Instructor: Dr. B. J. Shrestha
E-Mail: shrestha@ece.umr.edu
Phone Number (573)341-6068
Course Description | Overview and Course Goals | Course Objectives Course Policies | Grades | Required Texts | Course Schedule Online Courses and Telecourse Requirements
This course introduces the student to computer concepts, terminology, and applications. This course combines the lecture and hands-on computer training in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and Windows. Prerequisite: high school algebra proficiency. 2:1:3 (3:0:3 for locations without a lab)
Welcome to Introduction to Computers (CS 140), on-line! This course focuses on an understanding of computing with primary emphasis personal computers. The course will describe hardware, software and the Internet. This course will allow the student to determine what level of computer expertise is needed for their student and professional career and prepare the student for more advanced computer courses. This course focuses on the special computing needs of today's global, diverse, and high-technology society. It is designed to produce students who can demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for professional employment. In the course, you will learn to utilize Microsoft Word , Microsoft Excel , Microsoft Access, Microsoft PowerPoint , and the World Wide Web.
Each week we'll focus on different issues associated with personal and professional computing through our on-line conferencing discussions; these are reinforced and expanded in readings in our text, Microsoft Office: Introductory Concepts and Techniques and Understanding and Using the Internet.
During Week 1, we define what a computer is and what they do, describe data and information, discuss system software and application software, define Local Area Networks and Wide Area Networks and explain how to purchase, install and maintain a personal computer system. Also, we will introduce Internet terminology and present an overview of basic Internet applications such as e-mail, FTP, Telnet, news groups, Gopher and the World Wide Web. Technical issues associated with connecting to the Internet will be discussed. Our on-line discussions will help you become familiar with the on-line environment, learn what we hope to achieve during this course and understand my general guidelines and expectations.
During Week 2, we'll perform two projects introducing Microsoft Windows 95 and Windows Explorer. The first project introduces the student to Windows concepts and terminology and describes how to communicate with Windows using the mouse and keyboard. The second project introduces the student to Windows Explorer. Topics include formatting a diskette, and copying, renaming and deleting files.
Also, during week 2, we will introduce Microsoft Office Manager. One project will be completed that introduces Microsoft Office products, covering topics such as using the Office Manager toolbar to start and quit applications, and to switch to other applications.
Finally, during week 2, we will see how e-mail programs work.
During Week 3, the student will get detailed instruction on how to use Microsoft Word. The material is divided into three projects. Project 1 introduces the student to Word terminology and the Word Window by preparing an announcement. Topics include starting and quitting Word, entering text, saving a document, selecting characters, lines and paragraphs, and centering, bolding, italicizing and changing the font and font size of selected text. In Project 2, the students learn the basic components of a business letter. Topics include text alignment, borders, AutoText, TAB, and print preview.
During Week 4, we will continue Microsoft Word instruction. In Project 3, students use the MLA style of documentation to create a research paper. Topics include headers, page numbering, centering text, AutoCorrect and page breaks.
Also, during week 4, students will be provided an overview of news groups found on the Internet. Examples show how to use the tools and find information about a multitude of topics as well as how to respond to areas of interest. File Transfer Protocol and Telenet will be described.
During Week 5, detailed instruction for using Microsoft Excel is given. Three projects are utilized to present the material. In project 1 the student builds a basic worksheet. Topics include starting and exiting Excel, entering text and numbers, selecting a range, AutoSum, AutoFormat and the Chart Wizard button. In project 2, students use formulas and functions to build a worksheet. Topics include entering formulas and using AVERAGE, MAX and MIN. In project 3 students learn how to work with larger worksheets, how to create worksheets based on assumptions, how to use the IF function, absolute references, and how to perform what-if-analysis.
Also, during week 5, the student gets a comprehensive introduction to Gopher, a menu driven method of retrieving information from the Internet.
During Week 6, the student is acquainted with the three methods of copying objects between a source document and a destination document. Also, the student will receive detailed instruction for using Microsoft Access. Three projects present the material. Project 1 creates a database and includes defining fields, adding records, and printing a table.
Also, the student will use Netscape to demonstrate how World Wide Web services can be used with hypertext and multimedia data. A section about searching for information on the Web is included.
During Week 7, the instruction on using Microsoft Access is continued. Project 2 queries a database and includes topics such as creating and running queries, printing results, sorting and graphing. Project 3 maintains a database and includes topics such as Datasheet views, Form views and creating validation rules.
Also, a section dealing with changing Web browser options, retrieving and playing multimedia files, sending mail with the browser, working with bookmarks and retrieving news group postings is included.
During Week 8, the student will learn Microsoft PowerPoint, a presentation graphics application. The material is presented in three projects. In project 1 the student builds a slide presentation. Topics include Pick a Look Wizard, template selection, changing text style and spell checking. Project 2 creates a presentation in Outline View. Project 3 enhances a presentation by adding graphics and tables.
Also, the student will study the future of the Internet with emerging areas of personal and business applications highlighted.
After you have completed this course, you should be able to:
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Return to Syllabus Index |This course is offered on-line, over the Internet and the World Wide Web, using UOL Publishing's technology and courseware, which allows students to participate at any time, from any location. Because of this flexibility, it is important to plan your time carefully. Students are expected to sign in to the class conference forum (your "virtual classroom") and participate in discussions and other activities at least four times per week. You should expect to spend a minimum of four hours per class week on-line -- the same amount of time you'd spend in the physical classroom. You'll be sending and receiving E-mail, performing on-line research and participating in Web explorations and "tours," and interacting socially and professionally with classmates. See Ground Rules for On-Line Participation for additional guidance.
A class week is defined as the period of time between Monday and Sunday. The first week begins the first day of the semester and ends midnight the following Sunday. Assignments scheduled for completion during a class week should be completed by Sunday of the week assigned. Weekly assignments should be completed and successfully submitted, or postmarked, so that they are in my hands on the due date. NOTE: Because this is an on-line course designed to get feedback on assignments to you directly via Internet, you must make prior arrangements with me before submitting a paper via fax or the postal service. If you ever have problems transmitting your assignments to me, telephone me immediately, and we'll get the problem solved.
Park College policies are in effect. All your work must be your own, unless I authorize collaboration, in which case you must, in writing, acknowledge the help you have received. Presenting as one's own the words, ideas, or expression of another in any form is cheating through plagiarism, and will not be tolerated. The claim of ignorance is no excuse.
A. General. You will be able to track your average exactly throughout the course. The grading scale is as follows: A = 90-100; B = 80-89; C = 70-79; D = 60-69; F = 0-59. You will know in advance the standards for each assignment. Each student is responsible for:
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Return to Syllabus Index |The weekly assignments and the attendance together are worth 60% of the grade and the final examination is worth 40%.
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Return to Syllabus Index | Return to Weekly Index |Final Examination
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Online Courses and Telecourses Requirement
An examination will be taken in person during the 8th week of instruction at one of the Park College sites around the country or at an alternative location approved by the college where Park College sites are not available. "It will be the responsibility of the student to arrange for a proctor who will be accepted and approved by the instructor." Park College site administrators or adjunct faculty are preferred, but K-12 school officials or senior personnel at the place of employment are usually acceptable. For these proctored examinations, photo identification is required. A proctor information form will be provided.
1. This needs to be a significant exam.
2. Approved proctors shall include pastors, chaplains, U.S. Embassy
officials, military education officers, any college or university
faculty member or administrator. Excluded from approval as proctors
shall be family members, neighbors, friends, and immediate supervisors.
3. This requirement shall be included in the syllabus as part of the
course requirements.
4. There shall be flexibility in the time frame of this requirement.
link to: Internet Examination proctor form.