San Antonio College
Computer Information Systems Department Syllabus

ITSC 1301 INTRO to COMPUTERS

Effective Date: FALL 2009

Description     Background     Books     Software     Grading     Course Content     Lectures    

Testing Out     Attendance     Dishonesty     ADA Statement     Tutor     CIS Software Policy  

I. Catalog description
This course presents terminology, concepts and techniques of computer literacy
Use of a microcomputer with an introduction to hardware, software, how the Internet connects us,
ethical use of computers, security and privacy, different platforms and
how computers are used in today's fast changing technological world.
We also cover Word Processing, Electronic Spreadsheets, Power-Point, and
How to use the Internet with hands-on exercises.

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II. Recommended background
None. This is a beginning course and requires no previous computer background.

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III. Texts, other reference materials
Students will need the following:
Book to be used:

GO...Technology in Action

by Prentice Hall ISBN number 0132452618

Active E-mail account.


Internet students should have:

PC Operating system of Windows XP or higher

.

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IV. Methods of instruction
Lecture in class from textbook, reading assignments via the internet.
hands-on activities during lab and homework assignments.

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V. Course grade
Course grade:
     LABS = 20 %
     ATTENDANCE = 10 % (send weekly email or in-class),
     TESTS = 30 %
     FINAL EXAM 40% - TO BE TAKEN ON CAMPUS
(with perfect attendance, the percentages add up to 100%)

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PC-Typing
VI.Course Content

A. Using Computers: Essential Concepts

1. How computers are used today
2. Describe the relationship between computer hardware and software
3. Identify the parts of a typical microcomputer system
4. List the peripheral devices that are typically found on microcomputer systems
5. Define the term 'user interface'
6. Describe how you use interface elements such as prompts, commands, menus, and graphical objects
7. Describe the resources you can use to learn how to use computers and software
8. Use Web browser and Web search engine 9. Define the different types of connections.

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B. Computers

1. Start Windows 2003 using the PLI and log on
2. View the desktop
3. Discover Mouse and Keyboard
4. Move and resize windows, sizing buttons
5. Use scroll bars
6. How to shut down the computer
7. Open, create and save a Word document
8. Print a document
9. Use the Help feature
10. Opening a file
11. Use Print Preview, Landscape orientation
12. Menu Bar and Tool Bars features
13. Save and Save As
14. Understand file managementr /> 15. Windows Explorer
16. View files and folders
17. Create and move files and folders
18. Delete and restore files and folders
19. Cut and paste
20. Find a file
21. View the Windows XP Explorer window
22. Show disk space
23. Format a disk
24. Make a back-up of a disk
25. Use the Desktop
26. Use the Recycle Bin
27. The Internet
28. Start Internet Explorer
29. Explore the Browser window
30. Open and save a URL

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C. Software and Multimedia Concepts

1. Determine the legal restrictions placed on your use of software by the U.S. Copyright Acts and license agreements
2. Recognize popular operating systems such as Windows, UNIX, Linux, and Mac OS
3. Classify software as either systems software or application software
4. Determine the best type of software to use for a specific task
5. Describe the computer equipment you need for multimedia applications
6. Determine if a software package is compatible with your computer system

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D. Microsoft Word

1. Start MS Word
2. View the Word toolbar
3. Enter and save text in a document
4. Insert, delete, select and replace text
5. Get Help and use the Office Assistant
6. Preview, print, close a document and exit Word
7. Open a document and save it with a new name
8. Copy and move text; understand the Office Clipboard
9. Correct spelling and grammatical errors
10. Find and replace text
11. Preview and print a document
12. Apply font effects using the toolbar; change fonts and font sizes
13. Apply special font effects
16. Align text with tabs
17. Create bulleted and numbered lists; Apply borders and shading

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E. Microsoft Excel

1. Start MS Excel
2. View the Excel toolbars
3. Open and save an existing workbook
4. Enter labels and values
5. Preview and print a worksheet
6. Get Help
7. Close a workbook and exit Excel
8. Edit cell entries and work with ranges
9. Copy and move cell entries
10. Name and move a sheet
11. Format values
12. Select fonts and point sizes
13. Change attributes and alignment of labels
14. Adjust column widths
15. Insert and delete rows and columns
16. Apply colors, patterns and borders

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F. The Computer Marketplace

1. Read a computer ad and understand how the technical specifications affect price and performance
2. Explain why there are so many models of computers at so many different prices
3. Find reliable information about computer products
4. Determine which products are of good quality and value
5. Take a systematic approach to shopping for a computer
6. Use technological resources to research career options and create an effective resume

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G. Local area networks and E-mail

1. Describe the resources you would find on a typical local area network
2. Explain how using a computer on a network is different from using a standalone computer
3. List the advantages of using a local area network
4. Describe the types of software you can use on a local area network
5. Explain how software licenses for networks differ from those for standalone computers

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H. The Internet

1. Describe how you can use a dial-up connection to access the Internet
2. Explain the difference between an IP address, domain name, URL, and e-mail address
3. List the Internet services that you can access using a Web browser
4. Explain the difference between downloading a file, viewing a Web page, and playing multimedia elements on a Web page
5. Explain how synchronous and asynchronous interactions apply to chat groups, discussion groups and interactive gaming
6. Explain he purpose of HTML tags and evaluate the effectiveness of a Web page design
7. Describe how Web sites handle e-commerce

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M. Data Security and Control

1. Describe how you can protect your computer data from damage caused by power problems and hardware features
2. List at least five symptoms that might indicate your computer is infected by a virus
3. Differentiate between the terms virus, Trojan Horse, worm, logic bomb, and time bomb
4. Describe techniques for avoiding, detecting, and eradicating a computer virus
6. Explain why special computer crime laws are necessary
7. List the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular data security techniques

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VII/VIII. Exit Competencies and Evaluation
The following skills are incorporated in this course:
C1: Allocates Time: Students are given due dates for assignments; time limits are enforced on tests.
C3: Allocates Material and Facility Resources: Students must manage handouts, homework, tests, lecture notes, projects, diskettes, and a textbooks.
C5: Acquires and Evaluates Information: Required readings, projects and lectures are means for students to acquire information. Course evaluations are frequently filled out by students at the end of selected semesters.
C6: Organizes and Maintains Information: Students take notes during lecture, are required to read the text and finish assigned projects.
C7: Interprets and Communicates Information: Students are assigned projects to complete, and take tests.
C8: Uses Computers: Students use computers to complete software projects.
C9: Participates as a Member of a Team: Students are part of 'The Class Team.' They frequently help one another, and ask/respond to questions from the instructor.
C10: Teaches Others New Skills: Students frequently help one another on problems and projects.
C14: Works with Diversity: Student frequently help one another with problems, understanding returned tests, and with projects.
C15: Understand Systems: Students work with Relational Database systems.
C18: Selects Technology: Students use computers to develop database systems, develop spreadsheets,and create documents.
C19: Applies Technology to Task: Students must learn how to use computer hardware and software in developing and modifying projects.
C20: Maintains and Troubleshoots Equipment: Students must learn how to recognize and solve minor problems with computer software and hardware.

F1: Reading: Students are given reading assignments from the textbook/handouts; tests/homework/projects are given requiring reading and interpretation; students are given course outlines and schedules.

F2: Writing: Students must interpret and express answers to tests.

F5: Listening: Students listen to class lectures and take notes.

F6: Speaking: Students frequently ask questions in class or lab.

F11: Knowing How to Learn: Students must apply learning skills to order to achieve academic success in the course.

F13: Responsibility: Students are expected to exert the appropriate effort necessary to achieve the goal of successful learning in the course.

F15: Sociability: Students are expected to conduct themselves in an adult, professional and courteous manner in the classroom.

F16: Self-Management: Students are expected to monitor their progress with their grades and exhibit self-control in the classroom.

F17: Integrity/Honesty: Students are required to do their own work.

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IX. Additional Student Information
A. Attendance:
Regular and punctual attendance at all classes and laboratories day and/or night is
required. A student absent for any reason is responsible for all work missed.
On-line students must report once per week via email.
Absences of each student are recorded without exception from the official date of
his/her enrollment. The counting of absences begins on the first day of a student's
enrollment in the course after courses begin. A student absent the equivalent of
two weeks of instruction in a regular semester may be dropped by the instructor.
If a student is dropped from a class for excessive absences, the instructor will
record a grade of 'W' (withdraw). It is the student's responsibility to ensure
that the withdrawals have been submitted. Both tardiness and early departure from
class are forms of absenteeism. The instructor establishes the policy with regard
to each. In the case of canceled classes due to inclement weather or other
emergencies, attempts will be made to assure that classroom hours are rescheduled.

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B. Academic Dishonesty Policy
Students may be subject to disciplinary proceedings resulting in an academic penalty or disciplinary penalty for academic dishonesty. Academic Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism and collusion. For additional information refer to the Student Code of Conduct in the SAC Bulletin.

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C. Principle of Equal Opportunity and ADA Statement for Students Requiring Special Accommodations
San Antonio College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color,
national origin, sex, age, or disability with respect to access, employment programs,
or services. Inquiries or complaints concerning these matters should be brought to
the attention of:
Director of Human Resources, Title IX Coordinator, (210) 208-8051.
Address:Human Resources Department, 201 W. Sheridan, Bldg. A, San Antonio, Texas 78204.
For special accommodations or an alternate format,
contact the San Antonio College DisABILITY Support Services, CAC 124, at 733-2347.

ADA Statement for Students Requiring Special Accommodations:
As per Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the
Americans Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, if accommodation is needed, students
must make the request through the Office of Disabled Student Services,
CAC 124C, Phone: 733-2347

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D. Children on Campus Policy:
Students are urged not to being children to either a class or a lab.
Minors under the age of 12 must not be left unattended on campus.
Individual instructors may include additional restrictions or waivers for their
particular classrooms or labs, which will be included in the instructor's syllabus.

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E. Tutorial Support Policy:
The CIS Department makes every effort to provide tutorial support for
the students. The names of department tutors and their hours are posted
in the CIS main office and in strategic places throughout Nail Technical Center.
Students are also encouraged to make appointments with their instructors if they
are in need of help. All CIS faculty should be available during their posted office hours.

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F. Department Software Policy:
Use of equipment and software will be for CIS classroom related activities only.

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Literacy:
Outline   ITSC 1301
Lecture Notes

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©Copyright 2004, Ita Borger-Boglin, All Rights Reserved.


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