Catalog Course DescriptionThis course is an introduction to the most common microcomputer software applications. These software packages should include typical features of applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and presentation software. Upon completion, students will be able to utilize selected features of these packages.
PrerequisiteNone (keyboarding skills recommended).
TextbookI highly recommend that you bring your textbook to each class meeting, as I will likely integrate material from the text into the lectures each day. In-class textbook sharing is prohibited.
Microsoft Office 2007: Introductory Concepts and Techniques, Windows Vista Edition, by Gary B. Shelly, Thomas J. Cashman, and Misty E. Vermaat.
ISBN-10: 1-4239-1228-4; ISBN-13: 978-1-4239-1228-6.
This textbook may be available in different bindings and / or with different ISBNs. There is also a Premium Video Edition (ISBN-10: 0-324-82684-2; ISBN-13: 978-0-324-82684-5). Please consult with your instructor should you wish to buy a variation on the textbook other than those listed above.
SoftwareThis course focuses on using four programs from Microsoft Office 2007 (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint) in the Windows Vista environment. This software is installed in your CIS 146 classroom as well as the open computer laboratory (room 451). Students enrolled in CIS courses at Jefferson State may obtain some Microsoft software titles free-of-charge through the MSDN Academic Alliance; be looking for an e-mail message in your Pipeline account with your login information. For this course, Windows Vista and Access 2007 are available through this program; Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are not. Microsoft Office 2010 is available at a discounted price for currently-enrolled students, but its interface and feature set may differ slightly from that of Office 2007. Students are discouraged from using earlier versions of Microsoft Office or any other office application suite for the purpose of completing assignments for this course.
Course ContentThis course will deal with general terminology of computers and specific application areas as well as the tools provided in Microsoft Office 2007 for each area. Assignments and examinations may emphasize concepts and / or the ability to accomplish specific tasks with an application. Because the prior knowledge each student has coming into the class will vary, a portion of almost every class meeting will be open for students to complete assignments and obtain individualized assistance.
Make-Up WorkAssignment deadlines are posted on Blackboard, so you should be able to submit an assignment on time even if you miss the day it was announced. If you are unable to attend class or complete work for an extended period of time due to illness or family emergency, you should request an amended timetable for completing assignments from your instructor. Make-up examinations must be scheduled with your instructor within one week of a missed examination and will only be offered for those with significant grounds for missing the exam (illness, family emergency, an automobile accident that occurs on the way to class, etc.). Do not allow a significant amount of time to pass without notifying me of extenuating circumstances -- the earlier you inform me of your situations, the more likely I will be able to help you keep from falling behind. Excessive absences may warrant withdrawal from the course.
GradesRefer to the following table for the contributions of each course item to your grade.
| Item | Number / Points | Total Pts. |
|---|---|---|
| Assignments | 24 @ 10 to 30 pts. each | 500 |
| Exams | 3 @ 100 pts. each | 300 |
| Final Exam | 2 portions @ 100 pts. each | 200 |
| Total Points | 1000 | |
AssignmentsEarly assignments will focus on computer terminology and the elements of Windows Vista. Later assignments will require you to use tools from Microsoft Office to complete exercises from the textbook and / or instructions posted on Blackboard. Some assignments require the use of existing files; these will be provided via links on each assignment's page on Blackboard. Your grades on these assignments will be based on how closely you follow the instructions, with more important instructions weighted more highly than those that are trivial.
ExaminationsThe first examination will require knowledge of computer terminology and the ability to complete tasks in Windows Vista; questions may be multiple-choice, true / false, and / or matching. The latter examinations will focus on specific programs in Microsoft Office and the ability to generate documents according to specific instructions. Unless otherwise specified, examinations are closed-book and closed-note.