Lord Fairfax Community College

ITE 115, Introduction to Computer Applications and Concepts, Section 1W1V (3 credits)

Description: Covers computer concepts and Internet skills and use of a software suite which includes word processing, spreadsheet,
database, and presentation software to demonstrate skills required for computer literacy. Prerequisite: AST 117 or AST
101 or equivalent highly recommended.
Meeting: None. This course will be offered via web-based mode only. No in-class meetings will be held.

Term: Spring 2011

Professor Contact Information

! José M. Nieves, Ph.D., Professor of Information Technology (Room 224J, Fauquier Campus)

! Instructor Email: (messages only, please DO NOT send assignments here): jnieves@lfcc.edu

" Telephone and Voicemail: 540-351-1563

! Office hours: Virtual Office hours, if available, will be posted in Blackboard.

Student Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of basic computer hardware.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of computer software.

3. Identify popular operating systems and demonstrate an understanding of major operating system functions.

4. Identify the applications included in an office suite and demonstrate skills in working with various productivity tools.

5. Demonstrate a working knowledge of networks and the Internet.

6. Demonstrate a working knowledge of electronic mail (e-mail).

7. Explain critical issues in computer ethics and security.

8. Discuss the impact of computing and the Internet on society.

Textbooks and Materials

Succeeding with Technology, Computer System

th
Concepts for Real Life, 4 Edition
Baldauf, Stair (Course Technology),
ISBN 978-0-538-74578-9

LFCC ITE 115-W0B Spring 2011 Syllabus; Dr. José M. Nieves/v1.0

 MS Office 2007, Premium Video Edition, Windows
XP Edition
Beskeen, Cram, Duffy, Friedrichsen, Reding (Course
Technology), ISBN 9780324827088

Case Grader Autograding Technology for Office

2007 (Course Technology)

Note 1: DO NOT BUY USED; IT WON’T WORK!

Note 2: PLEASE DO NOT OPEN THE CD UNTIL YOU ARE

TOLD TO!!!!

Note 3: Cover picture is subject to change! The CD you

buy from our bookstore may look slightly
different.

Supplemental Instructional Materials, Media, and Supplies Required

Computer speakers (or a headset) is a required computer setup for this course. You will need to hear voice messages and watch videos,
so you must have access to this computing setup. You cannot be successful in this course without this setup.

A USB hard drive (also known as a “pin” or “jump” drive), minimum of 32 MB is required. Please avoid buying “Smart U3” technology drives.
If you already have a USB drive, we will try to make it work, but make sure it is dedicated to schoolwork.

Access to a computer with Windows XP or Vista is required for this course. The college computer labs provide access to computers
using Windows XP and the software required for doing the work required in this course, except for lab simulations. The use of other college
non-supported operating systems is not recommended for the coursework and will not be accepted as a reason for not doing or turning in the
required work. Please note that we are not supporting Windows 7 this semester yet. So, please do not ask for assistance if you are using the
wrong software platform.

Outside resources: None required.

Procedures

This course will be taught 100% web-based. Three preliminary midterm quizzes will be administered in a proctored environment (of your
choice, but most likely the testing labs at either campus). That is, you should count on coming to campus at least THREE TIMES during this
course, unless you can make arrangements with another proctoring center near you and acceptable to me. The quizzes will be announced at
least 2 weeks in advance so that you can make appropriate arrangements to come to campus.

Learners are expected to actively participate in the class activities and exercises as identified in the Blackboard classroom. Any independent
study assignments will be self-managed by the learner.

Course Requirements

! Testing
# All tests must be taken on time unless prior arrangements have been made. There will be no unscheduled makeup tests
(barring illness or bona-fide documented emergencies as long as I have prior notice and you have cleared the
situation with me)

$ Syllabus Comprehension Quiz

Total 1.5% of final grade (15 points)
The second week of class we will have a syllabus comprehension quiz. You will be quizzed on the contents of this syllabus.
It will be “open book/notes.”

$ Preliminary Midterm Quizzes

Total 30% of final grade (300 points out of 1000 points).
Three preliminary quizzes will be administered worth 300 points total. Each will cover material up the previous study unit. The

LFCC ITE 115-W0B Spring 2011 Syllabus; Dr. José M. Nieves/v1.0

 midterm may/may not be closed book (I will make that determination later on the course, well before each quiz comes). The
quizzes will include theory and exercises and will test your knowledge of the material and your ability to apply it, as well as
your mastery of skills covered thus far in the course. The quizzes will be administered at the testing lab and MUST be
proctored.

All work must be word-processed unless otherwise identified.

$ Final Exam
Total 25% of final grade (250 points out of 1000 points).
The final exam is comprehensive/cumulative for the entire course. The final exam will include only theory.

! Independent Tasks
Total 43.5% of final grade (435 points out of 1000 total points).
There will be a series of independent tasks that will be assigned throughout the course. They are to be handed in by the time
and date that is specified on Blackboard for the assignment. The task will be considered "late" if handed in after it has been
collected in class. A "late" quiz will not be accepted for a grade. Handwritten quizzes will NOT be accepted; all work must
be typed or word-processed whenever appropriate. You can hand in the work to your campus’ receptionist, where the work
will be date/time stamped and forwarded to me.

If LFCC cancels classes and the Task is due that day, you will be expected to turn in the quiz the next business day
that LFCC is open either by fax or email; otherwise, it will be considered late and therefore not accepted.

! Attendance Credit and Attendance Policy

None – this is a web course.

! Special Projects – None.

! Extra Credit - I do not offer nor allow for any extra credit assignments/work. Please do not ask for this type of work as it will not be
provided.

Grading

There are 1000 points to be accumulated during the course for a "perfect" grade (i.e., 100%).

Work to be graded includes all testing, take-home tasks, and attendance.

Evaluation criteria: Grades will be determined by how many points you have accumulated at the end of the semester out of 1000 points.

Levels of comprehension: We will follow this scale:

% 920-1000 points will earn the learner an "A" (the equivalent to 92-100%)
% 820-919 points will earn the learner a "B" (the equivalent to 82-91%)
% 750-819 points will earn the learner a "C" (the equivalent to 75-81%)
% 700-749 points will earn the learner a "D" (the equivalent to 70-74%)
% 0-699 points will earn the learner an "F" (the equivalent to 0-69%)

• You can check your 'running' scores in the course through Blackboard.
• Assignments, tests, and the final grade are NOT curved under any circumstances.
• Scores and grades are not “rounded up” under any circumstances.
• “Incompletes” are considered a last resort option for extenuating circumstances and place an undue burden on both the learner
and the professor. This grade should never be expected. The circumstance’s merits will be considered on an individual basis
ONLY. An incomplete is totally at the discretion of the professor and is not guaranteed.

Disability Accommodation Policy

Lord Fairfax Community College is committed to insuring that students with documented disabilities have the opportunity to take part in
educational programs and services in accordance with the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Students seeking accommodations must make an application with the Disability Coordinator in the Office of
Student Success. Accommodations will be made in this class in accordance with the Accommodation Letter from the Disability Coordinator.

Academic Honesty, Plagiarism, and Cheating Policy

Academic honesty is an integral part of your academic life. You are expected to do and present only your own work. I do not mind if learners
discuss class work for ideas and clarification; however, there is a very fine line you should not cross when it comes to working the homework
on your own. I reserve the right to require that any papers be submitted to a plagiarism-prevention service called “Turnitin.com.” Your
continued registration in this course implies your consent to submission of your work to this service.

LFCC ITE 115-W0B Spring 2011 Syllabus; Dr. José M. Nieves/v1.0

I have zero tolerance for academic dishonesty. Any learner found cheating, plagiarizing, copying, or otherwise being dishonest will fail the
assignment automatically and will be referred for counseling and possible academic action beyond this course. Depending on the severity of
the infraction, I reserve the right to fail you from the course.

Learner Conduct

All learners are expected to abide by the LFCC code of conduct as explained in the LFCC Catalog. You are expected to respect your fellow
learners, your professor, and yourself. Failure to abide by this rule will result in the learner being prevented from staying in the Blackboard
courseroom and being able to participate in course activities. Infractions will be dealt with on an individual basis following the guidelines set
forth in the LFCC code of conduct.

Web Courses - Entry Level Skills

Participants need to be aware of the technology expectations for LFCC distance learning courses. These are detailed at
http://www.lfcc.edu.

& Prerequisite Skills

Students in online classes must be proficient users of the World Wide Web and are responsible for adhering to all the
following criteria. If you are unable to fulfill these requirements, another class delivery method is more appropriate for
you.

i. You must be able to check class announcements on Blackboard and your e!mail daily or every other day for
most online classes.

ii. You must have sufficient Internet access to do all the class activities, and you are responsible for finding
alternative resources when necessary.

iii. You must have strong Internet research skills.

iv. You must be able to perform the following Web browser functions:

1. Locate and follow hyperlinks and navigate “back” and “forward”

2. Add and access favorites/bookmarks so you can revisit important websites

3. Edit your Web browser preferences

4. Adjust font size for reading web pages

5. Adjust color preferences for reading and printing web pages

6. Configure mail settings in browser to activate “mailto” hyperlinks (optional)

7. Save files to disk as Plain Text and as HTML

8. Use the “Go” or “History” function to access recently visited pages

9. Reload (refresh) the screen

10. Print Web pages!!adjust page setup and print options so that the URL (web address) and access
date are printed on the page (it is a good idea to print all important pages or at least the top levels of
important sites to provide a record of your access)

11. Use your browser Help files for additional assistance.

& Research Skills

Students should possess computer skills to do online research using a variety of search engines; be familiar with your
college’s library website and available methods of obtaining articles and documents via LFCC’s library resource site.

i. Writing and Communication Skills

Students should possess a firm command of written communication skills, including the mechanics of writing
and grammar, the ability to organize thoughts, and the ability to demonstrate those skills in all written work.

1. Observation of “Netiquette”: All your online communications need to be composed with fairness,
honesty and tact. Spelling and grammar are very important in an online course. What you put into an
online course reflects on your level of professionalism. Remember to:

LFCC ITE 115-W0B Spring 2011 Syllabus; Dr. José M. Nieves/v1.0

 a. Check your sentence capitalization, typing in all caps is considered screaming and is hard
to read.

b. Use appropriate punctuation.

c. Fill in the subject field on e-mail communication or in Blackboard’s Discussion Board.

Failure to follow netiquette guidelines when filling in the subject line of an e-mail may
result in your correspondence being discarded as spam.

d. Use color text sparingly in your emails. Certain colors can make emails difficult to read.

e. Proofread e-mails, assignments and all course postings for errors.

These netiquette guidelines will help to ensure you are courteous and use proper
manners while corresponding with your friends, family and business associates.

& Technology Requirements

Students in online classes must be proficient with the basic functions of a word processor as listed below. If you are
unable to fulfill these requirements, another class delivery method is more appropriate for you.

For word processing, the following software and skills are essential:

1. Browser Settings
Download signed ActiveX controls “enabled”
Download unsigned Active X controls “disabled”
Run ActiveX controls and plug!ins “enabled”
Allow Cookies “enabled”
Allow per!session Cookies “enabled”
Active scripting “enabled” JavaScript & Cookies must be enabled Scripting of Java applets"
“enabled” Disable pop-up blockers (or add http://learn.vccs.edu to trusted sites)

2. Audio / Visual Media Players

Windows Media Player 9 or higher
(http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/11/default.aspx)
Flash 9 or higher
(http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash)
Latest version of Java http://www.java.com/en/download/

3. Instructional Software
Adobe Acrobat Reader (http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html)

4. Hardware

CPU; Central Processing Unit CPU: Pentium III or equivalent, 233 or

higher MHz speed

Random Access Memory (RAM) 128 Mbytes

Sound Sound Card: Sound Blaster compatible

audio card Microphone (Headset
microphone recommended)
Graphics Graphics/Media standards found in
Windows 98 and above. Minimum Screen
Resolution: 800 x 600 pixels AVI Audio
Video Interleaved GIF Graphics
Interchange Format JPEG Joint
Photographic Experts Group WAV
Windows audio format

Hard Drive Hard Drive: 1 Gigabyte free storage area

External Storage Memory Key or equivalent external storage
device
Compact Disc, Read!Only!Memory CD or DVD"ROM
(CD!ROM)

LFCC ITE 115-W0B Spring 2011 Syllabus; Dr. José M. Nieves/v1.0

 Modem Broadband Internet connection (DSL or
cable) 56K modem in not recommended

Monitor 800 by 600 screen size (minimum)

Headset REQUIRED hardware for audio capabilities

Class Calendar (subject to change as notified in Blackboard)

Tentative Topics Covered Blackboard Study Unit

Introduction and administrative; Introduction to Information Systems; History; “Why study
1
this?”; Computer Professions; syllabus quiz

Reviewing email 2

Computer hardware and software concepts 3

MS Windows 4

The Internet 5

Preliminary Quiz 1

MS Word 6

Preliminary Quiz 2

MS Excel 7

Preliminary Quiz 3

MS PowerPoint 8

MS Access 9

Communication and Networks Ethics, Privacy, Security, Other Issues 10

Final Exam

** - Every attempt is done to stick to a schedule; however, this schedule is tentative and subject to change.

Student Responsibilities
Students enrolled in this course should continually monitor their learning, evaluating their own efforts, and actively seek help when
needed in a timely manner. To successfully complete this course, you will need to assume an active role in the learning process;
ask questions, complete assignments, participate in discussion and group chat sessions, and complete all assignments.

Students are expected to retain an electronic copy of all work submitted. If transmission of the work fails, participants are expected
to “resend” the document under directions of the instructor. Projects will be submitted in Blackboard either through a discussion
thread or via the assignment features. Participants are expected to verify their own Blackboard responses by returning to the
appropriate place in Blackboard after the work has been posted.

Professor’s Responsibilities
It is my responsibility to help students grow and learn. This means that I will try to provide clear instructions for all projects, answer questions
about the assignments, identify additional resources as necessary, provide review questions and study guides for assessments, and provide
rubrics and other criteria for evaluation of projects. This is never a “static” course referenced readings, software versions and hardware
specifications can change quickly. In this environment, the instructor is always evaluating, revising and clarifying questions and problems.

LFCC ITE 115-W0B Spring 2011 Syllabus; Dr. José M. Nieves/v1.0

 Course Core Topics

This course will cover the following categories of topics:

$ The four main functions of a computer: input, processing, output, and storage.
$ Major hardware components and their functions.
$ How to maintain computer equipment and solve common problems.
$ Factors that go into an individual or organizational decision on how to purchase computer equipment.
$ How software and hardware work together to perform computing tasks and how software is developed and upgraded.
$ What an operating system is and major operating system functions.
$ Hands-on use of a windows-based operating system to change system settings, install and remove software, manage files and
folders, and run applications to accomplish specific tasks.
$ Important categories of application software: communications, word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and
presentation graphics applications.
$ Hands-on use of word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and presentation graphics applications.
$ Communications and networking terminology and technology to include Internet operations and its uses.
$ Hands-on use of a Web browser and various search engines, subject-directories, and portals.
$ Hands-on use of the VCCS Blackboard electronic classroom and VCCS learner e-mail.
$ How computers are used in different areas of work, school, and home.
$ Computer ethics and security issues.

Blackboard

This course utilizes Blackboard for the delivery of your assignments and announcements. Blackboard technical support requests can be
directed to the Learning Systems Administrator at the Middletown campus. See the area “Technical Support” in the Blackboard classroom.

Email Policy

Learners must use their VCCS e-mail account to correspond with the professor. You have been assigned an electronic mail (e-mail)
account by the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). You have been assigned this account for use in this and other courses that you
may take through Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC) or other colleges in the VCCS. The VCCS suggests (and I require) that you use
this e-mail account for any course-related e-mail communication so that we can insure your privacy as required by law and to protect the
overall system from malware and other security threats.

If you use your own email (home or work) account, you will not receive a response from your professor since it will be caught in
my “spam” filter! To ensure you get a response, you must use your VCCS learner email account.

Email response times: You can expect emails to be answered within 36 hours (M-F only). Weekend email will be answered as soon as
possible on Mondays (Tuesday at the latest). If you expect a response, please ensure you inbox is not “full” or that your junk email filter lets
my emails go through; otherwise, I cannot contact you.

Course Disclaimer

Every attempt is made to provide a syllabus that is complete and that provides an accurate overview of the course. However, circumstances
and events may make it necessary for the instructor to modify the syllabus during the course. This may depend, in part, on the progress,
needs, and experiences of the participants.

LFCC ITE 115-W0B Spring 2011 Syllabus; Dr. José M. Nieves/v1.0