SYLLABUS - INTRODUCTION TO PCs a Title V Course
GST 104A Winter 07
http://www.csub.edu/titlev/Courses/Gd104a/Gd104aSyl.doc
(Edited 1/15/07)
In Netscape, Mosaic or Firefox select a link
below to go to a specific area. Once you are in the specific topic area, select
“top” located on the bottom middle of the topic area to return to the table of
contents.
CURRENT QUARTER TIMES AND LOCATIONS
COURSE DESCRIPTION/GOALS/OBJECTIVES
Jim Ross – Title V Computer Literacy Program
Coordinator
Office: DDH CC201
Phone: 661-654-2384
E-Mail: jross@csub.edu Class members must use their RunnerMail or FirstClass account to send messages
Home page: http://www.csub.edu/~jross
Ramon Garza Instructor
Office: Library Computer Lab
E-Mail: rgarza@csub.edu Class members must use their RunnerMail
account to send messages to the instructor.
Home page: http://academic.csub.edu/~rgarza2/
Garrett Akin
Office: Library Computer Lab
Phone (computer lab) 654- 6677
E-Mail: gakin@csub.edu Class members must use their RunnerMail
account to send messages to the instructor.
Home page: http://stuweb.csub.edu/~gakin/
Office Hours: Check help desk main computer lab in
library basement
CURRENT
QUARTER TIMES AND LOCATIONS
Course Title: GS104a, Introduction to
PC's
Sect 1 Instructor: Ramon Garza
Course Number: CRN 11515 3
Units
Location: AE 105a Time: MW
Final Exam: Friday March 16
Sect 2: Instructor: Ramon Garza
Course Title: GS104a, Sect 2 Introduction to
PC's
Course Number: CRN 11516 3 Units”
Location: AE 105 Time MW
Final Exam: Friday March 16
COURSE DESCRIPTION/OBJECTIVES
Class Description: This course is designed for the novice to learn IBM
compatible personal computer (PC) basics. This course will look at the
relationship between hardware and software on the PC platform, describe and
differentiate among secondary storage devices, input/output devices, and the
basic functions used in the Microsoft Windows operating system environment. There
will be an introduction to Windows, word processing, digital graphics,
spreadsheets, presentation applications, communication and web use. The focus
will be on developing general computer "literacy" and computer skills to meet a portion of the CSUB computer
and Information Competency requirements using assignments that will be useful
in other academic and career pursuits. This class is 3 units. This course
prepares students for subsequent courses treating intermediate and advanced
windows, word processing, spreadsheets, information competency, web browsing
and presentations with PowerPoint, creating digital movies and web site
creation. Completion of this course is the prerequisite to GS 104b,
Intermediate Introduction to PC’s, and any other Computer Literacy Courses in
this sequence
Class Goal: For students to demonstrate proficiency in
the understanding and use of basic computer hardware, Windows operating system,
common applications important in today’s technological environment and
understand the ethical and legal considerations of computer use, the following
objectives are designed to meet the goal of turning those with limited skills
into competent computer users:
Objective 1. Describe and differentiate among commonly used
computer platforms (e.g., PC and Macintosh, servers, etc.).
Objective 2. Describe and differentiate among computer hardware I/O
devices (keyboard, scanner; printer, monitor, camera, storage
alternatives (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, Zip discs, flash drives, compact
discs, and DVDs).
Objective 3. Be able to perform basic computer system operations (e.g.,
log on, shut down, start programs and disk management including locate, copy
[backups], delete, transfer files, create folders and directories, etc.)
Objective
4. Be able to perform simple basic word processing
functions (create, save, format and edit, print, quit)
Objective
5. Be able to perform basic, digital image
manipulation, spreadsheet, and presentation functions
(create, save, format, edit, print, quit)
Objective
6. Be able to perform simple email and instant
messaging functions (create, send, receive, attachments,
quit)
Objective
7. Be able to perform simple browser functions
(follow links, go to a URL, save a URL, search, change startup page, copy web
material, download, use menu options, print, quit, etc
Objective
8. Use and maintain a computer system
including, changing system settings, adding and maintaining protection software
(virus, spam, spy ware, ad ware, system updates, firewalls, etc.) to guard the
integrity of ones computer and data.
Objective
9. Be aware of and understand the legal, ethical and safety
considerations of computer use
CLASS PURPOSE: Students
will begin meeting information
competency (this document will be updated when approved by CSUB Senate)
requirements to prepare for life-long learning. Students will obtain necessary
computer skills to help them in their future occupations and in the immediate,
aid in their college classes.
TEXT/RESOURCES/LINKS
(1)
Text: Computer documentation will be provided in class. You will copy
this documentation to your laptop. This can be accessed for use as a reference
guide during and after the course. Our
goal is to continue the process of making this and additional documentation
available via the web. Additions and changes may be made on the web
documentation throughout the quarter. Class members should check the links in
assignments and the class home page periodically for new and updated
documentation. If not on campus, your Runner ID card number may be required for
viewing and downloading some of the documentation.
Much of the course documentation is licensed courseware through PTS
Learning Systems, a business of Global Knowledge Network, Inc., and made
available to you through specialized licensing.
The training materials are for the students' use both during the course and as a reference guide after the course has been completed.
Copyright and Trademarks: Copyright ă 1995-2000 by PTS Learning Systems. All rights reserved. Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of PTS Learning Systems.
Trademarked names may appear throughout this courseware. Rather than list the names and entities that own the trademarks or insert a trademark symbol with each mention of the trademark name, PTS Learning Systems states that it is using the names for editorial purposes and to the benefit of the trademark owner with no intention of infringing upon the trademark.
(2) Required
Supplies: Paper and pencil may be needed for note taking, a USB flash memory
(thumb drive, flash drive, etc.) is required for in-class and home work. An
appropriate carrying case for laptops will have to be provided by students
before receiving their computers. Class members will be loaned a USB memory
with their loan of a laptop. A Runner
ID card may be required to access documentation for this class on CSUB
websites. A Runner Mail E-mail
account is required to send e-mail to the instructors.
(3) LINKS We will maintain a web page of useful links for
GS 104 students. Check periodically as
we add sources to this page.
(4) Instructors will maintain a web page of Frequently Asked Questions and answers to
these questions. Check this FAQ
link as the quarter develops
Note: The main lab hours are posted, or by checking the Student Help Desk website. Any
complaints regarding software availability, open lab times, lab policy, non
working computers etc. should be addressed to lab personnel at 654-2440. Flexibility in the lab software for the
Introduction to PC’s class will be addressed in the future.
CLASS RULES AND
EXPECTATIONS
Prerequisites: A general interest
and motivation to learn about computers is expected for all students. Expect
a minimum of 2 hours study time
per week for each class/lab hour. Depending upon experience, very
beginning computer users may spend much more time initially to build basic
skills and knowledge. Familiarity with typing, knowledge of keys and functions
is useful but secretarial level typing skills are not necessary.
Study Styles: Class members are expected to
"work" together. Having someone there to help and collectively share
the problem solving (hacking) when you are just becoming acquainted with the
computer is very useful and reassuring. The first day of class we will set up
groups to aid in developing cooperative learning.
Learning Process: Students are
expected to meet the objectives for this class. If help is needed in meeting
class objectives, please contact fellow class members first (helping teaching
others is the best way to learn). If you are still unclear about something you
can check the CSUB computer lab personnel in the library basement and/or
communicate with your instructor during office hours in the Library lab are via
email, or instant messaging.
Accommodations: The CSUB lab has special accommodations for the disabled. Please notify
the instructor and CSUB lab personal if you have special needs.
Class Structure: Each class will
start with a quiz followed by class presentations and discussions. Students
will be able to work on homework assignments in class if time is
available. Class will provide primary
structure for the course with the documentation providing supporting
information. Each class member is responsible for obtaining missed materials,
notes, information etc., from other class members.
Attendance: Students are expected to attend class, be on time,
and not disrupt class by arriving late or leaving before class is over.
Absences, tardiness, or leaving early beyond two class periods will
result in loosing 11/2 points per late or missed class as well as having a “0” recorded for
that days quiz.
Drops: The catalog regulations for dropping classes will be followed.
License
Agreement: CSUB and Title V have
paid PTS Learning Systems for permission to use and/or customize their
courseware with unlimited copies to train those who are employees and/or
enrolled students at the
|
Plagiarism: 1: A piece of writing that has been copied from
someone else and is presented as being your own work 2: the act of
plagiarizing; taking someone's words or ideas as if they were your own WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton
University |
Plagiarism is an extremely serious offense. Using published or
unpublished material without citing the source is plagiarism. You may use
someone else's material if you appropriately enclose it in quotation marks and
precisely reference its source. Such material, however, should be used sparingly,
if at all. Simply paraphrasing someone else's material by minimal rearrangement
of the wording is also plagiarism. Students who commit any of these offenses
will (1) receive a failing grade in the course, and (2) will receive a letter
of reprimand from the professor, a copy of which will be placed in their files.
A repeated instance of academic fraud will result in a petition to have the
student permanently expelled from the university. The CSUB catalog
contains a statement on cheating/plagiarism.
For more specifics on plagiarism I expect everyone to read this source
the first week of class and be prepared for questions on the quiz: http://www.csubak.edu/ssric/Modules/Other/plagiarism.htmhttp://www.csubak.edu/ssric/Modules/Other/plagiarism.htm
Students who may be unsure as to whether or not their writing or other
work may constitute academic fraud (cheating or plagiarism) should seek the
advice of their instructor prior to formal submission or presentation.
Portfolio: Each student will keep a digital portfolio
on their computer exhibiting their work in this class. This will be moved to individual web sites in
GS104b. Portfolio will have sections for the major areas of this class (1)
Legal, (2) Maintenance, (3) Hardware and Software, (4) Windows Basics, (5) Web
Use, (6) Word Processing, (7) Email, (8)
Digital Images, (9) Spreadsheets, (10) Presentation [PowerPoint and Web], (11)
Data Base (12) Privacy and Protection and a dictionary of computer terminology
(beginning
terms) and computer problems and solutions (beginning
problems) (13) Info Comp. Much of the work in this class can count for
CTAP or other competency areas but we are not able to provide information
regarding upper division requirements for majors, contact your major advisor.
This portfolio may count for up to 25% of the midterm and final exam grade.
Library and Lab
Rules – No food or drinks are allowed in the labs.
GRADING
There
are two components for determination of grades in this class: participation
(attendance, homework, etc.) and evaluation (quizzes, midterm and
final).
Participation Points You start with 60 points
- (30 points) Attendance – Points
subtracted for absence. See above note regarding attendance.
- (30 points) Homework -1 1/2 points each
assignment. You will loose points for incomplete are poor quality. You can
turn in late homework at the next lab loosing .1/3rd of the
points for being late. No homework accepted beyond 1 lab after due date
[NOTE: home work given to instructor after class, sent by email, etc. is
still counted as late]
Participation
Points lost from attendance and homework are totaled
Evaluation Grade
- (33%) Daily Quizzes – all quizzes are
totaled and grade is curved [15% A, 35% B, 35% C, 15% D]
- (33%) Midterm - grade is curved [15% A,
35% B, 35% C, 15% D].
- (33%) Final exam – grade is curved [15%
A, 35% B, 35% C, 15% D]
After the evaluation grade is calculated Participation Points lost from
attendance and homework is subtracted to determine final class grade.
Labs: Hands-on exercises in the course will be a
major portion of your work. New functions will be described and demonstrated as
time allows; however, like other college classes you will need to practice what
you have learned outside of class, two or more homework hours for each class
hour. Learning and developing computer skills is a hands-on, problem solving
endeavor. The ultimate responsibility for what and how much you learn is up to
the student. We as teachers can discuss and demonstrate but ultimately learning
occurs in doing. Who’s responsible? You!
Midterm: The midterm will be given at the sixth week
of class. It may contain multiple choice, identify, possible discussion
questions and a possible lab task Points may be included on the final for
digital portfolios.
Final Exam: A comprehensive
final will be given at the scheduled exam time and place. It will contain
multiple choices and possibly identify, discussion questions and a lab task.
Points may be included on the final for digital portfolios.
Final Grade: The final grade
will be calculated by determining the average for quizzes, midterm and final
then subtracting Participation Points lost for missed classes and inappropriate
homework.
Possible
assistants for future classes:
"Laura
Brown" lbrown13@runner.csub.edu
"Luis Jauregui" ljauregui@runner.csub.edu