CISS 17, Sec. D: Introduction to Computer Information Systems
Spring 2015
COURSE SYLLABUS (14/02)
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Instructor:
Cathryn Friel
Phone:
(573) 808.1187 (emergencies only)
E-Mail:
cfriel@cougars.ccis.edu (Preferred method of communication)
Office Hours:
By appointment only
COURSE INFORMATION
Course:
CISS 170 Introduction to Computer Information Systems
Sections:
Sec A., Meets: T – Th 8:00 – 9:20
Classroom:
Class meets in Buchanan 103; Labs meet in Buchanan 104
Credit hours:
3
Prerequisite(s):
None
COURSE MATERIALS
Text:
Texts and SAM 2013 will be needed no later than Tuesday of the second week of classes
(Jan. 22).
Bundle ISBN: 9781305427419, (Available in Cougar Bookstore) Bundle includes:
 Discovering Computers 2014 (e-book)
By Shelly, Gary B. and Misty E. Vermaat (Cengage Learning) – Required

Shelly's MS Office 2013 Introductory text (physical textbook)
By Shelly, Gary B. and Misty E. Vermaat (Cengage Learning) – Required

SAM Assessment, Training and Projects Office 2013 access code
By Shelly, Gary B. and Misty E. Vermaat (Cengage Learning) – Required
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides an overview of computer hardware, software, programming and
information systems as applied in the modern business environment. Students will have hands
on experience using word-processing and spreadsheet applications as well as data management
software used to explore the use of microcomputers in business.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
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To provide students with a firm foundation in computer technology, computer
nomenclature, terminology, and the use of computers as productive tools.
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To provide students with a firm understanding of what computers are, how they operate
and how they are used today.
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To explore the information processing industry and issues in contemporary computing.
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To provide students with hands-on experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and
PowerPoint, with the Windows Operating System, and the World Wide Web.
RULES FOR SUCCESS (Student Responsibilities)
This course has four important rules. If you choose to follow these rules, your odds of
learning the material and earning a good grade in this class will improve greatly (these rules will
also help you succeed in your other classes).
1. Show Up! To succeed in this course, you must choose to attend every class period in
its entirety. If you must miss class due to an authorized University activity such as an
athletic or academic competition, you must provide written notification prior to class. For
absences such as illness or personal problems, you must contact me prior to class. If a
true emergency prevents you from contacting me prior to class, contact me as soon as
possible following the emergency. Remember that if you are not in class, you are absent
- regardless of the reason - and that you are still responsible for all in-class assignments
made. It is your responsibility to get with your instructor for missed assignments, not
the other way around. You must plan with another student who would agree to share
notes, etc., with you.
Every student has one “free” unexcused absence (although it is really not free, you
always miss something when you miss class). A second unexcused absence will result in
a 5-point deduction in your final class grade and each subsequent unexcused absences
after that results in a additional 5 point reduction. Tardiness of over 5 minutes will
result in an absence.
These reductions are in addition to any quiz or in-class
assignment points you loose due to your absence. Students with excused absences only
will be allowed to turn in assignments by the next class session without penalty. After
that time, Late Assignment policies will take effect. Missed Quizzes (either online or pop
quizzes) CANNOT be made up for any reason. Students may initiate a withdrawal at
any time before the deadline date specified in the College catalog.
Excused absences will be allowed for the following reasons only: (1) a medical reason
with a note from the doctor or nurse visited; (2) a death in the immediate family, i.e.
brother, sister, father, mother, (this does not include extended family such as
grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins); (3) immediate family medical emergencies
(includes spouse and siblings).
NOTE: IF YOU MISS CLASS DURING SCHEDULED STUDENT PRESENTATION,
YOU WILL RECEIVE A 10% PENALTY ON YOUR PRESENTATION PROJECT FOR
EACH CLASS MISSED. It is a professional and common courtesy to be present for you
classmate’s presentation as they will be there for your presentations.
Make-up tests
Make-up tests will not be given for unexcused absences. If you miss a scheduled test for
an excused reason, a substitute project, essay test, or oral exam will be given. Missed
tests for unexcused absences will not be made up.
2. Do the Work! To succeed in this course, you must choose to do your very best work in
preparing for each class meeting and on all your assignments. You should faithfully turn
in all labs, homework assignments and complete all chapter questions and quizzes each
week. See “Course Assignments” for additional information on completing assignments.
3. Participate Actively! To succeed in this course, you must choose to stay focused and
involved in every class, offering your best comments, questions and answers. This is not
a lecture course – active discussion is expected of all students in the classroom.
Electronic Devices: Turn off your cell phone, ear buds and all other electronic devices
(laptops for taking notes is acceptable). Put them away before class starts so you can
focus on the class discussions and not cause a distraction for others. Do Not “text”
during class.
Respect: You will be exposed to a variety of viewpoints, values and opinions in college
that will differ from your own. All students in this class should feel comfortable
expressing their viewpoints and concerns in class. You are an important part of creating
an atmosphere that makes this possible. This applies to your instructor as well!
4. Be Honest! You instructors and fellow students expect you to choose to act with
integrity in all your classes, including this one.
INSTRUCTOR RESPONSIBILITIES
You can expect me (as your instructor) to:
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Attend every class period.
Come to class with a good attitude.
Be respectful of your ideas and value the diversity you bring to the classroom.
Be open to dialogue that challenges me.
Answer any appropriate questions you may have.
Use a variety of teaching techniques and modalities to accommodate different learning
styles
Return labs and assignments in class or online line in a timely fashion and provide helpful
feedback.
Minimize disruptions and distractions in the classroom so that everyone has the best
possible opportunity to learn.
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
1. All assignments must be submitted on or before the indicated due date.
Students are responsible for turning in all assignments on time whether or not they are
present in class. Assignments will NOT be accepted via email. Please read all
instructions related to assignments carefully and thoroughly. Not following all
directions carefully can adversely affect the grade on your assignments. Assignments
due online should be submitted via the “drop box” feature in Desire2Learn (D2L).
2. Late assignments will be accepted for reduced credit. Late assignments will be
accepted up to two weeks late. Assignments will NOT be accepted after two weeks past
the original assignment due date. Late assignments turned in within the first week after
the original assignment due date will receive a reduced credit of 20%. Late assignments
turned in within the second week after the original assignment due date will receive a
reduced credit of 40%. No credit will be given for assignments later the 2nd week after
the original assignment date. If the original assignment was to be submitted to the drop
box, late assignments will also need to be submitted via the drop box. If the assignment
was turned in during class and not through the drop box, then it must be handed in to
me in the same fashion unless other arrangements made with me in advance. If you
leave late assignments in the D2L drop box, you must send me an email to let me know
that it is out there. I do not habitually search for late assignments.
3. All written assignments should be typed, double-spaced, using 12-point font.
No handwritten assignments will be accepted.
4. Approximately 25% - 30% of this course is delivered through D2L. 50% of the lab
assignments utilize Cengage’s Skills Assessment Manager (SAM).
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY/MISCONDUCT
The College expects students to fulfill their academic obligations through honest and
independent effort. Example violations are listed in the Academic Integrity section of the
College catalog.
Collaboration between students can constitute academic misconduct. It is OK to help another
student, particularly in lab, but it is academic misconduct to give another student a disk, or a
paper and let them copy it, and turn it in as their own. They must do the actual work
themselves.
Conduct violations will be dealt with according to the guidelines set forth in the section on
Academic Integrity in the Academic Policies, Regulations and Procedures section of the College
catalog. Cheating on exams, using some else’s work, unauthorized collaboration and plagiarism
may result in an “F” on that assignment and/or an "F" for the course at the discretion of the
instructor based upon the circumstances of the case.
DISABILITIES
Students with documented disabilities who may need academic adjustments or auxiliary aids or
services for this course are required to register with the, ADA Coordinator, 214 AHC, 875-7626.
ONLINE DATABASES
You may access the online databases at http://www.ccis.edu/offices/library/resources.asp. You
may access them from off-campus using your eServices login and password when prompted.
GRADING SCALE
90% -100%
80% - 89%
70% - 79%
60% - 69%
A
B
C
D
CLASS SCHEDULE
NOTE: This class schedule is tentative and may be subject to change with notice.
Chapter(s) is abbreviated with a Ch; for example, Chapter 1 will be denoted as C1, Chapter 10
as C10, etc.
REMIND – I use REMIND in this class. REMIND is application that allows me to communicate
with you via text, without you having to provide me with your cell phone number. Your cell
number remains completely hidden and anonymous. I use REMIND to text you reminders
about quizzes and questions and other important due dates. I will also use it, in addition to
email, to notify you in the unlikely event that class is cancelled. You can find instruction on how
to join REMIND on the course site under Content.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE – This course is a web-enhanced course meaning that we will be using
the College’s Learning Management System, Desire2Learn throughout the semester. Our week
begins on Tuesday morning at 7:00 AM and ends on Monday night at 11:59 PM. On the D2L
you will find all weekly chapter quizzes and this is were you will submit your chapter questions
and assignments. Chapter Questions for the week are due on later than Mondays at 11:59
AM, unless otherwise noted. Weekly Chapter Questions will be due every Monday at 11:59
PM, unless otherwise noted. Chapter Quizzes and Chapter Questions will open every Tuesday
morning.
TECH TIDBITS – Each week of class, one student will be responsible for providing a Tech
TidBit for discussion for the class. See supplemental document on the D2L for details.
CHAPTER READINGS – I have not specifically “assigned” you readings, however, each week
has a title and corresponding chapter associated with it. It is my expectation that you will have
read the chapter(s) for the current week prior to our 8:00 AM class meeting on Tuesday
mornings. The quiz schedule re-enforces this expectation.
WEEKLY QUIZZES – Every week you will be taking a quiz over the chapter(s) that we will be
discussing that week. You will have from Tuesday at 10:00 AM through Monday at 11:59 PM to
complete your quizzes. The quizzes run one week ahead of the week we discuss them. The
idea is to have your quiz completed prior to coming to class on Tuesday to discuss the material.
You may attempt your quiz up to 2 times to get the best possible score. Your highest attempt
score will be recorded as your grade. Although the quizzes are only worth 10 points each
week, over a 15-week course, the points add up quickly so it is very important that you stay on
top of your weekly quizzes and do them each week. Since you have an entire week to do your
quizzes, Weekly Quizzes CANNOT be made up!
WEEKLY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS – You are required to submit a question to the D2L no
later than 11:59 AM (noon) on Mondays. Your question(s) should relate to the course material
for that week. Alternatively, you may ask a question concerning a technology issue either being
discussed in the news or you have run across that week. Weekly Discussion Questions
CANNOT be made up! Questions are worth 3 points each.
LABS (also referred to as SAM Projects) – All lab classes, typically on Thursdays, are held in
BUH 104. It is important that you bring your lab book to every lab class.
SAM PROJECTS –Columbia College has adopted Cengage’s computer lab assessment tool
called SAM (Skills Assessment Manager). We will be using SAM to do many of our labs. Don’t
let the name project throw you off. That is a term used by Cengage to describe your labs. I will
always refer to these assignments as labs. It is very important when doing the SAM
projects/labs that you follow the INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY. SAM will automatically grade your
labs and any deviations from the instructions provided by SAM will result in points deducted
even though the end product may look exactly the same. To complete a project you will:
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Login to SAM.
Click on “My Assignments” in the homepage or “SAM Assignments” on the navigation
panel.
Click on the relevant project then click on OK.
Download the Instructions file and the Start Files from the next page by clicking on the
relevant links.
The start file is named something similar to SC_Word2010_C1_L1a_StudentName_1.docx
Do your work on the start file then save it with the name changed to contain a 2
instead of 1. For instance, SC_Word2010_C1_L1a_StudentName_2.docx for the above
file.
Upload the file by clicking on Choose File. Browse and select the relevant file and click on
Open.
Click on Submit.
*****************************Weekly Schedule at a Glance*****************************
Week
Dates
Classroom Lecture/Discussion
Note: All chapters listed refer to the
textbook
Introduction
Lab
Note: All chapters
listed refer to the
lab book
Questions Due
Mondays by 11:59 AM
Quizzes Due Mondays
by 11:59 PM
Labs Due
Thursdays by 9:20 AM
Ch1: Digital literacy
Word Ch1
D2L Profile
1/19 – 1/23
Ch2: The internet
Word Ch2
Ch2 Quiz & Questions
3
1/26 – 1/30
Ch3: Computers & mobile devices
Word Ch3
Ch3 Quiz & Questions
4
2/2 – 2/6
Ch4: Programs & apps
EX Ch1
Ch4 Quiz & Questions
5
2/9 – 2/13
Exam 1 – Chap 1 – 4
6
2/16 – 2/20
Ch5: Digital safety & security
EX Ch2
Ch5 Quiz & Questions
7
2/23 – 2/27
Ch6: Inside computers & mobile devices
EX Ch3
Ch6 Quiz & Questions
8
3/2 – 3/6
Giving Presentations
PPT Ch1 & SmartArt
9
3/9 – 3/13
Ch7: Input and Output
PPT Ch2
10
3/16 – 3/20
Exam 2 – Chap 5 – 7 & Presentations
3/23 – 3/27
SPRING BREAK!!!
11
3/30 – 4/3
Ch9: Operating Systems
PPT Ch3
Ch9 Quiz & Questions
12
4/6 – 4/10
Ch11: Info & data management
AC Ch1
Ch11 Quiz & Questions
PPT Ch3 Tutorial &
SAM Lab 1
13
4/13 – 4/17
Ch8: Digital Storage
AC Ch2
Ch8 Quiz & Questions
AC Ch1 Tutorial Lab
14
4/20 – 4/24
Student Project Presentations
Student’s Choice
15
4/27 – 5/1
Ch10: Communications & networks
16
5/4 – 5/8
Exam 3 – Chapters 8 - 11
1
1/12 – 1/16
2
Review Quiz due Wed.
2/11 @11:59 PM
Word Ch1 Tutorial &
Lab 1 & D2L Profile
Word Ch2 Tutorial &
SAM Lab 1
Word Ch3 Tutorial &
SAM Lab 1
EX Ch1 Tutorial & SAM
Lab 1
EX Ch2 Tutorial & SAM
Lab 1
EX Ch3 Tutorial & SAM
Lab1
Ch7 Quiz & Questions
PPT Ch1 Lab 1 &
SmartArt Lab
Review Quiz due Wed.
3/18 @11:59 PM
PPT Ch2 Tutorial &
SAM Lab 1
AC Ch2 Tutorial Lab
Ch10 Quiz & Questions
Student’s Choice Lab
Wednesday, May 6th @ 12:30 – 2:30, BUH 104
*****************************WEEKLY SCHEDULE****************************
WEEK #1- Introductions/Orientation & Digital Literacy (Ch1)
Unit Objectives:
 Identify the components of a computer
 Describe the purpose of a network
 Describe the categories of computers and their characteristic
 Identify and describe the elements of an information system.
Date
Activities for Week 1
Introduction & Digital Literacy
Read Chapter 1 in text book
Create D2L Profile with Picture Due 1/20
1/13
Computer Literacy Assignment Due 1/20
C2 Quiz Available
Lecture/In class Activity/Assignment
1/15 Read Word Chapter One, pages WD .
Word Chapter 1 Tutorial Lab – Dropbox – Due 1/22
SAM Word Lab #1 – Band Flyer Due 1/22
WEEK #2 – The Internet (Ch2)
Unit Objectives:
 Identify and describe the components of the Internet
 Demonstrate ability to search for information on the Web
 Describe the types of e-commerce and their audiences.
Date
Activities for Week 2
Submit Chapters 2 Questions by 11:59 AM
1/19 Complete Chapters 2 Quiz by 11:59 PM MONDAY
Lecture/In class Activity/Assignment
Tech Tidbit Assignment
1/20
C3 Quiz Available
Lecture/In class Activity/Assignment
1/22 Read Word Chapter One, pages WD .
Word Chapter 2 Tutorial – Dropbox – Due 1/29
SAM Word Lab #2 – Due 1/29
WEEK #3 – Computers and Mobile Devices (Ch3)
Unit Objectives:
 Describe cloud computing and identify its uses.
 Describe characteristics and types of servers.
 Discuss ways to prevent health-related injuries and disorders caused from technology
use.
 Identify uses of embedded computers
Date
Activities for Week 3
Submit Ch3 Questions by 11:59 AM
1/26 Complete Ch3 Quiz by 11:59 PM MONDAY
Lecture/In class Activity/Assignment
Tech Tidbit Assignment
1/27
Ch4 Quiz Available
Lecture/In class Activity/Assignment
Read Word Chapter three, pages WD 138 - 190.
1/29 Word Chapter 3 Tutorial – Dropbox – Due 2/5
SAM Word Lab #3: Express Yourself Language
Due: 2/5
WEEK #4 – Programs & Apps (Ch4)
Unit Objectives:
 Identify the general categories of programs and apps.
 Describe how an operating system interacts with applications and software.
 Compare the various types of system software.
Date
Activities for Week 4
Submit Ch4 Questions by 11:59 AM Monday
2/2 Complete Ch4 Study Quiz by 11:59 PM Monday
2/3
Lecture/In class Activity/Assignment
Tech Tidbit Assignment
Review Quiz Exam 1 Available
Lecture/In class Activity/Assignment
2/5
Read Excel Chapter one, pages EX 2 – 53.
Excel Chapter 1 Tutorial – Dropbox – Due 2/12
SAM Excel Lab #1: Flex Cab Company, Part I Due: 2/12
WEEK #5 – First Exam (Chapters 1 – 4)
Date
Activities for Week 5
2/9 Submit Review Questions by 11:59 AM
2/10 Exam Review
C5 Quiz Available
2/11 Complete Review Quiz by 11:59 PM
2/12 1st Exam – Chapters 1 – 4
WEEK #6 – Digital Safety and Security (Ch5)
Unit Objectives:
 Describe types of computer security risks & identify safeguards for each.
 Identify various types of cybercriminals
 Describe various types of internet, network attacks and how to safeguard against them.
 Explain options available for backing up.
Date
Activities for Week 6
Submit Ch5 Questions by 11:59 AM Monday
2/16
Complete Ch5 Study Quiz by 11:59 PM Monday
Lecture/In Class Activity/Assignment
Tech Tidbit
2/17
Ch6 Quiz Available
Excel Lab: Read Excel Chapter two, pages EX 66 – 121.
Excel Chapter 2 Tutorial – Dropbox – Due 2/26
2/19
SAM Excel Lab #2: Flex Cab Company, Part II, Due: 2/26
WEEK #7 – Inside Computers & Mobile Devices (Ch6)
Unit Objectives:
 Describe the components of the system unit.
 Explain the components of a processor and what each part does.
 Describe how data is represented in a computer.
 Identify chips, adapter cards and other components of a motherboard.
Date
Activities for Week 5
Submit Ch6 Questions by 11:59 AM
2/23 Complete Ch6 Study Quiz by 11:59 PM Monday
Lecture/In Class Activity/Assignment
Tech Tidbit
2/24
No Chapter Quiz this week
PowerPoint Lab: Read PowerPoint Chapters 3 pages PPT 138 - 190.
Excel Chapter 3 Tutorial – Dropbox – Due 3/5
2/26
SAM Excel Lab 3, Flex Cab Company, Part III, Due: 3/5
WEEK #8 – Giving Presentations and Copy write
Unit Objectives:
 Describe the elements of a good presentation.
 Discuss the good and bad attributes of a PowerPoint slide show.
 Identify various copy write issues as they pertain to digital media and presentations.
 Identify the appropriate use of pictures and other online media
Date
Activities for Week 6
Lecture/In Class Activity/Assignment
Ch7 Quiz Available
3/3
Tech Tidbit
Lecture/In Class Activity/Assignment
3/5
PowerPoint Lab: Read PowerPoint Chapters 1 pages PPT 2 – 54.
SAM PowerPoint Lab 1: Protecting the Environment, Due: 3/12
AND
PowerPoint Lab SmartArt: Galileo Galilei, page PPT 70 Due: 3/12
See Supplemental Handout on D2L
WEEK #9 – Input and Output (C7)
Unit Objectives:
 Identify and describe the various input or output devices.
 Identify various types of optical scanners and reading devices.
 Summarize the various biometric input devices.
 Describe the four categories of output and identify examples of each.
Date
Activities for Week 8
Submit C7 Questions by 11:59 AM
3/9
Complete C7 Quiz by 11:59 PM
Lecture/In Class Activity/Assignment
Tech Tidbit
3/10
Exam 2 Review Quiz Available
Lecture/In Class Activity/Assignment
3/12 Read PowerPoint Chapters 2 pages PPT 74 - 122.
PowerPoint Chapter 2 Tutorial – Dropbox – Due 3/19
PowerPoint Lab 2: Fairy Tale Trip, Due: 3/19
WEEK #10 – Second Exam (Chapters 5 – 7 & Presentations)
Date
Activities for Week 5
Submit Review Questions by 11:59 AM
3/16
3/17
Exam Review
3/18
Complete Review Study Quiz by 11:59 PM
Ch9 Quiz Available
3/19
2nd Exam – Chapter 5 – 7 & Presentations
SpringBreak!!! Week of 3/23 – 3/27 ENJOY!
WEEK # 11 – Operating Systems (C9)
 Compare the various types of system software.
 Identify various types of network operating systems.
 Describe the functions of an operating system
Date
Activities for Week 12
3/30 Submit Ch9 Questions due by 11:59 AM
Complete Ch9 quiz by 11:59 PM Monday
Lecture/In Class Activity/Assignment
Student Career Projects Assigned, Due the week of 11/7.
3/31
Tech Tidbit
Ch11 Quiz Available
Lecture/In Class Activity/Assignment
4/2
PowerPoint Lab: Read PowerPoint Chapters 3 pages PPT 138 - 190.
PowerPoint Chapter 3 Tutorial – Dropbox – Due 4/9
SAM PowerPoint Lab 3: Rocky Mountain Tour Bikes, Due: 4/9
WEEK # 12 – Information and Data Management (C11)
Unit Objectives:
 Explain the functions common to most DBMS's.
 Compare advantages and disadvantages of the types of databases
 Identify terms common to DBMS's and describe their functions.
 Differentiate between databases and flat file structures.
Date
Activities for Week 12
4/6
Submit Ch11 Questions due by 11:59 AM
Complete Ch11 quiz by 11:59 PM Monday
4/7
Lecture/In Class Activity/Assignment
Tech Tidbit
Ch8 Quiz Available
4/9
Lecture/In Class Activity/Assignment
Read Access Chapter One, pages AC 2 - 63.
Access Lab #1: Chapter 1 Tutorial, Due: 4/16
WEEK #13 – Digital Storage (C8)
Unit Objectives:
 Describe the two types of storage media, and explain how each works.
 Compare the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of various types of storage
devices
 Explain the various storage area networks.
 Identify the appropriate applications for the use of various storage area networks.
Date
Activities for Week 14
Submit Ch8 Questions by 11:59 AM
4/13 Complete Ch8 Quiz by 11:59 PM
4/14 No Chapter Quiz this week
Read Access Chapter One, pages AC 2 - 63.
Access Lab #2: Chapter 2 Tutorial, Due: 4/23
4/16
Lecture/In Class Activity/Assignment
Tech Tidbit
WEEK # 14 – Student Career Project Presentations
Date
Activities for Week 13
4/21
Student Presentations
Ch10 Quiz Available
4/23
Student’s Choice Lab Assignment
See D2L for Supplemental Document
WEEK # 15 – – Communications & Networks (C10)
Unit Objectives:
 Identify and describe the components required for successful digital transfer of data and
communications.
 Explain the advantages of using a network.
 Compare the advantages and disadvantages of various types of physical transmission
media.
 Explain the various types of area networks.
 Analyze the relationships between the various types of area networks.
Date Activities for Final Week of the Course
Submit Ch10 Questions by 11:59 AM
4/27 Complete Ch10 Quiz by 11:59 PM
4/28 Discuss Chapter 10
Final Review quiz available Due Wednesday, May 6 @ 11:59 AM
4/30 3rd Exam Review, Chapters 8 – 11 & Presentations
WEEK # 16 – – Finals Week (5/4 – 5/8)
CISS 170 Sec. D 3rd Exam, Chapters 8 – 10
Wednesday, May 6: 12:30 – 2:30, BUH 103