Frederick Community College

Course Syllabus

(CIS101-ONL2 [610] January Term 2011)

 

Class Begins: 01/03/2011

Class Ends: 01/14/2011

Last Day to Withdraw: 01/10/2011

 

Instructor Information

Instructor:  Frank (Francis M.) Seidel

Associate Professor of CIS / IT Program Manager

Office:   C-214 (Science & Technology Hall)

 

E-mail: fseidel@frederick.edu

Phone Number: 301-846-2505 (Department)

(The department can contact your instructor in the case of an emergency, but the preferred method of contact is e-mail.)

Office Hours: By Appointment Only

 

Campus Mail Box Number: TBA

 

Course Information

Course: Introduction to Computers and Information Processing

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:    EN 50A and EN 52 or

                        ESL 95 and ESL 99

Co-requisites: None

 

Course Description

Emphasizes microcomputer hardware and software, data organization and an overview of programming and application software. Uses application software in the areas of database management, spreadsheets, word processing and graphics.

 

Core Learning Outcomes: By the completion of the course:

The Students will demonstrate college-level communications skills by-

       Explaining the basic concepts and vocabulary of computer information systems in effective, clear and grammatically correct English.

       Using research techniques to locate current articles on issues related to societal impact of computers and summarizing research findings in a written report and a class presentation.

The Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills by-

       Creating and using graphs, tables and diagrams to interpret and analyze quantitative information.

       Creating appropriate queries and synthesizing data retrieved from databases.

The Students will demonstrate an understanding of technology and its uses by-

       Relating the history of the development of the computer and the way in which the computer has changed society.

       Using appropriate computer terminology related to hardware, software and communication.

       Using a computer to analyze data retrieved from a database.

       Using a computerized spreadsheet to solve algebraic problems.

The Students will understand and be able to interpret social and educational values by-

       Researching current articles on issues related to the impact of computers on the economic, political and cultural development of society then summarizing the research findings in a written report and a class presentation.

       Displaying an understanding of academic honesty and copyright law.

In addition to the above, the Students will demonstrate computer literacy by-

       Configuring a computer system for purchase.

       Examining the security and privacy issues and implications of public and private databases.

       Integrating data from one application into another.

       Describing software development methods.

 

Instructional Methods

 On-line Lecture Topics, discussion board, software demonstration, and hands-on activities.

 

Text(s)  (Please indicate if text is required or optional)

Students have a choice of two variations of the textbooks for this class.  The first version includes paper textbooks and e-books accessible through a MyITLab access code.  The second variation includes only the e-books accessible through a MyITLab access code.  All students must purchase, at a minimum, a new access code to MyITLab from the FCC Bookstore because these codes are assigned to individual students and cannot be sold or given to anyone else.  BUYING ON-LINE OR USED BOOKS WILL LIKELY COST YOU MORE IN TOTAL AFTER PURCHASING THE ACCESS CODES (ONLY AVAILABLE THROUGH THE FCC BOOKSTORE).  The books used for this course are as follows:

Technology in Action, 7th Edition, Complete, Alan Evans, Kendall Martin and Mary Anne Poatsy; Pearson Prentice Hall, © 2011, ISBN-13: 978-0-13-509669-7/ISBN-10: 0-13-509669-3.  (This book is referenced as TiA in the topical outline and contains chapters 1-13.)

Skills for Success with Microsoft Office 2007, Kris Townsend. Pearson Prentice Hall, © 2009, ISBN-13 978-0-13-502456-0/ISBN-10: 0-13-502456-0. (This book is referenced as Office in the topical outline.)

Skills for Success with Windows 7, Kris Townsend. Pearson Prentice Hall, © 2011, ISBN-13 978-0-13-511290-8 /ISBN-10: 0-13-511290-7. (This book is referenced as Windows 7 in the topical outline.)

 

Progress Report

Students will receive some form of written (electronic) assessment of their progress in the course no later than the fourth class.

 

Assessment Method

Tests / Papers / Projects

Approximate Percentage Value (subject to change)

Final Grade Scale

Quizzes (13)

37.5%

90.0% to 100.0% = A

Tests (1)

17.5%

80.0% to 89.9%   = B

Surveys, Activity Submission, Activity Reviews and/or Discussion Forums

15.0%

70.0% to 79.9%   = C

Assignments and Application Assessments

30.0%

60.0% to 69.9%   = D

 

Below 60.0%       = F

TOTAL

100.0%

 

 

Codes of Academic Integrity and Student Conduct

Students are required to uphold the Code of Academic Integrity and the Code of Student Conduct. Students who violate either of these codes may receive a failing grade in the class.  Information about these codes and other student policies, procedures, and penalties is available on the Student Policy and Procedures web page at http://www.frederick.edu/student_services/studentpolicies.aspx .

 

Student Services

A variety of services are available to assist students in succeeding at FCC. Students can learn more about these services by visiting the Student Services web page: http://www.frederick.edu/student_services/index.aspx

 

Students with disabilities who are in need of accommodations or who have questions related to disabilities services should contact the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office at 301-846-2408. Students can learn more about these services by visiting the Services for Students with Disabilities web page: http://www.frederick.edu/student_services/disability.aspx .

 

Participation Policy

Attendance and participation is required.  Students in this class are expected to assume responsibility for attending and participating fully in class.  Student are expected to come to class prepared to participate, this includes but is not limited to reading the chapter to be covered before the class in which it is covered.  Active participation will enhance the student learning process.  Disruptive or unprofessional behavior diminishes the learning environment for the entire class and will not be tolerated.  Students using of electronic devices (e.g., cell phones) or surfing the Web during class for material not related to active participation in the class is considered disruptive behavior.  Disruptive students may be asked to leave the class and will not be given credit for participation in the class activities.  (Please refer to the "Classroom Behavior" section in the Student Handbook for more information on expected behavior.)  Absence from a class does not excuse a student from knowing what was covered in class or from completing activities, assignments, quizzes, tests, or other requirements of the course on time, which may affect your grade. Excused absences include illness (with doctor's note), emergencies deemed as such by your instructor, religious holidays, and official College functions. The instructor has full discretion on whether the absence to qualifies as an excused absence and whether to issue makeup work for the student to complete.

 

Email Communication

All students will receive and be expected to use their FCC provided (myfcc.frederick.edu) email address for their correspondence with faculty and staff at the college.  Students can establish and access their FCC email accounts at the login page: https://myfcc.frederick.edu.

 

Topical Outline

Every effort will be made to keep to this schedule; however, the instructor reserves the right to alter or amend it as necessary. Additional dates, as published in the academic schedule of classes and listed below, may be required as make-up days for inclement weather.

 

Class

Date

Subject

Content/Assignment

1

3-Jan

Syllabus Review & Orientation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Windows 7

Complete Orientation & Review Syllabus

Orientation Discussion

Introduction to MyITLab

 

Tia: Chapter 1: Why Computers Matter to You: Becoming Computer Literate

           Computer literacy

           Computers and careers

           Technology challenges

Sound Byte: Questions to Ask Before You Buy a     Computer (Required)

Chapter 1 Activity Review

Chapter 1 - Discussion Forum

Complete Windows 7 Activities

Tia: Chapter 1 On-Line Activities & Review

 

Complete TiA Chapter 3:Using the Internet: Making the Most of the Web’s Resources

           History of the Internet

           Forms of Internet communication

           Web entertainment

           E-commerce

           Web browsers, URLs and Hyperlinks

           Search engines & Improving results

           Evaluating Web sites

           Connecting to the Internet

           Future of the Internet

Chapter 3 Activities

       Sound Byte - Healthy Computing

       Crossword Puzzle (Optional)

       Chapter 3 Activity Review

       Chapter 3 - Discussion Forum

 

2

4-Jan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Applications Software

Take Ch 1 - Quiz

Take Ch 3 - Quiz

 

Take the MyITLab - Word 2007 Skills Assessment

       Download Skills Data Files if necessary

Word 2007 Training Review (if needed)

 

TiA Chapter 2: Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts

           Functions of a computer

           Data versus information

           Bits and bytes

           Input devices

           Output devices

           Processing

           Storage

           Ergonomics

Chapter 2 Activities

       Sound Byte - Finding Information on the Web

       Chapter 2 Activity Review

       Chapter 2 - Discussion Forum

 

TiA Chapter 4: Application Software

           Application vs. system software

           Productivity software

           Multimedia software

           Entertainment software

           Educational and reference software

           Drawing software

           Business software

           Getting help with software

           Acquiring software

           Installing and uninstalling software

Chapter 4 Activities

       Sound Byte - Enhancing Photos (Required)

       Crossword Puzzle (Optional)

       Chapter 4 Activity Review

       Chapter 4 - Discussion Forum

3

5-Jan

 

 

 

Systems Software

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Task Manager

 

Hardware

Take Ch 2 - Quiz

Take Ch 4 - Quiz

 

Chapter 5 - Using System Software

           System software

           Categories of operating systems

           OS role in:

               o       Providing user interaction

               o       Managing the processor

               o       Managing memory

               o       Managing hardware

               o       Interacting with application software

               o       Starting the computer

           Desktop and Windows features

           OS role in keeping the desktop organized

           Utility programs

Chapter 5 Activities (continued)

       Sound Byte - File Management (Required)

       Crossword Puzzle (Optional)

       Chapter 5 Activity Review

       Chapter 5 - Discussion Forum

 

Discuss and Begin the Task Manager Activity

 

TiA Chapter 6: Understanding and Assessing Hardware

           To buy or to upgrade?

           Evaluating your system

           CPU

           RAM

           Storage devices

           Video card

           Sound card

           System reliability

Chapter 6 Activities

       Sound Byte - Window 7 CPU Performance (Required)

       Interactive Sound Byte - CDs DVDs Blu-Ray (Optional)

       Crossword Puzzle (Optional)

       Chapter 6 Activity Review

       Chapter 6 - Discussion Forum

 

Work on MyITLab Word & PowerPoint

4

6-Jan

 

 

 

Computer Networks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Networks & Security

Take Ch 5 – Quiz

Take Ch 6 – Quiz

 

Chapter 7: Networking: Connecting Computing Devices

           Networking fundamentals

           Network architecture & components

           Peer-to-peer networks

           Ethernet networks

           Power-line networks

           Configuring software

           Wireless security

Chapter 7 Activities

       Sound Byte - Securing Wireless Networks (Required)

       Crossword Puzzle (Optional)

       Chapter 7 Activity Review

       Chapter 7 - Discussion Forum

 

TiA Chapter 12: Behind the Scenes: Networking and Security

           Advantages of business networks

           Client/server vs. peer-to-peer networks

           Classifications of client/server networks

           Client/server network components

           Types of servers

           Network topologies

           Types of transmission media

           Network software

           Network adapters

           Moving data in a client/server network

           Securing networks

Chapter 12 Activities

       Sound Byte - Network Topology and Devices (Required)

       Crossword Puzzle (Optional)

       Chapter 12 Activity Review

       Chapter 12 - Discussion Forum

 

Last chance to take Assessments on MyITLab Word & Continue Work on MyITLab PowerPoint

 

Discuss & Start the Computer Software Assignment

5

7-Jan

 

 

 

Integration Assignment

Digital Media & Devices

Take Ch 7 Quiz

Take Ch 12 Quiz

 

TiA Chapter 8: Digital Lifestyle: Media & Devices

           Changes that have brought us a digital lifestyle

           The impact of a digital lifestyle

           Cell phones and smartphones

           Voice over Internet Protocol

           Digital media versus analog media

           Portable media players

           How to create and watch digital video

           Ubiquitous computing

Chapter 8 Activities

       Sound Byte - PDAs and SmartPhones (Required)

       Crossword Puzzle (Optional)

       Chapter 8 Activity Review

       Chapter 8 - Discussion Forum

 

Begin the Research Report and Presentation Assignment

 

Discuss and Begin the Intellectual Property Assignment

 

Last chance to take Assessments on MyITLab PowerPoint

 

Take MyITLab - Excel 2007 Skills Assessment

6

10-Jan

 

 

Security

Take Ch 8 Quiz

 

TiA Chapter 9: Security Issues & Strategies

           Computer virus types

           Protecting computers from viruses

           Hackers

           Firewalls

           Passwords and password management

           Biometrics

           Spyware and spam

           Backup methods

           Protecting physical assets

Chapter 9 Activities

       Sound Byte - Protecting Your Computer

       Chapter 9 Activity Review

       Chapter 9 - Discussion Forum

 

Discuss and Begin Security Learning Activity

 

Complete and Submit Computer Software Assignment

 

Review and Complete Object Linking & Embedding (OLE) Activity

 

Discuss and Begin the Integrated Computer Purchase Assignment

 

Take MyITLab - Excel 2007 Skills Assessment

 

Submit Learning Activity – Intellectual Property

 

Continue Working of Research Report and Presentation

7

11-Jan

 

 

 

 

Programming & Building Applications

 

Last Chance to Take MyITLab - Excel 2007 Skills Assessment

Take Ch 9 Quiz

 

TiA Chapter 10: Behind the Scenes: Building Applications

           System development life cycle

           Life cycle of a program

           Problem statement

           Algorithms

           Moving from algorithm to code

           Moving from code to machine language

           Testing programs

           Completing a program

           Selecting the right programming language

           Most popular programming languages

           Web Applications

Chapter 10 Activities

       Sound Byte - Programming for End Users (Required)

       Crossword Puzzle (Optional)

       Chapter 10 Activity Review

       Chapter 10 - Discussion Forum

 

Submit the Learning Activity – Security

 

Continue Working on Research Report and Presentation

Continue Working on Integrated Computer Purchase Assignment

 

Begin Privacy and Ethics Learning Activity

 

Investigate the Artsys Website

Begin Artsys Database Learning Activity

8

12-Jan

 

 

Databases

 

 

 

Take Ch 10 Quiz

 

TiA Chapter 11: Behind the Scenes: Databases and Information Systems

           Databases and their uses

           Database components

           Types of databases

           Database management systems

           Relational databases

           Data warehouses and data marts

           Information systems

           Data mining

Chapter 11 Activities

       Sound Byte - Creating an Access 2007 Database (Required)

       Take Chapter 11 Activity Review

       Chapter 11 - Discussion Forum

 

Continue Working on the Integrated Computer Purchase Assignment (Submit it if you are done)

 

Continue Working on Research Report and Presentation

Submit the SB Creating and Access 2007 Database Results

 

Submit  the Artsys Activity Review

 

Submit the Privacy & Ethics Learning Activity

9

13-Jan

 

The Internet

 (How it works)

Submit Research Report and Presentation Assignment

 

Continue Working on the Integrated Computer Purchase Assignment (Submit it if you are done)

 

Take Ch 11 Quiz

TiA Chapter 13: Behind the Scenes: The Internet: How It Works

           Managing the Internet

           Interaction between Internet components

           Internet data transmission and protocols

           IP addresses and domain names

           FTP and Telnet

           HTML and XML

           How e-mail and instant messaging work, and how to

            keep them secure

           Use of cloud computing to reduce costs

Chapter 13 Activities

       Sound Byte - Web Page using HTML (Required)

       Crossword Puzzle (Optional)

       Chapter 13 Activity Review

       Chapter 13 - Discussion Forum

 

Review for Test

10

14-Jan

Research

 

 

 

 

 

Test

Submit the Integrated Computer Purchase Assignment

 

Take Ch 13 Quiz

 

In-Class Research Presentations Course Summary Discussion

 

Take Final Critical Thinking and Computer Competence Test

17-Jan – Martin Luther King Day – College Closed

Make Up

18-Jan

19-Jan

These make up dates are included to make up scheduled classes due to inclement weather or other class cancellations.  Students should plan ahead to be available.