Austin Community College
Department Of Computer Studies and Advanced Technology
Personal Computing
Spring 2011 - Updat01/05/11
Synonym Number 26586
Syllabus And Schedule
Student Special Notice - ACC has assigned all of you your own ACC e-mail account as of September 15. Please contact me by e-mail if
you cannot find or access your ACC gmail account
Syllabus Outline
FAQ’s
Distance Learning 101
Student Resources
Logon to Blackboard
Instructor Information - office, hours, phone etc.
Course Description
Textbook / Materials
Course Objectives / Learning Outcomes (this is a word file – fix it)
Course Rationale
SCANS Competencies
Grade Policies
Teaching Methods
Course policies
Academic Dishonesty
Posting of Grades
(broken - fix it)
Incomplete
(broken - fix it)
Withdrawal
Freedom of Expression
Attendance
(fix discussion board statement)
Students with Disabilities
Course Schedule
Office Hours:
Day
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Room
2218
2218
2218
2218
2218
Start
9:30AM
10:30AM
9:30AM
4:40PM
10:30AM
End
10:30AM
12:30PM
10:30AM
5:40PM
12:30PM
Start
3:30PM
9:00AM
End
4:30PM
1:00PM
OR BY APPOINTMENT
Day
Wednesday
Friday
Room
2218
2218
Instructor Information:
Instructor:
Phone:
Office:
Office Hours:
E-mail:
Rene Polanco
512-223-2168
Cypress Creek Campus Room 2218
Visit https://www3.austincc.edu/it/fachours/Edit.asp
rpolanco@austincc.edu
Please remember to have your synonym number in the subject
line of your email. Your synonym number is 20409. Emails sent
without the proper synonym will not get a response. Additionally,
my email client filters junk mail based on various factors. If the
subject line of the email is blank, it is automatically treated as
Spam and dealt with accordingly.
Home page:
http://www.austincc.edu/rpolanco/
Course Description
COSC 1301 PERSONAL COMPUTING (3-2-2). A hands-on course for the development of skills needed to use personal computer
systems for business, individual, and educational applications. Learn word processing, database management, spreadsheet development,
and how to use the operating system. Keyboarding skills are not required, but are helpful. May not be applied toward a CSC degree.
For Early College Start students, this course will satisfy the technology requirement in most high schools.
Textbook / Materials
Microsoft® Office 2007 Illustrated: Introductory Premium Video Edition, 1st Edition. ISBN-10: 0324827083 ISBN-13:
9780324827088
David Beskeen, Carol M. Cram et al. Course technologies
Student Data Files: If you purchase a new textbook, you will receive a CD that contains the student data files. There will also be a link
on the Blackboard site to download the files.
Software: The software used in this class is Microsoft Office 2007. If you do not have access to this software outside of class, you can
use the CIS Open labs.
Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes
This course helps you develop personal productivity skills with the use of microcomputers for the following applications:
TOPIC
Operating System
Word Processing
Spreadsheet Development
Database Management
Presentation Development
WWW Browsing
SOFTWARE
Microsoft Windows XP
Microsoft Word 2007
Microsoft Excel 2007
Microsoft Access 2007
Microsoft PowerPoint 2007
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 / 7
You will learn how to integrate information across applications. You will develop your computer literacy with an increased knowledge
of computing concepts and terminology. You also will develop skills in disk and file management using a graphical user interface
(Microsoft Windows XP).
Course Rationale
The applications taught in this class are the current most popular software programs available. However, the skills learned can be
applied to other Windows-based programs. In addition to teaching the use of the software, we also provide for group participation
which is required in most work environments today.
SCANS Competencies
Competencies have been identified that are relevant to the level of instruction in the community college environment. These
competencies reflect the knowledge and skills employees need to succeed in any occupation. This course will expose the student to the
concepts and application of the following competencies:
 Uses computers to process information.
 Applies Technology to Task: Understands overall intent and proper procedures for setup and operation of equipment.
 Listening: Receives, attends to, interprets, and responds to verbal messages and other cues.
 Seeing Things in the Mind’s Eye: Organizes and processes symbols, pictures, graphs, objects, and other information.
 Knowing How to Learn: Uses efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills.
 Self-Management: Assesses self accurately, sets personal goals, monitors progress, and exhibits self-control.
Grade Policies
The class grade will be based on your performance on the tests, completion of projects and exercises, and class participation.
Orientation
1 Worth 10% of your grade
Labs
20 Worth 20% of your grade
Exams
4 Worth 60% of your grade
Projects
5 Worth 10% of your grade
There may be extra credit work assigned during the semester. This work will be announced to the class through Blackboard. Extra
credit cannot be applied towards a missed lab. Only students who have turned in all the labs and taken all the exams will be eligible
for the extra credit.
The following grading scale will be used to assign the final grade:
90% - 100% ........................................ A
80% - 89% .......................................... B
70% - 79% .......................................... C
60% - 69%........................................... D
0% - 59%............................................F
THERE WILL BE NO MAKE UP EXAMS – NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE TO THIS RULE. ALL EXAMS MUST BE TAKEN BY
THE DEADLINE LISTED IN THE SCHEDULE. ASSIGNED PROJECTS AND EXERCISES ARE DUE NO LATER THAN THE
SUNDAY FOLLOWING THE ASSIGNED WEEK AS INDICATED ON THE SYLLABUS.(FOR EXAMPLE, ASSIGNMENTS MADE ON
THE 1ST OF JUNE ARE DUE NO LATER THAN SUNDAY JUNE 6TH)
The late policy is as follows:
a) 1 calendar day late........................................... 20% off
b) More than 1 calendar day late....................... 100% off
Teaching Methods
This is a distance learning course taught in the PCM format. PCM courses require students to have access to a computer with an Internet
connection and a personal email address to complete coursework online. Students may use computers from home or work, or they may
use the ACC Computer Centers. In this course, assignments will be disseminated online and students will submit the assignments
through Blackboard. As the assignment is graded, I will enter the grade in the Blackboard grade book. Students can access the grade
book and view their grades online. Grades will not be sent through email for reasons of confidentiality. In order to log into Blackboard
you will need your ACCeID. Click here for more information about ACCeID if you have not activated your eID yet.
Click here to log into Blackboard AFTER you have your ACCeID. Please bookmark the Blackboard login link in your browser as you
will be visiting it often during this course.
All tests will be taken in the Computer Studies open labs. You can view the open lab hours, room and phone numbers by clicking
here. In order to take the test, the student will go to the Computer Studies Open Lab during the hours it is open. You will present your
ACC student ID to the lab technician and they will hand the exam to you and guide you to a computer. Please see the course FAQ for
more information.
Course Policies
Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses and may be punished by failure on exam, paper or project; and/or
failure in course.
Cheating is any of the following:
1. Taking the work of another student and turning it in as your own.
2. Giving your work to another student to turn in as their own.
3. Getting information about the exam from another student.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Giving information about the exam to another student.
Copying material off the Internet and turning it in as your own.
Copying material off the Internet without giving credit to the source.
Getting someone else to do your labs for you.
I consider cheating to be a serious offense. The first incident will earn you a grade of 0 or F for that particular lab or exam. A second
offense will result in an F in the course. The burden of proof rests on ALL parties involved.
The ACC Student Handbook defines academic dishonesty as: Acts prohibited by the College for which discipline may be administered
include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration
with another in preparing outside work. Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research or selfexpression. Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either
individual or group; classroom presentations, and homework"(http://www.austincc.edu/handbook/)
Posting of Grades: Final course grades will not be posted. The final course grade is mailed to the student by the ACC Admissions and
Records office. Students may also log into their ACC Online account after the end of the semester and look at their grade. A final letter
grade will also be posted to the Blackboard grade book in the last week of class.
Incomplete: An Incomplete may not be used as a shelter from a potentially low grade in the class. A student may qualify for an “I”
(Incomplete) at the end of the semester only if ALL of the following conditions are satisfied:
1. The student is unable to complete the course during the semester due to documented extenuating circumstances.
2. The student must have earned at least half of the grade points needed for a “C” by the end of the semester.
3. The request for the grade must be made in person at the instructor’s office and necessary documents completed.
4. To remove an “I”, the student must complete the stipulations of the Incomplete contract signed with the instructor no later than
two weeks prior to the end of the next semester. Failure to do so will result in the grade automatically reverting to an “F”.
Withdrawal: It is the student’s responsibility to complete a Withdrawal Form in the Admissions Office or online if they wish to
withdraw from this class. The last date to withdraw for this semester is Monday, April 25, 2011. If the withdrawal is not completed by
5 PM on April 21, the student will receive a performance grade (A, B, C, D, or F) that they have earned at the end of the semester.
Although I have the prerogative to withdraw the student based on a lack of progress, I am under no obligation to do so.
Freedom of Expression Policy: Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in classroom discussions. In any classroom situation
that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. These differences enhance the learning
experience and create an atmosphere where students and instructor alike will be encouraged to think and learn. On sensitive and volatile
topics, students may sometimes disagree not only with each other but also with the instructor. It is expected that faculty and students will
respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.
Attendance in an online class: Students are expected to actively participate in the PCM class and will be held responsible for all
material assigned in class. Regular interaction with the instructor and with other students helps ensure satisfactorily progression towards
completion of the course.
Students with Disabilities: Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological
disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the
campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the
semester (http://www.austincc.edu/handbook/).
Course Schedule
This is a preliminary course schedule and may be changed. If there are any changes to this schedule, the class will be informed in
writing. All assignments are due by midnight on the date listed.
An explanation: The Textbook / Hands On column details the groundwork you should do in order to prepare for the lab. The actual lab
is listed in the Labs and Due Dates column. This is a hands on course. Thus all preparation for labs and exams is also hands-on.
Week
Start Date
of Week
Topic
Orientation
2
3
02/14
02/20
02/27
Labs
Orientation (online not in the
textbook)
Complete orientation - must be completed by
February 20th, 2011
Read Concepts pgs 1 -25
Concepts
Unit A
Windows XP Unit A
Read Windows XP pgs 1 - 19
Windows XP
Unit A Lab 2
Windows XP Unit B
Read Windows XP pgs 25 – 45
Windows XP
Unit B
Lab 3
Internet Unit A
Internet Explorer pgs 1 - 17
Internet Explorer Unit A
Lab 4
Word Unit A
Read Word pgs pgs 1 – 17
Word 2007
Unit A
Lab 5
Word Unit B
Read Word pgs pgs 25 – 41
Word 2007
Unit B
Lab 6
Word Unit C
Read Word pgs pgs 49 – 67
Word 2007
Unit C
Lab 7
Word Unit D
Read Word pgs pgs 77 – 95
Word 2007
Unit D
Lab 8
Word Project
Black Board PROJECT Tab
WORD EXAM
MUST COMPLETE EXAM
Understanding Essential
Computer Concepts
1
Textbook
Lab 1
ON CAMPUS
After you have completed all the Microsoft Word labs, you may take the Word Exam. The deadline to take the
Word Exam is Sunday, March 6th, 2011. Exam is available on the 28th of February. There are NO makeup exams and
NO extensions granted on the exam date. Please read the FAQ or syllabus about lab locations.
4
5
03/06
03/13
Excel Unit A
Read Excel pgs pgs 1 – 17
Excel 2007
Unit A
Lab 9
Excel Unit B
Read Excel pgs pgs 25 – 41
Excel 2007
Unit B
Lab 10
Excel Unit C
Read Excel pgs pgs 51 – 69
Excel 2007
Unit C Lab 11
SPRING BREAK
SPRING BREAK
SPRING BREAK
Excel Unit D
Read Excel pgs pgs 79 – 95
Excel 2007
Excel Project
Black Board PROJECT Tab
Unit D Lab 12
6
03/20
EXCEL EXAM
MUST COMPLETE EXAM
ON CAMPUS
After you have completed all the Microsoft Excel labs, you may take the Excel Exam. The deadline to take the Excel
Exam is Sunday, October 31st, 2010.Exam is available on the 25th of October. There are NO makeup exams and NO
extensions granted on the exam date. Please read the FAQ or syllabus about lab locations.
7
03/27
8
04/10
9
04/17
Access Unit A
Read Access pgs pgs 1 – 19
Access 2007
Unit A Lab 13
Access Unit B
Read Access pgs pgs 28 – 43
Access 2007
Unit B Lab 14
Access Unit C
Read Access pgs pgs 51 – 67
Access 2007
Unit C Lab 15
Access Unit D
Read Access pgs pgs 77 – 93
Access 2007
Unit D Lab 16
Access Project
Black Board PROJECT Tab
ACCESS EXAM
MUST COMPLETE EXAM
ON CAMPUS
After you have completed all the Microsoft Access labs, you may take the Access Exam. The deadline to take the
Access Exam is Sunday, November 21st, 2010 .Exam is available on the 15th of November. There are NO makeup
exams and NO extensions granted on the exam date. Please read the FAQ or syllabus about lab locations.
10
11
12
04/24
05/01
05/08
PowerPoint Unit A
Read Access pgs pgs 1 – 17
PPT 2007
Unit A Lab 17
PowerPoint Unit B
Read Access pgs pgs 25 – 41
PPT 2007
Unit B Lab 18
PowerPoint Unit C
Read Access pgs pgs 49 – 65
PPT 2007
Unit C Lab 19
PowerPoint Unit D
Read Access pgs pgs 73 – 89
PPT 2007
Unit D Lab 20
PowerPoint Project
Black Board PROJECT Tab
Integration Project
Black Board PROJECT Tab
POWERPOINT EXAM
MUST COMPLETE EXAM
ON CAMPUS
After you have completed all the Microsoft PowerPoint labs, you may take the PowerPoint Exam. The deadline to take
the PowerPoint Exam is Sunday, December 12th, 2010. Exam is available on the 6th of December. There are NO
makeup exams and NO extensions granted on the exam date. Please read the FAQ or syllabus about lab locations.