Basic Course Information
Course Name: Introduction to PC Applications
Course Section 1: 12:50-1:45 – Period 6
Semester: Fall 2020
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Co-requisites: None
Meetings/Times: Fri 12:50-1:45 Period 6
Location: HS – 228
Instructor Information
Instructors:
Stephen Hurst, Computer Science Faculty, CECFC
Wayne Cook, Head of Computer Science Department, CECFC
Office Phone: (970) 337-0044
Email: [email protected]
College Web Site: www.frontrange.edu
HS Web Site: https://fortcollins.coloradoearlycolleges.org
Office Location: CECFC HS 228
Office Hours: Tuesday or Thursday (Ath/Bth periods), by appointment other periods
Department Contact: N/A
Course Materials
- Course materials are all on-line, through two sources. You need to create your own account for each.
- TestOut (http://www.testout.com) – Used for learning the material
- Compass (app on computer) – Certification, by appointment only
- TestOut Office Pro ISBN: 978-1-935080-71-8
- Windows 10
- Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint) – provided on school computers, must be acquired for home computers, see FRCC for ways to acquire student edition. Currently, Microsoft Office 365 is Microsoft Office 2019.
- You need at least two ways to store your files, your OneDrive account, a USB Flash drive, emailing it to yourself, your hard drive (at home), student storage or submitting to Infinite Campus. Put your name on all flash drives. Having a storage device fail or lost will NOT be an accepted excuse for turning in your assignments late. Most of the time you will be turning in assignments electronically through Infinite Campus, TestOut, or D2L.
Welcome Message
Welcome to CIS118. Most of the work will be completed 0n-line. If you have any questions, please ask them when they arise. During the semester, every student is given the opportunity to take the Microsoft Office Certification exams. You need to arrange a time to take the certification exams, there are three (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). I will stick to the schedule at the bottom of this document. You have all semester to complete the material, but I will enter 0’s or M’s for any modules not completed by the due date. This will give you a better idea of what your final grade will be for the class as the semester progresses.
CCCS Required Syllabus Information
Catalog Course Description
Introduces basic computer terminology, file management, and PC system components. Provides an overview of office application software including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation graphics. Includes the use of a web browser to access the Internet.
Course Learning Outcomes
- Define the basic hardware and software concepts associated with personal computers
- Demonstrate the ability to utilize network and internet terminology
- Navigate the operating system
- Organize and manipulate file names, locations, and backups
- Create, modify, use, and print word processing documents, spreadsheets, relational databases and presentations
- Apply formatting techniques to word processing documents, spreadsheets, databases and presentations
- Create, insert and modify visual elements (graphics, charts, tables, ClipArt, etc) in word processing documents, spreadsheets, databases and presentations
- Create and format a word processing report
- Use desktop publishing features e.g. columns, newsletter, web pages, etc.
- Create and use mail merge
- Create and modify spreadsheet formulas and functions
- Create, insert and modify spreadsheet charts
- Make use of relative and absolute cell references
- Maintain a database
- Query a database
- Create and use database forms, filters, and reports
- Create and use animation in a presentation
- Create and use tables in a presentation
- Create and use charts in a presentation
- Integrate word processing documents, spreadsheets, databases and presentations
- If you have an 85% or higher in this class, take the Microsoft Office Certification exam.
Additional Info: Typing skills are helpful. Students taking this course should allow additional time outside of class hours to complete assignments in the computer lab when classes are not being held OR have access to a computer that has the following operating system and software:
Topical Outline
- Online Essentials – from network use through online safety.
- Computer Essentials – Hardware and Related Software
- Introduction to Microsoft Office – learn all of the common features
- Introduction to Word – from basic through more advanced topics, like macros
- Introduction to Excel – from basics through complex data
- Introduction to Access – from managing databases through advanced features
- Introduction to PowerPoint – from creating through giving presentations
- Office Certification – earn Word, Excel, and PowerPoint certifications after each module. Earn all three and earn your Microsoft Office Specialist Certification.
- (optional) Introduction to Outlook – included with TestOut, but not graded.
Course Overview
Instructor’s Overview of the Course
This is a “hands-on” course, where I will give an overview of each tool and you will do the assignments through TestOut. At the end of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, you will have the opportunity to become certified. Please keep up with the class schedule so that you will do well on the quizzes.
Graded Instructional Activities
Total points will be computed as follows. The total points for quizzes and assignments will vary.
| Activities | Contribution to Overall Grade |
| TestOut Exercises | 50% |
| TestOut MOS Practice | 20% |
| MOS Certification Exams | 30% |
Grading Scales and Standards
The grading scale for this class is:.
| Letter Grade | Range |
| A | 90 – 100% |
| B | 80 – 89% |
| C | 70 – 79% |
| F | 69% and lower |
NOTE: Borderline grades will be determined by the student’s work ethic. A good work ethic consists of regular class attendance, a good attitude, the ability to work independently and with a group; professional conduct and language; respect for the instructor, classmates, and other FRCC and CECFC employees; and problem-solving skills.
Late Policy
Assignments will be expected on-time. Since TestOut, GMetrix, and Compass grade all projects, the main penalty for being late with any project is that you will fall behind and not be able to complete all your lessons. Grades will be entered based on the schedule at the bottom of this document. Zeros or M’s will be entered when the assignment is due, if it is not done. You can attempt to catch up, but it is much easier to stay on task. This room will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays to give you time to catch up with the class schedule.
Absence and Tardy Policy
In CECFC’s fast-paced, semester-based program, attendance is crucial for success. In the event of an absence, a guardian needs to communicate with the school attendance line. See the Student and Family Handbook for guidance on “excused absences”.
In addition, regardless of the nature of the absences, a student’s first priority should be to check the school website for information about course work for the day and then to contact the instructor to communicate the absence and to create a plan for completing any missed work.
Arriving in class prepared and ready to learn is also crucial. Students who are arrive after the start of class will be considered tardy. Please be conscientious of arriving on time as to not disrupt your classmates and to ensure you are prepared to learn for the entire period. Three tardies in a course will be viewed the equivalent of an absence.
You will be graded on your participation in class, this means being here on time, ready to learn and being respectful of classmates and the time allotted for this course. Leaving early, working on homework, reading for another class or packing up to leave before the end of class is not allowed.
Culture of Responsibility and Workforce Readiness
Students should read and be familiar with these school policies found on the CECFC website. Behavior contrary to these expectations will be dealt with through my classroom conduct plan outlined below.
This class is the pre-requisite for college courses. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that shows this college readiness in the following ways:
- The student communicates questions or concerns with the teacher directly (in person or via email) and not through a third party such as a parent.
- The student notifies the teacher of absences and communicates needs or confusion over make-up work
- The student consistently engages respectfully and professionally in the classroom with all individuals.
Classroom Conduct
This class follows all CEC-FC and FRCC student policies (such as no wearing hats in class). In addition, there are two primary rules:
- Treat each person in this room with the respect with which you would like to be treated.
- Except when in an organized group discussion, only one person speaks at a time.
If a student engages in any disruptive behavior that negatively affects, disrupts, or impedes (1) the instructor’s ability to teach and/or (2) the other students’ ability to learn and/or (3) the general operation of the school, the student will be subject to disciplinary action.
Hybrid and Remote Attendance and Participation Policies:
Students are expected to engage in synchronous class meetings with their cameras on and with the ability to use the chat function.
If students are having technical difficulties, they must reach out to the instructor (see contact information under Instructor Information) immediately and/or tech support. CEC is providing IT/Tech support for remote learning via email and phone.
- Open a ticket – Email [email protected]
- Phone Support (M-F, 7:30-4:00) – 970-305-4303
Student attendance/participation expectations
Students must demonstrate active participation to be marked as present for the day. The following behaviors count for earning a present and at least one of these behaviors must be demonstrated during a synchronous class or within the 24-hour window of an asynchronous class:
- Posting a thoughtful response to a discussion question
- Participating in a “live” discussion during class
- Using the chat feature to appropriately engage in class material to meet the learning goal
- Completing a class poll related to the learning goal
- Completing and/or uploading a worksheet provided by the teacher
- Completing a Microsoft Form quiz, questions, or response
- Creating and sharing a Flipgrid video
- Other assignments according to instructor’s discretion
Remote Learning Expectations
When interacting online with the instructor and classmates, students are expected to uphold expectations of professionalism and respect. This includes emails, discussion boards, and live class meetings. Students are expected to uphold the following expectations in all school related platforms and interactions online:
- Share your ideas and differing opinions but do not attack others
- Keep an open mind to what others have to say
- Do not dominate the conversation. Focus on interacting and inviting others into the conversation.
- Avoid slang and use complete, edited sentences to communicate your ideas clearly.
- Use emojis, underlining, or bold words when appropriate to convey tone, but avoid using these excessively or negatively.
- Appropriate humor can be acceptable, but remember it can often be hard to interrupt online. Consider what you are posting before you post it.
- Stay on topic and only post what is appropriate for the class and particular learning activity
- Use the “Community” channel in Teams for other questions or to connect with classmates.
The instructor reserves the right to delete inappropriate or off-topic comments or posts. If a student does not meet these remote learning expectations, he or she may also be referred to the Campus Culture team and/or Dean of Academics.
Video Recording and Sharing
Live classes via Teams and D2L will be recorded and provided for all students to access at a later time in order to accommodate students who are unable to attend class and for students to material if needed. All of these course materials provided online are the property of the instructor. This includes videos, voice recordings, pictures, handouts, slides, etc. The following are appropriate uses of all materials provided by your instructor via Teams, D2L, or email.
- Downloading videos/voice recordings for yourself to review in connection to the course
- Saving or printing files to assist yourself in completing course work
Students cannot download, print, post, or use the course materials in any other way without written consent from the instructor. Ensure that you ask for permission prior to using or sharing the intellectual property of the instructor for any other purposes other than completing and understanding coursework.
Tutoring
Tutoring is available through the Wolf Den and highly encouraged for students at all levels needing or wanting support in their courses. Visit the Wolf Den in person or on the CEC website to make an appointment.
Academic Honesty
Students are expected to uphold FRCC’s Student Code of Conduct relating to academic honesty and assume full responsibility for the content and integrity of the academic work they submit. The guiding principle of academic integrity will be that a student’s submitted work, examinations, reports, discussions, and projects must be that of the student’s own work and unique to the course. Students are guilty of violating the honor code if they:
- Represent the work of others as their own (this includes copying material from the Internet for discussion postings or other assignments without proper citation)
- Use or obtain unauthorized assistance in any academic work.
- Give unauthorized assistance to other students.
- Modify, without instructor approval, an examination, paper, record, or report for the purpose of obtaining additional credit.
- Misrepresent the content of submitted work.
- The penalty for violating the honor code is severe. Any student violating the honor code is subject to receive a failing grade for the course and will be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. If a student is unclear about whether a particular situation may constitute an honor code violation, the student should contact the instructor to discuss the situation.
Collaboration. Unless otherwise instructed, all work submitted is to be done individually by the student. This means you should not be working in pairs or in a group to write discussion posts, complete assignments or take quizzes and other assessments unless specifically asked to do so by your instructor.
Plagiarism / Dual Submission. Plagiarism, whether intentional or accidental, is academic dishonesty and may incur disciplinary action ranging from receiving a zero on an assignment or failing a course to more severe consequences. Plagiarism means
- Using someone else’s ideas and not correctly citing that use. This means that if you put someone else’s work into your own words, put it in your work, and do not correctly document it, the idea is plagiarized.
- Using someone else’s words without quotation marks and not correctly citing that use.
- Using someone else’s images or other works (such as from the Internet) without correctly citing that use.
- Submitting work that has been turned in for credit in another class or at another institution unless specifically permitted by your instructor.
- Students may be required to submit work that is evaluated for originality by Turnitin.com, a plagiarism detection software program that checks for certain forms of plagiarism.
Other
We follow all CECFC and FRCC student policies (like no wearing hats in class). In addition, I have two primary rules:
- Treat each person in this room with the respect with which you would like to be treated.
- Except when in an organized group discussion, only one person speaks at a time.
Program Expectations
Disruptive Behavior: If a student engages in any disruptive behavior that negatively affects, disrupts, or impedes (1) the instructor’s ability to teach and/or (2) the other students’ ability to learn and/or (3) the general operation of the college, the student will be subject to disciplinary action.
Student of Concern: Front Range Community College and CECFC provide faculty, staff and students a resource to report their concern about any member of the FRCC and/or CECFC community. If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, please go to www.frontrange.edu/care and report.
Financial Aid: The following actions have eligibility implications for financial aid recipients at FRCC (as long as you pass your courses, financial aid is not needed at CECFC): non-attendance, dropping courses, withdrawing from courses, repeating courses, academic progress, and the number of credit hours attempted and completed. You are strongly encouraged to seek financial aid advising throughout the term if you have any questions about eligibility implications.
Student Support Services: Students with a disability or in need of support services are encouraged to contact the learning resources and support programs on each campus to arrange for accommodations and support services. The link to the learning resources and support programs is: http://www.frontrange.edu/Current-Students/Learning-Resources-and-Support-Programs/ and the link to the disability services support information is: http://www.frontrange.edu/being-a-student/disability-services.
Audio/Video Recording: A student granted permission by the instructor to make an audio or video recording may use the recording only for his or her own study and may not publish or post the recording on YouTube or any other medium or venue without the instructor’s explicit written authorization. All students in the class, as well as guest speakers, must be informed that audio/video recording may occur.
Non-attendance: At FRCC/CECFC, we want you to succeed. To do so, you must attend class. If you do not attend class during the first two scheduled class sessions, you may be dropped from the course due to non-attendance. Students who are dropped must go through the late add appeal process, which includes securing the signatures of the instructor, Instructional Dean, and Campus Vice President to re-enroll after the add deadline for the course. Course re-enrollment is at the discretion of the instructor and it is unlikely you will be re-enrolled if you have not attended and participated in class. Please also see the CECFC Attendance Policies previously stated.
Computer Ethics: A student will be subject to disciplinary action should he/she try to copy FRCC/CECFC software or tamper with the network. Copying software is a copyright violation and is against the law. Also, please do not move computer equipment.
Online Learning Expectations
FRCC and CECFC are committed to helping you succeed in your online courses. Please read the following section for a better understanding of expectations specific to online courses. If you have questions or concerns about course content and activities, contact your instructor right away. If you have questions or concerns related to support services or the student code of conduct, contact your Pathways Advisor or a member of the Online Learning team at 970-204-8250 or 303-404-5513. You can also email us ([email protected]).
Required Introduction to Online Learning
All students who are taking their first online course at FRCC/CECFC are required to complete the “Introduction to Online Learning.” You will learn strategies for succeeding in online courses at FRCC, including how to use the online learning management system (D2L). Look for the “Introduction to Online Learning” under the “My Courses” heading on the home page when you login to D2L (https://frcc.desire2learn.com).
Interacting in Online Courses
Online classes provide opportunities for you to interact with your instructor and peers in a variety of online formats. Despite what is often modeled in public forums and social networks, civility and etiquette are important aspects in creating deep and meaningful learning. Personal attacks, monopolization, and bullying can stop valuable discussion and are harmful to academic discourse. For this reason, it is important that interaction in an online class is civil, respectful, and focused on the topic presented. If you notice behavior that violates this conduct, be sure to contact your instructor.
FRCC Online Attendance and Participation Policy
Students establish attendance in online courses by completing an academic activity based on course content. As defined by the Federal Department of Education, merely logging into the course site or introducing oneself to the class does not count as attendance. Some examples of successfully attending class include participation in a content-related discussion, quiz, assignment, or contacting your instructor. Students who have not participated by 11:59 PM on the deadline date will be dropped. Similarly, the last date of academic attendance must be reported to Financial Aid for students who do not earn a D or better; students who have not been in regular attendance may experience financial aid ramifications.
Online Proctored Exams
This course requires one or more proctored exams, either at an FRCC/CECFC Testing Center, through an online proctoring service, or at another pre-approved location. Students who are unable to come to an FRCC Testing Center should contact their instructor and the FRCC Testing Center during the first week of class to arrange another option.
Before taking an exam at an FRCC Testing Center or other proctored location you must register for the exam. Also, please plan to:
- Bring a photo ID.
- Arrive at the FRCC Testing Center (or login to a remote testing site) early enough to allow enough time to complete the exam before it closes.
- Schedule around busy periods in the semester, there can be an extra wait time for a testing space to come available during common testing times.
FRCC Testing Center hours and proctoring information are available online (https://www.frontrange.edu/campuses/testing-centers).
Campus Closure Procedure
If Colorado Early Colleges closes due to inclement weather or another emergency, online courses will proceed unless Desire2Learn and/or Infinite Campus is impacted. If you experience particular hardship or problems completing the course as a result of an emergency, contact your instructor or call Online Learning at 970-204-8250 or 303-404-5513.
Technical Difficulties
FRCC’s Online Courses are hosted by Desire2Learn, and may incorporate other online materials (e.g. publisher content and open educational resources). As an online student, you are responsible for ensuring that you have a reliable internet connection and the necessary equipment to access your online course(s) and any required course materials listed in the course syllabus. Computer failure or problems with internet access are not considered valid excuses for not completing coursework, so be sure to have a backup plan in place so that you can still complete your work on time even if you run into technical problems. Local libraries and computer labs on campuses can be great alternatives, but be sure to check on hours and availability.
For technical assistance with Desire2Learn, contact the Help Desk which is available 24 hours every day: (http://help.cccs.edu); 888-800-9198 (toll free). Desire2Learn is available 24×7, with the exception of limited maintenance windows posted on the home page. In the unlikely event of an unplanned D2L outage, faculty and staff will be informed so that they can make reasonable adjustments to the course schedule and assignment deadlines.
Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Resources
For important information on rights and responsibilities of all FRCC students, as well as the many support resources available to you, please refer to the link to “Student Rights, Responsibilities and Resources” in the online course shell. Topics include:
- Course Questions
- Access to Course Materials
- Student Email
- Student Drop for Non-Attendance
- Student Drop for Non-Payment
- Financial Aid
- Academic Assistance
- Disability Support Services
- Use of Audio / Video Recordings
- Crisis Counseling and Stress Management
- FRCC Cares
- Notice of Non-Discrimination
- Mandatory Reporting (Title IX)
- Student Code of Conduct
- Philosophy of Inclusion
Course Schedule Important Dates
- First Day of Class: 5 January (Tuesday)
- Martin Luther King Birthday (no school) 18 January (Monday)
- Non-Attendance Reporting Deadline: 22 January (Friday)
- Payment Deadline: N/A
- Last Day to Drop with Refund: 3 February (Wednesday)
- President’s Day (no school) 15 February (Monday)
- Graduation Application Deadline: N/A
- Spring Break: 15-19 March – Enjoy the week!
- Student Feedback Forms Distributed: 18-22 April
- Last Day to Withdraw with “W”: 24 April (Sunday)
- Student Feedback Forms Returned: 1 May (Sunday)
- Last Day of Class: 11 May (Tuesday)
Course Plan
The following table includes the coursework planned for this class.
| Week | Topic |
| Overview | |
| 1 | Getting Started Online Essentials |
| 2 | Computer Essentials 1.1.18 Information Age Questions 1.2.16 Internet and Social Media Questions 1.4.13 Practice Online Safety 1.5.8 Evaluating Online Information 2.1.16 Set Up a Computer 2.1.19 Computer Hardware Questions 2.2.18 System Software Concept Questions 2.3.14 File Management Concept Questions |
| 3 | Common Office Features 2.4.8 Open and print a document in Word 3.1.10 Skills Lab: Get Started with Office 3.1 through 3.5 Do Challenge Labs (if you need practice do Skill Labs) |
| Microsoft Word Sections | |
| 4 | 4.1- 4.4 Do Skill Labs (optional) to learn Skills. Do Challenge Labs to test understanding. Do Applied Labs in each Section to solidify skills. |
| 5 | 4.5- 4.8 Do Skill Labs (optional) to learn Skills. Do Challenge Labs to test understanding. Do Applied Labs in each Section to solidify skills. |
| 6 | 4.9- 4.12 Do Skill Labs (optional) to learn Skills. Do Challenge Labs to test understanding. Do Applied Labs in each Section to solidify skills. |
| 7 | Note: 4.13-4.15 no longer have the skills labs, so alternate assignments need to be given. Prepare for Microsoft Office Specialist Certification Review Section A.1 and A.2 for Word Review Section B.1 for information on MOS Word Certification Exam B.2 Word MOS Associate 2019 (MS-100) B.2.1 Microsoft Word Practice – Form A B.2.2 Microsoft Word Practice – Form B |
| 8 | Do two GMetrix Microsoft Word practice exams and, if you have completed the other assignments, schedule Microsoft Office Specialist Word exam wither in person on Tuesday or Thursday during third period or after class on Monday or Wednesday. |
| Microsoft Excel Sections | |
| 9 | 5.1- 5.4 Do Skill Labs (optional) to learn Skills. Do Challenge Labs to test understanding. Do Applied Labs in each Section to solidify skills. |
| 10 | 5.5- 5.8 Do Skill Labs (optional) to learn Skills. Do Challenge Labs to test understanding. Do Applied Labs in each Section to solidify skills. |
| Spring Break | |
| 11 | Spring Break |
| 12 | 5.9- 5.10 Do Skill Labs (optional) to learn Skills. Do Challenge Labs to test understanding. Do Applied Labs in each Section to solidify skills. |
| 13 | Prepare for Microsoft Office Specialist Certification Review Section A.1 and A.3 for Excel Review Section B.1 for information on MOS Excel Certification Exam B.3 Excel MOS Associate 2019 (MS-100) B.3.1 Microsoft Excel Practice – Form A B.3.2 Microsoft Excel Practice – Form B |
| Microsoft PowerPoint Sections | |
| 14 | 6.1- 6.4 Do Skill Labs (optional) to learn Skills. Do Challenge Labs to test understanding. Do Applied Labs in each Section to solidify skills. |
| 15 | 6.5- 6.8 Do Skill Labs (optional) to learn Skills. Do Challenge Labs to test understanding. Do Applied Labs in each Section to solidify skills. |
| 16 | 6.9- 6.10 Do Skill Labs (optional) to learn Skills. Do Challenge Labs to test understanding. Do Applied Labs in each Section to solidify skills. |
| 17 | Prepare for Microsoft Office Specialist Certification Review Section A.1 and A.4 for PowerPoint Review Section B.1 for information on MOS Excel Certification Exam B.4 PowerPoint MOS Associate 2019 (MS-100) B.4.1 Microsoft PowerPoint Practice – Form A B.4.2 Microsoft PowerPoint Practice – Form B |
| Microsoft Access | |
| 18 | 7.1- 7.7 Skill and Challenge Labs are for review, they will not be part of the graded assignments Do both Applied Labs in each Section to solidify skills. You may optionally take the MOS certification for Access. |
| 19 | Wrap up and Review |
Schedule for PC Applications