SYLLABUS - CIS 105
Fall 2008
 

Survey of Computer Information Systems

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
 

Name:            Angeline Surber

Class time:    Online

Email:            angesurber@mail.mc.maricopa.edu

Or use Webct (Blackboard Learning System) which is your CIS105 course email. I would prefer students to use the Webct email account. To contact me by email, please allow at least 48 hours weekday response time. In most cases, you will be contacted after the weekend or holiday.
 

Note: Before you send your message, be sure you are using your MCC email account (or use the Blackboard course email). Based on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) that protects student privacy -- grades and personal information can only be released to the student; therefore, you must use your personal MCC email account when communicating with online correspondence to assure information being released is going directly to you.

 

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.

 

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.)(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)
• 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.

Processes

• 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.

 

You will need:

Textbook ISBN # 

• MICROSOFT OFFICE 2007 ILLUSTRATED INTRODUCTORY XP EDITION  ISBN# -13: 978-1-435-42440-1
• DISCOVERING COMPUTERS 2008: A GATEWAY TO INFORMATN, COMPLETE ISBN# -13: 978-1-4354-2441-8
• CASE GRADER - Codes will be provided  (some books may also have SAM but we will not be using the SAM software)
• MICROSOFT OFFICE 2007 180 DAY SUBSCRIPTION
• VIDEO COMPANION cd

Additional Items

• Student ID Card (available free at the Kirk Center) if you plan on using our Multi-Use lab.
• 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 CIS105 Toolbox.
• Headphones for use in lab (highly recommended).
• Anti-virus software on your computer. (Turn off your pop-up blocker)
• Internet Explorer version 6.0 or higher
   

GRADING:

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 and discussions, extra credit, 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:

Points can be accumulated through computer assignments, tests, quizzes, group activities and discussions (in class and online), extra credit, 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 2 points for each occurrence on the assignment. 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 5% per day point loss. Exceptions are the one week grace period for quizzes and lecture discussion questions; where you will not be assessed a late point deduction.

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.

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

• Assignments generally consist of lab book chapter units, lab projects, discussions questions (in class and online), chapter quizzes, and additional projects etc.
• The labs usually consist of lessons for each software package learned, followed by assigned lab projects. 
• Projects are additional assignments which summarize lab and lecture activities.
• You will be required to participate in group activities during some class periods, as well as post to an online discussion board.
• The lab assignments are independent.  Therefore, you will complete the Internet, Windows XP, Office 2007, 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 (located in your Course 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. 
• Make sure you read the special instructions for each assignment; assignments are subject to point deductions if instructions are not followed correctly.

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 Blackboard Learning System CIS105 course Home Page under the My Tools heading.
 

Assignment Order: The easiest way to follow the course requirements is to look under each week in the schedule.  It is suggested that you follow this order:

·       Read the textbook(s)

• ·       Review the PowerPoint presentations
• ·       Take chapter quizzes
• ·       Complete Discussion Questions
• ·       Complete the projects and lab assignments
• ·       Take online tests when applicable.

Submitting Assignments:  

• Each assignment has a specific due date (see course Weekly Assignment Schedule).  
• Late assignments will be subject to a 5% per day point loss.
• Once a section is tested, assignments for that section will no longer be accepted (i.e. once the Excel test has been given, you may no longer submit the Excel lab assignments).
• 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 which you will find under your Learning Module that says submit name of assignment. 
• Multiple assignments that are to be submitted to one drop box, should be zipped using a file compression program, prior to uploading to the drop box. 
• 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:

Filename_Lesson#, Lastname
Word_L1_Smith (L=Lesson)

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

 

Assignments Due Dates:  This class has scheduled due dates for assignments. Once the due date passes, your assignment becomes a late assignment. Assignments that are to be uploaded to the dropbox must be submitted by 11:00 p.m. on the due date.  Read your assignment schedule closely. You are responsible for meeting the due dates/times. You will be deducted 5% of the points, per day for late assignments. No assignment will be graded after it is one week late.

 

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, you will be losing 5% 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. 
• Once a topic is tested, no late assignments are accepted. 
• Rule of thumb....be on time with assignments!  Do not let yourself fall behind!

Discussion Assignments:  You are given discussion questions to be answered each week.  These discussion questions will be posted as a conference under the current week.  Use the Discuss link in the Course.  To get full points, it is important that you post your answers in a timely manner and respond to at least two learner's response. You are to post to the discussion questions and post a response to a least two other learner's response by Monday, 11 p.m. each week.

Responding to the Discussion Board

Part of your grade consists of your weekly contribution to the web Discussion 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.

NOTE:(And make sure to cite your source, if it was off of a web site, then included the URL address).

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.
 

Preparation Time:    The course requires lab time (approx. 100 minutes week) in addition to the time you spend in the traditional classroom. There is no "scheduled" lab time, but you will find you need the time to accomplish the assignments. There is approximately a minimum of 6 hrs per week outside preparation in addition to the lab time.

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.

TESTS AND PROJECTS

Exams & Quizzes: 

• Exams may test you over anything covered in the chapters, lab assignments, written assignments, additional handouts, or lecture.
• Exams 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 are on the course schedule.
• Exams in this course are given using Case Grader.  Case Grader is a computerized software program that enables students to be tested on performance-based (hands-on) software.  Quizzes will be in taken in your web based Blackboard Learning System CIS105 course and will consist of concept (true/false, multiple choice, etc.) questions. 
• Once each exam is completed a score will automatically be generated in Case Grader and later placed in you gradebook by your instructor.  Chapter quizzes will automatically be scored and placed in your gradebook.
• Your instructor will provide instructions before taking the first Exam. 
• 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.  If you are absent during a quiz/exam, you may be given an alternate form of the test (i.e., short answer or essay) at an alternate location, and it must be completed within one week of the original test date. Only one (1) make-up exam will be allowed per course for extenuating circumstances only, at the discretion of the instructor.

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

 

ATTENDANCE - in class

 Attendance is a must.  Students who fail to attend the first scheduled class meeting, or to contact the instructor regarding absence before the first schedule class meeting may, at the option of the instructor, be withdrawn.  A faculty member has the option of withdrawing a student who has accumulated unofficial absences in excess of the number of times a class meets per week.  For instance, if the class meets twice a week, you will only be allowed two unofficial 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.

 

ATTENDANCE - internet classes

• Online Students: To ensure that the course is completed as planned, and that students are ready to take exams as scheduled, online students should follow this week-by-week schedule. Students should be sure to note the due date for each assignment, quiz and discussion board questions. This is NOT a self-paced course.
• Online Students: At this time, online students will NOT have to come in to have exams or quizzes administered by a proctor. However, online students must complete the quizzes and exam during the scheduled week. There will not be any make-up quizzes or exams, unless you have an excused absence. There will be no makeup of the Final exam.
• Online Students:  I do plan to withdraw online students that fall behind

Withdrawing: 
If you are continually late in submission of assignments or if you stop coming to class without officially withdrawing, you will be subject to withdrawal from the course.  It is the student's responsibility to inform the instructor if the student needs to be withdrawn.  The student must not assume that the instructor will automatically withdraw a student. No student may be withdrawn from the course with a passing W grade without prior approval as well as signature from the instructor.  I will not withdraw anyone with a W during the last two weeks of class. Incompletes are given only for serious illnesses (a doctor's note is required) or extenuating circumstances. See the MCC schedule for exact dates and instructions on how to withdraw from classes, last day to withdraw with a full refund, etc.

Students who fail to attend the first scheduled class meeting, or to contact the instructor regarding absence before the first schedule class meeting may, at the option of the instructor, be withdrawn.  A faculty member has the option of withdrawing a student who has accumulated unofficial absences in excess of the number of times a class meets per week.  For instance, if the class meets twice a week, you will only be allowed two unofficial absences.
 

·       If you fall behind and have 3 assignments outstanding, I plan to withdraw you. It is to your benefit to keep up, and students are rarely able to catch-up.

·       I will not carry students on the roster that are behind to meet financial aid or other requirements, and I will not issue a grade of "F" if the student is withdrawn for not meeting the course requirements. Students must fully participate in the courses they are enrolled in.

·       If a student is continually late in submission of assignments and/or has not contacted the instructor for more than two weeks, he/she will be subject to withdrawal from the course.  It is the student's responsibility to inform the instructor if the student needs to be withdrawn.   Students must actively participate in the class to receive a letter grade. Students who do not participate in coursework will receive a "W". If you participate in coursework and are unable to continue in the class, you must notify me if you want to be withdrawn. The student must not assume that the instructor will automatically withdraw a student if assignments are no longer submitted. No student may be withdrawn from the course with a passing W grade without prior approval as well as signature from the instructor.  See the MCC schedule for exact dates and instructions on how to withdraw from classes, last day to withdraw with a full refund, etc.

• Beginning Spring 2008, students will be charged tuition and fees when dropped from classes after the 100% refund period (whether through the purge process for non-payment or instructor removal for failure to attend).

Multi-Use Lab

If you are unable to complete your assignments, projects, quizzes or exam at home, you are able to come in and use the computers in the Multi-Use Computer Lab on the MCC main campus, located in room BA1S.  The equipment is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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 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.

2.     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.

3.     If you need to communicate by email, only use your the Blackboard Learning System Course email or your MCC IMAP Email account to communicate with your instructor (not personal Email accounts such as AOL or Hotmail).

4.     Have a strong desire to learn and a commitment to finish this course

5.     To contact me if you have problems with the course as soon as the problems begin.

6.     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).

7.  To follow Netiquette at all times when dealing with instructor and classmates on line

8.  To interact with instructor and classmates to share information by discussing course-related topics in class and through using the Discussion board.

12.  To be responsible for yourself and your own learning..

 

ACADEMIC HONESTY & OTHER ISSUES

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 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 an exam you will not be allowed to complete the exam.  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.

Disabilities:

Any students with special needs, including learning disabilities, should inform the instructor of any assistance that will be required.  In order to accommodate your needs, you will need to give proper notice as to what accommodations will be necessary.  Special arrangements can be made regarding seating, hearing devices, testing time, as well as many other concerns.  If there are any other concerns you have, please address them with me before or after class. If you have difficulty learning, you must register with the MCC disability office.  Contact the MCC Disability Resources department.

Transferability: 
Typically, CIS105 transfers to ASU as CIS200 or CSE 180, which fulfills the Numeracy 3 requirement, to NAU as CIS 120, and to U of A as MIS111. 

 

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.

 

Student Acknowledgment:

• The student accepts responsibility for reading and understanding the information in the syllabus and college catalog. Any questions or concerns must be addressed within the first week of the course.

Subject to change:

• The topics and schedule for the course are subject to change as needed during the course. I will make verbal or electronic announcements of any changes.

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