CIS 105: Survey of
Computer Information Systems
Online Course Overview


Computers are an integral part of our everyday life. We use them at home and in business. This course is an introduction to the world of computers. It includes an overview of computer information systems and concepts. Learn about hardware, operating systems, application software, the Internet, basic programming structure and languages, and an introduction to the system development life cycle. You will receive hands-on experience with the Internet, Windows XP, and Microsoft Office 2003 Professional (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access), as well as one programming language (i.e. Visual Basic). 

See our Official Course Competencies for detailed course outline.  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

Students will be required to:

  • Purchase the textbooks and training/testing CD as a bundle through the MCC bookstore:
    • Package ISBN: 0-536-20696-1 which includes the following
      • Computers: Tools for an Information Age - Complete;
        8th Edition; Prentice Hall; Capron/Johnson
      • Train & Assess It Software (tutorials and testing)
      • Essentials- Microsoft Office 2003; Custom Edition
        Pearson-Prentice Hall Custom; Fox, Metzelaar, Bird, Mulberry, & Tolliver
      • Essentials: Student Data Files
      • 256 Flash Drive (Note: if you already have a flash drive, you can purchase Package ISBN: 0-536-98363-1 instead which does not include one).
  • Read lecture notes from your instructor for instructions on how to complete each assignment.
  • Review PowerPoint presentations for the chapter
  • Follow the Assignment Checklist for each chapter and perform hands-on applications (Windows, Internet, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Visual Basic).  
  • Download student data files.
  • Use Windows XP, Microsoft Office 2003 Professional Edition and Visual Studio.Net (software is available for use at the MCC computer lab if you don't have it at home).
  • Zip files using file compression software when instructed.
  • Participate in online discussions and group projects.
  • Complete Online Quizzes and Exams.
  • Use two web tools (WebCT and Train & Assess It) - Note: Instructions will be provided.

Students will also have an opportunity to interact with the instructor and their classmates either by email, or by on line real-time chat sessions,
bulletin board, and/or online office hours.

DISTANCE LEARNING INFORMATION:

Students are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to visit the following web site to learn more about how to be a successful student learner at Mesa Community College.  This web site, Distance Learning Information, will guide you through everything you need to know before you begin your online courses.

The instructions for this class are geared towards Windows-based computers only.  Instructions for MAC computers will NOT be provided.

RECOMMENDED PREREQUISITE:

Basic knowledge of the following skills is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED:

·         The basic usage of the computer using windows-based software

·         Familiarity with Windows 98 or 2000.

·         Basic Internet Concepts

·         Browser Basic Info such as Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer  (The Instructor's pages are better viewed in Internet Explorer.)

·         Acess to the Internet using an Internet Service Provider

  • Email Account - Students are required to subscribe to MCC Student Mail Account. In addition, students may also have one additional email from other system such as Free Internet Email Services (this will only be used in an emergency).
  • The ability to type at least 30 wpm.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS

Students will need the following hardware and software to successfully complete this distance learning course.  Please note that this course is geared towards Windows-based computers only.  No MAC instructions will be provided.

  • Access to a Windows based computer with color monitor
  • Access to Windows XP
  • Access to Microsoft Office 2003 Professional (includes Word 2003, Excel 2003, PowerPoint 2003, and Access 2003)
  • Access to Visual Studio.Net.
  • An Internet Service Provider (ISP).
  • Web browser such as Netscape (version 4.0 or later), or Internet Explorer (version 4 or later) - (Instructor pages are better viewed in Internet Explorer)
  • Subscribe to MCC E-mail system.  All registered students are required to have an MCC E-mail address.  Students must log into this page to self-subscribe to MCC E-mail system.  (Note: if you are a continuing student and had an MCC email account in a previous class, you do not have to create a new account).
  • Recommended: Ensure you install and/or update your virus protection software (i.e. Norton's Antivirus; McAfee; AVG, Penicillin) since files infected with viruses will not be accepted.