakdown of the
grade percentages is shown below.
Exercises and Homework Assignments ................................................................................. 20%
Production Work (Business Documents Prepared using Dragon) ......................................... 15%
Live Demonstrations of Dictation and Formatting Skills ...................................................... 15%
Accuracy Assessments ........................................................................................................... 10%
Quizzes & Final Exam ........................................................................................................... 20%
Voice Thread Discussions...................................................................................................... 20%
TOTAL
100%
GRADING SCALE:
90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
BELOW 60% = F
Note: If you have a documented disability and need any type of accommodation,
you are required to register with the Disabled Student Programs & Services (DSP&S) Office
on the Rocklin Campus (L Building (916)660-7460).
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