BUSINESS AND IT DIVISION
CIS 1103--INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Course Syllabus—Spring 2015
Instructor:
Office Hours:
Voice:
Email:
Courtney Clark
By appointment only
(870) 654-2263
cclark@northark.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION: (3 credit hours) Introduction to IT provides a working vocabulary of terms used by computer
personnel and an introduction to the latest version of Microsoft Office, an integrated software package that encompasses
database management, presentation graphics, spreadsheet, and word processing applications. In addition to providing
marketable skills, mastery of this course will enhance students’ efficiency and effectiveness. This course also provides an
opportunity to use the Internet and email as learning tools and emphasizes proper file management. Students with limited
keyboarding skills should take CIS 1013, Computer and Keyboarding Fundamentals before or along with CIS 1103. (ACTS
Department/Number/Title – CPSI 1003 Introduction to Computers)
PREREQUISITE: None
AUDIENCE: This course is required of all AAS degree-seeking students at North Arkansas College and is a transfer course
for AA degree-seeking students.
NEXT COURSE IN SEQUENCE:
 Business Administration Majors: CIS 2543 Management Productivity Tools
 IT Majors: CIS 2423 Database Management, CIS 1333 Spreadsheet, CIS 2533 Business Presentations, and CIS 1253
Word Processing
TEXT AND MATERIALS:

The items in the box below are bundled into one package and available in the Northark Bookstore:
1. Go! With Microsoft Office 2013, Volume 1, Pearson/Prentice Hall
2. Technology in Action, Introductory (customized with six chapters), Pearson/Prentice-Hall
3. My IT Lab, Training and Assessment Access Code for Microsoft Office 2013; Pearson/Prentice Hall
4. 180-day Trial Version of Office 2013
NOTE: My IT Lab is sold online at www.myitlab.com for approximately $100.

Data Files (on-campus)—The data files for your textbook are available on our campus network at the following
location: data files on artemis\Intro to IT (CIS 1103)

Data Files (off-campus)—The data files may be downloaded to your personal computer or flash drive from the
textbook’s companion website (link in portal).

Email Account—A Northark email account was issued to you automatically when you enrolled in your classes. To
access your email, navigate to Northark’s Web site at www.northark.edu. Your email address will be your
username@mail.northark.edu. If you prefer to use an existing email account, follow the instructions on the portal to
forward your emails.

Storing assignments for grading—Files may be stored in your network folder, which is located at the following location
on campus: home on artemis\username. Students may store work on a portable device (flash drive, external hard
drive, etc.). Students may also store files offline and transfer to campus via email or cloud computing. Most
assignments will be completed and/or uploaded in My IT Lab or on the Northark Portal.

Login Information—See information at the end of this syllabus.

My IT Lab Account—You will choose the username and password for this account. Be sure to write it down. Lost
usernames and passwords that cannot be retrieved through Pearson Publishing will require you to purchase another
access code for $100.
Websites for the Class:
 Links for the website used in class are located on the portal.
SOFTWARE AND SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:
 System Software: You will be using Windows 7 on campus. You may use Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 or
Windows 8 on your PC.
 Application Software: Office 2013 (Access 2013, Excel 2013, PowerPoint 2013, Word 2013). A trial version was
included in your bundled materials for this course. The trial version is PC compatible (not MAC compatible).
 Simulation:
My IT Lab is web-based and can be accessed from a computer with Internet capabilities. MIL will not
work with dial-up Internet access. My IT Lab is compatible with MAC computers; however, additional setup may be
required.
 System Requirements: If you want to use your own personal computer to complete work outside of class, please
refer to the recommended system requirements on the portal. Your computer must have the capabilities of running
the software specified on the list. North Arkansas College does not provide hardware or software technical support; it
is the student’s responsibility to service their personal computers.
RATIONALE: Every day computers play a key role in how we work and how we live. Today, even the smallest organizations
usually have computers to help them operate more efficiently. Personal computers continue to make an increasing impact
on our lives. Today, many people believe that knowing how to use a computer, especially a personal computer, is a basic
skill necessary to succeed in business or to function effectively in society.
COURSE OBJECTIVES—Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
 compare and distinguish different types of microcomputers and peripherals that are available in business and
industry.
 use database management, presentation graphics, spreadsheet, word processing, Internet and email software.
 define basic computer terminology.
 describe the major components of a computer system.
 manage computer files and folders and navigate a network at the introductory level.
 integrate technology appropriate for learning.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION: The material will be presented by lecture, discussion, and lab exercises. You will have
outside class work which you can complete on campus in any computer lab or your own PC. Students are not expected to
own a computer; however, if you have a computer at home, you are welcome to use it to complete class work IF you have
the same software. It is important that you understand that you will be required to work on a computer outside of your
class meeting times. Plan to spend several hours each work to complete coursework.
COURSE CONTENT:
Technology in Action
Chapter 1: Using Technology to Change the World
Chapter 2: Looking at Computers
Chapter 3: Using the Internet
Chapter 4: Application Software
Chapter 5: System Software
Chapter 9: Securing Your System
Microsoft Office 2013
Introduction to Office 2013
Introduction to Access (Chapters 1-2)
Introduction to Excel 2013 (Chapters 1-2)
Introduction to PowerPoint (Chapters 1-2)
Introduction to Word 2013 (Chapters 1-2)
EVALUATION: Students will be evaluated in this course and given grades: A, B, C, D, F or other "grade symbols" as
explained in the current College Catalog. Your grade will be based on points earned from the following:
Tech in Action ......................................... 40%
Quizzes and Homework 15%
Exams 25%
Office 2013 ............................................. 40%
Homework 10%
Exams 30%
Final Exam ............................................... 20%
100%
Grading Scale
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
Below 60
A
B
C
D
F
ATTENDANCE: Students are expected to attend all class meetings and officially withdraw from courses they are no longer
attending. Because this class only meets once a week, attendance will be essential to keep up with the pace of the course.
Students must consult the course syllabus for the attendance policy set by individual instructors. In this course, you will
NOT be withdrawn from the course by your instructor. If you stop attending class, you are responsible for completing
the necessary forms with the Registrar’s Office to officially withdraw from the course. If you do not officially withdraw,
you will receive a failing grade at the end of the semester.
FINAL EXAM: The final exam will be administered in class.
Students in online courses must take a proctored final/major exam. If you are unable to be on Northark’s campus for the
proctored final/major exam then it is your responsibility to find your own test proctor and complete the Proctor
Nomination form which can be obtained from your instructor. Arrangements must be approved by your instructor at least
2 weeks before the exam.
The Proctor Nomination Form is posted under the Course Materials link on Portal.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: North Arkansas College is committed to academic achievement supported by a strict but fair
policy to protect academic integrity. This policy regards academic fraud and dishonesty as disciplinary offenses requiring
disciplinary actions. Students are expected to uphold the highest standard of academic honesty. Please refer to North
Arkansas College Catalog for additional information.
COMPUTER LAB ETIQUETTE: Use common sense with food and drinks in the labs. If you must communicate by phone
during class, please step outside in the hallway and close the classroom door as not to disturb the classroom. Your
understanding is appreciated!
STUDENT RESOURCES: Please do not hesitate to contact your instructor during available hours as posted on the portal
by your instructor. Computer labs are available for you to use to complete class work. The labs (206, 207, 208, 209, and
302) in the JPH Building are open for student use when classes are not in session; schedules are posted on the bulletin
board outside B202. The open computer lab, located in the library, is available daily. See Library information in the
College Catalog or online at Northark’s Website for the library’s hours of operation. Other computers may be available on
the North Campus. Please ask your instructor if you have questions concerning computer lab availability. Tutors may be
available in the Learning Commons!
ADA STATEMENT—Accommodations for Students with Special Needs
North Arkansas College complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act
of 1990. Students with disabilities who need special accommodations should make their requests in the following way:
 Talk to your instructor after class or during office hours about your disability or special need related to your classroom
work; and/or
 Contact Student Support Services in Room M184 and ask to speak to Kim Brecklein. Ms. Brecklein may also be reached
by phone at 870-391-3338.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION—See the current Northark College Catalog for additional information. You may access the
catalog online at www.northark.edu.
2015 Academic Calendar—Online at www.northark.edu under Catalogs and Schedules
PROVISION FOR CHANGES: Students will be notified by the instructor of any updates/changes in the course syllabus.