1 BCIS-1405 Business Computer Applications Spring 2012 Instructor: Mackinzee Escamilla Office: TC 208, Levelland Campus Email: [email protected] Telephone: (806) 553-0184 Office Hours: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. - Noon 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 and bring them to class with you every day. A handout has been provided with specific purchase information. 1. New Perspectives on Office 2010, First Course 2. SAM 2010 Access Code 3. Flash Drive2 Software Requirements This course will present a concentrated focus on Microsoft Office 2010; therefore, all students will need access to Office 2010 outside of the classroom. 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 Outside of the classroom, 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. 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 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.3 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. Attendance Policy Students who miss four (4) classes will be dropped from the course. If you are not sure how many absences you have accumulated, please be sure to notify me so that I can provide you with an absentee report. If you are absent, you are still required to complete the assigned work by the indicated due date. Video lectures are available on the Video Lectures page in Blackboard; you need to watch the lecture you missed PRIOR to coming to the next class. I will not repeat the information you missed when you return. I will not answer questions about the material you missed if you did not watch the lecture in its entirety. If you are an athlete, please notify me when you are going to be out of town for a school sponsored event. I will let you work ahead so that you don’t miss any deadlines. However, please know that no exceptions will be made to the late assignment policy. Grading Policy Final grades will be assigned based on the following percentages: Participation 10% Notes 10% SAM Projects (average of all) 25% Capstone Projects (average of all) 25% Unit Exams (average of all) 20% Final Exam 10% Reading Assignments Mandatory, assigned reading is a requirement for this course. Reading assignments can be found on both the course calendar and activities page in Blackboard. Notes Assignments You will be required to take notes during every scheduled lecture. 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 before you come to class and complete during the lecture. They will be turned in after each lecture, graded, and handed back.4 The notes can be found by clicking on the ‘Notes’ link in Blackboard; you need to print them out before you get to class. I will not allow time for printing once class has begun. If you do not turn in notes immediately after the lecture, or if you miss a class and are unable to take notes, you will receive a ‘0’ for those notes – no exceptions. Participation Regular, consistent participation is essential for success in this course. Everyone will start the semester with a 100 for participation, which will count for 10% of your final grade; three points will be deducted from that grade each time one of