CSC 101 Introduction to Computers

Professor Jean Insinga

Email: jean.insinga@snet.net

For many of you this may be the first online course you’ve taken. We can all have a very pleasant and resourceful experience if we follow some simple steps.

1. Be Organized
1. Set a time convenient for you to accomplish the requirements for each chapter.
2. Communicate with the instructor or other classmates when you are confused and require further assistance. Do not let assignments slide.
3. Be sure to hand in all assignments as designated.
2. Be Prepared
1. The required textbooks are Computer Concepts 9^th edition by Parsons and Oja and Practical Office 2003 by Parsons & Oja.
2. Microsoft Office 2003 or Microsoft Office XP is required. The components of Microsoft Office include Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. If you do not have the software you will have to find access to a computer at a library or use the computers on campus to do your assignments.
3. The syllabus is a guideline for the course and is subject to change. Always check your email.
4. If assignments cannot be completed on time be sure to contact me.
3. Avoiding Roadblocks
1. Sometimes the site may be down and you cannot access the work. Scheduled assignments will be adjusted accordingly. Remember to schedule a convenient time to complete the course assignments.
2. Many of the instructions of how to accomplish specific tasks will be in writing rather than visual or audio. You will experience different ways of learning.
3. Do not spend excess time to complete a task if errors on the system are displaying. Contact me.

About the Course

CSC 101 Introduction to Computers will cover hardware and software concepts. Topics will include how to buy a computer, how to use a computer, working with Microsoft Office 2003, accessing and researching using the Internet and designing and creating a web page. You must have access to the Internet, to Office 2003 or Office XP, and a working email account. You will be given reading assignments, projects, quizzes and exams that will be due on specific dates. Your work must be timely in order to receive an appropriate grade.

The assignments will be available to you by chapter or topic and can be accessed from the site. The due dates and schedule for you to follow will be in the syllabus and calendar on the course site. Throughout the semester there will be recorded chat sessions where everyone will have the chance to ask questions or discuss topics within the course. Your attendance at these chat sessions will be considered within the grade structure. You will have access to your grades using the built in grading feature.

Accessing the Course:

When you begin the course, it will be important for you to navigate through the website with ease. The following are examples of important documents to access.

· View and print the class Syllabus and Outline from Course Information on the Homepage.

· View the Class Calendar for assignments from the Tool Bar. Click on the day to read the details. For example for the 17^th, click on 17 and the details will display.

The Class Syllabus:

After reviewing the class syllabus, there are some items I would like to bring to your attention:

1. The grading section explains how you will be graded in the course. All grades will be posted for your viewing throughout the course.
2. The assignments are color coded as follows:
1. Red, blue and orange assignments are assigned to determine your level of understanding of the topics covered. They will NOT be submitted or graded.
2. Five software projects will be graded.
3. Two exams will be taken online and graded.
4. Practice Tests will be taken online and graded.
5. The Final exam will be a cumulative project integrating all skills and material used throughout the semester.
3. Chat Session times will be posted on the calendar.

I look forward to the teaching and learning involved in your online course!

COURSE SYLLABUS

Info. Systems	CSC 101		Introduction to Computers
Department	Course No.		Course Title
3 hrs	1.5		1.5
Credit Hrs.	# lecture hrs./week		# lab hrs./week
Prepared by	Jean Insinga			January 10, 2007
	Faculty Member			Date
Course prerequisites:		None unless placement tests indicate otherwise.
Course Location (building/room number):			Online
Meeting time (days/hours):		Online

Scope of course:

An introductory course presenting the business uses of computer hardware and software. It will teach the fundamentals of the Windows environment and use of popular business software using word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation applications. E-mail communication skills will be developed, and the use of the Internet as a communication and research tool will be covered using Internet Explorer. An overview of web page design will be covered.

Textbooks and other required readings/computer software/materials/library reserve room:

Computer Concepts 9th Edition

June Jamrich Parsons and Dan Oja

Course Technology – Thomson Learning

Practical Microsoft Office XP

Parsons and Oja

Course Technology – Thomson Learning

Office Location (building/room number):		Office Hours:	M-TH 24/7
Office Telephone:		Office e-mail:
	860-343-5763		jean.insinga@snet.net

Attendance Policy:

Students are expected to participate in an online course through assignments, projects, exams and chat sessions. An online course allows the student to establish a flexible schedule to do work; however, chat sessions will be scheduled times.

Evaluation (exams, term papers, projects, etc., and percentages towards final grades):

The final grade will be determined by two exams and hands-on computer applications projects, and will be affected by course participation, conduct, and attendance.

Midterm 20%

Software Projects 40%

Practice Test 10%

Chat Sessions and Discussions 5%

Final Exam Project 25%

There are no make-up exams given unless arrangements have been made prior to the exam.

Unit Outlines/Unit Objectives/Expected Outcomes/Assessment Measures:

Each unit will cover specific topics from the textbook as well as a software product. Each student is expected to read the assigned chapters, do all homework assignments, and complete all hands-on lab assignments. The labs, homework assignments, and test scores will be used to calculate the student’s overall grade. An assignment sheet lists the projects, quizzes and exams. All will be posted on the Calendar as well.

Class	Reading Assignments from Text Book	Assignment
1	Chapter 1 -- Computer, Internet, and Network Basics Section A Computer Basics	Course Survey Lab 1A Opening a PC
2	Section B Internet Basics Section C Web Basics	Lab 1B Making A Dial-Up Lab 1C Browsing and Searching
3. .	Section D Email Basics	Lab D Using Email Project #2 TechTV Video Page 56
4 .	Chapter 2 -- Computer Hardware Section A Data Representation Section B Microprocessors and Memory
5	Section C Storage Devices Section D Input and Output Devices	Project #2 TechTV Video Page 112
6	Chapter 3 – Computer Software Section A Software Basics
	To be continued…

ADA Accommodations Statement

Students with physical or learning disabilities who may require accommodations are encouraged to contact the Counseling Office. After disclosing the nature of the disability, students are urged to discuss their needs with individual instructors. This should be done at the beginning of each semester. Instructors, in conjunction with appropriate college officials, will provide assistance and/or accommodations only to those students who have completed this process.

Academic Ethics and Classroom Behavior

At Middlesex Community College we expect the highest standards of academic honesty. Academic dishonesty is prohibited in accordance with the Board of Trustees’ Proscribed Conduct Policy in Section 5.2.1 of the Board of Trustees’ Policy Manual. This policy prohibits cheating on examinations, unauthorized collaboration on assignments, unauthorized access to examinations or course materials, plagiarism, and other proscribed activities. Plagiarism is defined as the use of another’s idea(s) or phrase(s) and representing that/those idea(s) as your own, either intentionally or unintentionally.

Use of Computing Resources

All resources and facilities of the Data Processing Labs, including the computer classroom sites, are to be used solely for the legitimate and authorized academic and administrative purposes. Any unauthorized or illegitimate use of the computer systems, resources, and/or facilities will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including but not subject to criminal prosecution in accordance with Section 53a-250, et seq., of the General Statutes.