INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER CONCEPTS – ITCS 1101
Spring 2016
Instructor: Dr. Ann Aksut
E-mail: aaksut@uncc.edu
Telephone: N/A (send emails)
Office: N/A (adjunct lecturer - work off campus)
Office Hours: By appointment online, email or by phone)
Course Description
This course covers fundamental to advanced concepts for Word, Excel, PowerPoint and
Windows. ITCS 1101 is a 100% online course (Three Credit Hours). Upon completion of this
course students will be able to use an operating system and application software to improve
personal and professional productivity.
Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
 Use Windows Operating System to manage windows and files, identify Windows
accessories, work with control panel options, perform a search, use Help options and use
an Internet browser
 Use Word 2013 to create, format and edit documents; enhance documents using
resources such as clipart, advanced formatting, tables and graphics; share and compare
documents; create research and legal papers and use macros.
 Use Excel 2013 to create and format worksheets and charts, incorporate formulas,
functions, perform what-if analysis, and work with large worksheets and use macros.
 Use PowerPoint 2013 to develop and design entry level to advanced presentations using
features such as clipart, animation, sound, pictures charts and tables.
Course Content
This course is blocked into four (4) sections: Windows, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and
Microsoft PowerPoint. You are expected to take an active role in the learning process by
reading all chapters and completing all hands-on exercises in the chapters. ITCS 1101 is an
online course; therefore, you will be working in a self-directed environment. A self-directed
environment is an environment where the instructor works as a facilitator or guide in the learning
process. This type of environment encourages students to develop critical thinking and problem
solving skills. As a facilitator I will answer your questions in a manner that encourages you to
become your own teacher.
Prerequisite or Co-requisite
MATH 1100 OR MATH 1101 OR MATH 1103 OR MATH 1120 OR MATH 1241
Students should be comfortable with basic computer fundamentals (email, uploading/
downloading files, browser basics, and keyboarding).
Course Management System (CMS) SIMnet
We will use the SIMnet CMS software. Students will utilize SIMnet to complete training
tutorials and projects.
Course Materials
The following course materials will be used in ITCS1101:
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Required: ITCS 1101 Custom Access Code (ISBN Code: 9781259900679).
The code should be purchased only in the UNCC bookstore. Please note: There are
similar code descriptions online but the codes are not the custom version. Other codes
will not be supported if you register with a non-approved code and you discover the code
does not support all the assignments.
ATTENTION: Contact your instructor if you withdrew from this class in a previous
semester. Your code may still be active.
No hard copy book is required for this class. Purchase only the access code. You will use
the access code to register in a LMS (Learning Management System). You will see an
eText on the LMS website after you complete the registration steps. Registration
instructions will be provided in Moodle.
Required: A storage location such as a cloud account (dropbox.com, for example) or a
flash drive (or drive such as a hard drive on a personal computer) where you can store
your work.
Optional: Headphones (should be used if working in a lab).
Software and Hardware Requirements
The following software and hardware should be used in this course:
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Microsoft Office 2013 Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). Assignments should not be
completed using other software such as Microsoft Office 2010, 2007, Microsoft Works,
etc.
Firefox or Chrome; Safari (see Mac Users information below); Internet Explorer is not
recommended;
Adobe Acrobat Reader
512 MB RAM is required; 1GB+ is recommended
1Ghz+ processor
Mac Users: Some projects are Mac supported and others are not Mac supported. Macs running
boot camp or parallels running MS Office 2013 can be used to complete all projects. Please note:
Instructors and Teaching Assistants do not provide support for Mac computers; therefore, you
will be using a Mac at your own risk. The Computer Science department provides PCs in the
Woodward Hall Lab (Room 120) for students encountering issues when using Mac computers.
Please note: instructors are not authorized to troubleshoot personal computers (of any
kind). Students will utilize the SIMnet Student Support Center to resolve technical issues
(800-331-5094). Students may be required to use the Woodward Hall Lab (Room 120) if
repeated computer issues arise.
Lab
Office 2013 is installed on designated computers in the Woodward Hall Lab (Room 120). To
gain access to the lab, you must swipe your UNCC Student ID card. For instructions on
activating your card, visit http://cci.uncc.edu/technology-services/how/update-door-cardaccess.
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Communication:
The Moodle announcement board will be the primary communication tool for the course. For
security reasons, students are required to use their UNCC email account when sending
emails to the instructor. Emails sent from personal accounts may not be answered.
Include the following on the email subject line: a specific subject (example: Word Training 1
Question).
Failing to read emails (or the announcement board) will not be an acceptable excuse for missing
critical information. Please read my emails before sending me an email because I may have
answered your question in an email/announcement sent to the class.
I will answer emails usually in the afternoons after 4. I check emails once on Fridays, usually
before noon. Emails sent after 6:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday will be answered the following
day. Emails sent after noon on Fridays will be answered on Mondays. I will respond to emails
within a 24 hour business day (with the exception of the weekends, Friday - Sunday). Please do
not send repeated emails if you have not received a response. I check for emails regularly and
will respond to your email(s) within the timeframe outlined above.
Online instructors have online office hours, set by appointment. I do not meet in an office setting
on campus because I am an adjunct instructor. Office visits are by email or by phone (I do not
use a UNCC phone. Please send me a phone number and I will call you).
I will also send an email and/or post an announcement in Moodle if I need to adjust my hours
due to mandatory meetings or other commitments.
Assignments
All assignments will have a due date and a late period (the late period is defined below).
Questions or requests for assistance must be submitted before 5:00 p.m. on the due date
(Wednesday). Assignment dates are listed on the weekly schedule and will be posted in Moodle.
Late Period
I allow a late period from Wednesdays, 5:01 p.m. on the due date until 11:00 p.m. on the due
date. The late period gives students the option to complete assignments, after the due date,
without a grade penalty. You do not have to request to use the late period. The assignment
folders will be visible to you through Wednesday, 11:00 p.m.
Assignment or technical questions will not be answered by the instructor (or a TA) during the
late period, and you will submit assignments at your own risk during the late period. System
problems (campus, SIMnet, or other computer problems) are not acceptable excuses for missed
work. Any issue that arises during the late period must be resolved by the student. Do not
send emails to the instructor or TA requesting assistance in resolving problems during the late
period. Remember: you submit at your own risk during the late period; therefore, it is better
to submit your assignments before the deadline. Assignments sent as email attachments will not
be graded or reviewed.
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Upload Procedures
While we would like to answer all inquiries, the large student enrollment makes it impossible to
answer confirmation questions such as “Did you receive my assignment” or “Can you
confirm my grade is showing in SIMnet?”
You should start the upload or submission process at least 15 minutes before the deadline to
avoid missing the deadline. The submission folder closes at 11:00 p.m. (no seconds after) and
you will not be able to submit the assignment in SIMnet. Do not send the assignment as an email
attachment if the deadline is missed.
Make-up Policy
To protect your privacy I do not accept doctor and/or employer notes. Additionally we have no
way of verifying a student’s situation. It is important; therefore, to start your assignments early to
avoid missing deadlines. Additionally, extra credit will be available to assist with some of the
missed work.
Exceptions to above policies:
 Governmental requirements such as military assignments or jury duty (valid
documentation must be provided).*
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Family emergencies will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.*
*You are expected to start assignments as soon as they are available; therefore, exceptions may
not be granted if you request an extension after the due dates (Wednesday, 5:00 p.m.).
Screenshots
Make a screenshot of the confirmation page that shows the assignment submission (this is your
only proof the assignment was submitted successfully). Confirmation screenshots must include
your name (i.e., your name on the Moodle or SIMnet page, not a typed or written name on the
screenshot; assignment name; date/time the assignment was submitted. Altered screenshots
will result in a 0 grade and a possible academic integrity violation. Directions for making
screenshots will be provided upon request. The instructor will ask for the confirmation
screenshot if there is a grade discrepancy in Moodle or SIMnet. Grades will not be modified if a
screenshot is not provided.
Graded Work and Checking Grades
Students are responsible for checking grades as soon as they are posted. Cumulative grades will
be posted in SIMnet. Grades will not be visible to other students. Please note: Requests to
challenge or review grades must be made before the late period begins for each assignment.
Grades/assignments will not be reviewed or changed if assignments are submitted during the
late period.
Incomplete Grade
An incomplete (I) grade will be given only if a substantial amount of the course requirements
have been completed and there are mitigating circumstances prohibiting the completion of all
requirements prior to the end of this course (review the Exceptions policy). Normally 90% of the
work should be completed. The incomplete should be resolved within six months from the end
of the term in which the grade was assigned. After six months the “I” becomes an “F.”
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Attendance
ITCS 1101 is an online course so you are expected to work online weekly. Attendance is defined
as actively participating by submitting assignments on a weekly basis.
Academic Code of Conduct and Code of Student Responsibility
Please note: Integrity Violation software is used to detect academic integrity violations of all
kinds.
The following are examples of violations:
 Submitting another individual’s file
 Copying/pasting any content from another individual’s file (this also includes
copying/pasting images, logos, etc.)
 Tampering with file security encryption
Students violating the Academic Code of Conduct will receive a 0 for the first offense; extra
credit will be denied and a letter grade drop. A settlement form must be reviewed with the
student, and the student may choose to sign the form. A student choosing not to sign the form
will have his/her case reviewed by the UNCC Academic Integrity Board. (Academic Code of
Conduct: http://legal.uncc.edu/policies/ps-105.html. Settlement Form:
http://legal.uncc.edu/sites/legal.uncc.edu/files/media/aicsettlementform.pdf).
Students engaging in a second offense will automatically be referred to the Academic Integrity
Board. Please note: First offenders will automatically be referred to the Academic Integrity
Board if a prior incident is on file at the University.
The most common academic violations result from sharing computers. Students sharing
computers should use password protection procedures to ensure their work is not retrieved by
other students. Students failing to use password protection procedures will be violating the
academic integrity policy, and the student will receive the same penalty as the student retrieving
the work.
To avoid violating the academic integrity policy, students should create an ITCS1101 folder to
store all work that is downloaded from the SIMnet website. Failing to follow this policy will not
be a valid justification for violating the academic integrity policy.
The University has provided a detailed explanation of codes of conduct for students. (Code of
Conduct: http://legal.uncc.edu/policies/up-406)
Disability Services
UNC Charlotte is committed to access to education. If you have a disability and need academic
accommodations, please provide a letter of accommodation from Disability Services early in the
semester (within the first two weeks of the class). For more information on accommodations,
contact the Office of Disability Services at 704-687-0040 or visit their office at Fretwell 230.
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Security Services
Campus security is provided for all students (this includes providing escorts to parking lots). For
emergencies call college security at (704) 687-2200 (for non-emergencies call 704-687-8300).
Audit Policy
Students auditing ITCS 1101 must comply with the procedures outlined in the syllabus. An
Audit Agreement form must be signed by the instructor during the first week of the semester.
Syllabus Updates
This syllabus is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion. Sufficient prior notice will be
given of any changes and will be announced through email and/or the Moodle announcement
board.
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