Anoka-Ramsey Community College
BUS 1112.30/.31 Computer Concepts and Applications
Fall Semester 2007, 3 credits
Online section

TEXT

The three items listed below need to be purchased at the Anoka-Ramsey Community College Coon Rapids bookstore. The Cambridge campus is not using the same text as the Coon Rapids campus. The three items listed below are packaged together to save money.

Microsoft Office 2007, Introductory Concepts and Techniques, Windows XP Edition by Shelly, Cashman, Vermont. (Published by Thomson Course Technology, You must use Windows XP operating system and Microsoft Office 2007 (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint).

Discovering Computers 2008, Brief edition, by Shelly, Cashman, and Vermaat. (Published byThomson Course Technology Thomson Learning), 2008.

SAM 2007 testing software.

Course description

Computer literacy course including information on computer hardware, software, operating systems, communications, security, ethics, and conducting research via the Internet. This course includes lab experience using Windows, word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, and the Internet. Prerequisite: BUS 1153 or keyboarding experience.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

Technology requirements For This Course

You will need:

EVALUATION/GRADING

Course grades are based on points earned in the course. The approximate number of points are noted in brackets for each type of assessment activity:

Discovering Computers 2008 tests: Chapters 1-3 [30], Chapter 4 [15], Chapters 4-6 [30], Chapters 7-8 [20].

Assignments and quizzes: Focused assignments that reinforce computer concepts and software applications are assigned weekly during the semester. [15] SAM software quizzes are given after each application is completed. [20] There may be times when assignments are not graded and therefore do not impact your overall course grade.

Course grades are based on the percentage of points earned:

90-100% - A        80-89% - B       70-79% - C       60-69% - D       Below 60% - F

Students who select the Pass/Fail grading option must earn 70 percent or more for a "Pass." If you prefer this grading option, please let me know by the tenth week of the semester.

*** Late assignments (including tests) are not accepted and extra credit is not given. Students are responsible for completion of all tests, quizzes, projects, and other assignments.

SAM Testing Software

Students will use the SAM testing software to take application software quizzes. Open the SAM package and follow the instructions on how to load the software on your computer. Make sure you pay special attention to the minimum computer requirements and your Internet Explorer default settings. I will create a "Practice quiz" for everyone to take at the beginning of the semester to make sure your SAM testing software has been loaded, and you are able to use it. You will need to join our section when you first log in. Our section is "Bus1112OnlineMcDonald (Fall 2007)" without the quotation marks. The institution key is available in the week 1 assignment.

EXPECTATIONS

The student is expected to check in on the D2L class frequently (at least four to five times a week) and actively participate. This is essential for your success in this class. I would recommend doing your assignment early in case you have questions or computer problems. Posting or emailing me with an assignment question the day before the assignment is due will probably not get a response by the due date. When you email me, please key "D2LBUS1112" without the quotation marks in the beginning of every subject line; this will ensure a quicker response from me.

Students should plan to spend the three hours normally spent in a classroom setting plus an additional six hours each week completing assignments for this course.  Computer problems are not an excuse for turning in late assignments. It is wise to not wait until the last minute to complete the assignments in case you have questions or have computer problems. Open lab hours at the college are available for you if you do not have the necessary software or if you have computer problems.

ARCC COMPUTER LABS

Open computer lab schedules at ARCC are posted outside the computer lab. The computer lab is closed on holidays and on holiday weekends. The labs are frequently busy-plan ahead. There are lab aides available most of the time to help answer software questions; the lab aides are familiar with MS Office 2007 software but are not expected to know individual instructor assignments.

STUDENT CONCERNS

Academic honesty:  The policies of Anoka-Ramsey Community College are strictly enforced in the case of academic dishonesty. Plagiarism and cheating on tests or assignments are not tolerated. The consequences of academic dishonesty vary from receiving a zero on an assignment to being dropped from the course.

Plagiarism:  The concept of plagiarism can be confusing, and there is a difference between deliberate and accidental plagiarism.  However, both will be treated the same in this course. 

Plagiarism defined:  "Plagiarism includes the copying of the language, structure, ideas, and/or thoughts of another and passing off some as one's own, original work, or attempts thereof."  (from Virginia Tech Honor System Constitution, February 1998). 

If plagiarized work is suspected and proven, the student will receive a zero for the assignment and is subject to sanctions outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

The following web site offers an excellent definition of both deliberate and accidental plagiarism:  <http://www.millikin.edu/wcenter/plagiarism1.html>

Avoid plagiarism by proper citation of your sources.  Writing tutors are also available in the Academic Support Center to help you with citing sources.

Special needs:   Let me know if you have a special need that impacts your learning, including requests to provide course materials in an alternative format. The college has an Access Services department that can help you receive services such as interpreters, note takers, special testing environments, etc.

Withdrawing from the course:   If you decide to withdraw from the course, please call me or send an email message letting me know. If there's a concern about the course that we can resolve together, I'd like to help. Check the Anoka-Ramsey web site for the last day to withdraw.

Instructor and tutor help:  If you have problems understanding the content, please let me know as soon as possible in an email message or on the phone. We can go over your questions over the phone, or we can meet in my office. Please contact me before you get frustrated or so far behind that you feel completely lost. The open lab tutors are also available to help with questions.

THREE R's

Be Respectful. Respect each of your classmate's right to a valuable class experience, free of offensive language, intolerance, or harassment of any kind in email or discussion postings. Respect yourself by participating fully in class and making the most of this learning opportunity.

Be Responsible. As a student in this college course, you are responsible for your own success. This includes reading and following the syllabus and Instructor's notes and explanation of assignments. It's expected that you read and follow the weekly schedule when it becomes available. You are responsible for being an active participant in this class rather than a passive observer.

Rise to the Challenge. College-level courses are demanding. They require deeper thinking, more effective writing, and greater personal involvement than many students realize. In order to succeed at this level, you must be willing to accept the challenges presented by the course material, your instructors, and a rigorous schedule. One of the rewards of this challenge can be the discovery that you are capable of much more than you imagined. Therefore, expect great things from yourself, work hard to achieve them, and seek help when you need it. The other members of this community of learners are here to support you, but it's up to you to rise to the challenge.

TENTATIVE WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Microsoft Office 2007 textbook is listed below as MSOffice.
Discovering Computers 2008 textbook is listed below as DC.

Bus1112.30/.31Fall2007.doc