Course description:

Course provides overview of computers and their operation with an emphasis on hands-on learning. Students become proficient with using the computer as a personal productivity tool while learning the latest Macintosh and Windows software. Topics covered include history, hardware, software, word processing, spreadsheets, database systems, graphics, telecommunications, computers and society, computer ethics, and computer uses in related fields.

A Computer literate person is:

Someone who is comfortable and confident in their use of computers knows when the computer is an appropriate problem-solving tool and knows which software application is the appropriate tool to choose. Has a solid understanding of operating systems including:

• cross platform and compatibility issues
• common interface among software applications
• understands saving and retrieving data
• knows different and appropriate file formats
• can figure out what to do when things go wrong
• Has a "learn how to learn" philosophy
• Has a working "computer" vocabulary
• Understands basic word processing concepts
• Understands basic Internet concepts
• Understands basic spreadsheet concepts
• Understands basic database concepts
• Can integrate data from different sources

Course Objectives:

• Demonstrate an understanding of computer operation systems through successful interaction with the computer, including the ability to format blank diskettes, save and retrieve files, print files; understand cross-platform and compatibility issues.
• Be able to identify and explain the basic computer hardware components including: input, output and processing units, peripherals, storage, new technologies
• Have knowledge of key developments in computing and its impact on society
• Be able to identify and discuss issues involving computer ethics including:

• copyright issues
• privacy issues
• data security
• licensing
• legal issues

• Be able to identify and discuss current issues involving technology and society
• Understand basic computer terms and can use appropriate vocabulary
• Demonstrate an understanding of how computers are used as tools in the 21st century
• Know basic word processing concepts and know when word processing was an appropriate tool to choose
• Know basic spreadsheet concepts and know when a spreadsheet was an appropriate tool to choose
• Know basic database concepts and know when a database was an appropriate tool to choose
• Know basic Internet retrieval strategies and know when the Internet was an a appropriate tool to choose

Things to Know:

Students can drop a class on-line on the OASIS system until midnight (CST) to be posted. The class will be removed from their transcript.

The withdrawal deadline is Friday, to be posted. Students must come to the Records Office to withdraw. Withdrawals cannot be performed on-line. A grade of "W" will appear on the transcript. Students who totally drop or withdraw from the college should be encouraged to speak to an Academic Advisor.

The Pass/Fail deadline is to be posted. Students who elect to take a course Pass/Fail must obtain a form in the Records Office. This form requires your signature, if you approve of the Pass/Fail, and is to be returned to the Records Office by the student. Keep the yellow copy for your records.
The college does not allow students to audit courses.

FX (failure due to non-attendance) grades will no longer be issued. You will not receive an FX roster after the fourth week of classes, as you have in the past.

Please be aware of the confidentiality of student information. The college complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Personally identifiable information from a student's educational record cannot be released without prior consent of the student. Further information is available on pages 14 – 15 of the college catalog.

Grading Policy:

Final grades are based upon:

• 20% - class participation both in class and e-mail
• 20% - projects
• 60% - quizzes

E-mail:

• All correspondence, homework, and extra assignments for this class are accomplished through E-mail.
• All E-mails should have in the subject line the title of the assignment being submitted for grading.
• Any comments about the assignment should be in the body of the E-mail
• Any assignment being submitted will be submitted as an attachment in the proper program Word, Excel, etc.
• We use Microsoft Office 2003 in this class and I will accept any version of Microsoft Office from 2000 or higher.

Assignments:

Assignments and projects turned in after the date due will be marked down one grade for each week late (the time between classes will be counted as a week). It is expected that students will turn in their own work and maintain honest academic practices. Failure to do so may result in a failing grade.

Make up Quizzes or Exams:

If you find you will not be able to take an exam or quiz on the scheduled day, it is your responsibility to notify me prior to the exam. Make ups will not be given if I have not been notified and arrangements for a make-up are not made. I must be notified in person, at my home number, or my e-mail. I will not accept any calls left for me at the school. Missed quizzes or exams will result in a zero (0) for that quiz or exam.

Grades:

Grades are based on graded homework assignments, lab exercises, midterm, final, quizzes, extra credit, attendance, and class participation.

Homework:

All homework will be loaded on the server at the start of each class. Assignments not completed or printed at this time are late and will be considered not done and will lose all points. If you miss a class, you are still responsible for homework assignments according to the syllabus.

Grading and Evaluation:

A MINIMUM grade of ‘C’ is required in order for this course to count toward your major in Interactive Arts and Media. If you do not complete the course with a ‘C’ or better, you will be required to re-enroll in the course until you reach this benchmark. Be advised that if this course is a prerequisite for other courses, that the failure to achieve a grade of ‘C’ or better WILL impede the progress of your studies. 

Extra Credit:

Extra credit assignments may be distributed at my discretion during each module taught.

Homework Labs:

The lab rooms are located in room 407 623 S Wabash and room 603 624 S Michigan

Homework Lab Hours at 623 S Wabash is:

• 9:00 am to 10:00 p.m. Mon. Thurs

• 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday

• 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday

• Be sure you have your Columbia ID with you.

Homework Lab Hours: at 624 S Michigan are:

• 8:30 am to 10:00 p.m. Mon. Friday

• 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday

• Be sure you have your Columbia ID with you.

Evaluation:

Grade