114POLON

CS114--INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course builds a foundation of general computer concepts. Since this is an on-line course, you'll be using your computer to access the course, communicate with the instructor and other students, and to send and receive course assignments. Plan on working at least 6-9 hours on the computer weekly. It is a content course as well as a hands-on course.

You'll learn about the vast capabilities of computers and their many uses, as well as their benefits and drawbacks. You'll learn the basic terminology used in the field of computer science.
You'll learn how computer equipment (hardware) works. Hardware includes the microprocessor, internal memory, external memory (tapes, disks, files) and major input-output devices.
You'll get hand-on experience using the basic programs (software) that run computers. Software includes the operating system, Windows 95/98, and application packages such as word processor, spreadsheet, and database.
Finally, you'll learn about how computers are connected through networks, and use the Internet to find, exchange, and communicate information.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF COMPUTER SCIENCE 114

To provide non-data processing majors with the basic concepts of Computer Information Systems and how it relates to other departments in an organization.
To provide the computer science major with an introduction to data processing concepts that will provide the foundation for later course work.
To provide for all students a basic knowledge of computer hardware, software, and personnel as related to our society.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF COMPUTER SCIENCE 114

To expose students to Computer Information Systems technology.
To provide hands-on use of microcomputers.

To allow all students to appreciate the power and versatility of computers.
To discuss the implications of technology on society. To allow the student to understand how they can use a computer to store, retrieve and process information for them.
To allow all students to effectively communicate with computer professionals.

TEXTBOOK & MATERIALS:

The required books listed below come in a two-book set. It sells at the CCC bookstore and they will ship the books to you with a small shipping charge. Two book set ISBN# 0-13-0994881-0

Computers: Information Technology in Perspective,9th Edition, Brief Edition, Larry and Nancy Long, Prentice-Hall, Inc., 2002.
Using Microsoft Works 2000, Glenn T. Smith and Richard T. Christoph, Prentice Hall, Inc., 2002.

Two 3.5" HD floppy disks
A notebook (preferably a small 3-ring binder) for class notes and handouts
Microsoft Works 2000 or higher version software (available at both campuses—Auburn and Fulton—in all computer labs)

INSTRUCTIONAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:

All activities must be completed within the given time schedule. I will not accept late assignments unless we discuss your situation and make arrangements for make-ups. If you want to go ahead of the schedule, you may, but assignments are subject to change.

Reading Assignments. You will be responsible for reading each assigned chapter in your textbook,Computer Confluence,and use the material as a basis for group discussion, written assignments and tests. Other reading assignments may include posted articles at this site or articles on other web sites.

Written Assignments. These assignments will be posted in the Assignments section for each module and will help you review important terminology and concepts from each chapter. They will help me evaluate how well you've learned the material. These assignments will count as 40% of your grade for the course. They are all open-book, since there is no way to test you in person. I expect high-quality answers. Please do not copy word-for-word from the book. These assignments will require application of the concepts in your text and other reading sources.

Labs: You'll use your computer in several hands-on labs which are designed to help you learn how to work with your computer and learn how to use different software. Most labs are contained in your Microsoft Works 4: Select Lab Series …" book and need to be completed within certain dates. These labs are extremely important for learning and succeeding in this course. Each student must work individually. Each lab that is not submitted or one that shows evidence of cheating (such as copied from another person or completed by another person) will result in an 0 grade for that lab. These labs will count as 20% of your grade.

Class discussions. The only way I'll know you've logged on three times a week is if you create responses in this area. You'll respond to discussion topics that I'll post in the discussion section for each module and "discuss" these topics with other students. I'll also expect you to prepare questions or topics you want to discuss and post them for discussion. You may also direct students to web pages that cover related topics of discussion. This is 20% of your grade.

Class conduct: Please refrain from any personal conversations, inappropriate language or other disruptive behavior while logged on. Try to use a conversational but informative tone in all your discussions. Try to imagine that you are talking to a friend or a classmate when you are participating on-line.

Final Exam: This will be a comprehensive written test and a hands-on test. It will count as 20% of your grade.

GRADING: Your final average will consist of the following:

Online Course:

Lab assignments:

You will use programs on your computer (Windows and MS Works) to complete assignments that will teach you how to use the features of those programs to create documents. Your grade will be based upon the quality and quantity of these assignments.

20%

Class discussions:

Each module will have three or more discussion assignments. This area is for students to talk to each other to discuss important concepts from the chapter. Your grade will be based upon the quality and quantity of discussions you post.

20%

Written assignments:

Each module will contain between 1 to 5 assignments. Read the instructions for preparing these assignments. They must be submitted on their due date. These assignments include module tests.

40%

Final Exam (Comprehensive):

This will be a written and hands-on assignment which will sum up and review the entire course. It will be explained in Module 12.

20%

Classroom Course

Lab assignments:

20%

Written homework assignments:

There will be weekly written assignments to help you better understand the course content. These assignments will assigned from the textbook and other published and/or Internet resources.

20%

Tests:

Four tests are scheduled throughout the semester as follows:

Test #1: Written on Chapters 1 & 2

Test #2: Hands-on – MS Works

Test #3: Written on Chapters 3, 4 & 5

Test #4: Written on Chapters 6 & 7

40%

Final Exam: (Comprehensive)

This will be a departmental, comprehensive written test to be given during final exam week at a time to be announced.

20%