INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER APPLICATIONS (CPSC 107)
Spring 2008

INSTRUCTOR: Mary Merrill                                    Email: mmerrill@hcc-nd.edu
Office: V 180                                                             Office telephone: ext. 379
Home Phone: 674 – 8164                                          

Office Hours: 2:00– 4:00 MWF and by appointment  

Textbooks and Materials
Microsoft Office 2007- Introductory Concepts and Techniques Windows Vista Edition, Shelly Cashman Series

Kingston Memory Stick          

COURSE DESCRIPTION
 This course is designed to introduce the student to the use of the software applications.  The course will start with an introduction to the various components and uses of the computer.  We will learn about software, hardware, and the Internet. The course will then move through four types of applications: Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases, and Communications/Presentations.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
 This is a hands-on-course in which you will acquire the following skills through a variety of different projects.
How to functionally use the WINDOWS operating environment and the Internet
How to use computer software in the following areas:

Word 2007 Topics

Chapter 1 – insert and delete text and blank lines, use AutoCorrect, AutoText, and AutoComplete, change themes and styles, use color and insert pictures, move, cut, and copy formats, insert current date, create a tabbed table, bulleted lists, and insert and size AutoShapes

Chapter 2 - create a research paper using the MLA documentation style, create a table of contents, add footnotes, captions, and cross-references, create a table

Chapter 3 – create a cover letter and a resume, including using custom tabs, creating a building block, column formats and tables

Excel Topics

Chapter 1 – review of basic understanding of manipulating and displaying data using a spreadsheet

Chapter 2 – excel mathematical functions, relative and absolute addressing, conditional formatting, formatting worksheets, creating a style, defining page setups, save a web page

Chapter 3 – what-if analysis, goal seek command, creating charts, changing chart options, three dimensional charts, using the drawing toolbar

Access Topics

Chapter 1 – design a database, create a table and add records, create and print custom reports

Chapter 2 – creating queries, defining a relationship between table, using the and, or logical operators, creating a calculated field, using aggregate functions

Chapter 3 – maintain records, make mass changes to table, create validation rules, creating forms and subforms

PowerPoint Topics

Chapter 1 – create a title slide and text slides, view a presentation

Chapter 2 – change slide layouts, insert and modify clip art and photographs, add and size a shape, select slide transitions

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

 In addition to learning computer applications and concepts, the student will also learn specific skills that will be transferable to other classes and useful in their chosen profession.  The following are the specific skills that are taught and are measured:

 Creative Thinking
- generate ideas and synthesize results
- understand the creative process

Critical Thinking
- ask relevant questions
- analyze, interpret and appreciate thoughts/works of others

Library & Information Literacy
- evaluate and use available sources of information
- identify, locate and utilize needed resources

Oral Communications
- speak effectively
- demonstrate listening skills

Quantitative Reasoning
- recognize the order, logic and terminology of mathematics
- collect organize and use information
- apply mathematical principles

Technology
- accurately use computer terminology
- understand the functions and uses of computers
- use technology and Internet access information
- use various software programs needed for major areas of study

Reading & Writing
- demonstrate proficiency in reading
- develop flexible techniques in reading

Homework Policy
 Homework is due at the beginning of class unless stated by the instructor.  All assignments will placed on the s:drive. No late assignments will be accepted.  Academic Integrity will be enforced; students must turn in their own work failure to do so will result in the student receiving an F on the assignment or an F in the class. The incident will also be reported to the Academic Dean.

Attendance Policy

"ATTENDANCE: There is a direct correlation between regular class attendance and student’s success in class. A student will find it very difficult to successfully pass the class if he/she does not attend class regularly. Hence, regular class attendance is highly encouraged. Regular class attendance will affect your final grade in the course in each of the following ways.

1. If a student has no more than three (3) absences, then the student will have the option of having the final exam score replace their lowest regular period exam score. For this purpose three (3) tardies will be equivalent of one absence. A student who leaves class is also considered absent.

2. If a student is never late or absent from class, then the student will be allowed to exercise the option of NOT taking the final exam. If the student meets these qualifications, then the student’s final semester grade will be the grade earned as of the last day of class for the semester.

3. If a student has more than 3 absences for any reason, then the student‘s grade in the course may be lowered at least one letter grade or an F will be assigned for the course.

No tests and/or inclass assignments will be made up. Absences from class will not excuse you from missing homework, quizzes or tests.

Grading Policy

Grades are based on a point system. There will be approximately 600 – 700 points to be earned in the class. There will be labs, tests and in class assignments that will vary in points. All grades are on-line. Any questions or concerns regarding a grade must be addressed no more than 1 class period after the grades have been posted.