CS115 Section 1,2    Introduction to Computer Based Systems    Spring 2008

Instructor: Mary Voehl   mvoehl@caldwell.edu   973-618-3437

Office: 4-248                                                              Office Hours:M11 W11 W 3 R 9

Website:http://faculty.caldwell.edu/mvoehl

               http://blackboard.caldwell.edu/

 

Class Schedule:

Section 1 MW 8:30-9:45 Room 3-207

Section 2 MWR 10:00-10:50 Room 3-207

Course Objectives:

A)     To develop and demonstrate proficiency in oral presentation, written communication and information technology skills

B)      To develop and enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills using an ethical framework to address and solve real-world problems

C)     To explore and evaluate the impact of technology on society and consider its role in the future.

 

Students will

 

    1. Learn the basic concepts and skills in using a personal computer
    2. Utilize correct computer terminology in class discussions and written assignments
    3. Master the basic mechanics of the Windows XP operating system and Microsoft Office 2003 for personal and professional use
    4. Learn to appropriately use the Caldwell College Network, Email system  and Blackboard™
    5. Develop research skills for searching and navigating the WWW
    6. Learn  proper document formatting to develop appropriate correspondence and reports using  Word
    7. Utilize problem-solving skills to develop basic Excel worksheet  models 
    8. Develop a database in Access
    9. Acquire an understanding of the concepts employed in presentation software to create, edit, and present an effective slide presentation in PowerPoint.

 

Required Text and Materials:

Microsoft Office® 2003—Illustrated Introductory, Premium Edition by Beskeen/Cram/Duffy/Friedrichsen/Reding, Pinard, Course Technology, 2007 ISBN.1-4188-6039-5

 

 

Grading:

Student performance shall be evaluated according to these requirements:

Concepts Review                                                                                 10 %
Independent Challenges/Skills Reviews/Visual Workshops                    15 %

Projects                                                                                                20 %
Online Quizzes                                                                                      10 %

Tests                                                                                                     25 %
Final Exam (cumulative)                                                                         20 %

Section 1: Monday May 12  9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Section 2: Wednesday May 7 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

 

Primary Course Requirements

  1. Access to a computer running Windows XP or 2000 or Vista, using Windows Office Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
  2. Access to the Internet in order to use the Caldwell College Blackboard(tm) System. You will need to obtain and use a college NetlD account.
  3.  Each student is required to have a flash memory drive (memory stick) and textbook at  each class .
  4.  NetlD and College email accounts can be obtained in room 4205. All emails must be sent via the  Caldwell College mail system or via Blackboard™
  5. Assignments may be submitted using Blackboard™’s "Digital Drop Box unless indicated otherwise

 

 

All assignments must be completed using Microsoft Office Applications. Other similar applications ("WORKS", WordPerfect, etc.) will not be accepted. If you are running a version of Office that is not 2003, you must save your file so that it is compatible with Office 2003. Quizzes, tests and the final exam will be given using Blackboard™  unless the instructor indicates otherwise.

 

Course Policies:

Lab Exercises:
Labs will be started in class. If not completed within class time, it is your responsibility to complete them prior to the next class. You are expected to repeat the lab again after class for your own review.
Reading Assignments:

Topic pages are reading assignments  that should be read before the next class.You will be responsible for the information in the reading assignments in addition to the information contained in my notes.Class presentations will be on Blackboard™ as well as my website.

Concepts Reviews:

Concepts Reviews are to be completed in MS Word and placed in Blackboard™’s Digital Drop Box prior to the start of the next class. Concepts Reviews will not be accepted after the due date for the assignment.

Independent Challenges and Skills Reviews

Independent Challenges/Skills Reviews are to to placed in Blackboard™’s Digital Drop Box prior to the start of the next class.  Independent Challenges and Skills Reviews will not be accepted after the due date for the assignment.

Projects:

You will have three projects to complete using Essential Concepts, MS Word, Excel, Access and Powerpoint. Details on each of these projects will be provided at least two weeks prior to their due date. Projects submitted after the due date will receive a ten point penalty for each day that the project is late. Projects will not be accepted if they are submitted more than one week after the due date.
Tests/Quizzes
Tests/Quizzes will be based on class lecture and presentations, reading assignments and review questions. Blackboard(tm) will be used to present and administer tests in class. A test may not be made up except in the case of extraordinary circumstances and at the discretion of the instructor. Quizzes will be taken outside of class time using Blackboard™

Attendance Policy:
If you are absent, you are responsible for all class notes and labs, which you may have missed. More than three absences for the semester will result in lowering your grade by one complete letter grade.
Academic Integrity:
Students are expected to adhere to the academic integrity policy specified in the Caldwell College catalog. Any violations to this policy will be subject to the penalties set forth in the catalog.  All projects and skills reviews turned in must be your own work.   
Documented Disability and Academic Accomodations 
Any student who has a documented disability and is in need of academic accommodations must contact the Office of Disability Services (973-618-3645) and notify the professor of this course.  Students are required to provide written documentation of their disability in order to be eligible for accommodations.  Accommodations are individualized and in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992. 


 

All projects and skills reviews require computer access outside of the classroom. Students may use any open computer lab on campus. No printing is to be done during class time.
 

All ringers on cell phones must be turned off and web surfing or instant messaging during class time will not be permitted.