CMPA160

COURSE TITLE	Computer Basics: Concepts and Applications
COURSE NUMBER	CMPA-160
COURSE HOURS	Distance and Hybrid Sections
SEMESTER CREDIT	Three (3)
COURSE HOURS	Approximately 3-5 two-hour sessions per week
PROFESSOR	Dr. Beverly I. McCarthy
OFFICE	Scibelli Hall 2/225
PHONE	413-755-4099
FAX	413-755-6301
E-MAIL	BMcCarthy@STCC.edu
Dr. M's Home Page Schedule (Course Outline) STCC Distance Home Page BlackBoard Login IData Files Student Training DVD	http://faculty.stcc.edu/McCarthy Posted on BlackBoard STCC Distance Education Web Site http://stcc.blackboard.com/ Posted on BlackBoard Microsoft Office 2007 Illustrated Series Video Companion DVD

CMPA-160-COMPUTER BASICS: CONCEPTS AND APPLICATIONS 3 credits

This course covers the most important computer literacy topics including a fundamental understanding of computer hardware (input, output, processing, and storage), and software (systems, applications, and productivity); using operating systems and common program functions; a practical study of the Internet (e-mail, Internet search techniques; resource evaluation and citations); a practical study of common productivity software (word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation); and an understanding of the implications and effects of computers in our social order.

PREREQUISITE: OFFS-100 Basic Keyboarding Skills (can be concurrent, completed, or challenged)

IMPORTANT!

Attend a BlackBoard Orientation Session

If you are new to BlackBoard,

it is important for you to attend a BlackBoard Orientation Session

Course Software: Microsoft Office 2007, Internet Explorer 7, Microsoft XP or Vista Operating System

Course Objectives

Competencies

1. To acquire an understanding of computer hardware and software.

1. Identify types of computers, how they process information, and how individual computers interact with other computing systems and devices.

2. Identify the function of computer hardware components.

3. Identify the factors that go into an individual or organizational decision on how to purchase computer equipment

4. Identify how to maintain computer equipment and solve common problems relating to computer hardware.

5. Identify how software and hardware work together to perform computing tasks and how software is developed and upgraded.

6. Identify different types of software, general concepts relating to software categories, and the tasks to which each type of software is most suited or not suited.

2. To acquire basic skills and knowledge of operating systems.

1. Identify what an operating system is and how it works.

2. Solve common problems related to operating systems.

3. Manipulate and control the Windows desktop, files, disks, and drives.

4. Identify how to change system settings, install, and remove software

5. Perform common utility functions.

3. To acquire basic skills with common program functions.

1. Demonstrate ability to start and exit a Windows application and utilize sources of online help.

2. Identify common on-screen elements of Windows applications, change application settings, and manage files within an application

3. Perform common editing and formatting functions.

4. Perform common printing functions.

4. To acquire basic skills with word processing functions.

1. Demonstrate ability to format text and documents including the ability to use automatic formatting tools.

2. Demonstrate ability to insert, edit, and format tables in a document.

3. Demonstrate ability to create, format, proofread, and submit formal research paper with footnotes and citations.

5. To acquire basic skills with spreadsheet functions.

1. Identify the purpose of spreadsheets and the anatomy of a spreadsheet.

2. Demonstrate ability to modify worksheet data and structure and format data in a worksheet.

3. Demonstrate ability to sort data, manipulate data using formulas and functions, and add and modify charts in a worksheet.

6. To acquire basic skills with database functions.

1. Identify purpose of database software.

2. Demonstrate ability to create a database, modify the table structure, enter data into a table, print a table, and sort a table.

3. Demonstrate ability to query a database.

4. Demonstrate ability to create and use forms and reports.

7. To acquire basic skills with presentation software.

1. Demonstrate the ability to create, format, and present well formatted presentations in group settings.

8. To acquire basic skills with networks, the Internet, and Electronic Mail.

1. Identify network fundamentals and the benefits and risks of network computing.

2. Identify the relationship between computer networks, other communications networks (like telephone network) and the Internet.

3. Identify the background and relationship of the Internet and the World Wide Web.

4. Demonstrate ability to use electronic mail and its most common features, i.e., �netiquette,� address books, signatures, attachments.

5. Demonstrate ability to identify different types of information sources on the Internet.

6. Demonstrate ability to use a Web browser application and its most common features.

7. Demonstrate ability to search the Internet for information using different search engines and tolls and techniques for searching the Web.

8. Demonstrate ability to evaluating information found on the Internet.

9. Identify types of Internet resources.

10. Demonstrate an understanding of the rules of copyright and other legal and ethical issues.

9. To acquire an understanding of the impact of computing and the Internet on society.

1. Identify how computers are used in different areas of work, school, and home.

2. Identify the risks of using computer hardware and software.

3. Identify how to use computers and the Internet safely, legally, and responsibly.

Package ISBN: 0324814186

The following will be packaged together as a bundle.

Microsoft Office 2007 Software (180-Day Subscription)

Microsoft Office 2007 Video Companion DVD

Office 2007 Illustrated Introductory XP/IE7 Edition Text

Windows Vista, Illustrated Essentials Reference Text

Thomson, Course Technology, 2007.

Authors: Beskeen/Cram/Duffy/Friedrichsen/Reding

Distance students need home computer access and an Internet connection.

Minimum Computer System Requirements:

Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1, or Windows Vista

Processor: 1 GHz or higher recommended; RAM minimum: 512 MB or higher; Hard Drive: 500 MB (minimum); 16-bit sound card; DVD-CD drive and capability to load Office 2007 software; Internet access using Internet Explorer 7; E-Mail account and ability to send and receive e-mail.

DVD/CD drive for Video Companion and USB* Flash/Jump Drives for backup.

Labs	Lab assignments are listed on the course outline.
Practice Tests Review Tests	BlackBoard practice tests and review tests prepare students for exams. Graded points are assigned through the BlackBoard GradeBook.
EXAMS	Refer to the outline and BlackBoard announcements for exam dates.
Attendance	Each failure to submit all assigned work by due dates will constitute an �absence.� Three �absences� will result in course withdrawal.
Performance	Success in any college computer basics course will only be achieved by maintaining a time-management plan to accommodate course requirements. You will need dedicated reading/application time for approximately 6 -10 hours per week. Follow the course outline and assignment schedule carefully and submit your work on time. Do this and you'll do well!
Points & Due Dates	Completed weekly assignments must be submitted by Midnight every Sunday. Points will be awarded based on the quality of work submitted. Any course assignment, exercise, test, or quiz not submitted by the due date will receive a grade of zero. Extenuating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis. Refer to the BlackBoard GradeBook for point allocations.

This course is conducted under the Honor System.

Communication of knowledge and free exchange of ideas -- two essential aspects of a college community -- require a fundamental standard of honesty. Students and faculty must be able to expect that all thought and work submitted throughout the course are the property of the person claiming credit for them.

1. Students must refrain from all forms of academic dishonesty including cheating on quizzes and examinations, abetting others in cheating, appropriating other students' work, and plagiarizing written assignments.

2. Violation of honesty standards may be punished by failure on the exam, paper or project and/or failure in course.

3. Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses. The Dean of Student Services may elect to pursue further action up to and including dismissal from the College.

4. For more information, refer to the "Academic Honesty Policy (Plagiarism)" in the Student Handbook.

Please review the following URL outlining proper citation of online work.

http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/online/index.html