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*****The Syllabus and Course Schedule are Subject to Change*****

SYLLABUS

ITE 115
Section 072W
 Introduction to Computer Applications & Concepts
(3 Semester Hours)
Northern Virginia Community College
Fort Belvoir
Spring 2012


NOTE: Before you leave class the first session, make sure you get the e-mail address and telephone number of at least two of your classmates in case you miss a class.  Missing a class is not good, however, emergencies do happen.  If you miss a class, you need to contact your classmates as soon as possible to find out what we did and how we did it; I do not repeat lectures or demonstrations. 

This is a Hybrid/Accelerated Class

This is a hybrid course. You should have Internet access and basic computer competency to be successful in a hybrid course. If you do not have your own computer, you can use one of NOVA’s on-campus computers. You do not have the ability to work ahead at your own pace in a hybrid format course.  Class time will be divided between classroom instruction and hands-on exercises and research activities to be completed independently outside of the classroom by you. These exercises and research activities are in addition to regular course assignments.

This is also an ACCELERATED course!!!!  You need to devote at least 18 hours outside of the classroom, per week, to complete your assignments and other requirements.  Go to Time Management Tips for information about how to schedule and manage your time.

According to the NVCC catalog:  More and more courses are being offered in a “hybrid” format, blending face-to-face teaching and online learning. Depending on the subject, the amount of Web-based instruction ranges from 30 to 70%, with the remainder taking place in a traditional classroom setting. Most hybrid courses use “Blackboard.”

Hybrid courses are NOT “condensed” courses. The online portion of a hybrid course requires the same number of “contact hours” as face-to-face class time.

Hybrid courses can be challenging. To be successful, you should be comfortable using computers and the Internet. You also need excellent time management skills and self-motivation to stay current with the course calendar. You need to read assignments and directions carefully, and keep up with course reading.

Attendance and Participation

You are responsible for attending all classes and any related activities regularly and punctually. For this eight-week, hybrid/accelerated course, you should expect to spend about three hours per week in online independent study discussions and activities and two to three times that number of hours for in class lectures and labs and, outside the classroom in study, assigned reading, labs, and assignments. Courses offered in shorter intensive formats require more time per week. Students are expected to achieve the same intended learning outcomes and do the same amount of work in an hybrid/accelerated course as they would in a face-to-face, 16 week course. Active participation is required in all hybrid/accelerated courses, and you should expect to log into Blackboard several times a week.
Time Tuesday-----6:30 PM - 9:20 PM
Instructor: William McLaughlin, Associate Professor ( Resume/Curriculum Vitae)
Instructor Contact Information and Communication Policy:
  • Phone: 703 859 9453
  • E-mail: wmclaughlin@nvcc.edu
  • Office hours: Anytime by appointment

You can communicate with me in different ways. Most of the time, posting a non-personal question to the Discussion Board will get you the fastest answer. Here are my approximate response times for communications:

  • Discussion Board (1 - 36 hours)
  • E-mail (as long as the e-mail is in the correct format---24 - 48 hours)
  • Phone (48 - 72 hours).
Class Web Site:  Blackboard 
Textbooks. Resources. and Technical Requirements: Return Textbook(s):  ITE 115 2012 <CUTOM> PACKAGE, SHELLY, ISBN: 9781133530176.  At the book store, this package consists of the following:
  • Microsoft Office 2010 & Discovering Computers
  • HTML & XHTML Introduction
Make Sure You Get The Correct Editions!

If you get your course material at the book store location:  do NOT get the ELI package.

Student Data Files: Are either located on the Student CD/DVD that came with your textbook and on the textbook publisher's Web site.

Internet Access: You will need Internet access to access Blackboard, complete other online activities, and send and receive e-mail.

Software: Microsoft Office 2010, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Windows 7 will be used. Another operating system or suite may be used, but students may notice some differences in the appearance of certain dialog boxes.  In addition, you will need access to this software outside of the classroom. Here are some alternatives:

Storage Media:  Get a USB flash drive now.  

Headsets:  If you do your homework in the computer lab, the computer lab has headsets.  However, you can bring your own headsets if you like.  I also suggest you bring headsets to class.  
Course Description and Objectives: Return
 Covers computer concepts and Internet skills and uses a software suite, which includes word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software to demonstrate skills. Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
  • Identify and discuss the four main functions of computer hardware: input, processing, output, and storage.
  • Identify and describe major hardware components.
  • Identify, describe and use communications and networking terminology and technology to include Internet operations and its uses.
  • Describe the major operating system functions and demonstrate usage of operating system services to include: disk management, file management, and memory management.
  • Identify and discuss computer ethics and security issues.
  • Demonstrate searching, validation, and evaluation of information found online and in library databases.
  • Identify, discuss and use important categories of application software: word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and presentation graphics.
  • Identify and discuss software development processes and programming languages.
  • Create a Web site with XHTML tags and post to a Web server
  • Identify and discuss Decision Support Systems, Artificial Intelligence, agents, and emerging technology. (optional)t
Course Methodology: Return This is an interactive, hands-on course.  Lecture will be used to introduce and/or explain key concepts and technologies.  However, online interaction, computer-based learning, research and presentations, and labs are used throughout the course.
  • Lectures/Demonstrations: Important material from the text and outside sources will be covered in class. You should plan to take careful notes as not all material can be found in the texts or readings. Discussion is encouraged as is student-procured, outside material relevant to topics being covered.
  • Assignments: Concepts Reviews, Skills Reviews, Independent Challenges and other projects and readings will be periodically assigned to help support and supplement material found in the lessons. These assignments may require the application of various software applications and skills.
  • Quizzes: Quizzes will be given to help ensure you stay up with assigned material. 
  • Exams: The exams will test assigned readings and material discussed in class.
  • Labs:  You will have plenty of labs.  You can complete your labs in the Open Computer Lab or at home.
Course Prerequisites: Return
  • You must be able to read and write at the college level
Technical Skills Required: Return
  • The ability to access the Internet and use a computer
Class Management: Return
  • The only things I discuss as a group, in the classroom (or online), are issues directly related to computer applications and concepts.
  • If you have concerns about my teaching style, the course workload, course requirements, grading requirements or other issues not directly related to computer applications and concepts, you need to see me one-on-one before class, after class, via e-mail, via a telephone call, or via an appointment.
Class Etiquette: Return
  • Attend and be on time for every scheduled class.
  • If you cannot attend a class, please do NOT call me to let me know.
    • Attending class is your responsibility
  • No side conversations during lectures: only one person can talk at a time.
  • No drinks or food in the classroom's computer lab.
  • If you must leave class early, do so quietly.
  • No profanity; if you do not know what profanity is, ask me.
  • Do NOT call me the day of an exam to say you will not be able to take the exam
  • Please turn off ALL electronic devices while in class
What I Do NOT Consider When I Grade Your Work:
  • Your heavy workload from other courses.
  • Your heavy workload at work or home.
  • Death or illness to your car or computer.
  • Your vacation schedule
  • Your family responsibilities
What I Do Consider When I Grade Your Work:
  • Does the work correspond, in every aspect, to what I asked you to give me?
  • Does the answers show some critical thought on the part of you or is it just a repeat of what is in the textbook or the Internet?
  • Do you follow my instructions exactly?
  • Were the assignments turned in on time?
How to E-mail Me: Return
  • If you e-mail me, use the following format:
    • In the "Subject" of your e-mail, put: Your last name, your first name, course#, section#, subject
    • Here is an example:  mclaughlin, william, ITE115, 015W, How to Send E-mail
  • Any e-mail sent to me that is not in the proper format will probably not be read for days
Important Dates: Return
Academic Honesty: Return
  • When College officials award credit, degrees and certificates, they must assume the absolute integrity of the work done by you. It is important that
    you maintain the highest standard of honor in your scholastic work. Academic dishonesty cannot be condoned. When such misconduct is established as having occurred, it subjects you to possible disciplinary actions ranging from admonition to dismissal, along with any grade penalty the instructor might, in appropriate cases, impose. Procedural safeguards of due process and appeal are available to you in disciplinary matters. Academic dishonesty, as a general rule, involves one of the following acts:
    • Cheating on an examination or quiz, including the giving, receiving, or soliciting of information and the unauthorized use of notes or other materials during the examination or quiz.
    • Buying, selling, stealing, or soliciting any material purported to be the unrealized contents of a forthcoming examination, or the use of such material.
    • Substituting for another person during an examination or allowing such substitution for one's self.
    • Plagiarism. This is the act of appropriating passages from the work of another individual, either word for word or in substance, and representing them as one's own work. This includes any submission of written work other than one's own.
    • Collusion with another person in the preparation or editing of assignments submitted for credit, unless such collaboration has been approved in advance by the instructor.
    • Knowingly furnishing false information to the College; forgery and alteration or use of College documents or instruments of identification with the intent to defraud.
Attendance (face-to-face and online): Return
  • Effective learning is facilitated by an interaction between an instructor and students (whether face-to-face or online) regarding material covered in the course. Generally, the classroom is the principal arena for such interaction. Thus, students have an obligation to themselves, to fellow students, and to their instructor to attend and participate actively in class meetings. Each student is personally responsible for regular and punctual class attendance. The specific attendance requirements of this course are:
    • If you miss more than 25 percent of scheduled face-to-face classes, I will administratively withdraw, at my discretion, you from the course
    • If you do not attend class by the census date, I will administratively withdraw you from the course
    • If you do not properly withdraw from this course, and your name remains on the class roster at the end of the semester, you will receive an "F" for the course
    • Log into your Blackboard classroom at least three times per week
      • The day after we meet face-to-face
      • Three or four days after we meet face-to-face, and
      • The day before we meet face-to-face
    • Check your NVCC e-mail at least twice per week
Schools Closing Policy: Return
Outside Class Preparation: Return
  • Time management is critical for successfully completing a course
  • For every hour of classroom instruction, you should devote 3 - 12 hours per week for additional studies, homework, preparation, and research outside of the classroom, depending on the course delivery format.
  • Please go to the following Web site for a study hour formula and a personal time survey: Time Management.
ADA Statement and Disability Policy: Return
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications.
  • Students who believe that they have a disability that will prevent them from completing the normal requirements for their degree should consult with a disability counselor as soon as possible after enrolling at the College. Requests for waiver or substitution of a degree requirement based on a student's disability must be approved by the Disability Substitution Committee. Campus disability counselors will work with students to prepare and forward their waiver or substitution requests for consideration.
  • See the following::
Tutoring: Return
Disruptive Behavior: Return
  • Disruptive behavior or threat of physical harm will not be tolerated.  This includes, but is not limited to, a variety of behaviors such as using mobile phones, talking during lecture, reading a newspaper, and/or harassing other students.  Students in violation will be asked to leave the classroom.  Other disciplinary action may be taken in accordance with the policies in the college Student Handbook.
Instructor's Student Course Evaluation: Return
  • I will have you complete a student course evaluation during the middle and at the end of the course. This evaluation is independent of NVCC's evaluations.
Emergency Exits and Drills: Return
  • The evacuation plan is posted in the classroom; please read it.
Technical Support: Return
  • According to the IT Help Desk web page, "The IT Help Desk provides first-level technical support to all faculty, staff and students of Northern Virginia Community College. We are committed to assisting the computer and telecommunication needs of all employees and students by providing detailed resolutions and general system information for common problems." If you have any NVCC computer-related technical problems, go to http://www.nvcc.edu/ithd/ for contact information.
Assignments: Return
  • You can submit assignments late; however, I impose a 50 percent grade penalty for late assignments.
  • Assignments are posted weekly and can be found, along with due dates, on this page in the Course Schedule section
  • You need to follow the assignments instructions exactly.  
  • To complete your assignments, you can use the computer labs on the campuses or you can complete your assignments at home.
    • Computer Labs
    • Home
      • Make sure you have the required hardware and disk space to install the software needed for this course.  Keep in mind that neither I nor the NVCC Help Desk can provide you any support if you have problems installing the software at home.  Therefore, you should schedule your time to allow you to come to the campus to do your assignments if you cannot get the software used in the course to work on your computer. 
Quizzes: Return

If you do not come to class at all when I give quizzes, you CANNOT make up the quizzes at a later date

If you go over a quiz's time limit, I will NOT grade the quiz

  • Quizzes are given at all face-to-face meetings.
  • If you are late for class, and the quiz has started, you will NOT be allowed into the classroom until the quiz is complete.
  • If you are late for class, and did not take the quiz, stay after class and you can take the quiz
    • You cannot take a quiz after the day it was given.
  • If you do not come to class at all when I give quizzes, you cannot make up the quizzes at a later date.
Examinations: Return
  • I DO NOT give makeup exams except under the following conditions
    • You have an emergency, such as a death in the family, with verification
    • You have a medical condition, with verifiable medical excuse
    • You have unexpected work related activities or travel, with verifiable justification from your supervisor
    • Any other extraordinary situation, at my discretion
  • Exams are composed of multiple choice, true/false, short answer, multiple answer, list, and/or fill-in-the-blank
Grading System/Assessments: Return


Percentage
 Number
Final Exam 32 1
Quizzes 18
 18
Office 2010, XHTML, and Independent Study Assignments
 21 17
CoursePort Assignments 20 ?
Special Projects
 9 3
Total 100%
Grading Scale: Return
90-100 A
80-90 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
00-59 F
How to Succeed in this Course: Return
  • Come to class. Success in this course results from being actively engaged in the classroom activities - you cannot do this if you are not in class! In the event of an absence, you are responsible for obtaining all information from your classmates.
  • Turn in high quality work which reflects efforts, careful research, good planning, originality, creativity and freshness.
  • Turn in assignments on time. There is a substantial penalty for turning in late assignments.
  • Review your assignments before submitting them. English grammar (spelling, punctuation, etc.) will be considered in grading all written assignment and tests. Assistance is available on campus for students who wish to improve their writing skills.
  • You must develop a Time Management process
    • Again, time management is critical. If you use time management techniques, your academic life, and your life in general, will be a lot less stressful. Please review the Time Management Tips.
  • Have fun. I hope you take the opportunity to learn something (both practical and fun) that you perhaps have not been able to cover in your other courses. My role in the process is to create a learning environment that makes this possible for all you.

Course Schedule

Return
Class #
Lectures and Assignments
 Due Date
1
  • In Class
    • See Weekly Agenda at the bottom of this Course Schedule
  • Individual Student Conferences/Counseling
 Jan 10
2
  • Homework Assignments
    • Discussion Board
      • Do: Respond to the Introductions Forum on the Blackboard Discussion Board
    • Tasks
    • Office 2010 Textbook
      • Do: Complete the Office 2010 and Windows 7 assignment in your Assignments > Office and XHTML Assignments Folder with a due date of ----------------------->
    • Discovering Computers Textbook
      • Do: Read Chapter 1 Introduction to Computers in your textbook
      • Do: Read Chapter 2 The Internet and World Wide Web in your textbook
    • CoursePort
      • Do: Complete all Discovering Computers Chapter 1 CoursePort assignments in your Assignments > CoursePort Assignments Folder with a due date of ----------------------->
      • Do: Complete all Discovering Computers Chapter 2 CoursePort assignments in your Assignments > CoursePort Assignments Folder with a due date of ----------------------->
    • XHTML Assignments
      • None
    • Special Projects
      • None
  • Independent Study Hybrid Component
    • Do: Complete the isa01 activity project in your Assignments > Independent Study Assignments Folder with a due date of ----------------------->
  • In Class
    • Quizzes
      • Quizzes cover this week's assignments, readings, videos, CoursePort, and your syllabus.
      • I will lock the door at 6:35. If door is locked, please wait in the lobby until we are finished.
      • Quizzes will start no later than 6:35. You need to be logged into Blackboard at 6:35. 
      • If you have trouble logging into the computer in the classroom or into Blackboard, please have a seat in the lobby until the quizzes are finished.
      • If you finish your quizzes early, take a break.
      • If you came to class but missed the quiz, you can take the quiz at the end of the class.
    • Lecture and Demonstrations
      • See Weekly Agenda at the bottom of this Course Schedule
    • First-Term Student Conferences/Counseling
Jan 17
3
  • Independent Study Hybrid Component
    • Do: Complete the isa02 activity project in your Assignments > Independent Study Assignments Folder with a due date of ----------------------->
  • In Class
    • Quizzes
      • Quizzes cover this week's assignments, readings, videos, CoursePort, and your syllabus.
      • I will lock the door at 6:35. If door is locked, please wait in the lobby until we are finished.
      • Quizzes will start no later than 6:35. You need to be logged into Blackboard at 6:35. 
      • If you have trouble logging into the computer in the classroom or into Blackboard, please have a seat in the lobby until the quizzes are finished.
      • If you finish your quizzes early, take a break.
      • If you came to class but missed the quiz, you can take the quiz at the end of the class.
    • Lecture and Demonstrations
      • See Weekly Agenda at the bottom of this Course Schedule
Jan 24
4
  • Homework Assignments
    • Office 2010 Textbook
      • Do: Complete all Excel assignments in your Assignments > Office and XHTML Assignments Folder with a due date of ----------------------->
    • Discovering Computers Textbook
      • None
    • CoursePort
      • None
    • XHTML Assignments
      • None
    • Special Projects
      • Work on Special Project #1
      • Begin Special Project #2 located in the Assignments > Special Projects Folder
  • Independent Study Hybrid Component
    • Do: Complete the isa03 activity project in your Assignments > Independent Study Assignments Folder with a due date of ----------------------->
  • In Class
    • Quizzes
      • Quizzes cover this week's assignments, readings, videos, CoursePort, and your syllabus.
      • I will lock the door at 6:35. If door is locked, please wait in the lobby until we are finished.
      • Quizzes will start no later than 6:35. You need to be logged into Blackboard at 6:35. 
      • If you have trouble logging into the computer in the classroom or into Blackboard, please have a seat in the lobby until the quizzes are finished.
      • If you finish your quizzes early, take a break.
      • If you came to class but missed the quiz, you can take the quiz at the end of the class.
    • Lecture and Demonstrations
      • See Weekly Agenda at the bottom of this Course Schedule
Jan 31
5
  • Homework Assignments
    • Office 2010 Textbook
      • Do: Complete all PowerPoint assignments in your Assignments > Office and XHTML Assignments Folder with a due date of ----------------------->
    • Discovering Computers Textbook
      • Do: Read Chapter 10 Computer Security and Safety, Ethics, and Privacy in your textbook
    • CoursePort
      • Do: Complete all Discovering Computers Chapter 10 CoursePort assignments in your Assignments > CoursePort Assignments Folder with a due date of ----------------------->
    • XHTML Assignments
      • None
    • Special Projects
      • Work on Special Project #1
      • Work on Special Project #2
      • Begin Special Project #3 located in the Assignments > Special Projects Folder
  • Independent Study Hybrid Component
    • Do: Complete the isa04 activity project in your Assignments > Independent Study Assignments Folder with a due date of ----------------------->
  • In Class
    • Quizzes
      • Quizzes cover this week's assignments, readings, videos, CoursePort, and your syllabus.
      • I will lock the door at 6:35. If door is locked, please wait in the lobby until we are finished.
      • Quizzes will start no later than 6:35. You need to be logged into Blackboard at 6:35. 
      • If you have trouble logging into the computer in the classroom or into Blackboard, please have a seat in the lobby until the quizzes are finished.
      • If you finish your quizzes early, take a break.
      • If you came to class but missed the quiz, you can take the quiz at the end of the class.
    • Lecture and Demonstrations
      • See Weekly Agenda at the bottom of this Course Schedule
    • Individual Student Conferences/Counseling
Feb 7
6
  • Homework Assignments
    • Office 2010 Textbook
      • Do: Complete all Access assignments in your Assignments > Office and XHTML Assignments Folder with a due date of ----------------------->
    • Discovering Computers Textbook
      • Do: Read Chapter 8 Communications and Networks in your textbook
    • CoursePort
      • Do: Complete all Discovering Computers Chapter 8 CoursePort assignments in your Assignments > CoursePort Assignments Folder with a due date of ----------------------->
    • XHTML Assignments
      • None
    • Special Projects
      • Submit Special Project #1
      • Work on Special Project #2
      • Work on Special Project #3
  • Independent Study Hybrid Component
    • Do: Complete the isa05 activity project in your Assignments > Independent Study Assignments Folder with a due date of ----------------------->
  • In Class
    • Quizzes
      • Quizzes cover this week's assignments, readings, videos, CoursePort, and your syllabus.
      • I will lock the door at 6:35. If door is locked, please wait in the lobby until we are finished.
      • Quizzes will start no later than 6:35. You need to be logged into Blackboard at 6:35. 
      • If you have trouble logging into the computer in the classroom or into Blackboard, please have a seat in the lobby until the quizzes are finished.
      • If you finish your quizzes early, take a break.
      • If you came to class but missed the quiz, you can take the quiz at the end of the class.
    • Lecture and Demonstrations
      • See Weekly Agenda at the bottom of this Course Schedule
Feb 14
7
  • Homework Assignments
    • Office 2010 Textbook
      • None
    • Discovering Computers Textbook
      • Do: Read Chapter 6 Storage in your textbook
    • CoursePort
      • Do: Complete all Discovering Computers Chapter 6 CoursePort assignments in your Assignment Folder with a due date of ----------------------->
    • XHTML Assignments
      • Complete all XHTML assignments in your Assignments > Office and XHTML Assignments Folder with a due date of ----------------------->
    • Special Projects
      • Submit Special Project #2
      • Work on Special Project #3
  • Independent Study Hybrid Component
    • Do: Complete the isa06 activity project in your Assignments > Independent Study Assignments Folder with a due date of ----------------------->
  • In Class
    • Quizzes
      • Quizzes cover this week's assignments, readings, videos, CoursePort, and your syllabus.
      • I will lock the door at 6:35. If door is locked, please wait in the lobby until we are finished.
      • Quizzes will start no later than 6:35. You need to be logged into Blackboard at 6:35. 
      • If you have trouble logging into the computer in the classroom or into Blackboard, please have a seat in the lobby until the quizzes are finished.
      • If you finish your quizzes early, take a break.
      • If you came to class but missed the quiz, you can take the quiz at the end of the class.
    • Lecture and Demonstrations
      • See Weekly Agenda at the bottom of this Course Schedule
    • One-Minute Individual Student Conferences/Counseling
 Feb 21
8
  • Homework Assignments
    • Office 2010 Textbook
      • None
    • Discovering Computers Textbook
      • Do: Read Chapter 7 Operating Systems and Utility Programs in your textbook
    • CoursePort
      • Do: Complete all Discovering Computers Chapter 7 CoursePort assignments in your Assignment Folder with a due date of ----------------------->
    • XHTML Assignments
      • Complete all XHTML assignments in your Assignments > Office and XHTML Assignments Folder with a due date of ----------------------->
    • Special Projects
      • Submit Special Project #3
  • Independent Study Hybrid Component
    • Do: Complete the isa07 activity project in your Assignments > Independent Study Assignments Folder with a due date of ----------------------->
 Feb 28

Weekly Agendas

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Defenders of the Domain