CS 100 Section 5

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

SYLLABUS

 

 

DESCRIPTION: This course introduces basic concepts about computers and basic skills using a computer (also known as a "PC," or "personal computer"). Practical work includes using word processing and spread sheet applications and introduction to the Internet and its personal and business potential. The course will include a lecture and laboratory session in each 2-hour session. Therefore, students will be required to demonstrate practical skills as well as an understanding of the workings of computer systems.

OBJECTIVES: The student will demonstrate

  1. An understanding of the information processing cycle and technology. This will enhance appreciation of career opportunities in all aspects of business;
  2. An understand the functions of computer operating systems and their use;
  3. An understanding of hardware and basic operations of a computer;
  4. And develop proficiency in using word processing, spread sheet, presentation, and Internet related programs.
  5. And develop proficiency in using the internet as a research tool and source of information including: search engines, mailing lists, and net news groups

TEXTBOOK: Essentials of Computers: Tools for an Information Age, 6th ed. By H.L. Capron

CLASSROOM REQUIREMENTS: Students must have their own floppy disks (2 minimum) and maintain a backup copy for all individual / group work, and are required to bring floppies, the text book, and its CD to every class. You will also need a notebook some of the information will only be presented orally.

ATTENDANCE: You are expected to attend every class on time. There are only 24 sessions, so missing only two or three will make you miss a great deal of information and study. You are allowed only two (2) absences without penalty. The 3rd absence will mean your grade will go down one letter (i.e., an "A" will become a "B"); the 4th absence will mean your grade will go down TWO letters (i.e., an "A" will become a "C"). On the 5th absence, you will automatically FAIL the class.

Absence with a very good reason may be acceptable on a case by case basis provided that you:

  1. notify me in advance of the class where possible and
  2. complete the tasks scheduled for the class or where that is not possible you complete a makeup assignment that is handed in at the next class.

NB it is your responsibility to contact other students to find out what has been covered in classes you miss and to make sure that you complete the correct homework and that you complete it on time.

PREPARATION: Students will be expected to have read the appropriate materials BEFORE each class. Do NOT expect to be able to walk in unprepared and learn everything from the lecture; you must also PARTICIPATE and ANSWER QUESTIONS during the lecture; this participation will be 10% OF YOUR GRADE.

Note: this is a "one in two out" course and that means that for every hour of class time you are expected to spend two hours on homework / preparation.

Most of the assignments will require work outside of class time in order to be completed. You can work as groups on the projects, but the assignments which you hand in must be your own work. Please refer to the Student Handbook on matters regarding copying and plagiarism.

HOMEWORK: All work must be submitted on time. Work that is submitted late may not be accepted and if accepted will receive a lower assessment.

EVALUATION (GRADING) CRITERIA: Grades will be based on examinations on reading and lectures, laboratory work, class participation and attendance.

Examinations:

First Midterm 15%

Second Midterm 15%

Final 25%

Laboratory work: 35%

Attendance / Participation 10%

 

GRADING: Final grades will be assigned according to the scale:

A 90% - 100%

B 80%- 89%

C 70%- 79%

D 60%- 69%

F below 60%

 

 

 

Course Schedule:

This is a Wednesday - Friday Course.

NOTE: This schedule may change. The class will be flexible, and lessons may be shortened, extended, added or postponed according to the needs of the students.

Wed.

Lesson

Fri.

Lesson

10/1

Lecture: Introduction, evaluation test; Lab: e—mail mailing lists, parts of the computer.

12/1

Lecture: History of computing; Lab: parts of the computer, e—mail mailing lists

17/1

Lecture: Chapter 1; Lab: MS Word (Chapter 11 in text), e-mail

19/1

Lecture: Chapter 1; Lab: MS Word, Net search.

24/1

Lecture: Chapter 2; Lab: MS Word, Formatting.

26/1

Lecture: Chapter 2; Lab: MS Word, Formatting.

31/1

Lecture: Chapter 3; Lab: MS Word, Layout.

2/2

Lecture: Chapter 3; Lab: MS Word, Internet

7/2

Lecture: Chapter 4; Lab: MS Word, Internet

9/2

Lecture: Chapter 4; Lab: MS Word

14/2

Lecture: Chapter 5; Lab: MS Word

16/2

Lecture: Chapter 5; Lab: MS Excel (Chapter 12 in text)

21/2

Lecture: Chapter 6; Lab: MS Excel

23/2

Lecture: Chapter 6; Lab: MS Excel

28/2

Lecture: Chapter 6; Lab: MS Excel

2/3

Lecture: Chapter 8; Lab: MS Excel, Internet

7/3

Lecture: Chapter 7; Lab: MS Excel, Internet

9/3

Lecture: Chapter 7; Lab: MS Excel, Internet

14/3

Lecture: Special Topics; Lab: MS Access (Chapter 13 in text)

16/3

Lecture: Special Topics; Lab: MS Access (Chapter 13 in text)

21/3

Lecture: Chapter 10; Lab: PowerPoint

23/3

Lecture: Chapter 10; Lab: PowerPoint

28/3

Lecture: Chapter 10; Lab: PowerPoint

30/3

Lecture: Review; Lab: Review

4/2 ~

FINALS

~4/6

WEEK