Course Description

ITSC 1301 – Introduction to Computers – 3 sem. hrs. (2 lecture, 3 laboratory, 0 external hours per week)

Overview of computer information systems. Introduces computer hardware, software, procedures, and human resources.

TSI Requirement: M1; R0, R2C; W1.

Prerequisite: None

Lab fee: $24

Course Focus

This course is highly focused on the personal computer (PC) and office applications software.

Learning Outcomes:

Identify the components of a computer system; use common applications; explain the impact of computers on society; identify computer careers; identify fundamental programming structures; identify ethical use of computers; and use basic operating system functions.

Text and References

Shelly, Vermaat. Discovering Computers & Microsoft Office 2010 A Fundamental Combined Approach. Cengage, 2012. ISBN in 10 digit format: 0-538-47393-2, ISBN in 13 digit format: 978-0-538-47393-4.

Textbooks may be purchased at any SWTJC bookstore or through most educational servicing bookstores or on the Internet.

Technology Requirements

Students will be expected to have keyboard operation knowledge and basic computer skills.

Program Outcomes for "Computer Information Systems"

The program outcomes noted with an asterisk (*) are addressed in this course.

1. Design and implement a simple Ethernet Local Area Network.

2. Assemble and troubleshoot a computer.

3. Configure and troubleshoot a router.

4. Configure and troubleshoot a switch.

* 5. Write and document a Web page.

6. Write and document a computer program.

7. Identify and secure the vulnerabilities on a network.

* 8. Demonstrate professional and ethical responsibilities.

9. Install and manage operating systems.

*10. Demonstrate proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation graphics

*11. Integrate students into the current economy

Learning Objectives

The following list of learning objectives will be addressed in the course.

1. Explain why computer literacy is vital to success in today's world

2. Describe the five components of a computer: input devices, output devices, system unit, storage devices, and communications devices

3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages that users experience when working with computers

4. Discuss the uses of the Internet and World Wide Web

5. Distinguish between system software and application software

6. Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of computers in each of these categories: personal computers (desktop), mobile computers and mobile devices, game consoles, servers, mainframes, supercomputers, and embedded computers

7. Explain how home users, small office/home office users, mobile users, power users, and enterprise users each interact with computers

8. Discuss how society uses computers in education, finance, government, health care, science, publishing, travel, and manufacturing

9. Identify and briefly describe various broadband Internet connections

10. Describe the types of Internet access providers: Internet service providers, online service providers, and wireless Internet service providers

11. Explain the purpose of a Web browser and identify the components of a Web address

11. Describe how to use a search engine to search for information on the Web

13. Describe the types of Web sites: portal, news, informational, business/marketing, blog, wiki, online social network, educational, entertainment, advocacy, Web application, content aggregator, and personal

14. Recognize how Web pages use graphics, animation, audio, video, virtual reality, and plug-ins

15. Identify the steps required for Web publishing

16. Explain how e-mail, mailing lists, instant messaging, chat rooms, VoIP, FTP, and newsgroups and message boards work

17. Identify the rules of netiquette

18. Identify the four categories of application software

19. Describe characteristics of a user interface

20. Identify the key features of widely used business programs: word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, note taking, personal information manager, business software for phones, business software suite, project management, accounting, document management, and enterprise computing

21. Identify the key features of widely used graphics and multimedia programs: computer-aided design, professional desktop publishing, professional paint/image editing, professional photo editing, professional video and audio editing, multimedia authoring, and Web page authoring

22. Identify the key features of widely used home, personal, and educational programs: personal finance, legal, tax preparation, personal desktop publishing, personal paint/image editing, personal photo editing and photo management, clip art/image gallery, personal video and audio editing, travel and mapping, reference and educational, and entertainment

23. Discuss Web applications

24. Identify the types of application software used in communications

25. Describe the learning aids available for application software

26. Define system software and identify the two types of system software

27. Describe each of these functions of an operating system: starting and shutting down a computer, providing a user interface, managing memory, coordinating tasks, configuring devices, establishing an Internet connection, monitoring performance, providing file management and other utilities, updating automatically, controlling a network, and administering security

28. Summarize the features of several stand-alone operating systems: Windows, Mac OS, UNIX, and Linux

29. Identify various server operating systems

30. Briefly describe several embedded operating systems: Windows Embedded CE, Windows Mobile, Palm OS, iPhone OS, BlackBerry, Google Android, Embedded Linux, and Symbian OS

31. Explain the purpose of several utility programs: file manager, search utility, image viewer, uninstaller, disk cleanup, disk defragmenter, backup and restore utilities, screen saver, personal firewall, antivirus programs, spyware and adware removers, Internet filters, file compression, media player, disc burning, and personal computer maintenance

32. Describe various types of Internet and network attacks (computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, rootkits, botnets, denial of service attacks, back doors, and spoofing), and identify ways to safeguard against these attacks, including firewalls and intrusion detection software

33. Discuss techniques to prevent unauthorized computer access and use

34. Identify safeguards against hardware theft and vandalism

35. Explain the ways against software theft and information theft

36. Discuss the types of devices available that protect computers from system failure

37. Identify risks and safeguards associated with wireless communications

38. Discuss ways to prevent health-related disorders and injuries due to computer use

39. Discuss issues surrounding information privacy, including electronic profiles, cookies, spyware and adware, spam, phishing, privacy laws, social engineering, employee monitoring, and content filtering

40. Define the Internet and the World Wide Web

41. Discuss security concerns on the Internet

42. Explain a link, Uniform Resource Locator (URL), and Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)

43. Describe Internet Explorer features

44. Enter a URL

45. Use the History List and the Favorites Center

46. Use buttons on the toolbar

47. Add and remove a favorite

48. Save a picture or text from a Web page or an entire Web page

49. Copy and paste text or pictures from a Web page into WordPad

50. Print a WordPad document and Web page

51. Use Internet Explorer Help

52. Start and quit PowerPoint

53. Describe the PowerPoint window

54. Select a document theme

55. Create a title slide and text slides with single- and multi-level bulleted lists

56. Save a presentation

57. Copy elements from one slide to another

58. View a presentation in Slide Show view

59. Open a presentation

60. Display and print a presentation in grayscale

61. Check spelling

62. Use PowerPoint Help

63. Create slides from a blank presentation

64. Change views to review a presentation

65. Change slide layouts

66. Add a background style

67. Insert, move, and size clip art

68. Insert a photograph from a file

69. Delete a placeholder

70. Change font color

71. Format text using the Format Painter

72. Add and size a shape

73. Apply Quick Styles to placeholders and shapes

74. Select slide transitions

75. Preview and print an outline and handout

76. Start and quit Excel

77. Describe the Excel worksheet

78. Enter text and numbers

79. Use the Sum button to sum a range of cells

80. Copy the contents of a cell to a range of cells using the fill handle

81. Save a workbook

82. Format cells in a worksheet

83. Create a 3-D Clustered Column chart

84. Change document properties

85. Save a workbook a second time using the same file name

86. Print a worksheet

87. Open a workbook

88. Use the AutoCalculate area to determine statistics

89. Correct errors on a worksheet

90. Use Excel Help to answer questions

91. Enter formulas using the keyboard and Point mode

92. Apply the AVERAGE, MAX, and MIN functions

93. Verify a formula using Range Finder

94. Apply a theme to a workbook

95. Add conditional formatting to cells

96. Change column width and row height

97. Check the spelling of a worksheet

98. Set margins, headers and footers in Page Layout View

99. Preview and print versions of a worksheet

100. Use a Web query to get real-time data from a Web site

101. Rename sheets in a workbook

102. E-mail the active workbook from within Excel

103. Describe databases and database management systems

104. Design a database to satisfy a collection of requirements

105. Start Access

106. Describe the features of the Access window

107. Create a database

108. Create a table and add records

109. Close a table

110. Close a database and quit Access

111. Open a database

112. Print the contents of a table

113. Create and print custom reports

114. Create and use a split form

115. Use the Access Help system

116. Create queries using the Simple Query Wizard

117. Print query results

118. Create queries using Design View

119. Include fields in the design grid

120. Use text and numeric data in criteria

121. Create and use parameter queries

122. Save a query and use the saved query

123. Use compound criteria in queries

124. Sort data in queries

125. Join tables in queries

126. Create a report from a query

127. Perform calculations in queries

128. Calculate statistics in queries

129. Create crosstab queries

130. Customize the Navigation Pane

131. Integrate the Office 2007 applications to create a Web site

132. Add hyperlinks to a Word document

133. Embed an Excel chart into a Word document

134. Add a hyperlink to a PowerPoint slide

135. Create Web pages from a PowerPoint presentation

136. Add a hyperlink to an Access report

137. Create a Web page from an Access report

138. Test a Web site in a browser

139. Start Windows Vista, log on to the computer, and identify the objects on the desktop

140. Perform basic mouse operations

141. Display the Start menu and start an application program

142. Open, minimize, maximize, restore, move, size, scroll, and close a window

143. Display drive and folder contents

144. Create a folder in Windows Explorer and WordPad

145. Browse the Web using Windows Internet Explorer 8.0, a URL, and tabbed browsing

146. Download folders from scsite.com

147. Copy, move, rename, and delete files

148. Search for files using a word or phrase in the file or by name

149. Use Windows Help and Support

150. Log off from the computer and turn it off

151. Start and quit Word

152. Describe the Word window

153. Enter text in a document

154. Check spelling as you type

155. Save a document

156. Format text, paragraphs, and document elements

157. Undo and redo commands or actions

158. Insert a picture and format it

159. Print a document

160. Change document properties

161. Open a document

162. Correct errors in a document

163. Use Word’s Help

164. Describe the MLA documentation style for research papers

165. Change line and paragraph spacing in a document

166. Use a header to number pages of a document

167. Apply formatting using shortcut keys

168. Modify paragraph indentation

169. Create and modify styles

170. Insert and edit citations and their sources

171. Add a footnote to a document

172. Insert a manual page break

173. Create a bibliographical list of sources

174. Move text

175. Find and replace text

176. Use the Research task pane to look up information

Student Contributions

Punctuality is critical for successful progress in this course. Each student is expected to study at least four hours each week (This course is listed as two lecture hours, so you need to study two hours for each lecture hour in a normal Face to Face class) and to assume a self-directed approach to completing class work.

Laboratory assignments are imperative. Students must turn in completed assignments by appropriate deadlines.

Course Evaluation

Your performance will be evaluated by satisfactory mastery of the learning objectives listed above. Four regular exams will be given during the course. The point system below will be used to determine your grade:

[The mid-semester and final will be proctored exams. You must make arrangements to take the test at a SWTJC testing center or obtain a proctor to administrator the exam.]

After your numerical grade has been calculated, your letter grade will be determined as a percentage of points possible:

Classroom Policies

Plagiarism, the representation of someone else's work as your own, or cheating on an examination will not be tolerated. Either case will result in a grade of zero on work or examination in question. Two or more infractions will be reported to the Dean of Instructional Services for disciplinary action.

Laboratory assignments are imperative. Students must turn in completed assignments by appropriate deadlines.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments is requested to speak directly to the Counseling Department (see below) as early in the semester (preferable within the first week) as possible. All discussions will remain confidential.

Crystal City Idalia De La Cruz (830/374-2828) Del Rio Marilyn Casson (830 775-1560)

Academic Integrity Statement

Academic integrity is highly valued in our campus community. Academic integrity directly concerns ethical behaviors which affect both the academic environment and the civic community. Academic dishonestly seriously violates the integrity of the academic enterprise and will not be tolerated at Southwest Texas Junior College. Academic dishonesty is regarded as any act of deception, benign or malicious in nature, in the completion of any academic exercise. Examples of academic dishonesty include cheating, plagiarism, impersonation, misrepresentation of idea or fact for the purpose of defrauding, use of unauthorized aids or devices, falsifying attendance records, violation of testing protocol, inappropriate course assignment collaboration, and any other acts that are prohibited by the instructor of record.

Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)

Southwest Texas Junior College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). SACS requires that every institution develop a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). SWTJCs QEP is entitled Enhancing Critical Reading Skills. SWTJC enhances students' critical reading skills by implementing reading instructional interventions in the Gatekeeper classes (History 1301, Math 1314, and English 1301). SWTJC also facilitates reading skills improvement throughout the institution by providing reading tutorial support. For questions about the QEP, please contact Charles Garabedian or Rachel Rivera, QEP Co-Directors, at cagarabedian@swtjc.edu and rrivera17001@swtjc.edu, respectively.