Community College of Vermont
Newport
CIS-1041 Microcomputer Applications 1
Bruce Miller

Course Description

A hands-on introduction to information processing using operating system and application software designed for microcomputers. Covers file management, presentation graphics, word processing, and spreadsheets. Prerequisite: Basic Algebra.

A. Course Objectives
  1. Describe the hardware components of a computer system and explain how they work together. Describe the general functions of the operating system and its interaction with computer hardware and applications software.
  2. Describe the significance and threat of computer malware (e.g., Trojans, worms, spyware, phishing) and demonstrate an understanding of the need for safe computing practices and current methods of file backup procedures.
  3. Discuss the importance of a file management system and apply file management principles.
  4. Explain the function and primary features of a word processing program for use in creating, editing and formatting letters, resumes, research papers, newsletters including mail merge and desktop publishing.
  5. Explain the function and primary features of a spreadsheet program. Design and build a spreadsheet using labels, values, formulas, functions, and differentiating between absolute and relative references. Modify a spreadsheet using various copying and formatting options. Build and print a graph/chart.
  6. Use spreadsheet software to present and analyze quantitative information, to draw conclusions from information, and to evaluate the reliability of those conclusions.
  7. Create an effective presentation to demonstrate proficiency in using text, graphs, organizational charts, tables, clip art and drawing tools.
  8. Identify and understand Internet resources and search engines for effective research and retrieval of information on a specific topic.
  9. Identify and understand the appropriate uses of these software applications in the work environment.
  10. Discuss legal and ethical issues related to computers and information processing including copyright infringement and plagiarism.
  11. Demonstrate an ability to access, navigate and participate in an online learning environment.
B. Methods/Content

Teaching methods include demonstrations and brief lectures, hands-on lab exercises, reading, discussion, and open-book quizzes.

Students are expected to invest a minimum of three hours a week outside of class to complete reading and lab assignments.

We begin with an overview of computer systems: the types of computers and the functions of hardware and operating systems.

Next, labs and demonstrations present efficient skills for exploiting the MS-Windows operating system, as well as file management and backup techniques and strategies.

An overview of applications follows, with an emphasis on practicing efficient techniques using software user interfaces.

Next come four weeks of labs dedicated to MS-Word, followed by four weeks of MS-Excel labs, and two weeks of MS-Powerpoint labs.

Drawing upon over 25 years of intensive computer experience, the instructor guides students beyond one-dimensional computing into new territory that presents effective techniques and novel applications designed to expand every user's computing experience, regardless of their background or experience.

Everyday ethical considerations surrounding computers and digital technology are discussed throughout the course. Headline topics include privacy, censorship, security, and other social issues.

In the final week of the course students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency at applying their practical skills on a final exam lab exercise.

C. Grading Policy and Letter Grade Criteria See also Attendance
The basis for course grades will be:

Labs 40%
Weekly Questions 30%
Final Exam (practical) 20%
Attendance/Participation 10%
Letter Grade Criteria
A+ through C- Indicates satisfactory completion of course objectives and expectations as specified.  
A+ through A- Work is clearly exceptional or outstanding and demonstrates keen insight and original thinking. In addition to demonstrating full understanding of the material addressed, including critical analysis, the student is able to clearly and thoughtfully articulate their learning. 100-90
B+ through B- Work is good to excellent. In addition to demonstrating strong comprehension, critical thinking, and attention to detail, the student is able to clearly articulate their learning. 89 - 80
C+ through C- Quality of work is good to adequate. The student demonstrates solid comprehension, critical thinking, and attention to detail and is able to adequately articulate their learning. 79 - 70
D+ through D- Indicates marginal performance that will not count as credit for specific program requirements or competence area requirements.  
D+ through D- Work marginally meets course objectives. Student demonstrates at least some comprehension, critical thinking, and attention to details. Student may have difficulty in articulating their learning. 60 - 69
F Indicates failure to meet course objectives and/or to meet grading criteria for successful completion as described.  
F Work does not satisfactorily meet course objectives. The student demonstrates consistent problems with comprehension, organization, critical thinking, and supporting details. In addition, F reflects the student's inability to articulate their learning. < 60

Note: late work may be subject to reduction of up to 10% per day late.


D. Attendance Policy

Good attendance is crucial to success in this course. Good attendance includes arriving on time, being prepared for class, and remaining until the end of class time.

One absence carries no penalty, but thereafter each absence results in a 10% final grade reduction. Early departure from class without permission from the instructor will be recorded as an absence. Frequent tardiness will be recorded as one or more absences.

E. Syllabus
Fifteen Week
Twelve Week

F. Text and Other Information
Textbook
In addition to instructor-provided materials (modest photocopy fee applies), students are required to purchase a third-party reference book for Office 2010 (or Office 2007). Students can choose any comprehensive reference they wish, excluding "Dummies" books. The instructor suggests the following book, which can be purchased from Amazon for around $36:

Conner, Nancy and MacDonald, Matthew. Office 2010 the missing manual. July 2010. O'Reilly. ISBN 978-1-449-38240-7.

Academic Honesty
Academic dishonesty in any form is unacceptable. This includes (but not limited to) plagiarism, having someone else do your work, submitting work prepared by others as your own, or submitting the same work for more than one course. Using words or works of another must be properly cited, quoted, credited and acknowledged.
Whether it is from an article, book, magazine or online source, if you use the words or written work, you must properly quote and credit it or it constitutes plagiarism.

Note
In order to receive accommodations for disabilities in this course, students must make an appointment to see the Americans With Disabilities coordinator in their site and bring documentation with them.