BIT 1050
Introduction to Microcomputer Applications
3 credit hours

Course Information

Course Description:
A course designed to introduce students to Windows and Office XP.  The course will use the following packages in Office XP: Microsoft Word 2002, Microsoft Excel 2002, and Microsoft PowerPoint 2002.  In addition, students will have an introductory section on computer hardware/software concepts and Windows file management.

Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student will have demonstrated the ability to do the following:
In Computer Concepts and Windows:
     Overview of hardware
     Discuss types of software
     Define types of computer networks
     An overview of e-commerce
     Overview of Windows features
     A study of file management using Windows
 
In Word:
     Modify and edit text in a document
     Use MLA documentation style to create a sample research paper
     Create hyperlinked documents
     Use the Autocorrect feature
     Sort data on a Word document
     Use the Resume Wizard
     Create and modify tables
     Use borders to outline a document
 
In Excel
     Create a worksheet
     Enter and edit data
     Use the AutoCalculate feature
     Define ranges
     Use Chart Wizard
     Use statistical functions
     Generate queries
     Format Painter
     IF functions
 
In PowerPoint
     Create and modify presentations
     Add bulleted transitions
     Use data from the Web to argument a presentation
     Add animation
     Create a web based presentation
Prerequisites and Corequisites:
 
You must have basic typing skills to produce your work in a timely fashion.  You must have access to a windows-based computer with an Internet connection, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Internet Explorer browser software, a personal email account, and the software used in the class (Office XP).  Please see minimal software needs below in this document.
Course Topics:
The course will cover the following topics:
Computer concepts - hardware and software
Windows file management
Word 2002
Excel 2002
PowerPoint 2002
Specific Course Requirements:
Students will be required to work through each of the 12 lessons and transmit the information requested electronically to the instructor.  A final project will also be required in Excel and PowerPoint that will integrate the Office suite. 
Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements
Required Textbooks:
 

Please visit the Virtual Bookstore to obtain current textbook information for this course:

 http://rodp.bkstr.com
Supplementary Materials:
None Required
Hardware Requirements:
The minimum requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm.
Software Requirements:
The minimum requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm. Specific software requirements for this course include Microsoft Office XP with Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Instructor Information
Please see the separate page inside the course to find instructor contact information as well as a statement of virtual office hours and other communication information.
Assessment and Grading
Testing Procedures:

EXAMS:                                 

There will be four "timed" exams during this course (WebCT calls them "quizzes.")  Exam results will be released after all students have completed the exam.

Students are expected to take exams at the scheduled time.   Make-up exams will not be permitted unless extenuating circumstances exist and arrangements are made with the instructor (in advance if possible).
 
Grading Procedure:
Honesty is a key component in any educational endeavor.  To that end, students will be expected to do their own work and submit only their own work unless team projects are assigned. Exams will not be proctored, but will be given in specific timeframes that require the student to be present on-line during that time. 
Grading Scale:
90-100---A
80-89--- B
70-79--- C
60-69--- D
Below 60---F

Students will have assignments with each lesson utilizing the concepts that they have studied.  In addition, there will be four exams during the term of the course.  Work that is incomplete, late, or incorrect will receive grades that reflect the level of competence exhibited. 
The parts of the course are weighted and are listed as follows:
 
Exam 1 - Concepts and Windows - 15%
Exam 2 - Word - 20%
Exam 3 - Excel- 20%
Exam 4 - PowerPoint- 20%
Homework / Class participation / Participation in online activities- 25%
 
Assignments and Participation
Assignments and Projects:
 

Lesson 1   -  "Essential Introduction to Computers and How to Purchase, Install, and Maintain a Personal Computer"
                 "Learn It Online" exercises

Lesson 2   -  "An Introduction to Windows 2000 Professional and Office XP"
                 "Learn It Online" exercises

Lesson 3   -  Project 1 for Microsoft Word 2002 - Creating and Editing a Word Document
                 "Apply Your Knowledge"

Lesson 4   -  Project 2 for Microsoft Word 2002 - Creating a Research Paper
                 "Apply Your Knowledge"

Lesson 5   -  Project 3 for Microsoft Word 2002 - Creating a Resume Using a Wizard and a Cover Letter with a Table
                 "Apply Your Knowledge"

Lesson 6   -  Project 1 for Microsoft Excel 2002 - Creating a Worksheet and Embedded Chart
                 "Apply Your Knowledge"

Lesson 7   -  Project 2 for Microsoft Excel 2002 - Formulas, Functions, Formatting, and Web Queries
                 "Apply Your Knowledge"

Lesson 8   -  Project 3 for Microsoft Excel 2002 - What-If Analysis, Charting, and Working with Large Worksheets
                 "Apply Your Knowledge"

Lesson 9   -  Microsoft Excel 2002 Additional Project Work

Lesson 10 -   Project 1 for Microsoft PowerPoint 2002 - Using a Design Template and Text Slide Layout to Create a Presentation
                  "Apply Your Knowledge"

Lesson 11 -   Project 2 for Microsoft PowerPoint 2002 - Using the Outline Tab and Clip Art to Create a Slide Show

Lesson 12 -   Microsoft PowerPoint Additional Project Work
Class Participation:
Participation in the class is expected of all students.  This includes homework, hands-on projects, and on-line class activities.  Students should login to the class site daily to check the status of the class, to read the class email, and to participate in on-line discussions.  Student activity is monitored and lack of activity will be reflected in the student's final grade.
Punctuality:

HOMEWORK:         

All homework assignments are to be completed on a microcomputer.  Students may confer with each other in any manner (email, in person, etc.) regarding difficulties, problems, etc., but homework should be done independently.   A Penalty of no grade (0) will be assessed to copied work.

You will have one week to complete your homework and upload it to WebCT to get full credit. After the full credit due date, you will have a ONE WEEK grace period to turn in your homework late. Your grade will be reduced by 10 points during the late grace period. After the one week grace period, no homework will be accepted.  So, in simple terms, you have 14 days to complete your homework, however, to get full credit, you must turn it in during the first 7 days.

Important Note:!! When you log in to this course, WebCT will list on the screen the number of days remaining for each current homework assignment.  Please note that this includes the one week late grace period.  WebCT will count down from the day the assignment is announced until it will no longer be accepted.  However, be aware that you must turn in your homework during the first 7 days to get full credit... during the last 7 days you will get a reduced grade.

Homework should be turned in at the time listed by the instructor.  No homework will be accepted more than one week after the date that the homework was due for full credit, unless extenuating circumstances exist.  You must contact the instructor to explain your extenuating circumstances.
Course Ground Rules
Students are expected to be respectful of others during any student interaction.  The student will need to provide their own software.  Almost all of the students that drop this class start out by just "missing one week," however, they almost never get back into the class.  Students will use appropriate language in all email and discussions. 
Guidelines for Communications
Email:
  • Always include a subject line.
  • Always hit the Quote button in WebCT so that a copy of the email is returned with your message.
  • Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way.  Be careful in wording your emails.  Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
  • Use standard fonts.
  • Do not send large attachments without permission.
  • Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
  • Respect the privacy of other class members
Discussion Groups:
  • Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker, then a discussant.
  • Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
  • Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group.  Be respectful of others' ideas.
  • Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
  • Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
  • Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
  • Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.
Chat:
  • Introduce yourself to the other learners in the chat session.
  • Be polite.  Choose your words carefully.  Do not use derogatory statements.
  • Be concise in responding to others in the chat session.
  • Be prepared to open the chat session at the scheduled time.
  • Be constructive in your comments and suggestions.
Web Resources:

Library

The Tennessee Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in the Regents Degree Program.  Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading must be included in all courses. 

Students With Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution.  Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution.  It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) on the course bulletin board.

Technical Support

Telephone Support:
 
If you are having problems logging into your course,
timing out of your course, using your course web site tools, or other technical problems, please contact the AskRODP Help Desk by calling

1-866-550-7637 (toll free)

or go to the AskRODP website at:

http://help.rodp.org

 

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