COMI 1100: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS Computer Studies & Information Processing Fall 2015 Semester 15 weeks: Sept. 3–Dec. 17, Credits

Hybrid: On-campus and online  On-campus classes held Thursdays from 4:00 to 8:00pm, Knight Campus, room 2108 INSTRUCTOR: Jim Kirby -  Office: Suite 2073, room 2077 Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 10:00 to 3:00, by appointment  Faculty web:

Learning Objectives  This computer literacy course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of computers and information processing.  Upon successful completion of this course, the student will gain an understanding of hardware and software concepts and how they are used in information systems.  The scope of this course includes a historical background that traces the development of the modern computer and the place of the computer in society.  There is great emphasis on the operation and terminology of computer systems.

Learning Objectives Instructor will:  Explain the functions of a computer  Identify types and characteristics of various classes of computers  Identify types and uses of application software  Demonstrate fundamental file management abilities  Explain the function of the system components, including CPU, motherboard, and system unit  Identify types and characteristics of various peripherals, including storage and I/O  In computing, input/output or I/O (or, informally, io or IO) is the communication between an information processing system, such as a computer, and the outside world, possibly a human or another information processing system.  Explain the role of an operating system  Identify types of operating systems and utility software  Identify data compression formats, including audio and video formats  Demonstrate how to find and evaluate information on the Web  Discuss the impact of social media on culture and society  Discuss topics in computer networks, including roles, types, components, and security  Discuss safe computing practices, including threats to computer safety.

Learning Objectives Instructor will teach students how to:  Perform fundamental tasks common to most application software including print, save, edit, cut, copy, paste, format, spell and grammar check  Use word processing software to create documents including basic components (e.g. lists, headers, footers) and reference components (e.g. footnotes, citations, bibliographies)  Use spreadsheet software to create workbooks including simple formulas with both relative and absolute cell references and charts  Use presentation software to create a presentation including basic components (e.g. transitions, lists, WordArt)

Required Materials  This is a hybrid course that combines classroom instruction with online.  Students and instructor will meet Thursdays from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  The balance of the work will be done as weekly online assignments, quizzes and tests.  This work can be done online via the Internet at home or in the academic computer labs.

Technical Requirements IMPORTANT: To participate in the course, you must have access to the Internet for the online portion of the class. Most students will use a home computer with Internet access. You may also come to campus to participate in the online learning: checking and responding to your , doing online assignments, and taking practice quizzes, when it is most convenient to you but before the due date. For the Microsoft Office 2013 assignments you will need access to a computer with Microsoft Office 2013 installed. If you don’t have this at home, you may need to use the computers in the academic labs on-campus.

Prerequisites The college does not have prerequisites to taking this course However, in order to get the most out of the class, a basic knowledge of working with Windows operating systems and the Windows desktop, file handling, and the Internet, (browsing and searching), is strongly recommended. (For courses of this nature, see: COMI 1000: Computer Basics.)Computer Basics You must check your CCRI EVERY DAY for class announcements, assignments, etc.

Texts/Software/Web/materials  TEXTS:  Visualizing Technology Introductory, 4 th Edition, Debra Geoghan ISBN-10: ISBN-13: ©2016 Prentice Hall Paper, 504 pp Published 01/20/2015  Skills for Success With Microsoft Office 2013, Volume 1 – 14 edition by Kris Townsend, Catherine Hain and Shelley Gaskin ISBN13: ISBN10: X  Learn more at:  Two flash drives– 2 GB each  a Dropbox account.Dropbox account

Classroom Rules of Conduct  Be respectful of others at all times.  As a courtesy, please do not talk, type (other than note- taking), or print while the instructor is talking to the class or when a student is asking a question that pertains to the class.  Refrain from surfing the Web during class, unless directed by your instructor.  Turn off, or switch to vibrate, cell phones.  Refrain from bringing food and drink into the classroom.  You are encouraged to work together to solve problems. However, you must complete your own work.

Grading Policy  You will be evaluated based on your combined performance on  Attendance  Class participation  Web research projects Web research projects  Homework assignments Homework assignments  Tests and exams.  Quizzes, tests and exams: 65% of grade  Attendance/class participation/web projects: 15% of grade  Office 2013 assignments: 20% of grade

Grading Policy Grading scale Letter gradePercentage of 100 A96 – 100 A-91 – 95 B+87 – 90 B83 – 86 B-77 – 82 C+74 – 76 C68 – 73 D D F0 – 59

Grading Policy  Assignments are due on the day designated by the instructor.  Failure hand-in/ an assignment on the due date will result in a grade of 0.  You may make-up missed work within 7 days. However, work submitted late will have points deducted.  The instructor will raise or lower your grade despite your test, quiz or project grade’s numeric average, based on attendance, punctuality and classroom participation during on-campus classes.  See official CCRI grading policy at: (page 20).

Disability Accommodations  Students with a learning disability need to discuss their situation with the Disability Services for Students Department.  After meeting with the DSS Coordinator, the student should contact her/his professor, provide him with the Request for Accommodation(s) letter, and discuss the accommodations needed in each class and how the accommodation(s) will be implemented.  For more information see:

POLICY ON ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:  Students may not use or copy another person’s work (or portions of it) without citing that work.  See Student Handbook for full text of CCRI’s POLICY ON ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: ook/handbook.html#dishonesty. ook/handbook.html#dishonesty  See CCRI Plagiarism Policy at: (page 27).

Attendance Policy  For the on-campus classes: Class begins at 4:00 p.m., sharp. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class. Students not in class at the time attendance is taken will be given a 0.  Absences from classes will also result in a loss of points for attendance.  A total of 1,500 attendance points are attainable.  Each absence will result in the loss of 100 points.  Leaving before the end of class (8:00 pm or upon dismissal by instructor), must be discussed in advance, with the instructor. Students who leave without notice will be assessed an absence for that entire class.  Students arriving after attendance has been taken (4:00) must check with the instructor upon arrival to the class to receive partial credit for attendance. Do not assume I noted your arrival.

Homework Assignments  Expect to spend an average of 2 hours doing homework per hour spent in class.  For this 3-hour class, that equals 6 hours of homework per week.  That is the norm for undergraduate courses at U.S. colleges. (To see numerous examples of this norm from various college web sites, use any search engine to search: “How many hours of homework per class hour +college”.)  You may choose to use the lab portion of each class (1 hour) to work on your assignments in the classroom with me there for support.

QUIZZES & EXAMS  2 chapter quizzes every week  1 Chapter from Visualizing Technology  1 Chapter from Office 2013  A midterm ( 4-5 weeks in) and a final exam (week 15)  Visualizing Technology only

MISCELLANEOUS  Please bookmark the syllabus; the rules and procedures listed are strictly enforced.  Please be sure that all electronic devices (cell phones, pagers, etc.) are turned off or to “vibrate” BEFORE entering class.  We will take two scheduled 10-minute breaks per class. The breaks will occur at approximately 5:30 and 6:45.

Print Management for students  CCRI has implemented a Print Management solution which helps to reduce the amount of excess printing on campus which includes the wastefulness of paper as well as toner and ink. See: management/ management/

Helpful Information Resources  MyCCRI documentation:   Blackboard Documentation for Students:   Rave Emergency Alerts:  Receive Closings, Cancellations and Delays text messages: