Department of Computer Science College of Science, Columbus State University
Instructor(s): Mohamed R. Chouchane Office: CCT 430 Office phone: (706) 568-5376 Department phone: (706) 568-2410 Department FAX: (706) 565-3529 Office Hours: MTWF 12:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. (Other times by appointment) e-mail address: [email protected] homepage: http://csc.colstate.edu/chouchane Class Meets: T 9:30-10:45 a.m. Center for Commerce and Technology, Room 407 R 9:30-10:45 a.m. Center for Commerce and Technology, Room 405
Course Title: CPSC1105 – Introduction to Information Technology
Official Course Description: This course provides an introduction to computer and information technologies. It discusses the nature of information, computer hardware, software, communications technology, and computer-based information systems. The theory is complemented by practical work aimed at gaining basic proficiency with different types of widely used application software. (3 credits).
Prerequisites: None.
Course Objective: Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate an appreciation of the role of information technology in modern society. They will be familiar with the principal components of computer hardware and the functions of different types of software that make computers useful in daily life. They will demonstrate a basic understanding of the processes involved in the development of software for problem solving, and the life cycle of information systems. Students will be introduced to modern data communication technology including the Internet and the World Wide Web. They will be aware of various issues related to computer security and privacy. Students will obtain basic practical skills necessary for manipulating and presenting information in a productive way. Software packages used will deal with word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, databases and Web page creation.
Course Outcomes: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the role of information technology. o Strategies and Actions used to produce the outcome: . Study the application of information technology in everyday life. . Class discussion about what an information system is, and aspects of information technology. o Assessment Methods: Written and Practical Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the main components of a computer system. o Strategies and Actions used to produce the outcome: . Study different types of hardware components such as the CPU, memory and input/output devices. . Class discussion of how different hardware components work together and, with system software, make a computer system operational. o Assessment Methods: Written and Practical Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams. Students will demonstrate familiarity with and basic proficiency in popular application packages such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access and Expression Web. o Strategies and Actions used to produce the outcome: . Study the application of different types of software applications . Supervised laboratory sessions for gaining hands-on experience with using common application packages. o Assessment Methods: Written and Practical Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the use of programming languages and the process of software development. o Strategies and Actions used to produce the outcome: . Study of the concepts of computer programming and the use of programming languages, algorithms, compilers. . Classroom discussion and hands-on experience of computer programming using a user-friendly programming environment. o Assessment Methods: Written and Practical Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams. Students will be familiar with the concepts and technology used in modern computer networks including the Internet. o Strategies and Actions used to produce the outcome: . Study concepts of data communication technology. . Classroom discussion of how computer networks are constructed and how they enable communication of information. o Assessment Methods: Written and Practical Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams. Students will demonstrate awareness of possible threats to computer security and how information can be protected. o Strategies and Actions used to produce the outcome: . Study various types of security threats and protection mechanisms. . Classroom discussion of computer security and relevant tools. o Assessment Methods: Written and Practical Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams.
Course Outline: 1. An Overview of information technology and its role in modern society 2. Principal components of a computer system – hardware, operating systems 3. Common types of application software and their use 4. Software development for problem solving 5. Information systems design and development 6. Data communication and the Internet 7. Computer security
Textbooks: GO! Technology in Action with IT Skills (Custom Edition for Columbus State University) – uses parts of the following three books: (©2008) Pearson Prentice Hall ISBN-10: 0-555-01594-7 / ISBN-13: 978-0-555-01594-0
Technology in Action by Alan Evans, Kendall Martin, Mary Anne Poatsy 5th Edition, (©2008) Pearson Prentice Hall ISBN-10: 0135137209; ISBN-13: 9780135137208 http://www.pearsonhighered.com/educator/academic/prod uct/0,3110,0135137209,00.html
Fluency with Information Technology: Skills, Concepts, and Capabilities, 3/e by Lawrence Snyder ISBN-10: 0321357825; ISBN-13: 9780321357823 http://www.pearsonhighered.com/academic/product/0,, 0321357825,00%2Ben-USS_01DBC.html Computer Skills Workbook for Fluency with Information Technology: Skills, Concepts, and Capabilities, 3rd Edition by Sharon Scollard ISBN-10: 0-321-52255-9; ISBN-13: 978-0-321-52255-9 http://www.pearsonhighered.com/academic/product/0,311 0,0321412737,00.html
Supplementary Books and Materials MyITLab Class handouts & notes Software and manuals for application packages
Assignments for Course Readings from the textbooks Online materials available through CougarView Outside reading from popular computing periodicals is expected to enhance your knowledge of Information Technology Readings from documents found on the Internet Practical assignments
Assessment Criteria Assignments (300 pts.) [6 @ 50 pts. each] Quizzes (100 pts.) [6 @ 20 pts. each; drop lowest] One midterm test (100 pts.) One comprehensive FINAL EXAM (200 pts) CLASS PARTICIPATION – will be considered for students who are on the borderline between two grades
A (90-100): The student fulfills or exceeds all of the assigned content requirements. The student’s knowledge of the subject is accurate throughout. The student exhibits convincing range and quality of knowledge, having done appropriate research, if applicable. B (80-89): The student fulfills all of the important assigned content requirements. The student’s knowledge of the subject is accurate throughout except in minor details. The student seems informed on the subject, having done appropriate research, if applicable C (70-79): The student fulfills most of the important assigned content requirements. The student’s knowledge of the subject is generally accurate, though flawed. The student exhibits limited range or quality of knowledge, having done limited appropriate research, if applicable. D (60-69): The student fulfills some of the important assigned content requirements. The student’s knowledge of the subject is generally accurate, though flawed. The student exhibits limited range or quality of knowledge, having done minimal appropriate research, if applicable. F (0-59): The student fails to address the important requirements of the course. The student’s knowledge of the subject is generally inaccurate. The student’s knowledge of the subject lacks range or quality Class Attendance: Class attendance is the responsibility of the student, and it is the student's responsibility to independently cover any materials missed. Class attendance and participation may also be used in determining grades. It is your responsibility to sign a roll sheet for every class meeting. At my discretion, I may drop you from the course for more than six (6) absences. Missing an exam or quiz is considered an absence. Missed classes caused by participation in documented, formal, University-sponsored events will not count as absences provided you notify me of such anticipated absences in advance and as soon as possible.
You are responsible for all class work missed, regardless of the reason for the absence(s). Late assignments will not be accepted, so if you are absent on the day an assignment is due, it is your responsibility to make alternate arrangements. No makeup exams or quizzes will be given, so please make sure you are present for all exams/quizzes. Refer to the CSU Catalog (http://aa.colstate.edu/advising/a.htm#Absence Policy) for more information on class attendance and withdrawal.
Academic dishonesty Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, activities such as cheating and plagiarism. It is a basis for disciplinary action. Collaboration is not permitted on assignments or exams/quizzes in this course. Any work turned in for individual credit must be entirely the work of the student submitting the work. All work must be your own. You may share ideas but submitting identical assignments (for example) will be considered cheating. You may discuss the material in the course and help one another with debugging, however, I expect any work you hand in for a grade to be your own. . A simple way to avoid inadvertent plagiarism is to talk about the assignments, but don't read each other's work or write solutions together. Keep scratch paper and old versions of assignments until after the assignment has been graded and returned to you. If you have any questions about this, please see me immediately.
For assignments, access to notes, textbook, books and other publications is allowed. Stealing, giving or receiving any code, diagrams, drawings, text or designs from another person (CSU or non-CSU) is not allowed. Having access to another person’s work on the system or giving access to your work to another person is not allowed. It is your responsibility to keep your work confidential.
No cheating in any form will be tolerated. The penalty for the first occurrence of academic dishonesty is a zero grade on the assignment or exam/quiz; the penalty for the second occurrence is a failing grade for the course. For exams/quizzes, access to any type of written material or discussion of any kind (except with me) is not allowed. (http://aa.colstate.edu/advising/a.htm#Academic Dishonesty/Academic Misconduct)
Getting help Student assistants in the Computer Labs can help you with basic computer-related problems such as logging on to the network, saving your work, etc., but they are not obligated to help you with your assignments. There are several tutors at the Department of Computer Science who can help you with the assignments. Their schedule is posted in the Computer Science department. You can always contact me during my posted office hours, by e-mail, or by appointment.
Software To complete all lessons, assignments, labs, and tests, you will need to access a computer with: Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Firefox or Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office 2007 Microsoft Expression Web Other software found in the computer labs
The course Web Site in CougarView will contain class notes, class announcements, exam summaries, the course syllabus, test dates, and additional links.
Instructional Methods and Techniques 1. The class will meet one hour fifteen-minute lecture / discussion period and one hour fifteen- minute lab session each week. 2. Each student is expected to attend all class lectures and labs, to read the textbook chapters and to make notes. Students will be expected to participate in classroom discussions. 3. Students must have access to computers for doing assignments. 4. The ACM recommends the following: “As a general guideline, the amount of out-of-class work is approximately three times the in-class time. Thus, a unit that is listed as requiring 3 hours will typically entail a total of 12 hours (3 in class and 9 outside).” Students will be expected to spend this time outside class reading the book, online materials and other materials; writing solutions to homework exercises and lab projects.
How to Access the Course in MyITLab This course includes MyITLab. You can access MyITLab at: http://www.myitlab.com
At this page, select the "First Time User" Student link to activate the MyITLab logon dialog box, which will ask to read and accept the user agreement. Select No when asked if you have an account. Enter a user name (csu followed by your last name or lastname and firstname should work well) and a password along with the access code that you purchased with your book.
You will then be asked to enter your firstname, lastname, and email address (please use your CSU address), your school’s country (USA), your school’s zipcode (31907) and school name (Columbus State University) along with a security question and answer.
This will bring you to a website for MyITLab and links to the two textbooks for the course. Click on the MyITLab icon. Click on “Enroll in a class” and enter the CourseID provided by your instructor. Make sure that it matches the name of your instructor.
If you try the above and MyITLab will not let you in, please use the "Pearson Customer Technical Support" link on the Pearson Custom Publishing web page or the Help or Support links on the MyITLab web page to request help. If you are still having problems gaining access a day or so after the class begins, please e-mail me immediately.
Once you've entered MyITLab, you will see a list of courses you have access to. The CPSC 1105 course is listed with your section number. Next to this, you should see my name as the instructor. Clicking on the name of the course will take you to the course's home page. If you do not see the "Introduction to Information Technology" course in the list, please e-mail me immediately. Once you have clicked on the course's name and accessed the particular course itself, you will find a home page with links to other sections and tools, and a menu on the left-hand side and a calendar on the right side. Feel free to explore the areas in the course.
Website It is your responsibility to frequently look at the course website to keep your knowledge of class activities current. Such activity details may or may not be always announced in class, but they may have been already posted on the site and/or in MyITLab. If so, you will still be held responsible for them. For example, assignment due dates, corrections of errors, announcements, exam dates, changes to policies, and so on.
Student Responsibilities As a student in this course, you are responsible to: manage your time and maintain the discipline required to meet the course requirements, come to class prepared to ask questions to maximize your understanding of the material, complete all readings, complete all assignments, complete all quizzes and exams, actively participate in discussions, read any e-mail sent by the instructor and respond accordingly.
“I didn’t know” is NOT an acceptable excuse for failing to meet the course requirements. If you fail to meet your responsibilities, you do so at your own risk.
Instructor Responsibilities As your instructor in this course, I am responsible to: lead the class discussion and answer students’ questions, post weekly lessons outlining the assignments for the week, read all responses to discussion questions and comments to responses, actively participate in discussions when necessary, grade assignments, quizzes, and exams, and post scores within one week of the end of the week in which they are submitted, and read any e-mail sent by the you and respond accordingly within 48 hours.
Student Web Server Space There may be times when you will want to use an actual Web server in response to discussion questions, for assignments, or for projects. All currently enrolled CSU students (including online students) can request free Web server space on the CSU student Web server. Simply go to http://webs.colstate.edu/personal/ and click on the "Sign up for a free web space today!" Then complete the sign-up process. Under normal circumstances, the account and space will be created in a matter of seconds. This server is also .NET capable.
CSU ADA statement If you have a documented disability as described by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 933-112 Section 504) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and would like to request academic and/or physical accommodations please contact Joy Norman at the Office of Disability Services in the Center for Academic Support and Student Retention, Tucker Hall (706) 568-2330, as soon as possible. Course requirements will not be waived but reasonable accommodations may be provided as appropriate. TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (subject to change) TR or MW – 30 class periods & final exam Week Area Chapters Lab Assignment
1 Course Expectations TIA: 1,2 Orientation including logging in to Computers in everyday life campus network, setting up Overview of a Computer System – Myitlab account Hardware and Software Demo of Hardware - Looking inside a computer. MyITLab for Windows
2 Application Software TIA: 4 CSWB Lab1: Intro to MS Introduction to word processing, Quiz (1-2) Windows presentation s/w, spreadsheet s/w, review MS Word using MyITLab database s/w, multimedia and entertainment s/w
3 Computer System Hardware TIA: 6 CSWB Lab2: File Management Wiki / Blog
4 Computer System Hardware TIA: 9 Quiz CSWB Lab4: MS Word (4,6)
5 Computer System Software TIA: 5 Storage and Process Management Resume / cover (zip, etc.) letter
6 Multimedia Applications FWIT: 11 CSWB Lab11: MS PowerPoint (Quiz 5,9)
7 Data Communications TIA: 7 Presentation
8 Review (chapters 1,28) Midterm Test
9 The Internet and Web Technology TIA: 3,13 Internet and WWW Lab Internet (HTML)
10 Computer Networks and Security TIA: 12 PC System Management Lab (backup, defrag, antivirus, etc.)
11 Basics of Spreadsheets FWIT: 14 CSWB Lab 5: MS Excel Excel Project Quiz (3,12,13)
12 Problem Solving by Computing FWIT 10 Programming using Alice
13 Problem Solving by Computing (Quiz 10, Programming using Alice Alice program 14)
14 Databases TIA: 11 CSWB Lab9: MS Access
15 Databases (Quiz 10,11) CSWB Lab10: MS Access Access Project
16 Other Information Systems TIA: 11 Integrated Lab (Word, Excel, etc.) “Shopping Project”
Final Final (comprehensive)