Mrs. Laurent-Smith

Computer Concepts

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Course Description

This course is designed to develop your computer software skills by learning computer literacy, the Windows 7 Operating System, and the Office 2010 software suite.  You will enhance your word processing skills as well as learn how to produce meaningful information in the form of spreadsheets with charts, databases, and presentations.  Use of the Internet will also be included in completing some assignments and test preparation.  

 

You may be eligible to earn tuition-free college credit (3 hrs.) from Lewis & Clark Community College for successfully completing this course.  Details related to securing the dual credit are listed in this syllabus.   

 

Learning Objectives

1. Identify the meaning and function of information system components in a business or personal computer system.

2. Describe the process required for the selection of microcomputer hardware and software.

3. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of operating systems by completion of exercises and on written exams.

4. Demonstrate knowledge of application software packages by completion of hands-on projects and both written and hands-on examinations.

 

Course Content – The following topics are covered during the course:

1. Computer Essentials - Introduction to Computer Systems

2. Software Applications

   1. Windows 7 file management and Internet use

   2. Word Processing with Word 2010

   3. Presentations & graphics with PowerPoint 2010

   4. Preparing spreadsheets with Excel 2010 (as time allows)

 

Text/Materials:

Text:  

Pinard, Nicole. CMPTR: Student Edition. Boston: Course Technology, 2012.

 

Software:

Microsoft 7

Microsoft Office 2010

Blackboard

 

Handouts:

Additional handouts will be provided during the course as needed or through schoology.

 

Grading:

Grades will be given for tests, projects, and daily classroom activities.  Books, as study aids for tests, are available for checkout by arranging it with the instructor.

 

Grading Scale:

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A   90 – 100

B   80 –  89

C   70 –  79

D   60 –  69

F    0  –  59

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This course uses the points earned divided by the total points available in the quarter to measure the quarter grade.  There are no weights for particular grades (tests / assignments / projects) above the respective assigned point values.

 

The semester final will be comprehensive in content and constitute 20% of your semester grade.  Semester grades will also appear on LCCC transcripts for those who enroll and successfully complete.

 

Dual Credit Eligibility

Students have the opportunity to earn free credit through Lewis and Clark Community College while enrolled in this class.  There are two parts to this process from the student’s perspective. 

 

The first step is establishing eligibility.  This is through the successful completion of the Lewis and Clark admissions test.  If a student scores sufficiently high on that test for admission they are permitted to sign up for dual credit.

 

The second step is maintaining eligibility.  This is accomplished through successful navigation of both the high school course requirements as well as the more in-depth computer literacy portions of the book.  Successful students will complete the Office suite training and the literacy requirements with a C or better to earn credit.

 

The computer literacy sections of the book will be accomplished through self-guided study of five chapters, two in the first quarter and three in the second quarter of instruction.  Students will be expected to complete these chapters during class after their other coursework is completed, during review/catch-up days, etc.  Students will read the passages in the book, ask questions of clarification to the instructor, and gauging their understanding of the material by taking pre-test quizzes on Blackboard.  Students will then submit essays journaling their thoughts, among other things, on the topics of the chapters.  Successful completion of these topics will be noted in the form of scores provided.

 

Students who do not pass the first quarter with a 60% or higher or deemed to be in jeopardy of not passing the class at any time in the second quarter of instruction may be withdrawn from dual credit at the discretion of the instructor.