Spring 2020 Course Syllabus
Course: ITSC-1401- Section: 72 Introduction to Computers |
Instructor Information | |||||||||||
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Instructor | Kenneth Ballou | ||||||||||
balloukw@lamarpa.edu | |||||||||||
Phone | (409) 984-6418 | ||||||||||
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Department |
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Course Information | |||||||||||
Description | Overview of computer information systems. Introduces computer hardware, software, procedures, and human resources. | ||||||||||
Prerequisites | None. | ||||||||||
Learning Outcomes |
1. Students will identify the components of a computer system. 2. Students will use common applications. 3. Students will explain the impact of computers on society. 4. Students will identify computer careers. 5. Students will identify fundamental programming structures. 6. Students will identify ethical use of computers. 7. Students will use basic operating system functions. |
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Core Objectives | |||||||||||
Program Student Learning Outcomes |
PSLO ALPHA: Reading skills - Demonstrates comprehension of content-area reading material. PSLO 1: Utilizes basic software development terminology and concepts. PSLO 2: Applies a software-development process to develop and troubleshoot a software product. PSLO 3: Creates computer graphics for inclusion into a software product. PSLO 4: Demonstrates ethics and professionalism within the computer field. |
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Textbooks |
Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.
Microsoft Office 365 A Skills Approach, 2019 Edition, by Cheri Manning and Catherine Manning Swinson, published by McGraw Hill. ISBN#: 978-1-260-07944-9 |
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Lecture Topics Outline |
I will not discuss your grades over the phone or by e-mail. If you want to discuss your grades, you must come to my office in person. Homework assignments will be given each week. LATE WORK is highly discouraged and will incur a 15 point penalty for every day it is late. There is a two-day limit for late work. Due dates are given and enough time is given to complete all work. NO EXCEPTIONS. If you miss an exam, your final exam grade will count twice. If you miss more than one exam, those exams will be given a grade of zero. Students must leave the classroom after exam is finished. There will be a final exam. All students must take the exam on the scheduled date and time, and failure to do so will result in a 0 on the final exam. Every student MUST have a copy of the required textbooks by the SECOND week of class. The student will still be responsible for any assignments given. No emailed work is accepted; unless requested by instructor. Students are responsible for completing all assigned reading and video viewings. A failure to follow oral and/or written instructions will result in penalties. Academic dishonesty will result in a zero on any assignment; a second incidence of academic dishonesty will be handled based on campus policies and procedures with the department chair. Student IDs are required for the first exam. IDs must be visible on your desk before the exam is administered. No ID, No exam. Software Requirements: If you are in a course that is using a specific software, you MUST have the software available to you either on your home computer or you must use the open lab provided in the Gates Library. Reliable Internet access is required for all online courses and many traditional courses. Computer failure and lack of internet access are not acceptable excuses for missed assignments, projects, quizzes, or exams. DO NOT wait until the last minute to complete class work or exams. Classroom Etiquette: The following behaviors will result in the student being asked during class time to cease the action and/or leave the classroom: using cell phones, talking, or keying while the instructor is giving instructions or during class discussions; leaving class early without informing the instructor in advance; surfing the Internet during lecture; and displaying a rude or negative behavior toward the instructor or other students. No cell phones should be visible or heard during class. Again, you will be asked to leave the room for the remainder of the class. No blue tooth technology or recording of lectures in any format (unless approved by the instructor). No charging of cell phones in the classroom. E-Mail/Voice Mail Etiquette: Students must use appropriate e-mail etiquette when corresponding with instructor; for example, complete sentences and a full subject line with your name/course name. Voice mail messages should be clearly spoken identifying students name, course, and any return phone number. |
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Major Assignments Schedule |
Week 1: Introduction to class; course syllabus; Blackboard instructions; pre-test; Essential Computer Skills; Computer Skills Worksheet Week 2: Essential Computer Skills continued; Quiz over Computer Skills; Getting Started with Word; Word Skills Assignment 1 Week 3: Exam 1 (Computer Skills); Formatting Text and Paragraphs; Formatting Documents; Word Skills Assignment 2; Word Skills Assignment 3 Week 4: Working wth Pictures, Tables and Charts; Working with Reports and Collaborating with Others; Word Skills Assignment 4; Word Skills Assignment 5 Week 5: Quiz over Word; Getting Started with Excel; Formatting Cells; Excel Skills Assignment 1; Excel Skills Assignment 2 Week 6: Exam 2 (Word); Using Formulas and Functions; Excel Skills Assignment 3 Week 7: Formatting Worksheets and Managing the Workbook; Excel Skills Assignment 4 Week 8: Spring Break; No classes Week 9: Adding Charts and Analyzing Data; Excel Skills Assignment 5 Week 10: Quiz over Excel; Getting Started with PowerPoint; PowerPoint Skills Assignment 1 Week 11: Exam 3 (Excel); Adding Content to Slides Formatting Presentations; PowerPoint Skills Assignment 2 Week 12: Managing and Delivering Presentations; PowerPoint Skills Assignment 3 Week 13: Quiz over PowerPoint; Getting Started with Access; Access Skills Assignment 1 Week 14: Exam 4 (PowerPoint); Working with Tables; Access Skills Assignment 2 Week 15: Using Queries and Organizing Information; Quiz over Access; Post-Test Week 16: Final Exam |
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Final Exam Date | May 12, 2020 - 8:00 AM Through May 12, 2020 - 10:00 AM | ||||||||||
Grading Scale | 90 - 100=A 80 - 89=B 70 - 79=C 60 - 69=D Below 59 = F | ||||||||||
Determination of Final Grade |
Tests/Final Exam 50% Quizzes 10% Assignments 15% Projects 15% Discussions/Participation 10% |
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Course Policies | |||||||||||
Instructor Policies |
I will not discuss your grades over the phone or by e-mail. If you want to discuss your grades, you must come to my office in person. Homework assignments will be given each week. LATE WORK is highly discouraged and will incur a 15 point penalty for every day it is late. There is a two-day limit for late work. Due dates are given and enough time is given to complete all work. NO EXCEPTIONS. If you miss an exam, your final exam grade will count twice. If you miss more than one exam, those exams will be given a grade of zero. Students must leave the classroom after exam is finished. There will be a final exam. All students must take the exam on the scheduled date and time, and failure to do so will result in a 0 on the final exam. Every student MUST have a copy of the required textbooks by the SECOND week of class. The student will still be responsible for any assignments given. No emailed work is accepted; unless requested by instructor. Students are responsible for completing all assigned reading and video viewings. A failure to follow oral and/or written instructions will result in penalties. Academic dishonesty will result in a zero on any assignment; a second incidence of academic dishonesty will be handled based on campus policies and procedures with the department chair. Student IDs are required for the first exam. IDs must be visible on your desk before the exam is administered. No ID, No exam. Software Requirements: If you are in a course that is using a specific software, you MUST have the software available to you either on your home computer or you must use the open lab provided in the Gates Library. Reliable Internet access is required for all online courses and many traditional courses. Computer failure and lack of internet access are not acceptable excuses for missed assignments, projects, quizzes, or exams. DO NOT wait until the last minute to complete class work or exams. Classroom Etiquette: The following behaviors will result in the student being asked during class time to cease the action and/or leave the classroom: using cell phones, talking, or keying while the instructor is giving instructions or during class discussions; leaving class early without informing the instructor in advance; surfing the Internet during lecture; and displaying a rude or negative behavior toward the instructor or other students. No cell phones should be visible or heard during class. Again, you will be asked to leave the room for the remainder of the class. No blue tooth technology or recording of lectures in any format (unless approved by the instructor). No charging of cell phones in the classroom. E-Mail/Voice Mail Etiquette: Students must use appropriate e-mail etiquette when corresponding with instructor; for example, complete sentences and a full subject line with your name/course name. Voice mail messages should be clearly spoken identifying students name, course, and any return phone number. |
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Attendance Policy |
Poor attendance is a leading reason for termination from a job in all areas of employment. With this factor in mind, the instructor monitors student attendance daily. In addition, attendance on a regular basis is necessary for proper skill development. A tardy is an absence for attendance purposes. 4 absences = one letter grade drop 6 absences = two letter grade drop 8 absences = automatic failure of class Quizzes may be given at the beginning of the class period. Students coming in to class late will not be allowed to take quizzes. A grade of zero will be recorded for the quiz. Assignments are due at the beginning of each class; student assignments coming in late will be assessed a 10-point penalty, even if the student arrives to class late and turns in work. Students are responsible for completing all assigned homework, including reading assignments, by the required due dates and for being prepared for each class meeting. This applies even if you were absent from the previous class meeting. |
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Academic Honesty | Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSC-PA policies (Section IX, subsection A, in the Faculty Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty. | ||||||||||
Facility Policies |
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Important Information | |||||||||||
ADA Considerations | The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the the Office for Disability Services Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241. | ||||||||||
MyLamarPA | Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLamarPA campus web portal (My.LamarPA.edu). When you've logged in, click the email icon in the upper right-hand corner to check email, or click on the "My Courses" tab to get to your Course Homepage. Click the link to your course and review the information presented. It is important that you check your email and Course Homepage regularly. You can also access your grades, transcripts, and determine who your academic advisor is by using MyLamarPA. | ||||||||||
Other | |||||||||||
HB 2504 | This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504. |