1 BCIS-1405 Business Computer Applications -- Online Fall 2011 Instructor: Mackinzee Escamilla Office: TC 208, Levelland Campus Email: [email protected] Telephone: (806) 553-0184 Office Hours: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. 9 a.m. – Noon (by appointment) Course Description Computer terminology, hardware, software, operating systems, and information systems relating to the business environment. The main focus of this course is on business applications of software, including work processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation graphics, and business-oriented utilization of the Internet. Course Objectives After completion of this course, the student will be able to: Identify, describe and discuss the basic hardware and software components of a computer system. - Explain the impact of computers on society. - Demonstrate proficiency in basic operating system functions. - Access useful information on the Internet. - Discuss computer ethics, security and privacy. - Use applications in Microsoft Office 2010 individually or in conjunction with one another to solve business problems and create business applications. Textbook and Hardware Requirements The following are requirements for this course. You will need to purchase them immediately. A handout has been provided with specific purchase information. 1. New Perspectives on Office 2010, First Course 2. SAM 2010 Access Code Software Requirements2 This course will present a concentrated focus on Microsoft Office 2010; therefore, all students will need access to Office 2010. Assignments will not be accepted in any format other than MS Office 2010. You CANNOT use a previous version of the Office program to complete your assignments. Additionally, if you use a Mac, you’ll not be allowed to turn in assignments using Office 2008/2011 for Mac. Prepare for this in advance so that when we begin our MS Office units you are equipped with the proper software. Please note – this course requires use of MS Access 2010. Make plans to have this program available NOW so that you don’t run into problems when we get to that unit near the end of the semester. Some versions of Office 2010 do not come with Access, and you WILL need it. Microsoft offers student discounted pricing for Office 2010 at www.theultimatesteal.com. The SPC bookstore also sells this software at student discounted pricing. In addition to Office 2010, you’ll need access to the following programs and/or accounts:  A web browser  Windows Media Player (free download at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/11/default.aspx)  Adobe Reader (free download at http://get.adobe.com/reader/)  Java (free download at http://java.com/en/download/index.jsp)  Adobe Flash Player (free download at http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/)  SAM account  Blackboard account Communication You can reach me one of three ways: you can email me using the Blackboard email tool; you can call or text at 806-553-0184; or, you can make an appointment to meet with me in person. If you contact me (via email, voicemail, or text message) during regular business hours, I will respond that day. Messages received after 4:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday will be answered the next morning, and messages received after noon on Friday will be answered the following Monday. I do not answer email, texts, or phone calls in the evenings or on weekends. Please add my number (806-553-0184) to the contacts folder in your cell phone so that if I text or call you’ll know who it is. Also, please complete the student information form I’ve sent to your Blackboard email account so that I have your cell information as well. For email communication, we will use the Blackboard email tool exclusively. For organization and record-keeping reasons, please do not email me at my SPC email address. Transcripts are kept of all voicemail and text messages I receive at this number, just in case we need to refer to them at a later date.3 Attendance Policy Continuous, frequent participation is essential for success in this course; additionally, I will be communicating with you frequently using the Blackboard email tool. You are expected to log in to Blackboard at least 4 days per week; you should not let more than 72 hours pass between logins. You will be dropped from the course with an ‘X’ or an ‘F’ if 72 hours passes between logins, if you fail to log in 4 times per week, or if I feel the objectives cannot be met due to lack of participation. Reading Assignments Mandatory, assigned reading is a requirement for this course. Reading assignments can be found on both the activities page in Blackboard. Video Lectures Video lectures are available for each tutorial, and are an invaluable part of success in this course. In the video lectures, you’ll be able to see my computer screen as I work an example, and hear my voice as I lecture. Video lectures can be accessed by clicking on the Video Lectures link in Blackboard, or by accessing iTunesU through MySPC. You must have either Windows Media Player or iTunes installed to view the lectures. Please note that I am able to determine if you’ve watched the video; and if you contact me with questions the first thing I’m going to do is make sure you’ve watched the whole thing before I answer. Usually, any question you have will be answered in the lecture. Notes To ensure that you’re writing down the information I think you need to be successful in this course, I have provided notes outlines for you to print out and complete during the lecture. While not a requirement for online students, it is highly encouraged. You can access these notes by clicking on the Notes link in Blackboard. Grading Policy Final grades will be assigned based on the following percentages: SAM Training (average of all) 10% SAM Projects (average of all) 30% Pro-Skills Projects 30%4 (average of all) Unit Exams (average of all) 20% Final Exam 10% SAM Training For each tutorial (chapter) we study, you will be required to complete a SAM Training module. These modules are simulation-based, and lead you through each step in whatever task you’re supposed to be practicing. I do not accept late work for any reason, including technical difficulty with SAM or Blackboard. Please plan accordingly so that you