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COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS
CT114
SPRING 2006
Classroom: Lecture A120A & Lab A107
INSTRUCTOR: Carolyn Alexander, Office A-122 (Office hours posted on door),
Instructor Availability: If you have questions or need assistance with you class work please come by my office. I will be available between classes
E-mail:	calex@pccua.edu
Website:	http://www.pccua.edu/calex
Phone:	(870)338-6474 Ext. 1126
CREDIT:	4 Semester Hours
TEXTBOOKS/CD:
1. Discovering Computers 2006 2. Microsoft Office 2003 Basics by Pasewark & Pasewark 3. SAM/TOM CD Version 3.0
PREQUISITE: Keyboarding and/or computer skills.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course introduces computer terminology and concepts. Students will have "hands-on" experience using Microsoft Office, which includes word processing, database, spreadsheet, and presentations. Students will also use e-mail and the Internet.
Core Competencies 1. Students will be able to communicate effectively in a written or oral manner in the business environment. 2. Students will acknowledge diverse groups of individuals possessing different beliefs, values, attitudes, and customs. 3. Students will demonstrate a legal/ethical behavior that is appropriate for the business professional in today's society. 4. Students will analyze, interpret, and evaluate data necessary to solve problems and support business decisions. 5. Students will perform computational skills and financial analysis appropriate to the business environment. 6. Students will demonstrate the ability to use computer technology.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES BY CHAPTER:
CHAPTER 2	1. Explain how to access and connect to the Internet. 2. Identify the components of a Web address. 3. Explain the purpose of a Web browser. 4. Explain how to use Internet tools such as email. 5. Identify the rules of netiquette. 6. Recognize how Web pages use graphics, animation, audio, video, virtual reality, and plug-ins.
CHAPTER 4	1. Differentiate among various styles of system units 2. Identify chips, adapter cards, and other components of a motherboard 3. Describe the components of a processor and how they complete a machine cycle 4. Identify characteristics of various personal computer processors on the market today 5. Define a bit and describe how a series of bits represents data 6. Explain how programs transfer in and out of memory 7. Differentiate among the various types of memory 8. Describe the types of expansion slots and adapter cards 9. Explain the differences between a serial port, a parallel port, a USB port, and other port. 10. Describe how buses contribute to a computer’s processing speed 11. Identify components in mobile computers and mobile devices
CHAPTER 5	1. Define input 2. List the characteristics of a keyboard 3. Describe different mouse types and how they work 4. Summarize how pointing devices work 5. Explain how voice recognition works 6. Describe various input devices for mobile users 7. Explain how a digital camera works 8. Describe the uses of PC video cameras, Web cams, and video conferencing 9. Discuss various scanners and reading devices and how they work 10. Explain the types of terminals 11. Summarize the various biometric devices 12. Identify alternative input devices for physically challenged users
CHAPTER 6	1. Describe the four categories of output 2. Describe characteristics of a CRT monitor and factors that affect its quality 3. Explain the relationship between a video card and CRT monitor 4. Summarize the characteristics of flat panel monitors, LCD screens, gas plasma displays, and HDTV displays 5. Differentiate between an impact printer and a nonimpact printer 6. Summarize the characteristics of ink-jet printers, photo printers, laser printers, thermal printers, portable printers, label and postage printers, and plotters and large-format printers 7. Describe the methods used for wireless printing 8. Describe the uses of speakers and headsets 9. Identify the output characteristics of fax machines and fax modems, multifunction peripherals, data projectors, joysticks, and wheels 10. Identify output options for physically challenged users
CHAPTER 7	1. Differentiate between storage devices and storage media 2. Describe the characteristics of a floppy disk drive 3. Identify the uses of Zip disks 4. Describe the characteristics of a hard disk 5. Describe the characteristics of CDs and DVDs 6. Differentiate among CD-ROMs, CD-RWs, DVD-ROMs, and DVD+RWs 7. Identify the uses of tape 8. Discuss PC Cards and the various types of miniature storage media 9. Identify uses of microfilm and microfiche
CHAPTER 8	1. Identify the types of system software 2. Summarize the startup process on a personal computer 3. Describe the functions of an operating system 4. Discuss ways that some operating systems help administrators control a network and administer security 5. Explain the purpose of the utilities included with most operating systems 6. Identify various network operating systems 7. Identify devices that use several embedded operating systems 8. Explain the purpose of several stand-alone utility programs
CHAPTER 9	1. Discuss the components required for successful communications 2. Identify various sending and receiving devices 3. Describe uses of computer communications 4. List advantages of using a network 5. Differentiate among client/server, peer-to-peer, and P2P networks 6. Describe the various network communications technologies 7. Explain the purpose of communications software 8. Describe various types of lines for communications over the telephone network 9. Describe commonly used communications devices 10. Discuss different ways to set up a home network 11. Identify various physical and wireless transmission media
Chapter 11	1. List the types of computer security risks. 2. List ways to safeguard against computer viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. 3. Explain the ways software manufacturers protect against software piracy. 4. Explain the options available for backing up computer resources. 5. Recognize issues related to information accuracy, rights, and conduct. 6. Discuss issues surrounding information privacy. 7. Discuss ways to prevent health-related disorders and injuries due to computer use. 8. Discuss techniques to prevent unauthorized computer access and use.
CLASS PARTICIPATION: Class participation is important. This is one reason a high value is placed on attendance. You will be expected to discuss the material covered in class and answer questions about the material. Your attitude can affect your grade.
DAILY/WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS: Daily/weekly assignments will include reading and studying the text and turning in assignments. These MUST be turned in on time. Exams cannot be made up; however, the lowest exam grade will be dropped. (Excluding the Final Exam)
RESPONSIBILITY: You are responsible for making up assignments and learning material missed during your absences. This DOES NOT release you from submitting your assignments on the due date.
In addition to your regularly scheduled class time, you will also be required to attend your scheduled lab. FAILURE TO ATTEND LABS WHEN YOUR ASSIGNMENT IS NOT COMPLETE WILL BE CONSIDERED A REGULAR ABSENCE.
PCCUA STUDENT DISCIPLINE POLICY - This instructor will adhere to this discipline policy. A copy of this policy is available both online at the PCCUA website and in the student handbook. It is the student’s responsibility to read and abide by this policy. Included in this policy is the Acceptable Use Policy for computer use on campus.
CHEATING: Will not be tolerated. If you have used a storage device or papers that belong to another student, both students will receive an "F" for the whole chapter’s work (not limited to that one assignment). If found cheating on a second occasion, you will be asked to drop the class. If the cheating occurs after the drop date, or if you choose not to drop, you will receive an "F" for the class. All work must be on your flash drive unless the instructor directs you to erase it.
CLASS SUPPLIES: ONE 128 – 256 MB FLASH/THUMB drive, SMALL NOTEBOOK TO RECORD ASSIGNMENTS & DATES
LAB BEGINS January 17, 2006
EXAMINATIONS:
A. Unit Exams and Final Exam
B. A Pretest and Posttest will be given for evaluation purposes.

January	11-13	1	Introduction, Syllabus, Pretest, etc.
January	16	2	MLK Holiday – No Classes
January	17-20	3	Chapter 2
January	23-27	3	Chapter 2 & Chapter 11
Jan/Feb	30-3	4	Chapter 11, UNIT EXAM CH 2 & 11
February	6-10	5	Chapter 4
February	7	5	FACULTY IN-SERVICE – NO CLASSES
February	13-17	6	Chapter 4 & Chapter 5
February	20-24	7	UNIT EXAM CH 4 & 5
Feb/Mar	27-3	8	Chapter 6 & Discuss Paper
March	3	8	Mid-Term Grades Due
March	6-10	9	Chapter 6 & Chapter 7
March	13-17	10	Chapter 7, UNIT EXAM CH 6 & 7
March	20-24	11	SPRING BREAK
March	27-31	12	Chapter 8
March	31	12	Last Day to Drop and Receive a “W”
April	3-7	13	Chapter 8
April	10-14	14	UNIT EXAM CH 8, Paper Due
April	17-21	15	Presentations - Chapter 9
April	24-28	16	Presentations
May	1-2	17	POSTTEST
May	3	17	STUDY DAY
May	4-9		FINAL EXAMS

This class attendance policy is in effect for all courses taught by Carolyn Alexander. Please read the following information carefully. The instructor places high value on class attendance and punctuality. If you must be absent and you know ahead of time, please inform the instructor so that your work can be handed in early. Excessive absences will result in loss of credit for the course concerned. See the PCCUA 2005-2006 Catalog (page 25).

CLASSES MEETING 3 TIMES A WEEK

Students are permitted three(3) absences. On the fourth absence you will receive a 5-point reduction on your final grade and on the fifth you will receive an additional 5-point reduction on your final grade. When you have missed 6 classes you will receive an EW or F and you may not return to class.

CLASSES MEETING 2 TIMES A WEEK

Students are permitted two(2) absences. On the third absence you will receive a 5-point reduction on your final grade and on the fourth you will receive an additional 5-point reduction on your final grade. When you have missed 5 classes you will receive an EW or F and you may not return to class.

CLASSES MEETING 1 TIME A WEEK

Students are permitted one(1) absence. On the second absence you will receive a 5-point reduction on your final grade and on the third you will receive an additional 5-point reduction on your final grade. Classes missed after 3 will result in student receiving an EW or F and student may not return to class.

The instructor will warn a student in danger of becoming excessively absent by sending a warning notice to the Advisement Center so that the student can be contacted by an advisor either by phone or in writing.

If a student is unable to attend a class regularly, regardless of the reason or circumstances, he/she should withdraw from that class BEFORE an EW is assigned.

Exceptions to this attendance rule may be made based on individual circumstances and the instructor’s assessment of the student’s ability to finish course requirements. The final decision concerning absences is left to the instructor's discretion. A student's attendance will affect their grade in this course.

POSITIVE ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students with perfect attendance will receive 2 points added to their final grade in this class. Students with only one absence will receive 1 point added to their final grade.

There are no tardies—students are expected to arrive at their classrooms prior to the beginning of classroom activities. Any student entering the classroom after the class roll has been taken will be considered absent. There is one exception to this rule: Students who have been held over by their instructor. (See me immediately after class if you were late because of an emergency situation otherwise you are marked absent.)

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR

It is this instructor's desire that every student succeed in this class. Students are hindered in this success if there are classroom distractions. Students are to adhere to the PCCUA Student Discipline Policy. Food and drink are not allowed in the classroom. Please turn off phones and pagers. Also, no text messaging or online chats during class. Cell phones should not be left on desk. Anyone expecting an emergency call may leave the cell phone on the instructor's desk during class or place the phone on vibrate. Students who do not adhere to this policy will be dropped from class.

As per the student Handbook, a student may not have unauthorized persons (children or adults) on campus. Children are permitted on campus for youth activities. However, children are not permitted to attend college classes unless specifically invited by an instructor for instructional purposes. Please see the instructor for any specific questions concerning this matter.

CAMPUS SUPPORT SERVICES

Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas provides student support services that assist students in achieving their educational objective. Those services include advising, financial aid, counseling and guidance, and safety and security.

ADA POLICY:

Lynn Boone, the Vice Chancellor for Student Services serves as the ADA Compliance Officer. If you reside in Arkansas County you may contact Vice Chancellor Carolyn Turner (DeWitt) or Dr. Anne Gentry (Stuttgart). The process of student referral under the Americans with Disabilities Act can be found on the college web site at http://www.pccua.edu by clicking the Student menu link.

FERPA POLICY

Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. A student has the right to inspect and review all of his/her records that meet the definition of educational records. No third party has the right to review student records.

*This instructor reserves the right to make changes and updates as deemed necessary. Students will be notified of these changes/updates.

Student Learning Outcomes and Assessment

College Core Competency: Goal 1 Communication

Division Goal: Students will be able to communicate effectively in a written or oral manner in the business environment.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1.  Engage in various electronic communication activities.
Assessment Method: PowerPoint Presentation
Assessment Tool: Rubric
2.  Prepare written documents in a professional manner.
Assessment Method: Internet Research Paper.
Assessment Tool: Rubric
3.  Demonstrate oral skills
Assessment Method: PowerPoint Presentation
Assessment Tool: Rubric

College Core Competency: Goal 2 Cultural Awareness

Division Goal: Students will acknowledge diverse groups of individuals possessing different beliefs, values, attitudes, and customs.

Student Learning Outcomes:

2. Interact with students of varying backgrounds in a classroom setting that includes group assignments and projects.
Assessment Method: PowerPoint Presentation
Assessment Tool: Rubric

College Core Competency: Goal 3 Social and Civic Responsibility

Division Goal: Students will demonstrate a legal/ethical behavior that is appropriate for the business professional in today’s society.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the major legal and ethical issues in information technology.
Assessment Method: Chapter tests
Assessment Tool: Answer Key
2. Understand the major privacy and security issues in information technology.
Assessment Method: Chapter tests
Assessment Tool: Answer Key

College Core Competency: Goal 4 Critical Thinking

Division Goal: Students will analyze, interpret, and evaluate data necessary to solve problems and support business decisions.

Student Learning Outcomes:
3. Develop a critical thinking approach in applying theory to application
Assessment Method: Application/computer problems
Assessment Tool: Answer Key

College Core Competency: Goal 5 Mathematical Reasoning

Division Goal: Students will perform computational skills and financial analysis appropriate to the business environment.

Student Learning Outcomes:
6. Apply basic arithmetic functions to business problems
Assessment Method: Excel Computer Application Test
Assessment Tool: Answer Key

College Core Competency: Goal 6 Technology Utilization

Division Goal: Students will demonstrate the ability to use computer technology.

Student Learning Outcomes:
10. Demonstrate a working knowledge of operating system software.
Assessment Method: Computer Application Problems.
Assessment Tool: CIS Lab Grade - Answer Key
11. Demonstrate a working knowledge of computer hardware components.
Assessment Method: Computer Application Problems
Assessment Tool: CIS Lab Grade - Answer Key
12. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, database, and presentations.
Assessment Method: Computer Application Tests
Assessment Tool: CIS Lab Grade - Answer Key
13. Demonstrate research skills through the use of the Internet
Assessment Method: Internet Research
Assessment Tool: Rubric