Introduction to Business Computers

Syllabus

 COM 111

Craig A. Bradley

Instructor, Fall 2008

Office K-1105 | Phone 618-634-3345 or 800-481-2242 #3345

craig@shawneecc.edu
 
 

COM 111 - Introduction to Business Computer Systems

Course Description:

This course provides the student with an in-depth study of computer concepts and terminology. The use of the computer in actual business applications will also be discussed. Hands on experience with computer software will be stressed. Utilization of Internet protocols such as email, FTP, rich media and Web Browsers will also be incorporated in the student curriculum.

 

Current Text:

O’Leary and O’Leary, Computing Essentials - Introductory Edition 2007-2008. New York, NY : McGraw-Hill Book Company, 2008. ISBN# 978-0-07-329468-1.

O'Leary and O'Leary, Microsoft Office 2007 Lab Book, Volume 1. New York, NY : McGraw-Hill Book Company, 2004. ISBN# 0-07-351916-2.

 

Software Packages:

Microsoft Office 2007 Professional containing

1.   Microsoft Word

2.      Microsoft Excel

3.      Microsoft Access

4.      Microsoft PowerPoint
 

Grading Policy:

100% - 90%...................................................................................A

89% - 80%.....................................................................................B

79% - 70%.....................................................................................C

69% - 60%.....................................................................................D

59% - 0%.......................................................................................F
 

 

Data Processing Concepts (40% of final grade) 

4-5 Quizzes 100 points each (from Computing Essentials) 

4 lab tests 50 points each

Midterm and final exams are worth 200 points each 

(The internet class will have Midterm and Final) 

 

 

Software Applications Assignments (50% of final grade)

Word-processing..............12.5%

Spreadsheet.....................12.5%

Database..........................12.5%

Presentation......................12.5%

Attendance and participation: (10% of final grade) For internet class, this would be chat sessions, instant messaging, and email messages sent and received.
 

Attendance Policy:

Due to the highly technical nature of this course, the student will be expected to attend all class meetings. If you deem it necessary to miss class, YOU will be responsible for all missed work. After three (two for Tuesday/Thursday classes) misses, your final grade will be lowered one point for each class meeting that you miss. Three tardies count as one absence.

 

Assignment Policy:

Lab assignments will be submitted by the scheduled deadline. Each of the assignments will include a cover sheet, which follows one you will download and edit. The cover sheet will also be included in your student files. It should identify the particular assignment, date turned in, and your name, as well as my name. Assignments turned in early will be graded and returned: you will be afforded the opportunity to correct any errors. Each class day that passes the deadline for the submission of the assignment will lower your grade 5% for that particular assignment. The maximum deduction for late submission will be 50%. These rules apply to all software applications. 

The address for all lab assignments is as follows: http://www.shawneecc.edu/craigb then click the COM 111 hyperlink to access the information. Class email may be sent to craigb@shawneecc.edu any assignments sent in by the internet class must be submitted in the WebCT email system as an attachment. 
 

Test Policy:

Tests are expected to be taken on the date given. One make-up exam day will be designated during the last week of classes. On that day you may make up one exam only. Any other missed exams will net a score of 0 which will be averaged in with your other exam scores. The make-up tests will also consist of more questions and will be chosen randomly by the computer.

 

Materials:

The student will need the textbook and eight (8) 3 ½" high-density diskettes to successfully complete this course. It is recommended to purchase a box of ten disks for this class. You may also use a USB Pen drive which is recommended to use instead of the floppy disks.

Supported USB Flash Pen drives:

Brand Model
SanDisk Cruzer Micro
SanDisk Cruzer Mini
Verbatim N/A
Neo N/A
Lexar JumpDrive
Kingston N/A

 

Course Objectives:

Computing Essentials:

The student will demonstrate a general understanding of the software applications including spreadsheets, presentation programs, database concepts, and word processing. (Employability)

The student will be able to effectively use email to communicate with the instructor and other classmates, transfer files from remote databases, and use a web browser to search and surf the Internet. (Communication)

The student will demonstrate a working knowledge of the use of the microcomputer system. (Employability)

The student will demonstrate knowledge of computer concepts and terminology. (Employability)

The student will demonstrate knowledge of several types of computer organizations, industrial and job outlooks, and social issues. (Employability)

 

Microsoft Word:

Lab 1: The student will be able to develop a document as well as enter and edit text, insert and delete text and blank lines, use AutoCorrect, AutoText and AutoComplete, use automatic spelling and grammar checking, save, close and open files, select text using the keyboard and mouse, undo and redo changes, change fonts and type sizes, alter text alignment to center, left, right, and fully justified, insert and edit graphics, add page borders and watermarks and preview and print a document. (Employability)

Lab 2: The student will be able to manually check spelling and grammar, move and copy text, use multiple documents, use find and replace to change text, use the thesaurus feature to enhance document wording, insert the current date using fields, change document views, alter margins and line spacing, indent paragraphs, create a tabbed table and an itemized list, create and remove a hyperlink, use an AutoText entry, add an AutoShape, create and use Building Blocks, and edit the document in Print Preview. (Employability)

Lab 3: The student will be able to create and modify an outline, apply text styles formatting and customize Quick Styles, create a cover page, use Click and Type for text alignment, hide grammar and spelling errors, create and update a table of contents and a table of figures, center a page vertically, create footnotes, use the Document Map, hyperlink and thumbnails features to move around a document, wrap text around graphics, create a simple table and format it using Table AutoFormat, add captions and cross references, sort a list, add headers, footers and page numbers and print selected pages. (Employability)

 

Microsoft Excel:

Lab 1: The student will be able to enter, edit and clear cell entries, save close and open workbooks, specify ranges, copy and move cell entries, spell check a worksheet, use the thesaurus, specify ranges, enter formulas and functions, adjust column widths, change cell alignment, format cells, insert and delete rows and columns, enter and format a date and preview and print a worksheet. (Employability)

Lab 2: The student will be able to insert and size a graphic, apply and customize themes, use cell styles, create a chart select a chart data range, change the type of chart, move the chart location, format chart elements, add chart titles and move the legend, create a combination chart, change the worksheet data, add data labels, text boxes and arrows, create, explode and rotate a pie chart, apply patterns and color to a chart, size and align a sheet on a page, document a workbook, and add predefined headers and footers. (Employability)

Lab 3: The student will be able to correct worksheet errors, use absolute references, copy, move, name, and delete sheets, use the AutoFill feature, reference multiple sheets, use find and replace, zoom the worksheet, split windows and freeze panes, control page breaks, change page orientation, add custom headers and footers and print selected sheets and areas. (Employability)

The student will also be able to use what-if analysis and goal seek. (Problem Solving)

Lab 4: The student will be able to include Microsoft Excel objects in a Word document as linked and embedded objects. (Employability)

 

Microsoft Access:

Lab 1: The student will be able to plan and create a database, create a table, save the table structure or data dictionary, define field names, data types and field properties and define the primary key fields, create a lookup field, change views, enter and edit data, insert a picture, adjust column widths, create a second table, preview and print a table and close and open a database. (Employability)

Lab 2: The student will be able to navigate a large table, change field properties, set default field values, create a lookup field, sort records, filter a table, find and replace data, use the Undo feature, insert a field, add validity checks, hide and redisplay fields, format a datasheet, filter a table, sort and delete records, create and enter records into a form, preview, print, close, save a form and identify object dependencies (Employability).

Lab 3: The student will be able to evaluate table design. (Problem solving)

The student will also be able to establish relationships in the database, enforce referential integrity, create and modify a simple query, query two tables, filter a query, find unmatched and duplicate records, create a parameter query, create reports from tables and queries, display a totals row, modify a report design, select move and size controls, change print margins, preview and print a report and compact and back up a database. (Employability)

 

Microsoft PowerPoint:

Lab 1: The student will be able to use a template to create a presentation, view and edit a presentation, save and open a presentation, use the spelling checker, delete, move and insert slides in the Slide Sorter, size and move placeholders, run a slide show, change fonts and font size, insert pictures and clip art and preview and print a presentation. (Employability)

Lab 2: The student will be able to find and replace text, change the slide layout, create and enhance a table, modify clip art and create a text box, change the presentation design and color scheme, change slide and title masters, hide slide footers, duplicate and hide slides, create and enhance drawing objects, add animation and sound, add transitions and builds for showing slides, control and annotate a slide show, create speaker notes, document a file and customize print settings. (Employability)

Lab 3: The student will be able to create a new presentation from existing slides, insert slides from another presentation, create and modify a chart, create and modify an organization chart, create a numbered list, add animated graphics, create and modify a WordArt object, rehearse timings, create custom shows and hyperlinks and publish a presentation on the Web. (Employability)

 

 

Final grades will be evaluated as described under the grading policy. Other factors such as attendance and class participation will be considered in borderline cases.

 

Credit Hours:

4 credit hours. (3 hours of lecture and 2 hours of contact lab weekly)

 

 

 

Office Hours:
Office hours will be posted on the bulletin board outside the instructor’s office. Other times are possible by scheduling individual appointments at mutually convenient hours. Students are encouraged to consult regularly with the instructor regarding class progress or other topics of concern.

Inclement Weather Policy:
Become familiar with the inclement weather policy of Shawnee Community College. It will be read in all classes and posted in the cafeteria or student lounge.

Academic Dishonesty or Plagiarism:
Review the college policy regarding academic dishonesty in the Student Handbook.

College Policy:
Administrative policy prohibits the following: eating, drinking, or using tobacco in the classroom; bringing children or other unauthorized individuals to the classroom.

 

 

Course Schedule

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Last update: Tuesday, August 19, 2008