Northern Virginia Community College Introduction to Computer Application and Concepts ITE 115 – 085A Spring 2011 Course Syllabus Instructor: Prof. Noor Phone: (703) 845-6556 Office: 362 Bisdorf Building Email: [email protected] Hours: Online School Closing: Course objectives: This course provides abroad introduction to microcomputer software fundamentals, computer ethics, computer hardware components and functions, Internet, operating systems, spreadsheet, power point, database and HTML. All students should participate in blackboard activities during the semester. Course Description: Covers computer concepts and internet skills and uses a computer software suite that includes word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software to demonstrate skills required for computer literacy. Lecture 3 hours per week. Text Book and Materials: Technology in Action, 7th Edition, by Alan Evans, Kendall Martin, Mary Anne Poatsy; ISBN: 0-13-509670-7 Prentice Hall-Publisher and second text book which comes in a bundle is: Skills for Success with Microsoft office 2007 by Kris Townsend. You can only buy these customized books from the Alexandria Campus Bookstore. This is not an ELI course, it is an online course, Make sure you tell this to the bookstore personnel or you will get the wrong book! Course materials can be downloaded from www.prenhall.com/techinaction or accessed from the Student CD. Last day to drop with tuition refund or change to audit is March 22, 2011 Last day to withdraw without grade penalty is April 18, 2011 Beyond this date, dropping a course or failure to attend will result in the grade of ‘F’ except under mitigating circumstances. Documentation of these circumstances is required. Grading policy: Objective Tests and Hands-on Tests 40% Homework/Lab Assignment 40% Final Examination 20% A = 90–100 B = 80–89 C = 70–79 D = 60–69 F = 59 & less Note: No make-up tests or tests will be given. Arrangements can be made to take tests early if an absence is anticipated.Textbook Web Site: The textbook’s companion Web site (www.prenhall.com/techinaction) from the publisher is an excellent source for additional content for the class. You will need to create a free account. You can access chapters to review information such as interactive study guides, exercises, Web research projects, online chapter presentations, and other student resources. Student Preparation for Each Class: Read the text chapters assigned per the schedule. Review objectives from the chapters. Make note of any questions you may have to pose during class or via e-mail. Visit the companion Web site to complete Web research projects, complete online study guide quizzes, and review other material. Optional: browse the online PowerPoint presentations for class. Academic Student Code of Ethics: See the complete Code of Ethics in the Student Handbook. Student Code of Conduct/Civility: Full details may be obtained from the Student Handbook. Topics to Be Presented Chapters you should read and prepare for tests ~ May Be Subject to Minor Changes ~ Week Topics Presented Reading Assignment Homework/Lab Assignments Week 1 Why Computers Matter to You: Becoming Computer Literate Chapter 1 Sound Byte: Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Computer Becoming Computer Literate Exercise Due, March 20th Week 1 Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts Chapter 2 Sound Byte: Virtual Computer Tour Making the Transition to… The Workplace Exercise: Desktop Versus Notebook Due, March 20th Week 2 Using the Internet: Making the Most of the Web’s Resources Chapter 3 Sound Byte: The Best Utilities for Your Computer Making the Transition to… Next Semester Exercise: Online Support Facilities Due, March 27thWeek Topics Presented Reading Assignment Homework/Lab Assignments Week 2 Application Software: Programs That Let You Work and Play Chapter 4 Sound Byte: Enhancing Photos with Image-Editing Software Making the Transition to… Next Semester Exercises: Installing Software AND Upgrading Software Due, March 27th Week 3 Using System Software: The Operating System, Utility Programs, and File Management ~ TEST 1: Chapters 1–5 ~April 2nd, 3rd Chapter 5 Active Helpdesk Call: Managing Hardware and Peripheral Devices: The OS Making the Transition to… Next Semester Exercise: Organizing Files and Folders AND Software Requirements Due, April 2nd Week 3 Understanding and Assessing Hardware: Evaluating Your System Chapter 6 Active Helpdesk Call: Evaluating Your CPU and RAM Critical Thinking Questions: Your Ideal System AND Impacts of New Technology Due, April 2nd Week 4 Networking and Security: Connecting Computers and Keeping Them Safe from Hackers and Viruses Chapter 7 Sound Bytes: Installing a Personal Firewall AND Securing Wireless Networks Making the Transition to… Next Semester Exercise: Connecting Your Computer to Public Networks Due, April 2nd Week 5 Mobile Computing: Keeping Your Data on Hand Chapter 8 Tech in Focus 5: Digital Entertainment Active Helpdesk Call: Using PDAs and Smartphones Making the Transition to… The Workplace Exercise: Corporate Mobile Computing Needs Due, April 10Week Topics Presented Reading Assignment Homework/Lab Assignments Week6 Behind the Scenes: A Closer Look at System Hardware ~ TEST 2: Chapters 5–9 ~ April 23&24 Chapter 9 Tech in Focus 6: Careers in IT Active Helpdesk Call: Understanding the CPU Sound Byte: Computer Architecture Team Time: Balancing Systems Due, April 23rd Week 7 Behind the Scenes: Building Applications Chapter 10,11,12 Web Topics will be announced Week 8 Week 8 Final Exam April 30th & May 1 Final exam is on Microsoft office form: “Skills for Success” textbook Homework/Lab Assignments: All assignments must be completed and handed in on time by the assigned time. Work must be complete. I will not accept a partially completed assignment. Late work will be accepted on a case-by-case basis only. Your work must be your own. Cheating will result in a grade of 0 for the applicable assignment; further disciplinary action, including assigning a failing grade (F) for the entire course, may also be taken. Missed work will result in a grade of 0 for the assignment. Exceptional circumstances should be discussed with the instructor in advance. Assignments must be printed out (when appropriate) and properly identified. Each printout must include: Your