Note: Before you send your message, be sure you are using your WebCT/Blackboard Learning System course email. Based on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) that protects student privacy -- grades and personal information can only be released to the student; therefore, you must use your personal MCC email account when communicating with online correspondence to assure information being released is going directly to you.

Important: As a registered student in this class you are responsible to know  and understand the syllabus. The instructor is willing to answer any  questions you may have concerning the syllabus.  It is recommended  that you keep this syllabus in the front of your notebook for this class to have easy reference.

GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION:

Although there are no prerequisites, this is a very fast paced and demanding course.

Teaching Goals/Course Competencies:
Note: (#) references MCCD Course Competencies

Knowledge and Conventions
Summarize the historical development of information processing and the computer and describe its impact on society. (1)

• Practice appropriate means of documenting your work.
• Control such surface features such as syntax, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Technology Literacy
(Using basic skills and research and applying the software skills learned.)

• Use accurate terminology to describe common uses of technology in society. (2)
• Identify common hardware components of computer systems and describe their uses. (4)
• Identify different types of software and their uses (5)
• Describe common uses of networks. (7)
• Use the Internet to communicate, collaborate, and retrieve information. (8)

Critical Thinking, Reading and Writing
(The ability to locate, apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information utilizing a variety of resources to make decisions and to solve problems)

• Describe how technology is used in various career paths. (3)
• Determine when technology is useful and select the appropriate tool(s) and technology resources to address a variety of tasks and problems. (10)
• Identify positive social and ethical behaviors when using technology and the consequences of misuse. (12)
• Use writing and reading for inquiry, learning, thinking, and communicating.
• Understand a writing assignment as a series of tasks, including finding, evaluating, analyzing, and synthesizing appropriate primary and secondary sources.
• Integrate your own ideas with those of others.
• Understand the relationships among language, knowledge, and power.
• Learn to critique your own and others’ work.

• Use word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software. (6)
• Create programs in a common programming language using appropriate input, output, and processing statements for that language. (9)
• Describe the steps in planning and implementing technology solutions. (11)
• Develop flexible strategies for generating, revising, editing, and proof-reading.
• Understand writing as an open process that permits writers to use later invention and re-thinking to revise their work.
• Understand the collaborative and social aspects of writing processes.
• Learn to balance the advantages of relying on others with the responsibility of doing your part.
• Use a variety of technologies to address a range of audiences.

This class is dedicated to successful learning in your academic growth.  Many of the assignments you are given promote the following aspects which you will need to be effective in your present and future learning as well as in the community and business world:

• Team work through collaborative learning (group projects) and participatory skills.
• Ethics: the ability to commit to standards.
• Interpersonal skills: the ability to utilize oral, written and listening skills.
• Organization:  the ability to meet deadlines and future planning.
• Personal, professional and community responsibilities.

Required Textbook Bundle

ISBN 9780132682978

• Technology in Action Complete, 7th Edition (2011); Evans, Martin, Poatsy, Pearson/Prentice Hall
  
• Skills for Success with Microsoft Office 2007
  First Edition (2009); Townsend Pearson/Prentice Hall
• Skills for Success with Windows 7
  First Edition (2011)
• My IT Lab (access code part of textbook bundle)

Software
(You have access to the following
in the MCC Computer Lab):

Windows 7 Operating System

Internet Explorer, Ver. 6.0 or later

Office 2007 Professional (free 180 day trial incl. with textbook)

Virus Protection Program  Ensure you have a virus protection software package (i.e. Norton's, McAfee, Penicillin, AVG, etc.)  installed/updated on your computer if you'll be working at home/work. Files with viruses will not be accepted.

You will need

• Textbook Bundle listed above.
• Student ID Card (available free at the Kirk Center) if you want to use the MCC computer lab  
• One USB Flash Drive (128MB or larger)) to store your files (some of the files can be quite large).  More information on USB Flash disks is available in the online Student Toolbox.
• You may want to have a folder available to keep graded assignments and/or work in progress.
• Optional/Recommended: headphones for use in lab/classroom

Grading is based on total points earned divided by total points possible. Those points are applied to the following grading scale: 

90% - 100% =  A 80% - 89%   =  B

70% - 79%   =  C 60% - 69%   =  D

Points can be accumulated through computer lab and project assignments, tests, quizzes, group activities and discussions (in class and online), presentations, and other assignments. The grading can be changed at instructor's discretion. Advanced notice will be given regarding the change. For detailed information on the points for each assignment, refer to the Assignment checklists for this course.

• If the assignment closely resembles what was requested, including all formatting and editing completed correctly, you will receive full points.

• If the assignment contains errors (including typographical) or is missing required tasks, you will lose points on the assignment. This includes the same mistake that is made on revised documents.
• If the assignment contains more errors than points or if it is not turned in at all, you will lose all the points.
• Special projects points are graded according to a special grading scale distributed with the project directions.
• Late assignments are subject to a 10% per calendar day point loss.

Although grades will be posted in WebCT, you are responsible for keeping track of your accumulated points/grade. It is recommended that you keep all graded assignments until the end of the semester.

• Assignments generally consist of lab book chapter units, lab projects, discussion questions (in class and online), chapter quizzes, and additional projects etc. 
• The labs, which are independent, usually consist of lessons for each software package learned, followed by assigned lab projects. 
• Projects are additional assignments which summarize lab and lecture activities.
• You will be required to participate in group activities during some class periods (face to face classes), as well as post to an online discussion board.  
• The lab assignments are independent.  Therefore, you will complete the Internet, Windows 7, Office 2007, and projects outside of "class time".
• You do not need to attend lab during specific lab hours.  Should you choose to work in the computer lab, any of the instructors or lab personnel should be able to assist you.  Note: You may not bring friends or children into the computer lab.
• Refer to your Course Assignment Schedule for due dates for the course.  It is your responsibility to read these and turn in assignments as indicated and in a timely manner.
• Assignments may not always follow the book order. 
• Make sure you read the special instructions for each assignment; assignments are subject to point deductions if instructions are not followed correctly.
• The syllabus, topics, assignments, and schedule for the course are subject to change as needed during the course. I will make electronic announcements of any changes.
• Except for unusual circumstance, most assignments will be graded within one week of due date. Discussion board grades will be posted periodically during the semester.

Once an assignment is submitted, received and graded, you can view the grade in the Online Gradebook.  A My Grades link is provided for you in the WebCT/Blackboard Learning System CIS105 course Home Page through the navigation bar.

Assignment Order: The easiest way to follow the course requirements is to look under each week in the schedule.  It is suggested that you follow this order (following each Learning Module based on your course schedule will also work well.):

• Review the schedule
• Complete the reading assignment (textbook and resource links)
• Attend the Lecture (Online- review lecture notes)
• Review the PowerPoint presentations and videos
• Take chapter quizzes
• Complete Discussion Questions
• Complete the projects and lab assignments
• Submit projects/assignments (through MyITLab or Assignment Dropbox as indicated in schedule)
• Take practice tests if applicable
• Take online test

Submitting Assignments:  

• Each assignment has a specific due date and time (see Weekly Course Assignment Schedule).
• Late assignments will be subject to a 10% per day point loss.
• Assignments will not be accepted more than one week late (end of semester dates are final).
• Points may be deducted for improper filenames and/or if your name is not included within the assignment itself.
• Lab assignments will be submitted through MyITLab. Make sure when you submit a lab assignment, it is correct; otherwise you may lose all of the possible points for that assignment.
• Most book and special project assignments are submitted using an online Assignment Dropbox Link which you will find under your Learning Module.. 
• The files are "uploaded" to the designated area in the drop box.
• Instructions on how to do this from the course are under the Information Library link on the course Home Page or the Toolbox.  (If you have multiple files to upload, be sure you don't select submit until they are all uploaded.)
• See the Toolbox for an explanation of the program and how to use it.
• Note: You can only "submit" your assignments once in each Assignment Link.

Labeling Assignments:  The assignment must be labeled properly when submitted.  The assignment must have your name and the description of the assignment, which is the same as it is listed in the Assignment Link.  For example:

Unless otherwise noted, all computer generated homework must have your name included in the document header or part of the document body. (Inserting headers and footers will be covered for each of the software packages used in the course.) Homework missing this element may not be accepted or may have points deducted.

Assignment Due Dates:  This class has scheduled due dates and times for assignments. Most assignments are due by 11:59 p.m. Arizona (Mountain Standard) Time Monday for online students. In-class and group assignments are due at the beginning of the class on the due date. Read your online schedule carefully.  Assignments due dates are indicated in the class schedule and drop box.  Once the due date and time passes, the drop box may not close and files may be submitted (except last week of course), but the file will be considered late. Points will be deducted for late assignments (10% per day). 

Late Assignments:  Assignments are due at the beginning of class (or by Midnight if it is to be submitted through the Assignment Link.)

• Students must notify me when they will be submitting late assignments.
• Remember, if you are submitting an assignment late, you will be losing 10% of the points per day.
• To keep you on track without falling behind too much, the latest that I will accept late assignment is one week after the due date.  If it is not submitted during that time, the assignment will not be accepted and you will receive 0 points.  No assignments will be accepted after the final due date/time listed for the course (usually Wednesday at Noon on the final week of the course.)
• Technical problems with your computer and/or your inability to access the Lab during Lab hours (Monday-Saturday) is not a valid excuse for a late assignment. Please do not wait until the last minute to do your work.
• Rule of thumb....be on time with assignments!  Do not let yourself fall behind!
• If a medical emergency, a doctor’s excuse is required for full points on assignments.

Written Assignments: Written assignments should reflect the accuracy, depth, and competence of a collegiate academic effort. If a particular assignment has a specific word count that is required, it will be so noted in the assignment instructions. Note: Wikipedia is not an acceptable primary source. Access to a computer, the use Microsoft Word, and availability of Adobe Reader is highly recommend for your ease in completing the assignments. If you do not own a computer, there are computers available within the MCC campus system.

Discussion Board Assignments:  You will be given discussion questions to be answered.  These discussion questions will be posted as a conference online under the specific topic.  Use the Discussion Board link in the Course Menu or under the Discussion Tools link on the Learning Module Page of WebCT.  To get full points, it is important that you post your answers in a timely manner and respond to other learners' responses. Full points may only be given if both components (your initial comprehensive posting for the conference and your responses to peers' postings) are completed.  (See Participation Guidelines for complete grading information for Discussion board assignments.) You are to post your answer to the discussion question by Wednesday, Midnight, then respond to your peers' postings, by Monday at Midnight each week.
Responding to the Discussion Board
Be sure to include a supporting online resource when requested. For total points, the outside resource, along with your response to your peers' contributions to the discussion board are needed. See the Getting Started Learning Module for more details. You need to put thought and effort into your responses. Participation Guidelines can also be found under the Learning Module link in the WebCT course.

The Arizona Board of Regents has established as a general guideline that each course should require a student to spend a minimum of two hours in preparation outside the class for each hour spent in class.  The outside-class preparation should be devoted to reading, taking chapter notes, completing assignments, computer work, preparation for group activities, tests, quizzes, etc.  Therefore, this class takes approximately 10-14 hours per week of your time (16-week format).

TESTS AND PROJECTS

Exams: 

• Exams and quizzes may test you over anything covered in the chapters, lab assignments, written assignments, additional handouts, or lecture.
• Exams and quizzes will be a combination of concepts and terminology, and will include the use of the computer to solve some computer exercises.
• Dates of the exams and quizzes are on the course schedule.
• Quizzes and tests in this course are given using WebCT's quiz/survey feature (Tech in Action textbook component) and/or MyITLab (Office 2007 component) which is a computerized software program that enables students to be tested on performance-based (hands-on) software.
• Once each project/quiz is  completed, a score will automatically be generated within MyITLab. Your instructor will then transfer it to WebCT.
• Your instructor will provide instructions before taking the first exam. 
• Make-up exams are not available.   If you  run into an extreme circumstance (i.e. death in family, illness with doctor excuse, school activity, etc.) talk to me about a make-up. If you are absent during a quiz/exam, you may be given an alternate form of the test (i.e. short answer or essay) at an alternate location, and it must be completed within one week of the original test date.Only one (1) make-up test will be allowed per course for extenuating circumstances only, at the discretion of the instructor.

Projects:  Special Project Assignments are added to your course curriculum.  These assignments are given to you to incorporate real-life application for the skills learned.  This may include using all of the basic skills--reading, writing, arithmetic, and critical thinking skills to complete the computer skill-building projects.

All assignments, course outlines, schedules, grading requirements, tests, projects,  etc.
are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.

 Attendance - Online Students: Class is asynchronous which means anytime, anywhere. But attendance is required in this class.To ensure that the course is completed as planned, and that students are ready to take exams as scheduled, online students should follow the week to week schedule. Students should be sure to note the due date for each assignment, quiz, and discussion board questions. This is not a self-paced course. Your response to the discussion questions and your participation in the discussions with your classmates will be considered attendance in the class.  You must log in and post your quality answer to the discussion question that is posted by your instructor.  Your response to the discussion questions should be posted by Wednesday, Midnight. each week.  You are to post a response to a least two other learners' responses by Monday, Midnight each week. If you do not respond in the discussion web board forum for two consecutive weeks, you can be withdrawn from the class. At this time, online students will not have to come in to have exams or quizzes administered by a proctor. However, online student must complete the quizzes and exams during the scheduled week. There will not be any make-up quizzes or exams unless you have an excused absence. There will be no makeup of the final exam. I do plan to withdraw online students that fall behind.

Attendance - In-Class and Hybrid/Blended Learning Students:  Attendance is mandatory. I cannot help you if you are not here. Class starts ON TIME so be ON TIME for class.  If an individual is tardy more than once, points will be deducted for each infraction. Students who fail to attend the first scheduled class meeting, or to contact the instructor regarding absence before the first scheduled class meeting may, at the option of the instructor, be withdrawn.  A faculty member has the option of withdrawing a student who has accumulated unofficial absences in excess of the number of times a class meets per week.  For instance, if the class meets twice a week, you will only be allowed two unofficial absences. Students who have done well previously in CIS105 have attended every class and have been on time or have logged on frequently to get online class updates and instruction. Only official absences as stated in the student handbook can be considered an excused absence.  You will be working in groups and your success and the group's success will be dependent upon your participation.  If you are going to be absent, call or email me prior to class.  You can call anytime and leave a message on my voice mail. An extended illness or emergency will require a doctor’s note or other official documentation for consideration of an excused absence. In addition to calling me when you are absent, you will want to call a member of your group.  Please exchange phone numbers with your group members.  Remember, you are responsible for any work that you miss due to an absence or tardiness.  In many instances, points are lost because group work cannot be made up.

Note: You may be withdrawn from class for excessive absences or failure to participate online, or if you fall too far behind.

Students should come to class prepared with all reading materials and assignments completed in advance of the class period. The class builds upon lessons and concepts from prior class periods and online assignments. Therefore, it is imperative that you come prepared for the discussion. Not all of the assigned reading material will be discussed in class. Lack of classroom discussion does not alleviate you from your responsibility for the material.

Participation in the online discussions and classroom activities are essential elements of the learning process. It is important you participate substantively in the discussion of the issues at hand. Just saying "I agree" is not sufficient to get a participation grade. Each of you has something important to say about the issues that will be brought up in this class, the topics covered in our reading material, or the evaluation of case materials, and we need your sharing of this information with the remainder of the class. Your comments should demonstrate the depth of your preparation.

 Food, drinks, smoking, and chewing tobacco are not allowed in our computer labs or classrooms.

Cell phones, pagers, and Ipods/MP3 players must be turned off and put away during class. Classroom computers are only to be used during in-class lab times and only for class assignments. Unless it is part of the lecture time activity assigned by the instructor, do not use the computer. When using the computer do not surf on the web or write personal emails, etc. Consequences include but are not limited to loss of participation points, extra assignments, and/or being asked to leave the classroom.

Withdrawing: 
If you are continually late in submission of assignments or if you stop coming to class without officially withdrawing, you will be subject to withdrawal from the course.  Students must actively participate in the class to receive a letter grade. Students who do not participate in coursework will receive a "W" or a "Y" . If you participate in coursework and are unable to continue in the class, you must notify me if you want to be withdrawn. It is the student's responsibility to inform the instructor if the student needs to be withdrawn for reasons other than non-compliance/attendance.  The student must not assume that the instructor will automatically withdraw a student. No student may be withdrawn from the course with a passing W grade without prior approval as well as signature from the instructor.  I will not withdraw anyone with a W during the last two weeks of class. Incompletes are given only for serious illnesses (a doctor's note is required) or extenuating circumstances. See the MCC schedule for exact dates and instructions on how to withdraw from classes, last day to withdraw with a full refund, etc.

If you fall behind and have 3 assignments outstanding, I plan to withdraw you. It is to your benefit to keep up, and students are rarely able to catch up.

I will not carry students on the roster that are behind to meet financial aid or other requirements, and I will not issue a grade of "F" if the student is withdrawn for not meeting the course requirements. Students must fully participate in the courses in which they are enrolled.

Note: For the college refund policy, please go to: http://www.maricopa.edu/gvpolicy/adminregs/students/2_2.htm#refund

Hours of Operation:
Monday-Thursday                    7 a.m.-10:20 p.m.
Friday                                   7 a.m.-8:20 p.m.
Saturday                                 7 a.m.-4:20 p.m. 

You must have your Student ID Card to enter the lab.  Without the ID, you are not allowed to enter the lab.  NO EXCEPTIONS!

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To attend every class, be in class on time, and not leave early (nor leave then return during class). (Not applicable for online class.)
2. To be prepared for class by reading the course material prior to class, doing the homework and bringing the required materials.  If I think students are coming to class unprepared or tardy too often, I may choose to give pop quizzes and adjust the grading system. (Not applicable for online class.)
3. To participate in class and group activities.
4. To submit your assignments based on instructor's guidelines and in a timely manner. Late assignments submitted without prior instructor's approval may not be graded or counted towards final grade.
5. If you need to communicate by email, only use your WebCT/Blackboard Learning System Course email or your MCC IMAP Email account to communicate with your instructor (not personal Email accounts such as AOL or Hotmail). Note: the WebCT email will usually be checked/responded to first.
6. Have a strong desire to learn and a commitment to finish this course
7. To contact me if you have problems with the course as soon as the problems begin.
8. To be courteous and respectful to me and to your peers (listen, do not interrupt while others are speaking, consider the impact on others of each statement and action, etc).
9. To follow Netiquette at all times when dealing with instructor and classmates online
10. To interact with instructor and classmates to share information by discussing course-related topics in class and through using the Web Discussion board.
11. Have a knowledge of the basic computer skills to include upload, download, email, and web browsers
12. Have technical computer support for computer problems.  The support should include the services such as trouble-shooting hardware problems, dealing with incompatible file format, handling software problems, or Internet provider problems.  Your instructor will not provide this support to the students.  
13. Understand that ongoing technical problems with your home computer or personal problems are not an excuse for incomplete assignments or assignments turned in past the late deadline. 
14. Read and follow all on-line instructions to complete assignments. Turn in assignments in a timely manner.
    
15. Submit your assignments based on instructor's guidelines and in a timely manner. Late assignments submitted without prior instructor's approval may not be graded or counted towards final grade.
16. To be responsible for yourself and your own learning, and support the learning of all members of the class.
17. To notify the instructor if you are an employee or a relative of the Maricopa Community College district employee.
18. To know your rights and responsibilities.  You can find these in the College Catalogue and the Student Handbook.

Besides academic performance, students should exhibit the qualities of honesty and integrity. Any form of dishonesty, cheating, fabrication, the facilitation of academic dishonesty, and plagiarism may make you subject to disciplinary action.  This includes the copying of other student’s files turned in as your own work.  (A good "rule of thumb"; if you didn't type it/create it, it's not yours.) The labs, projects, and lecture assignments are NOT group projects, unless specifically clarified by the instructor as a group activity.  You must do your own work to receive credit for it.  Refer to the MCC course catalog and the MCC Student Handbook for information regarding institutional policy and due process procedures.  Violation of any provision of the Standards, which are detailed in the MCC course catalog and the MCC Student Handbook, could result in immediate termination of a user’s access to Maricopa’s computing resources, as well as appropriate disciplinary action.  In an effort to have your grade reflect YOUR knowledge and effort in this course, I have found it necessary to develop the following procedures:   

• If you have cheated, you will not receive any credit; and may be dropped from the course or expelled from the school.  Refer to student handbook for more information. No further warnings are issued. 
• Cheating is not doing the work that you put your name on. You must do your own work to receive credit for it. 
• If you give your work or files to another student, you are also guilty of cheating and can be subject to the same penalty. 
• The homework assignments are NOT group projects, unless specifically clarified by the instructor as a group activity. 
• Please come to class prepared; do not copy another student’s work.
• Be sure to cite all sources. If any words or ideas are used that do not represent the student's original words or ideas, then the student must cite all relevant sources. The student should also make it clear the extent to which such sources were used. Words or ideas that require citation include, but are not limited to , all hard copy or electronic publications, whether copyrighted or not, and all verbal or visual communication when the content of such communication clearly originates from an identifiable source. (Your instructor may submit any/all assignments to TurnITIn.com to check for plagiarism, etc.)
• More information on copyright guidelines can be found in the Toolbox.

Appropriate Behavior:
You are expected to exercise responsible, ethical behavior when using the classroom, computing facilities, campus equipment, and when submitting discussion board postings and assignments.  

The General Standards Governing Use of Maricopa County Community College District Computing Resources Handbook with regards to use of Maricopa’s computing resources specifically prohibits: “Transmitting, storing or receiving data, or otherwise using computing resources in a manner that would constitute a violation of state or federal law, including (but not limited to) obscenity, defamation, threats, harassment, and theft.” 

Harassment:
The policy of Maricopa Community Colleges is to provide an educational, employment, and business environment free of unwelcome sexual harassment as defined and otherwise prohibited by local, state, and federal law.  Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion for students.  See the MCC student handbook.

Disabilities: 
Any students with special needs, including learning disabilities, should inform the instructor of any assistance that will be required.  In order to accommodate your needs, you will need to give proper notice as to what accommodations will be necessary.  Special arrangements can be made regarding seating, hearing devices, testing time, as well as many other concerns.  If there are any other concerns you have, please address them with me before or after class. If you have difficulty learning, you must register with the MCC disability office.  Contact the MCC Disability Resources department at http://www.mesacc.edu/students/disability/ .

MCC Early Alert Program (EARS): 
Mesa Community College is committed to the success of all our students.  Numerous campus support services are available throughout your academic journey to assist you in achieving your educational goals.  MCC has adopted an Early Alert Referral System (EARS) as part of a student success initiative to aid students in their educational pursuits.  Faculty and Staff participate by alerting and referring students to campus services for added support.  Students may receive a follow up call from various campus services as a result of being referred to EARS.  Students are encouraged to participate, but these services are optional.  Early Alert Web Page with Campus Resource Information can be located at:  http://www.mesacc.edu/students/ears.

COMPUTER VIRUSES

A virus is a computer code that can alter programs, destroy data, or damage computer hardware.  Your disk can “catch” a virus from being used in a computer, which has a virus, from swapping data with a virus-infected disk, from downloading information from an electronic bulletin board, etc.  

The college is not responsible for any viruses your disks or equipment may get from working on college computers, or using our fileservers or networks.  In order to reduce the likelihood that students may “infect” college computers or other students’ disks with viruses from other computers used, we do not allow students to use their own software disks (software is not the same as a class data disk) on any college computer.  We strongly recommend that all students who use other computers (at home, at an office, at other locations) have virus protection on all of those other computers.

LINKS

Disclaimer: Information found in linked web pages (those not contained within the WebCT course and/or your instructor's MCC website) does not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of your instructor or the college. We assume no responsibility for broken links or invalid information found at the sites. Remember, the Internet is a fluid environment.

MESSAGE FROM INSTRUCTOR

This class is dedicated to successful learning in your academic growth.  We are here to facilitate, but ultimately you are responsible for your own learning success.

All assignments, course outlines, schedules, grading requirements, quizzes, exams, etc. are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.