Spring 2009
Description
In CIS 070 - Introduction to Computers: Windows, students will gain confidence in the use
of personal computers and the Windows XP operating system. Topics include fundamental
computer terminology, introductory use of a graphics user interface including mouse usage,
windows, menus, icons and dialog boxes. Also, included are file management and an
introduction to word processing, web browsing and e-mail. Pass/No pass grading.
Recommended prerequisite: none
Credits: 2 (Lecture: 1 Lab: 2)
Course Outcomes
- Create a hierarchy file structure and save and retrieve files to/from the proper subdirectories.
- Using WordPad and Paint, create, save and edit files.
- Using Microsoft Office Outlook, demonstrate the processes of opening, saving, replying and deleting e-mails. Also, add entries to “Contacts” and “Calendar”.
- Using Microsoft Internet Explorer, demonstrate opening a web page, searching using key words, creating a favorites list and personalizing the home page.
- Perform general maintenance tasks such as disk defragment, adding/removing programs and implementing security policies on a personal computer.
- Using Microsoft Office Word 2007, illustrate selection of font, font size, font color editing pictures, inserting illustrations, and inserting bullets.
- using Microsoft Office Excel 2007, explain the difference between a row and a column, use formulas, insert text, and format cells.
Meeting Time/Location
CRN 21268 meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:15am to 9:35am in LIB 117.
Instructor
Ralph R Phillips, Assistant Professor
My e-mail address is
. Please use descriptive subjects when sending
an e-mail. "Problem zipping files" is a better subject line than
"Help!". E-mails without a subject are filtered to get automatically
trashed. See http://rrphillips.cocc.edu
for more contact information.
Course Text and Supplies
CourseGuide: Microsoft Windows XP, BASIC (Illustrated Course Guides) (Spiral-bound)
by Steve Johnson (Author)
This text is requied and will be used for graded activities including quizzes.
This course will also make extensive use of resources online:
For the greatest convienence, students should use a portable USB drive for file management.
Portable USB drives are readily available for under $20 at office supply and
electronics/computer stores. With your USB drive, you can install free, portable applictions
including a web browser, image editor, and word processor.
Course Topics Schedule
| 2 |
Mon/Tue |
Getting Started |
| Wed/Thu |
Read: Unit A, "Getting Started with Windows XP"
Homework: Unit A, "Concepts Review", Pages A-20 - A-21 |
| 3 |
Mon/Tue |
|
| Wed/Thu |
Read: Unit B, "Working with Windows Programs"
Homework: Unit B, "Concepts Review", Pages B-20 - B-21 |
| 4 |
Mon/Tue |
|
| Wed/Thu |
Read: Unit C, "Managing Files and Folders"
Homework: Unit C, "Concepts Review", Pages C-20 - C- 21 |
| 5 |
Mon/Tue |
|
| Wed/Thu |
Read: Unit D, "Customizing File and Folder Management"
Homework: Unit D, "Concepts Review", Pages D-20 - D-21 |
| 6 |
Mon/Tue |
|
| Wed/Thu |
Read: Unit E, "Customizing Windows Using the Control Panel"
Homework: Unit E, "Concepts Review", Pages E-20 - E-21 |
| 7 |
Mon/Tue |
|
| Wed/Thu |
Read: Unit F, "Maintaining Your Computer"
Homework: Unit F, "Concepts Review", Pages F-20 - F-21 |
| 8 |
Mon/Tue |
|
| Wed/Thu |
Read: Unit G, "Exploring the Internet with Microsoft Internet Explorer"
Homework: Unit G, "Concepts Review", Pages G-20 - G-21 |
| 9 |
Mon/Tue |
|
| Wed/Thu |
Read: Unit H, "Exchanging Mail and News"
Homework: Unit H, "Concepts Review", Pages H-20 - H-21 |
| 10 |
Mon/Tue |
|
| Wed/Thu |
|
Calculating Your Grade
Quizzes
(15%) |
Labs
(20%) |
Homework Assignments
(50%) |
Journal
(15%) |
The grade category weights listed above are approximate. Each activity
will be worth a certain amount of points. The total points for the
activity divided by the total points for the class determins the effective
weight. For example. Quizzes are fifteen points each and there will likely
be eight quizzes through the term--120 quiz points possible. The course
will likely have 800 points so 120/800 = 15%.
At any time during the term, students can divide their current
accumulated points by the total points possible to find their percentage
grade. In this class, a passing grade is 70% or higher. Students must earn at least 70% of the possible points to demonstrate a minimum level of ability.
Homework assignments will sometimes be graded with the student present
either in class, during office hours or homework lab, or via the
telephone. There is a specific method for submitting homework assignments
and then getting feedback, so make sure you read the directions carefully.
Not all assignments will be submitted in the same manner.
Other Class Policies
Late Assignments/Activities
- Depending on the type of activity, some MAY NOT be turned in late. Most
in-class labs and in-class quizzes that are missed can't be turned in or completed at a later date.
- Homework assignments can be turned in late, but there will be a 20% point deduction.
- Homework assignments that are incomplete won't get graded. Those activities should be
finished completely and turned in late in order to get 40/50 points.
- Journal entries can be turned in late, but there will be a 20% point deduction.
Missing Classes/Exams
Students that miss a class are responsible for getting notes
from classmates and reviewing class recordings/handouts (if available) to
catch up on missed material. Attending a homework lab after
missing a class is the smartest course of action. Asking
"what did I miss in the last class?" will get
a needle poked into the voodoo doll likeness I keep of every
student.
In-class labs and quizzes cannot be made up at a later date.
So, if you signed up for a face-to-face class, don't make
a habit of missing class.
Incomplete Course Grades
Incomplete grades are not available for this course. Students that are not on track to earn a C or better should drop the course before the eighth week of the term.
Commitment
Being busy does not always mean real work. The
object of all work is production or accomplishment
and to either of these ends there must be forethought,
system, planning, intelligence, and honest purpose,
as well as perspiration. Seeming to do is not doing.
THOMAS ALVA EDISON
Success in any class depends greatly on the student's commitment.
A full-term, 2-credit course requires approximately 6-8 hours
of work, each week, away from class. This includes reading the text,
working on assignments/projects, and practicing the skills
demonstrated in class or online. Students seeking exceptional
grades often need to put forth exceptional effort, working for
more than 8 hours in a week for a particular class.
Online classes tend to be more challening for students' time
management, so more time per week is often needed.
Summer classes tend to be more challenging as the same amount
of material is compressed within fewer weeks.
Keep your instructor posted on problems you're having with the
school work early on so that small problems do not turn into
big problems. Visit during office hours and homework labs.
Disability Accomodations
Students with documented disabilities who may need accommodations, who
have any emergency medical information the instructor should know of,
or who need special arrangements in the event of evacuation, should
make an appointment with the instructor as early as possible, no later
than the first week of the term. Students any also wish to contact the
COCC Disabilities Services Office in Boyle Education Center, extension
7583.
Personal Counseling, to help with time management, stress, depression and
the many other personal situations affecting students. Call the CAP
Center at 383-7200 to schedule an appointment.
Insurance
Students are not covered by medical insurance while on campus or
involved in college classes and activities. Students are responsible
for their own medical and dental insurance coverage. Information on
student insurance coverage can be obtained at the student health
center in Grandview or at the cashier in the Boyle Education Center.
If you have specific questions or concerns regarding student insurance
coverage you should discuss them with the Program Coordinator or
Department Chairperson.
Plagiarism
All students are expected to practice the highest standards of
academic honesty. Cheating on assignments, quizzes or exams or
plagiarizing other people’s work is unacceptable and may lead
to a failing grade. Plagiarism is using, borrowing or stealing
someone else’s words or ideas without giving appropriate credit
to the original author. This includes copying definitions and
sentences from textbooks, other student’s papers, the Internet
or any other source. Students are expected to complete all
assignments independently, unless it is a designated group
project. In addition to traditional forms of cheating,
cheating in a computer class includes:
- copying content or images from a web site without credit to the source
- using page kits or similar design templates without permission
- sharing files or using another file found on the computer
- working together to produce identical or very similar outcomes
- Communicating with others while taking online assessments
When in doubt, ask.
Equal Opportunity Policy
COCC has a continuing commitment to programs of equal
opportunity and affirmative action to extend community
services and educational, employment and promotional
opportunities to all legally protected classes.
COCC does not discriminate on the basis of age,
disability, gender, marital status, national origin,
race, religion, sexual orientation or veteran status.
The College complies with all federal legislation and
civil rights laws of the State of Oregon.