COURSE SYLLABUS

 Course Name: Introduction to Computers & Applications

Course Number: IST

Section Number:

Semester: Fall 2010

Instructor:  Jon Trosky, MSIT

Office Hours: By Appointment

Voicemail: 570-245-3967

Email:  jontrosky@aol.com  

Course Information:

Credit Hours: 3.00 Credits

Room Number:    

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:                

This course is intended for students with little or no previous computer experience. Topics presented include a survey of computer hardware, application and systems software, data communications and networks, the societal impacts of computers and ethics in a computerized society.

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

To learn basic functions of computer systems, how computers do useful work, and the computer’s impact on society.

· In a laboratory environment, to gain familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite of application software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

· To acquire skills in problem solving and team dynamics when dealing with material of a technical nature.

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY:

Proficiency in any subject requires regular study of the material. Prior to class, pre-read the assigned topics and make sure you seek clarification on any points you do not understand. As part of your study session, include frequent reviews of older material. Lastly, get experience by practicing techniques applicable to the Microsoft Office applications that are presented in the laboratory portion of this course.

TEXTBOOKS: (Optional Can be purchased at amazon.com)

Technology in Action – Introductory – Evans, Martin, and Poatsy. Pearson Prentice Hall.   

GO! With Microsoft Office 2010 – Gaskin, Ferrett, Vargas, and Marks. Pearson Prentice Hall 

MANDATORY Flash drive (at least 512M)                                                      

ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION POLICY:

Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes regularly and punctually.

You cannot learn if you do not attend class. You also must participate. To participate is more than just making one comment then saying nothing more. You are in college and your thoughts and ideas are important to the overall success of the class. Well-thought out comments pertinent to the topic are what earn you points toward your final grade in this class.

You will have a 1 missed class allowance, for any reason without documentation, after that you will need to bring in a doctors note to not be penalized. After 3 missed classes, your grade will be dropped 5 points off your final average per missed class unless made up. In accordance with college policy, any student missing nine (9) consecutive class hours may be withdrawn from the course by the instructor. Absences should be coordinated in advance with the instructor. Unscheduled absences as well as scheduled absences, however, are recorded as a missed class relative to the attendance policy. Where applicable, tests/labs/project must be completed prior to, or on, the scheduled due date.

TARDINESS:

Students are expected to show up to class on time! Similar to the attendance policy you will be allow into the classroom late 3 times within 5 minutes of the scheduled class start, if you arrive later then that attendance will be marked as an absence. 

WITHDRAWL POLICY:

If you choose to withdraw from this course, you must submit written paperwork to the enrollment services. The last day to withdraw with an automatic “W”. All students receiving Financial Aid should consult with the financial aid officer before any course withdrawal, as their aid may be affected.

ACADEMIC HONESTY:

-        Penn State University expects that all work produced by students will represent their personal effort. Academic dishonesty includes but should not be limited to

o   Cheating on tests and exams

o   Using test aids

o   Copying

o   Sharing work with others

o   Stealing test material

o   Plagiarism – Quoted material must be enclosed in quotation marks with complete documentation indicating the source. Materials used without direct quotation should have the source indicated

o   Copying any written assignment such as papers, homework, lab reports

o   Copying any electronic assignments such as papers, homework, lab reports, programs, etc. DO NOT COPY SOMETHING FROM THE INTERNET AND CALL IT YOUR OWN. It is very easy to get caught doing this and suspicious papers will be checked out.

o   Purchase of all or part of papers, reports, workbooks, or other assignments.

o   False statements designed to earn the students the right to make up missed work.

 

All offences will be reported to the Dean of Students where a record will be made and retained. Consequences of cheating or academic dishonesty may include any of the following:

-          Receive a warning and retake the test or redo the assignment immediately

-          Ability to retake the test or redo the assignment with a loss of points

-          Receive a grade of zero on the assignment or the test

-          Receive an “F” for the course

SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:

Students with disabilities must first contact the Office of Disabilities Support Service to request course accommodations. Students are also encouraged to personally discuss arrangements with the instructor if there is a need to share any medical emergency information.

 

TUTORING:

Please contact the educational support center for their tutoring schedule.

 

LIBRARY:

The library supports the research and information needs of the students at PSU.  These materials can either be accessed online, from home, or on the campus at the library. The knowledgeable staff looks forward to helping all students meet their educational goals.

 

GRADING POLICY:

Your final grade will be based on total points earned during the course. Note that a point from a test: is equal in weight to a point from the project or lab. Therefore, your performance on the project and lab assignments, which you will have a great deal of control over, will have as much an impact on your final grade as the points earned/lost on tests.

 

                        Total points will be determined from the following course components:

4 Tests @100           400

Homework                200

Project                      250

2 Articles @25           50

Team paper                 25

Face-to-face quizzes or

Online Discussion Board

                                   75

Total Points            1000

 

Your final course letter grade will be assigned based your total points earned as follows:

 

                                       If total points earned is                                 then final grade is

                                               

1000-900                                             A        100 – 90%

899-800                                               B           89 – 80%

799-700                                               C           79 – 70%

699-600                                               D          69 – 60%

599-0                                                   F            59 – 0 %

 

                       

                        Makeup of a missed test or project presentation is permitted only if student adequately proves absence was due to circumstances beyond student's control; burden of proof is student's responsibility.

                                    A final grade of "I" (incomplete) may be given only in cases where extreme hardship prevents a student from completing the final examination of the course. All hardship cases must be adequately substantiated to the satisfaction of the instructor.

 

COURSE RESPONSIBILITES:   

 

(1)        Cheating on any homework will result in assignment of zero (0) points for that measurement and applied to each individual involved. Please maintain the highest in academic & personal standards.

 

(2)        If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case of building evacuation, please see me to discuss your needs confidentially.

 

(3)        This syllabus is a working and dynamic document. It may be modified to more appropriately meet the needs and potential of the class. You will be notified in advance of any major modifications.