CIT 105 - Introduction to Computers
CIT 105-75Z3
Instructor
Office
Phone
Email
3 credit hours
Nancy McClearn
#260 JHG-Madisonville
(270) 824-1816
nancy.mcclearn@kctcs.edu
Semester
Classroom
Meeting Times
Fall 2013
Web
TBA
(Since I teach on the Madisonville and Central City campus, the best way to contact me is
through email. Please remember to utilize your college email account vs. personal email
account. Personal email accounts do not always come through to my email account).
Office Hours
Hours:
Monday
9:30 - 10:45
JHG 260
11:00-12:00
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
JHG 260
JHG 260
Friday*
SEC Office
*Office hours available by appointment on Fridays.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the computer and the convergence of technology
as used in today’s global environment. It introduces topics including computer hardware and
software, file management, the Internet, e-mail, the social web, green computing, security and
computer ethics. This course also presents basic use of application, programming, systems, and
utility software. Basic keyboarding skills are strongly recommended.
Prerequisite
Successful completion of RDG 20 or consent of instructor.
Classroom Materials/Supplies
Text: New Perspectives Microsoft Office 2013, bundled with Sam Registration Code and a trial
version of Microsoft Office 365 Professional software. (Valid for 180 days) Publisher: Cengage
Learning. Your textbook bundle may be purchased at the Madisonville North campus bookstore
or online through the KCTCS bookstore. That online link is as follows:
http://yourschoolyourbookstore.com. For all Distance Learning classes, no matter which
campus you are on, select Kentucky for the state. Then select KCTCS – Madisonville
Community College and click on Go. Hover on the Textbooks button in top left corner
Page 1 of 8
and then select “Find Textbooks”. Double click Fall 2013 for the term and select CIT for
the Department, and 105 for the Course. You will then select CIT 105 75Z3 for our class
section. Click “Find Materials” and this will show you the textbook required for our
class. You will need to order the new version. A used version is not available. IF YOU
ATTEND ANOTHER CAMPUS OTHER THAN MADISONVILLE, PLEASE DO NOT ASSUME
THAT YOUR LOCAL CAMPUS BOOKSTORE HAS THE SAME TEXTBOOK BUNDLE. YOU
NEED TO ORDER THROUGH THE ONLINE LINK STATED ABOVE.
Software: Microsoft Office 365 Professional Suite (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint). A
trial version (valid for 180 days) is included with your textbook bundle option). We will also be
using the Windows 8 Operating System, as well as the Cengage Learning/Sam website. An
access code to SAM is also included with your textbook bundle.
Software Disclaimer: This course is built around and follows the structure of Windows 8, IE 10,
and Microsoft Office 2013 for PC/Windows-based computers
Storage Device: A 4 GB or larger flash drive will be needed for this class. .
Course Competencies
Upon successful completion of this course, the student can:
1. Describe basic computer functions and use correct computer technology.
2. Use a course management system.
3. Utilize computer technology as a tool to access, manage, prepare, and present
information.
4. Identify trends in information processing and new emerging technologies.
5. Explain the impact of computers upon society including effects of social technologies,
green computing, dangers of excessive use, and disposal of obsolete equipment.
6. Identify and analyze ethical issues such as copyright, privacy, and security as related to
computing.
7. Explain the difference between application, programming, system, and utility software.
8. Use a graphical user interface-based operating system to manage files, folders and
disks.
9. Use application software packages to prepare basic documents, spreadsheets,
databases, and presentations.
10. Describe and explain basic data communications and network technologies and
functions.
11. Identify and use basic e-mail and Internet functions and understand their capabilities.
12. Describe globalization and challenges including technological barriers, electronic
payments, and varying cultures.
13. Describe cloud computing and its impact on business and personal systems.
Page 2 of 8
Critical Thinking
Beginning in school, and continuing at successively higher levels across their college studies,
students should prepare for twenty-first-century challenges by gaining: Intellectual and Practical Skills,
including critical and creative thinking.
Assessment: Students will apply newly developed technical skills when constructing research
papers, resumes, graphs, presentations, and other documents for courses. Students will correctly construct
Excel worksheets that compare and analyze data for decision-making. Students will also correctly
complete the Problem Based Learning Integration Project.
Evaluation of Writing
“Instructors in all courses are expected to call attention to proper English usage and may penalize for
errors and/or require the rewriting of papers which do not meet acceptable standards in English. Any
instructor who finds the written work of any student seriously defective in English may recommend
remedial work or refer the student for additional assistance from local resources.” (Faculty Senate Rules
Section V, 2.33)
Grading
Grading Criteria




Assignments
Examinations
Quizzes
Problem-Based
Learning Integration
Project
 Comprehensive
Final Exam
Grading Scale
35%
30%
10%
A
B
C
D
E
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
Below 60%
10%
15%
Incomplete
An incomplete will only be given if the student completes every assignment other than
the final exam, and because of extreme circumstances, cannot complete the
semester. The final exam must be made up within one week of the original due date.
Page 3 of 8
Withdrawal Policy
Friday, August 23, 2013
Monday, October 21, 2013 (Midterm)
Friday, December 6, 2013
•Last day to drop a course without a
grade and receive a full (100%) refund.
•Last day to officially withdraw from course
at your own discretion with a grade of “W”.
•Last day to withdraw from course at the
Instructor’s discretion with a grade of “W”.
A student officially withdrawing will receive
a “W” if the student’s current class grade
point average at the time of the withdrawal
is 60% or greater. If current grade point
average is less than 60%, withdrawal with
a “W” will be denied.
Attendance, Late Work & Make-Up Policies
1. Regular log in and participation are expected for successful completion of any online
course. Class continues even when you are not logging in, so please take personal ownership
of your class. It is the student’s full responsibility to complete the coursework in the time frame
provided. If you do not log into this class in Blackboard within the first week of class, you
will be identified and reported as a “no-show” and may be dropped from this course.
2. Assignments must be submitted by the deadline on Blackboard or Sam link. Late
Assignments will not be accepted and will result in a grade of “0”.
3. No make-up quizzes will be allowed. However, you may drop your lowest quiz grade, or
one quiz missed.
4. There will be an exam after each chapter. No make-up exams will be allowed.
However, you may drop your lowest exam grade, or one exam missed. The comprehensive
final exam may not be included in the exam to be dropped.
Academic Honesty
Students are expected to uphold the KCTCS Student Code of Conduct relating to academic
honesty. The KCTCS Student Code of Conduct may be found at the following website:
http://www.kctcs.edu/Students/Admissions/Academic_Policies/Code_of_Student_Conduct.aspx.
Students assume full responsibility for the content and integrity of the academic work they
submit. The guiding principle of academic integrity shall be that a student’s submitted work,
examinations, reports, and projects must be that of the student’s own work. Students shall be
guilty of violating the honor code if they:
• Represent the work of others as their own.
• Use or obtain unauthorized assistance in any academic work.
• Give unauthorized assistance to other students.
• Modify, without instructor approval, an examination, paper,
record, or report for the purpose of obtaining additional credit.
• Misrepresent the content of submitted work.
Page 4 of 8
The penalty for violating the code is severe. Any student violating the honor code is subject to
receiving a failing grade for the course and will be reported to the Office of the Student Affairs.
If a student is unclear about whether a particular situation may constitute an honor code
violation, the student should meet with the instructor to discuss the situation.
For this class, it is permissible to assist classmates in general discussions of computing
techniques. General advice and interaction are highly encouraged. Each person; however,
must develop his or her own solutions to the assigned projects, assignments and tasks. In other
words, students may not “work together” on graded assignments. A student may not use or
copy (by any means) another’s work (or portions of it) and represent it as his/her own. If you
need help on an assignment, contact your instructor vs. other classmates.
Inclement Weather Policy
In cases of inclement weather please listen to area radio and television stations for
cancellations.
Madisonville Community College’s standard procedure during inclement weather is to remain
open and hold classes as scheduled. Campus closures are rare; however, should the weather
become severe enough to warrant closing the campus, we will contact local media as well as
relay the information using SNAP to your phone, email, or text message. Please watch for a
SNAP announcement and/or the local news or listen to local radio for the latest information. As
always, use your own judgment when determining whether or not it is safe to travel in your area.
For more information, or to sign up for SNAP, visit http://legacy.kctcs.edu/snap/.
Student Safety Information
Madisonville Community College is concerned with the safety of the students attending
classes at any of the four campuses. The following points are for your benefit as a student:





In case any life threatening event, call 911. The local emergency responders are better
equipped to take care of these situations.
To sign up for the Safety Notification Alert Process (SNAP) go to the MCC webpage and
click on the SNAP section. After completing this, you will receive notifications on school
closings, inclement weather, and other safety notifications.
To report a safety concern call the MCC Tip Line at (824-1900) to report safety concerns
or suspicious behavior. This line is monitored once a day Monday through Friday.
The MCC emergency number (824-1911) is answered by selected personnel during the
day.
There is a Maintenance number (836-5330) for students on the North campus for use
after the switchboard closes at 4:30. This is a cell phone that is answered by one of the
Maintenance & Operations personnel.
Page 5 of 8
Distance Learning Resources
Library Information:
Online services for research can be located at the following web page:
http://madisonville.kctcs.edu/en/academics/library
Technical Support: If you have problems with Blackboard, please contact the Blackboard 24/ Help
Desk toll free at 1-866-590-9238, or through the “Help” tab at:
http://elearning.kctcs.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_16_1Blackboard
If you have problems with Sam, please visit the support website (for 24/7 online chat or email) at
http://support.cengage.com/Magellan/TechSupport/login.aspx or you may contact them toll free
at 1-800-648-7450 (press option #5), Monday – Thursday (8:30 AM to 9:00 PM, EST); Friday
(8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, EST). The web address to log into Sam is: http://sam.cengage.com
(Instructor is not responsible for troubleshooting problems with Sam or Blackboard).
Course Technical Requirements: You will need reliable internet connection. High Speed is
preferred. You will also need to make sure that Adobe Flash Player has been downloaded to
your computer. You will need access to the following software: Microsoft Office 365
Professional Version, to include Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint. Several other
versions do not include Access, so please make sure that you do have the Professional
version. A trial version is included with your textbook bundle. The Microsoft Windows 8
Operating system will also be used.
Page 6 of 8
Tentative Course Schedule – Fall 2013
Class Period
Week 1
Week of August 19th
Course Content
-Course Introduction/Student Introduction
-Internet Basics and Information Literacy
-Email Basics
Instructional Material
-Introduction to Microsoft Internet
Explorer 10 and your college
webmail account.
Week 2
Week of August 26th
Exploring the Basics of Microsoft Windows 8
-Investigating the Windows 8
Operating System
Week 3
Week of September 2nd
Essential Computer Concepts
-Learning about the Components of
Computer Systems
Week 4
Week of September 9th
Week 5
Week of September 16th
Managing Your Files
-Organizing Files and Folders with
Windows 8
-Creating and Editing a Document
Week 6
Week of September 23rd
Week 7
Week of September 30th
Word Tutorial 2
Week 8
Week of October 7th
October 14th -19th
Excel Tutorial 1
Week 9
Week of October 21st
Week 10
Week of October 28th
Week 11
Week of November 4th
Week 12
Week of November 11th
Week 13
Week of November 18th
Excel Tutorial 2
Access Tutorial 2
-Building a Database &
Defining Table Relationships
Week 14
Week of November 25th
On your own time
Due Friday,
April 29th
Week 15
Week of December 2nd
Week 16
Week of December 9th
Access Tutorial 3
-Maintaining and Querying
Database
-Creating a Presentation
Word Tutorial 1
Word Tutorial 3
-Navigating and Formatting a
Document
-Creating Tables and a MultiplePage Report
-Getting Started with Excel
Fall Break (No Class)
Excel Tutorial 3
Excel Tutorial 4
Access Tutorial 1
PowerPoint Tutorial 1
Problem Based Learning Integration Project
-Formatting Workbook Text and
Data
-Calculating Data with Formulas
and Functions
-Analyzing and Charting Financial
Data
-Creating a Database
-Integrating Word, Excel, Access,
and PowerPoint
Comprehensive Final Examination
Page 7 of 8
Disabilities Policy
“Students with documented disabilities that require
individualized accommodations should do two things:
contact the Disability Resource Coordinator at their Home
College and inform their instructors. Once the student
has contacted the Disability Resource Coordinator at the
Home College, that Coordinator will communicate with
the student's instructors and/or the Disability Resource
Coordinator at the Delivering College in order to
coordinate and/or provide reasonable and appropriate
accommodations to the student.” If your home campus is
Madisonville Community College, contact Valerie Wolfe,
Disability Resource Manager, at 270-824-1708 or
valerie.wolfe@kctcs.edu for additional information.
THIS SYLLABUS IS TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT THE DISCRETION OF
THE INSTRUCTOR TO MEET CLASS NEEDS.
Page 8 of 8