Section:  0156

Computer Science 401 Introduction to Computers

FAll 2007 - Online Syllabus

Instructor: Mark A. Lampert
Office hours: Virtual: By Appointment
Office phone number: (818) 947-2614
E-mail: online401@sbcglobal.net

CLASS MEETING TIMES AND LOCATIONS:
            Since this is a sixteen-week distance learning class, there will be no specified time for weekly lab and weekly lectures.  There are readings and assignments that MUST be completed by the students on a weekly basis.

            As in any Computer Science class, the lab and lecture time is not sufficient to complete assignments.  Therefore, the CSIT department has made the computer lab available for On-line students at the following times:

Additional Lab hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30 - 1:50; Mon - Thurs: 4:00 - 9:50; Sat: 9:00 - 12:50

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
            This course presents an introduction to Computer Science terminology, concepts, and programming.  Topics include the impact of computers on society, ethical issues, operating systems, The Internet, and hardware/software applications, including word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation graphics.  Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers and the use of the computer to solve problems.

OBJECTIVES:
            Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Define the functions of the major elements of a computer system.
2. Operate a Personal Computer (PC).
3. Perform fundamental Windows operations on a PC.
4. Learn common applications programs.
5. Write and understand programs written in a programming language.
6. Decide what type of computer to obtain for a given company and what associated peripherals and software will be required for the computer.

MATERIALS:
            Text Books:

1. Shelly, Cashman, & Vermaat; “Discovering Computers 2007”, Shelly             Cashman Series, ISBN 1-4188-4370-9.
2. Shelly, Cashman, & Vermaat; “Office 2003, Essential Concepts and             Techniques" Shelly Cashman Series, ISBN 1-4188-5947-8.

A memory stick, or equivalent.

Office 2003 is installed on the LAMC computer science lab PC's if you plan to do your work at school.

Possession of, or access to, Office 2003 Professional if doing work at home or at a location other than LAMC.

Internet Access, World Wide Web (WWW) and an e-mail account. 

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS:
            The reading and network assignments must be completed by the student on a weekly basis.  Comments on the reading material and specific assignments can be found in the Schedule under Assignments & Lectures. 

            Students can communicate with each other and/or the instructor by e-mail, bulletin boards, and chat groups.  One of the benefits of on-line classes is group support and help with the other projects throughout the semester.

Exams will be taken on-line and consist of True/False, Multiple Choice, and Matching.  The answers will be submitted to the instructor via the ETUDES website.

Threaded Discussions(TD) (Bulletin Board): student participation in asynchronous online discussions will form a significant part of the grade (see Determination of Grade below).  Discussion questions based on text and Website readings will be posted weekly in the Academic Forum Bulletin Board page.  Discussions will take place using the Bulletin Board. 

Internet Assignments(4) Every two weeks an Internet specific assignment will be due.  These Microsoft Word attachments will be sent to the instructor with ETUDES NG.

Lab Assignments(4) Every two weeks a different lab assignment will be due.  These assignments are taken from the lab manuals.  The sections studied will be:  Windows XP, Microsoft Word 2003, Microsoft Excel 2003, and Microsoft PowerPoint 2003.  These assignments will be sent to the instructor as attachments within ETUDES NG.

GENERAL POLICIES:
            All assignments MUST contain the following information:
a) Student Name:
b) Assignment Number:
c) Assignment Due Date: 

Failure to include all requested information will result in lost points. Use REMark lines in QBasic programs to supply this information.

All assignments will be due on a set date (See schedule) no later than midnight of the posted date.

Assignments may not be accepted if they are received more than 6 days after the due date.

Students not completing all assignments will receive a grade of no better than a 'D' in the course regardless of total points.

Incompletes are only issued when a student is current with all class work and has an unexpected emergency.  An emergency would be a death in the family, an accident, emergency operation, etc.  The student needs to make a written request to the instructor.

Any form of cheating will be reason for failure. This includes plagiarism (copying) from reference material, www, or another student.

Students with special needs should discuss these needs with the instructor.

NOTE: The instructor reserves the right to modify presentation of material if he feels it is to the benefit of the student to do so.  The instructor also reserves the right to modify grading policy based on material covered during the semester. 

ATTENDANCE:

1. The entry date for each on line student will be the date of receipt of your first e-mail to the instructor. If you register but do not complete the first two assignments by September 17, 2007, you will be removed from the instructor's roster.
2. You must complete all assignments and labs by the last day of class.  On-line copies of your work will be kept by the computer science department until the class has been audited.
3. If you register and never complete any of the assignments by e-mail then you will be listed as having never attended this class.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

• All registered students must e-mail the instructor on or before the first day of class.  The instructor's e-mail address is online401@sbcglobal.net. NOT online401@hotmail.net
• The e-mail should contain the following information for purposes of registration:  student name, Student Identification Number, e-mail address, and the student's telephone number.
• In addition to the registration information, the e-mail should contain information about the computer you plan on using and something about yourself.  Why you registered for a distance learning (on-line) class.  Also include what you expect to get out of the course.
• After you have e-mailed the instructor and he has confirmed that you are registered for this class, he will add your name to his e-mail list.  Each student on this list will receive e-mail on the first day of class concerning the first of the assignments.  If you have registered with the college and have sent your e-mail address and have not received this e-mail by September 17, 2007, please send another e-mail or contact the instructor.

DETERMINATION OF GRADE:

Your final letter grade will be based on your total points:

Grading scale: A = 90% to 100%; B = 80% to 89%; C = 70% to 79%;
 D = 60% to 69%; F = < 60%.