SYLLABUS

CIS 105 (Classroom)
Fall 2005

Survey of Computer Information Systems

Instructor Info • General Info • Grading • Assignments • Tests • Attendance •  Responsibilities

Visit  REPLACE for current semester office hours and class schedule.  Office hours are the same for both online and classroom students.

GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION:

Course Description:  Overview of computer technology, concepts, terminology, and the role of computers in society. Discussion of the social and ethical issues related to computers. Use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software. Includes programming and use of the Internet. Exploration of relevant emerging technologies. Prerequisites: None. 
Instructor note: Although there are no prerequisites for this course, knowledge of Windows 98+ and the Internet is strongly recommended. Ability to type at least 30 wpm is helpful.

Although there are no prerequisites, this is a very fast paced and demanding course.

Teaching Goals/Course Competencies:
Note: (#) references MCCD Course Competencies

Knowledge and Conventions
Summarize the historical development of information processing and the computer and describe its impact on society. (1)

• Practice appropriate means of documenting your work.
• Control such surface features such as syntax, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Technology Literacy
(Using basic skills and research and applying the software skills learned.)

• Use accurate terminology to describe common uses of technology in society. (2)
• Identify common hardware components of computer systems and describe their uses. (4)
• Identify different types of software and their uses (5)
• Describe common uses of networks. (7)
•  Use the Internet to communicate, collaborate, and retrieve information. (8)

Critical Thinking, Reading and Writing
(The ability to locate, apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information utilizing a variety of resources to make decisions and to solve problems)

• Describe how technology is used in various career paths. (3)
• Determine when technology is useful and select the appropriate tool(s) and technology resources to address a variety of tasks and problems. (10)
• Identify positive social and ethical behaviors when using technology and the consequences of misuse. (12)
• Use writing and reading for inquiry, learning, thinking, and communicating.
• Understand a writing assignment as a series of tasks, including finding, evaluating, analyzing, and synthesizing appropriate primary and secondary sources.
• Integrate your own ideas with those of others.
• Understand the relationships among language, knowledge, and power.
• Learn to critique your own and others’ work.

• Use word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software. (6)

• Create programs in a common programming language using appropriate input, output, and processing statements for that language. (9)
• Describe the steps in planning and implementing technology solutions. (11)

• Develop flexible strategies for generating, revising, editing, and proof-reading.

• Understand writing as an open process that permits writers to use later invention and re-thinking to revise their work.

• Understand the collaborative and social aspects of writing processes.

• Learn to balance the advantages of relying on others with the responsibility of doing your part.

• Use a variety of technologies to address a range of audiences.

This class is dedicated to successful learning in your academic growth.  Many of the assignments you are given promote the following aspects which you will need to be effective in your present and future learning as well as in the community and business world:

• Team work through collaborative learning (group projects) and participatory skills.

• Ethics: the ability to commit to standards.

• Interpersonal skills: the ability to utilize oral, written and listening skills.

• Organization:  the ability to meet deadlines and future planning.

• Personal, professional and community responsibilities.

Textbook Bundle
ISBN: 0-536-94756-2

Computers: Tools for an Information Age: Complete- 8th Edition
Prentice Hall; Capron/Johnson

Essentials- Microsoft Office 2003: Custom: Pearson-Prentice Hall Custom; Fox, Metzelaar, Bird, Mulberry & Tolliver
(Essentials is sold as 1 big volume or 2 separate volumes.)

Essentials Student Data CD
 
Train & Assess It
The CD cannot be purchased used.  (NOTE: You will need this CD so you can take your tests. If you purchased used textbooks, you can purchase this CD separately - version 2.4, ISBN #0-13-187959-6.)

Software
(You have access to the following
in the MCC Computer Lab):

Microsoft Office 2003 Professional This includes--Word 2003, Excel 2003, PowerPoint 2003and Access 2003. There are some significant differences between versions and some of the files may not work with other versions.

Windows XP operating system. Version 2000 will work with some variations; however, the assignments in the book and this class refer to Windows XP.

Internet Explorer, Ver. 6.0 or later

Visual Studio.net
 

Virus Protection Program  Ensure you have a virus protection software package (i.e. Norton's, McAfee, Pencillin, AVG, etc.)  installed/updated on your computer if you'll be working at home/work. Files with viruses will not be accepted.

You will need

• Student ID Card (available free at the Kirk Center).   

• One USB Flash Drive (128MB or larger)) to store your files (some of the files can be quite large).  More information on USB Flash disks is available in the online Student Toolbox.

• One (1) two-pocket folder to submit assignments not uploaded to the dropbox (color-coded – see instructor).  Folder must be labeled at the top right corner of the folder with the following information:

YOUR NAME

CIS105, SECTION #

Instructor’s Name 

• You may want to have another folder available to keep graded assignments and/or work in progress.

• Optional/Recommended: headphones for use in lab

Grading is based on total points earned divided by total points possible. Those points are applied to the following grading scale: 

90% - 100% =  A 80% - 89%   =  B

70% - 79%   =  C 60% - 69%   =  D

Points can be accumulated through computer assignments, tests, quizzes, group activities, webboard and in-class discussions, bonus, and other assignments.  The grading can be changed at instructor's discretion. Advanced notice will be given regarding the change. For detailed information on the points for each assignment, refer to the Assignment checklists for this course.

Points can be accumulated through computer lab and project assignments, tests, quizzes, group activities and discussions (in class and online), presentations, and other assignments.

If the assignment closely resembles what was requested, including all formatting and editing completed correctly, you will receive full points.

• If the assignment contains errors (including typographical) or is missing required tasks, you will lose 50% points for the assignment (usually 5 of 10 points)  This includes the same mistake that is made on revised documents.

• If the assignment contains more errors than points or if it is not turned in at all, you will lose all the points.

• Special projects points are graded according to a special grading scale distributed with the project directions.

• Excel only -- If you submit a file and  no formulas are used and they should be, the assignment will receive a 0.  Most assignments are submitted after all steps have been completed (unless otherwise indicated on this schedule).

• Late assignments are subject to a 10% per day point loss.

Although grades will be posted in WebCT, students are responsible for keeping track of your accumulated points/grade. It is recommended that you keep all graded assignments until the end of the semester.

All assignments, course outlines, schedules, grading requirements, quizzes, tests, etc.
are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.

• Assignments generally consist of book projects,  lecture questions, presentations, labs, discussions (in class and online), projects etc. 
• The labs usually consist of lessons for each software package learned, followed by integrated exercises. 
• Projects are additional assignments which summarize lab and lecture activities.
• Lecture assignments consist of questions from the book, classroom lectures, presentations, and discussions.
• You will be required to participate in group activities during some class periods, as well as post to an online discussion board.  
• Students are expected to respond and write in a professional and appropriate manner when activities are assigned that ask students to create a scenario, discuss opinions, present on a selected subject, or post to the webboard. Inappropriate language or objectionable material will not be tolerated and could result in a failing grade for the class.
• The lab assignments are independent.  Therefore, you will complete the Internet, Windows XP, Office 2003, and Programming lab assignments and projects outside of class time.
• You do not need to attend lab during my lab hours.  Should you choose to work in the computer lab, any of the instructors or lab personnel should be able to assist you.  Note: You may not bring friends or children into the computer lab.
• Refer to your Weekly Assignment  Schedule for due dates for the course.  It is your responsibility to read these and turn in assignments as indicated and in a timely manner.
• Assignments may not always follow the book order. 
• You will receive separate details for each lecture assignment, lab, and project.
• Most of the assignments may be available on your course WebCT site.
• Make sure you read the special instructions for each assignment; assignments are subject to point deductions if instructions are not followed correctly.
• Some bonus assignments may be available. Bonus points will only be counted toward final grade if all exams were taken during the course.
• The syllabus, topics, assignments, and schedule for the course are subject to change as needed during the course. I will make verbal or electronic announcements of any changes.

Once an assignment is submitted, received and graded, you can view the grade in the Online Gradebook.  A My Grades link is provided for you in the WebCT course Home Page.  Be sure to view the comments for the graded assignment (you can view them through the WebCT dropbox - just click on the assignment graded link within the dropbox).
 

• Review the weekly schedule
• Complete the reading assignment (textbook and resource links)
• Attend the Lecture
• Review the PowerPoint presentations
• Complete the projects and lab assignments
• Submit projects/assignments through the dropox
• Take practice quizzes
• Take online tests

Submitting Assignments:  

• Each assignment has a specific due date and time (see course Weekly Assignment Schedule).  
• Late assignments will be subject to a 10% per day point loss.
• Assignments will not be accepted more than one week late.
• Points may be deducted for improper filenames and/or if your name is not included within the assignment itself.
• Make sure when you submit a lab assignment, it is correct; otherwise you may lose all of the possible points for that assignment.

Most book and special project assignments are submitted using an online Dropbox. 

• The files are "uploaded" to the designated area in the drop box.
• Instructions on how to do this from the course are under the Course Info link on the course Home Page or the Toolbox.  (If you have multiple files to upload, be sure you don't select submit until they are all uploaded.)
• See the Toolbox for an explanation of the program and how to use it.
• Note: You can only "submit" your assignments once in each dropbox.

Labeling Assignments:  The assignment must be labeled properly when submitted.  The assignment must have your name and the description of the assignment, which is the same as it is listed in the dropbox.  For example:

YourName_Assignmentname (use your lab or project assignment as a guideline)
Smith_AssignmentName  

File names need to include your last name in them unless otherwise indicated.

All computer generated homework must have your name included in the document header or part of the document body. (Inserting headers and footers will be covered for each of the software packages used in the course.) Homework missing this element may not be accepted or may have points deducted.

Assignments Due Dates: 

Late Assignments:  Assignments are due at the beginning of class (or by 11:00 p.m. if it is to be submitted through the dropbox.)

• Students must notify me when they will be submitting late assignments.
• Remember, if you are submitting an assignment late, you will be losing 10% of the points per day.
• To keep you on track without falling behind too much, the latest that I will accept late assignment is one week after the due date.  If it is not submitted during that time, the assignment will not be accepted and you will receive 0 points.  No assignments will be accepted after the final due date/time listed for the course (usually Wednesday at Noon on the final week of the course.)
• Technical problems with your computer and/or your inability to access the Lab during Lab hours (Monday-Saturday) is not a valid excuse for a late assignment. Please do not wait until the last minute to do your work.
• Rule of thumb....be on time with assignments!  Do not let yourself fall behind!
• If a medical emergency, a doctor’s excuse is required for full points on assignments.

Part of your grade consists of your contribution to the web board. This is a discussion area where I post a question and you respond to the question and to another classmate's response.

You need to put thought and effort into your responses. Below is an example of what is considered meaningful or not meaningful responses.

QUESTION:
Cell phones have become very popular. Do you think using a cell phone when driving is dangerous to other drivers?

CORRECT RESPONSE:
Yes. Cell phones may be popular but individuals need to learn when and how to use them when driving. Recently I read that 40% of individuals own cell phones. Of those 40%, 25% are in accidents because of not paying attention and talking on the phone. In fact, today, as I was driving to work I saw someone talking on the phone, drinking coffee and driving with their knees. Perhaps everyone should be required to use headsets when they are driving.

Correct Response from Classmate:
Oh, you must have seen the same person that I did. I also had a similar experience with this.  As she was driving, she was also putting on make-up! It is a scary thought that we are on the road with people who are careless. I read an article about using headsets with the cell phones, it said that it does assist in keeping one hand free. However, it does not help with the distraction that cell phone conversations bring.  Did anyone else read this article?

INCORRECT RESPONSES
Yes. Cell phones may be popular but individuals need to learn when and how to use them when driving.

Yeah. I agree with you.
 

The Arizona Board of Regents has established as a general guideline that each course should require a student to spend a minimum of two hours in preparation outside the class for each hour spent in class.  The outside-class preparation should be devoted to reading, taking chapter notes, completing assignments, computer work, preparation for group activities, tests, quizzes, etc.  Therefore, this class takes approximately 10-14 hours per week of your time.

All assignments, course outlines, schedules, grading requirements, tests, projects, etc.
are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.

TESTS AND PROJECTS

Exams: 

• Exams and quizzes may test you over anything covered in the chapters, lab assignments, written assignments, additional handouts, or lecture.
• Exams and quizzes will be a combination of concepts and terminology, and will include the use of the computer to solve some computer exercises.
• Dates of the exams and quizzes are on the course schedule.
• Quizzes in this course are given using WebCT's quiz/survey feature.
• Tests in this course are given using Train & Assess It.  Train & Assess It is a computerized software program that enables students to be tested on performance-based (hands-on) software and concept (true/false, multiple choice, etc.) questions. 
• Once each test is  completed a score will automatically be generated within Train & Assess It. Your instructor will then transfer it to WebCT.
• Your instructor will provide instructions before taking the first test. 
• Make-up exams are not available.   If you  run into an extreme circumstance (i.e. death in family, illness with doctor excuse, school activity, etc.) talk to me about a make-up.   Only one (1) make-up test will be allowed per course for extenuating circumstances only, at the discretion of the instructor.

All assignments, course outlines, schedules, grading requirements, tests, projects,  etc. are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.

 Attendance is a must. You are subject to withdrawal after three absences. Students who do well attend every class and are on time. Only official absences as stated in the student handbook can be considered an excused absence.  You will be working in groups and your success and the group's success will be dependent upon your participation.  If you are going to be absent, call or email me prior to class.  You can call anytime and leave a message on my voice mail. An extended illness or emergency will require a doctor’s note or other official documentation for consideration of an excused absence.   In addition to calling me when you are absent, you will want to call a member of your group.  Please exchange phone numbers with your group members.  Remember, you are responsible for any work that you miss due to an absence or tardiness.  In many instances, points are lost because group work cannot be made up.

 Food, drinks, smoking, and chewing tobacco are not allowed in our computer labs or classrooms.

  Cell phones and pagers must be turned off.

Hours of Operation:
Monday-Thursday                     7 a.m.-10:20 p.m.
Friday                                   7 a.m.-8:20 p.m.
Saturday                                7 a.m.-4:20 p.m. 

You must have your Student ID Card to enter the lab.  Without the ID, you are not allowed to enter the lab.  NO EXCEPTIONS!

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To attend every class.

2. To be in class on time and not leave early (nor leave then return during class).

3. To be prepared for class by reading the course material prior to class, doing the homework and bringing the required materials.  If I think students are coming to class unprepared or tardy too often, I may choose to give pop quizzes and adjust the grading system.
4. To participate in class and group activities.
5. To submit your assignments based on instructor's guidelines and in a timely manner. Late assignments submitted without prior instructor's approval may not be graded or counted towards final grade.
6. If you need to communicate by email, only use your WebCT Course email or your MCC IMAP Email account to communicate with your instructor (not personal Email accounts such as AOL or Hotmail).
7. Have a strong desire to learn and a commitment to finish this course
8. To contact me if you have problems with the course as soon as the problems begin.
9. To be courteous and respectful to me and to your peers (listen, do not interrupt while others are speaking, consider the impact on others of each statement and action, etc).
10. To follow Netiquette at all times when dealing with instructor and classmates on line
11. To interact with instructor and classmates to share information by discussing course-related topics in class and through using the Web Discussion board.
12. To be responsible for yourself and your own learning, and support the learning of all members of the class.

Besides academic performance, students should exhibit the qualities of honesty and integrity. Any form of dishonesty, cheating, fabrication, the facilitation of academic dishonesty, and plagiarism may make you subject to disciplinary action.  This includes the copying of other student’s data files turned in as your own work.  (A good "rule of thumb"; if you didn't type it/create it, it's not yours.) The labs, projects, and lecture assignments are NOT group projects, unless specifically clarified by the instructor as a group activity.  You must do your own work to receive credit for it.  Refer to the MCC Student Handbook for information regarding institutional policy and due process procedures.  Violation of any provision of the Standards, which are detailed in the Handbook, could result in immediate termination of a user’s access to Maricopa’s computing resources, as well as appropriate disciplinary action.  In an effort to have your grade reflect YOUR knowledge and effort in this course, I have found it necessary to develop the following procedures:   

•  If you have cheated, you will not receive any credit; and may be dropped from the course or expelled from the school.  Refer to student handbook for more information. No further warnings are issued. 

• Cheating is not doing the work that you put your name on.   You must do your own work to receive credit for it. 

• If you give your work or disk to another student, you are also guilty of cheating and can be subject to the same penalty. 

• The homework lab assignments are NOT group projects, unless specifically clarified by the instructor as a group activity. 

• Please come to class prepared; do not copy another student’s work.

• More information on copyright guidelines can be found in the CIS105 Toolbox.

Appropriate Behavior: 

You are expected to exercise responsible, ethical behavior when using the classroom, computing facilities, campus equipment, and when submitting WebBoard discussions and assignments.  

The General Standards Governing Use of Maricopa County Community College District Computing Resources Handbook with regards to use of Maricopa’s computing resources specifically prohibits: “Transmitting, storing or receiving data, or otherwise using computing resources in a manner that would constitute a violation of state or federal law, including (but not limited to) obscenity, defamation, threats, harassment, and theft.” 

Once class has started, please do not leave unless you have previously cleared it with me; points will be deducted for each infraction.   If you leave the room during a test/quiz you will not be allowed to complete the test/quiz.  During class time, I expect you to be working only on this course and not doing other work.

Harassment
The policy of Maricopa Community Colleges is to provide an educational, employment, and business environment free of unwelcome sexual harassment as defined and otherwise prohibited by local, state, and federal law.  Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion for students.  See the MCC student handbook.

COMPUTER VIRUSES

A virus is a computer code that can alter programs, destroy data, or damage computer hardware.  Your disk can “catch” a virus from being used in a computer, which has a virus, from swapping data with a virus-infected disk, from downloading information from an electronic bulletin board, etc.  

The college is not responsible for any viruses your disks or equipment may get from working on college computers, or using our fileservers or networks.  In order to reduce the likelihood that students may “infect” college computers or other students’ disks with viruses from other computers used, we do not allow students to use their own software disks (software is not the same as a class data disk) on any college computer.  We strongly recommend that all students who use other computers (at home, at an office, at other locations) have virus protection on all of those other computers.

LINKS

Disclaimer: Information found in linked web pages (those not contained within the WebCT course and/or your instructor's MCC website) does not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of your instructor or the college. We assume no responsibility for broken links or invalid information found at the sites. Remember, the Internet is a fluid environment.

MESSAGE FROM INSTRUCTOR

This class is dedicated to successful learning in your academic growth.  We are here to facilitate, but ultimately you are responsible for your own learning success.