Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
North Georgia College & State University

Description: This is an introductory course in computers including an overview of computer hardware and application software. The course includes laboratory experiences with word-processing, presentation software, e-mail communications, and exploration of the Internet and WWW resources.

Required Materials: Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information, Brief edition, Shelly, Cashman, and Vermaat, Course Technology/Thomson Learning, 2005 Learn Word 2002, Microsoft Certified, Preston, J, Preston, S., and Ferrett, R., Prentice-Hall's Learn Series, 2002 Excel 2002, Microsoft Certified, Johnson, Y., Prentice Hall's Select Series, 2002 One flash drive/ pen drive (at least 128 MB)

Objectives: Students will be able to:

1. Apply terminology related to computers and computer hardware.
2. Use the Internet to send and receiving e-mail, with and without attachments.
3. Use the WWW for research.
4. Manage files.
5. Use Microsoft Word to create, edit, format, save and print documents, create tables within documents.
6. Use Microsoft Excel to create, edit, format, save and print workbooks, enter formulas correctly, and create charts and graphs.
7. Use Microsoft PowerPoint to create, modify, save, and give a presentation.
8. Use Microsoft FrontPage to create, edit, and upload a personal web page.

Instructional Methods: The methods of instruction are determined by the instructor; however, the instructor is expected to use a variety of methods to facilitate the student's learning. These methods consist of discussions through use of presentation software and other software applications and hands-on activities that require students to complete a variety of assignments and demonstrate mastery in the areas itemized in the objectives. Other techniques include lecture with questioning, student presentations, and timely feedback from tests and project results. Students will be encouraged to assess and monitor their own learning process to determine when an error has been made or a new strategy should be used. Evaluation Methods: Assessment techniques include classroom observations, checklists, grading rubrics for computer assignments, and tests that include both a hand-written and possibly a computer component. Students will be expected to complete all hands-on assignments and projects that come from the project workbooks. These projects and assignments will be done on an individual basis. Special attention will be paid to spelling and grammar errors on all projects.

Tests: There will be three (3) tests in this class. See your calendar for the tentative dates of the tests. The last test will be the final exam given on the scheduled day.

Final Exam: The final exam is cumulative, mandatory and must be taken at its scheduled time:

TBD

Requests to take a final examination at another time because you have three finals in one day must be submitted in writing no later than Friday, November 18, and must be approved by both the instructor and department head.

Grading: Your course grade will be based on a rounded final average as follows:

A 90-100 B 80-89 C 70-79 D 60-69 F less than 60

The final grade will be computed as follows:

Assignments and Lab Projects 30% 
Web site and PowerPoint Presentation 25% 
Tests 30% 
Final Exam 15% 
Make-up tests and projects will be allowed in extreme circumstances with an excused absence and must be made up in a timely manner. If allowed, any late work will receive a deduction in points. Ten points will be deducted if the project is turned in one class period late.

Attendance: Attendance is required. Because of the sequential activities of many of the labs, it is imperative that a student make-up any missed lab before attending the next lab session. If you are aware that you must miss lab, make arrangements to do the lab before the next class session. Much of what you will be required to do on your projects will be based on work we do in the lab. Any student that is absent more than 14% of the scheduled class meetings (4 days) will be dropped with a WF. A few exceptions exist. Excused absences will count toward the 14%; the word excused only indicates that make-up work is allowed. Repeated tardiness is not allowed and the instructor may record each instance after the first as an absence. 

Academic Integrity Policy:

Honor Code: "On my honor, I will not lie, cheat, steal, plagiarize, evade the truth or tolerate those who do."

Suspected violations of the Academic Integrity policy should be referred by students to the instructor. If the instructor concludes that a violation of the Academic Integrity policy has occurred, the instructor will either (1) penalize the student and file an incident report with the Academic Integrity Council or (2) refer the matter directly to the Academic Integrity Council. If an incident report is filed by the instructor, the instructor will review the completed report with the student and will request that the student sign the report as an indication that the student is aware of the contents of the report.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities:

North Georgia College & State University (NGCSU) is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and to the principle of individual rights and responsibilities. To that end, the policies and procedures of NGCSU reasonably ensure that a person with a disability is not, on the basis of that disability, denied full and equal access to and the enjoyment of academic programs and co-curricular activities or otherwise is subjected to discrimination in such programs and activities.

The policies for access by individuals with disabilities at NGCSU are designed to ensure full compliance with all pertinent federal and state legislation, specifically to include Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.

To receive disability accommodations, the student should contact the Coordinator of Disability Resources, Office of Academic Support Programs, Room 207 Barnes Hall. Approval of reasonable accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis.