CSC 101 – COMPUTERS FOR LEARNING
Instructor:
Mr. Michael Scroggins
Office:
Cheek 28M
Office Phone: 836-5773 Home: 886-2073
E Mail: mws463f@mail.smsu.edu
CSC 101 web site & links: http://eccentric.smsu.edu
Office Hours: MWF: 11 – 11:50 AM
T/TH: 9 – 9:30 AM & 2 – 2:50 PM
and other hours by appointment.
Textbooks: Marilyn Meyer and Roberta Baber. Computers in Your Future, 2nd Ed. Que E and T, 1997.
Laura Acklen and Michele Reader. Word 97 Essentials. Que E and T, 1998.
Suzanne Weixel and Michele Reader. Excel 97 Essentials. Que E and T, 1998.
David Clark. Internet Essentials, 3rd Ed. Que E and T, 1997.
Also REQUIRED: 3.5 floppy disk (1) … you can also save work on the network (details given in class)
Course Objective: Students will learn to create/access, organize, analyze and communicate information using the
computer. This course is designed to meet the aims and goals of a general education basic required course by
providing students with the computer knowledge and abilities required to participate effectively in and contribute
to a technology oriented society. The course will assist students in developing those intellectual abilities and
dispositions identified as goals of general education, including: (A) Conceptual and practical understanding of
modes of learning, problem-solving, and creative inquiry; (B) Information-gathering, reasoning, and synthesizing
abilities; (C) Reflective, creative, and critical dispositions; and (D) Communication skills.
Upon completion of the course the students will be able to:
1.
Understand and apply fundamental computer concepts as they relate to the personal use of computer, use
of computers in the workplace, and the use of computers in society.
2.
Apply knowledge of a computer’s operating system/environment to access, organize and manage programs
and information.
3.
Apply knowledge of word processing software to enhance students’ writing. Create, edit/modify, and
communicate information through written letters and reports.
4.
Apply knowledge of spreadsheet software to create, organize, and analyze quantitative information.
5.
Apply knowledge of electronic communication concepts to access, retrieve and communicate information
using the computer and electronic networks.
6.
Integrate/synthesize and communicate information via a computer-generated report and/or presentation.
Plagiarism and Cheating Policy: Plagiarism and Cheating will not be tolerated. Individual circumstances may dictate the
specific disciplinary measure, but no case will be taken lightly, and may result in a failing grade for the course.
Any failing grades assigned for cheating will be reported to the Records Office. See the Bear Facts Student
Handbook for further information.
Absence Policy: At this point in your education, I assume that each individual is sufficiently motivated to recognize the
importance of regular classroom attendance. I also recognize that there are things that come up which prevent
attending a particular classroom lecture. Students are responsible for all material that is presented in the missed
class, as well as any homework due on that date. I will keep a record of each student's attendance.
Disability Accommodation: SMSU makes reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Any student having
special needs that must be accommodated in order to fulfill the course requirements should get in touch with me as
soon as possible. The University has many resources available, e.g., the Learning Diagnostic Center and the
Writing Center, to assist students with their learning experiences.
Nondiscrimination: Southwest Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
Inquiries should be addressed to Melissa Manning, Affirmative Action Officer, Office of Human Resources, 128
Carrington Hall, 901 South National, Springfield, MO 65804, (417) 836-4252.
Assignments: Reading assignments will be announced in class prior to covering the material assigned. It is expected that
the student will do the required reading BEFORE THE NEXT CLASS PERIOD, so that any questions may be
resolved during the class discussion. Quizzes may be given over reading assignments.
In-class laboratory exercises will be given regularly from the textbooks and other sources. It is the student’s
responsibility to prepare for lab assignments prior to coming to class in order to work as efficiently as possible
during the class time available. Any lab assignments not completed during the class time allowed will be
considered homework. Any lab assignments not completed by the specified due date will be considered late
Applications projects will be assigned periodically for each application presented during the course: word processing,
spreadsheets, charting, Internet and presentations. At the end of the semester, a final project will be assigned that integrates
these applications. These projects are designed to be completed OUTSIDE OF CLASS. Feel free to use your home computer
or any of the open computer labs: Cheek 209/210, Cheek 150, or Glass 234/235 in order to complete them..
*****LAB ASSIGNMENTS, HOMEWORKS, PROJECTS, ETC. ARE DUE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE
SCHEDULED CLASS PERIOD ON THE DUE DATE*****.
Lab assignments and application projects turned in late will receive half credit. All late homework must be turned
in before finals week begins. No late work will be accepted after that time unless special permission has been
obtained.
Test Dates: Three tests will be given during the semester, and a final exam will be given during finals week (See below)
The syllabus lists tentative test dates, which are subject to change. However, you will have at least one week’s
notice prior to any test being given. Final Exam Schedule: Section 2 (Monday, Dec 14th at 8:45 AM).
Section 3 (Wed., Dec. 16th at 8:45 AM). Section 6 (Monday, Dec. 14th, at 1:15PM). Section 10 (Tuesday, Dec.
15th, at 8:45 Am). Section 13 (Tuesday, Dec. 15th, at 11 AM)
Examinations: Each test is comprehensive, meaning that I reserve the right to ask questions which may go back to the first
lecture or the first page of the text. The bulk of each test, however, will cover material that has been recently
covered. Additionally, you should be aware that laboratory material WILL be covered on tests given during the
Lecture Portion.
Makeups: MAKEUP TESTS ARE SELDOM GIVEN! If you MUST miss a test, TALK WITH ME PERSONALLY
BEFORE THE TEST!
Final Exam: The final exam WILL be comprehensive and will cover all of the material studied in the course.
Grading Policy: The total number of points available will be 700, which breaks down as follows:
150 - Lab assignments and Quizzes
Letter grades will be assigned as follows
150 - Application Projects
630 - 700 pts.
90 - 100%
A
100 - Test #1
560 – 629 pts.
80 - 89%
B
100 - Test #2
490 – 559 pts.
70 - 79%
C
100 - Test #3
420 – 489 pts.
60 - 69%
D
100 - Final Exam
Below 60%
F
700 - TOTAL
Drop Dates: Individuals may drop this class without consulting with me and receive an automatic ‘N’, until 5 p.m. on
October 30, 1998. After that time, individuals wanting to drop must consult with me and will be assigned either
an ‘N’ or an ‘F’ (based on their grade at the time of dropping). In accordance with SMSU policy, no individual
will be allowed to drop after 5 p.m. on December 3rd.
Unauthorized Use of University Computers: The SMSU Disciplinary code prohibits students from unauthorized access
or use of University Computers, computer systems or networks. The Computer Science department feels that any
student who uses any ID or password other than that which has been officially assigned to him or her, or who
accesses unauthorized files, is in violation of the Disciplinary Code. Any student found guilty of this violation may
have all access rights to University Computers removed immediately and for the following semester. Additional
disciplinary action may also take place.
Tentative Class Schedule
Week
Lecture Topics
Readings
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Class introduction. Computer Concepts – the basics
Concepts – Types, Hardware, Storage
Concepts – Types of Software
Concepts – Hardware and Buyer’s Guide/Review
Exam #1
Information Access- Data Communications
Information Access – Connecting to the World Wide Web
Concepts – WP & Desktop Publishing
Exam # 2
Concepts – Spreadsheets
Concepts – The Social Challenge
Concepts – Traditional Uses of Computers
Exam # 3
Concepts – View Towards the Future/Careers
Concepts – Emerging Uses of Computers (future)
Class Presentations/ Final
1A & 1B
2A – 2D
3A
10A
6A & 6B
7A & 7B
4A
4B
8A – 8C
8D & 9A – 9C
11A – 11D
Tentative Lab Schedule
Week
1
Lab Book
************************
Topic
****************************
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Internet 4 Essentials
Word 97 Essentials
**************
Word 97 Essentials
Internet 4 Essentials
Internet 4 Essentials
Word 97 Essentials
Word 97 Essentials
Excel 97 Essentials
Excel 97 Essentials
Excel 97 Essentials
PowerPoint
Final Project Assigned
***************
Final Projects/Presentations
Using E-Mail
Basics of Windows 95
Windows 95 (continued)
Getting Started with Word 97
Accessing the World Wide Web
Web Pages/Downloading Files
Editing/Formatting/Tables
Desktop Publishing/Merge
Starting/Building/Formulas
Functions/Formatting
Charts/Maps/Managing Data
Presentation Software
Integration of software packages
Section/Assignments:
Obtain Gold & email account
Cheek 150 (need student ID)
Project 5
Appendix A
Handout
Project 1 & 2
Project 2, 3, and 7
Project 5
Project 3, 4, and 5
Project 6 and handouts
Project 1 & 2 & 3
Project 4 & 5
Project 6 & 7
Handouts
Project 8 (Excel Essentials)