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Application Software Problem Solving Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information

Instructor

Rashmi Pillai (Curriculum Vitae)

E-Mail

rspillai@actx.edu

Phone

<p>(806) 371-5219</p>

Office Location

R. E. Byrd Business Building 323 C

Office Hours

(806) 337-2116 - Cell (Call or Text)

Tuesday: 9 AM - 11 AM (ONLINE)
Monday through Friday - by appointment

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

ITSC-2335-003 Application Software Problem Solving

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: BCIS 1305

Course Description

Utilization of appropriate application software to solve advanced problems and generate customized solutions.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

ITSC-2335 continues with the Microsoft Office 2013 Exploring Series utilized in BCIS-1305 for Fall of 2015 and Spring 1 of 2016.

Access to the accompanying learning management system, MyITLab, is a required element of this course. If you obtained a MyITLab access code for BCIS 1305 in Fall of 2015 or Spring 1 of 2016, this same account will remain active for Spring 2 of 2016—no additional purchase is required.

If you completed BCIS 1305 before Fall of 2015, you will need to purchase a MyITLab access code. An access code may be purchased from the AC Bookstore or directly from the MyITLab website.

MyITLab access includes an electronic version (e-text) of the appropriate textbook, Microsoft Office 2013 Exploring Series, Volume 2.

If you prefer to have a printed text for reference, you may purchase one directly from the publisher using a credit card (cost is approximately $35). A link will be provided in MyITLab for this purpose.

Supplies

  1. Access to a PC (personal computer) running the Windows 7 operating system. After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to demonstrate understanding of the following as evaluated by the faculty in the department/program.

    After completing the Word section the student will be able to:  

    • Create documents with a title page, lists, tables, and a watermark
    • Use a template to create a resume and share a finished document
    • Generate form letters, mailing labels and a directory

    After completing the Excel section the student will be able to:

    • Utilize financial functions, data tables, and amortization schedules
    • Work with multiple worksheets and workbooks
    • Create, sort, and query a table
    • Create templates, import data, and work with SmartArt, images, and screen shots
    • Create and update pivot tables and pivot charts

     After completing the Access section the student will be able to:

    • Understand basic database concepts
    • Query a database
    • Understand database procedures
    • Create reports and forms
    • Utilize multiple-table forms
    • Utilize advanced report techniques

    The main focus of this course is to understand and use various business software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, databases and other miscellaneous business applications. 

    Students Rights and Responsibilities

    Student Rights and Responsibilities

    Log in using the AC Connect Portal

    In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

    If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

    Expected Student Behavior

    Students are expected to maintain a high standard of individual honor in their scholastic work. Students who are guilty of cheating, plagiarism, copying, or dishonesty may be excluded from class with a grade of F; or, in flagrant cases, may be suspended from the College,

    The faculty of the CIS Department reserve the right to ask a student to verify any portion of a test, exam, or project by reproducing any specific section or all sections of any assignment in question. Any action that compromises the computer systems at Amarillo College, including but not limited to hacking or cracking, can result in a grade of F in this course and possible further disciplinary action.

    Integrity violations in MyITLab will result in both parties receiving a 0 on the assignment and no make-up assignment is permitted. 

    Grading Criteria

    A course grade will be assigned based upon the following criteria:

    Criteria Grade
    >89.5% A
    >79.5% B
    >69.5% C
    >59.5% D
    <59.5% F

     


    Summary of Assignments:

    ACTIVITY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT PERCENTAGE WEIGHT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
    Attendance Classroom 5% Attendance will be taken each class meeting.
    Class Preparation MyITLab 10% Training must be complete before scheduled class meeting
    Training Simulations MyItLab 15% 1 attempt for grading purposes
    Chapter Projects MyITLab 40%

    2 attempts
    Final Exam MyITLab 30% 1 attempt
    MOS Certification Exam
    (Access*, Excel, or Word)    		 CIS Testing Center
    (online and proctored)    		 ------ Successful completion of the MOS certification exam will satisfy
    the Final Exam requirement

    *Access MOS certification will only be accepted for Final Exam satisfaction if Word/Excel certifications have already been obtained.

    Attendance will impact your grade in the course. For seated classes, students are expected to attend class meetings and attendance will be taken during each class period.  For online classes, attendance will be assessed by timely completion of the multiple assignments due each week.

    Class Preparation is an important element of this course. Before each class meeting, students will be responsible for completing training simulation exercises in an online learning management system (MyITLab). This material will introduce the concepts to be reviewed in class and will provide a better opportunity for students to formulate questions in advance and have areas of difficulty addressed during the class sessions.

    Training activities are required and will be graded. Training will always remain open, however. Thus, even though a due date has passed, students may return to training and repeat training as often as desired. For grading purposes, only the first attempt will be graded.

    Chapter Projects entail downloaded files that are altered based upon a set of instructions and then uploaded to MyITLab for grading. Students are permitted two attempts on each of these projects. Students are encouraged to locate and correct any errors on the first attempt in order to support learning and integration of the chapter concepts. The higher grade of the two attempts will be recorded in the gradebook.

    The Final Exam is an in-class exam taken during the last two class sessions (during the week of May 9 – May 12).

    Please consult the course calendar for due dates on all assignments.  The CIS Department implements a “No Late Work Policy.”

    You will have the opportunity to work ahead if you can anticipate a conflicting event. Check your Course Calendar weekly for assignments due and contact your instructor to discuss any conflicts.

    Completion of a MOS Certification Exam will satisfy the Final Exam requirement as described below. Actual MOS Certification is awarded for a passing score of 700 or higher.

    MOS Score

    Final Exam Grade

    700+

    95

    600-699  

    85

    500-599

    75

    Below 500

    Retake MOS Exam or prepare to take Final Exam

     

    Attendance

    DAILY – Check your AC email (xxxxx@amarillocollege.com) and any course announcements in AC Connect/Blackboard for communications and additional instructions.

    Attendance will be taken at each class meeting for on-campus courses

    For successful completion of the course, students should anticipate spending 10 – 12 hours outside of class developing skills and completing assignments.

    Calendar

                                                                                  

                                             ITSC 2335 – Application Software Problem Solving

                                                                           Spring 2 - 2016

    Topics and assignment due dates are approximate and are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.

    WEEK

    DATE

    TOPICS COVERED

    TRAINING & PROJECTS DUE

    1

    March 21 –
    March 27

    Easter Holiday – AC Closed (3/25-3/27)

    Syllabus & Course Policies

    Info on MOS Certification Exams

    MyITLab Orientation

    Excel – Review of BCIS 1305

    1. Review Syllabus & Course Policies (Blackboard)

    2. Email Instructor (Blackboard)

    3. Set up account in MyITLab (MyITLab)

    4. Excel – Review: Training (MyITLab)

    5. Excel – Review: Project (MyITLab)

    6. Excel – CH05 / CH08 / CH10: Training (MyITLab)
       

    ALL WORK TO BE COMPLETED BY
    MONDAY (3/28) @ 5PM
    2    March 28 –
       April 3

    Census Day  Last Day to Drop Course (3/29)

    Excel – Chapter 5 (Subtotals, Pivot Tables, and Pivot Charts)

    Excel – Chapter 8 (Statistical Functions)

    Excel – Chapter 10 (Imports, Web Queries, and XML)
    1. Excel – CH05 / CH08 / CH10: Project (MyITLab)
       
    2. Excel – CH06 / CH09 / CH12: Training (MyITLab)
       

    ALL WORK TO BE COMPLETED BY
    MONDAY (4/4) @ 5PM

    3

    April 4 –                  April 10

    Excel – Chapter 6 (What-If Analysis)

    Excel – Chapter 9 (Multiple-Sheet Workbook Management)

    Excel – Chapter 12 (Templates, Styles, and Macros)
    1. Excel – CH06 / CH09 / CH12: Project (MyITLab)
       
    2. Excel – CH07 / CH011: Training (MyITLab)

      ALL WORK TO BE COMPLETED BY
      MONDAY (4/11) @ 5PM

    4

    April 11 –                April 17

    Summer/Fall Registration Begins (4/11)

    Excel – Chapter 7  (Specialized Functions)

    Excel – Chapter 11 (Collaboration and Workbook Distribution)
    1. Excel – CH07 / CH11: Project (MyITLab)
       
    2. Word – BCIS 1305 Review: Training (MyITLab)
       
    3. Word – CH05: Training (MyITLab)
       

    ALL WORK TO BE COMPLETED BY
    MONDAY (4/18) @ 5PM

    5

    April 18 –                April 24

    Word – Review of BCIS 1305

    Word – Chapter 5 (Desktop Publishing and Graphic Design)
    1. Word – BCIS 1305 Review: Project (MyITLab)
       
    2. Word – CH05: Project (MyITLab)
       
    3. Access – CH01 / CH02: Training (MyITLab)
       

    ALL WORK TO BE COMPLETED BY
    MONDAY (4/25) @ 5PM

    6

    April 25 –                 May 1

    Access – Chapter 1 (Introduction to Access)

    Access – Chapter 2 (Tables and Queries in Relational Databases)

    Sign up for MOS Exam(s)
    1. Access – CH01: Project (MyITLab)
    2. Access – CH02: Project (MyITLab)
    3. Access – CH03 / CH04: Training (MyITLab)
    4. Review for MOS Exam
       

    ALL WORK TO BE COMPLETED BY
    MONDAY (5/2) @ 5PM

    7

    May 2 –
    May 8

    Last Day to Withdraw from Course (5/3)

    Access – Chapter 3 (Customize, Analyze, and Summarize Query Data)

    Access – Chapter 4 (Creating and Using Professional Forms and Reports)

    Sign up for MOS Exam(s)

    MOS Testing – Word, Excel, or Access
    1. Access – CH03 / CH04: Project (MyITLab)
       
    2. Review for MOS Exam
       
    3. Review for Final Exam
       

    ALL WORK TO BE COMPLETED BY
    MONDAY (5/9) @ 5PM

    8

    May 9 –    
    May 12

    Final Exam – in-class exam over two class periods

     
    1. Final Exam – in-class exam

    ALL WORK TO BE COMPLETED BY THURSDAY (5/12) @ 5PM

    Additional Information

     

    IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

    March 21

    		 Spring 2 Semester Begins

    March 25 – March 27

    		 Easter Holiday – AC Closed
    March 29 Census Day
    April 11 Summer/Fall Registration Begins
    May 3 Last Day to Withdraw – 8 week courses

    May 9 – May 12

    		 Finals Week
    May 13 @ 7pm Commencement

     

    Social Services Office at Amarillo College:

    Resources for social services and/or emergency services for students are available at:

    http://www.actx.edu/resources/

    Please advise your instructor of any situation that is interfering with your performance in the class and take advantage of the resources available through the Social Services Office.


    CIS Labs:

    2nd Floor Byrd Building.  Labs open 7 days a week.  Students can get help with this course as well as other technical help.


    Helpful Links:


    CIS Web Site: http://cis.actx.edu


    Direct link to AC Connect portal and courses as well as your AC Connect email- https://acconnect.actx.edu/. You will log in with the same ID and password you use for WebAdvisor.  Contact AskAC (806-371-5000) for help if you have trouble with your log in.


    AskAC -  http://www.actx.edu/contact/-   Please contact AskAC for technical help. Contact your instructor for help with this class. 


    Student Help Center -  http://www.actx.edu/ctl/index.php?module=article&id=178-   Offers technical help to AC students 


    Writers' Corner:

    If you feel you need help organizing and writing course work, check this out:
    Writers’ Corner: Tutoring with Pizzazz - http://www.actx.edu/english/index.php?module=article&id=36. Writers' Corner is a great resource for help with writing papers and assignments. They can't help you with the content of your work, but they can help you write your work in the proper format.


    AC Distance Education Home Page -  http://www.actx.edu/de/-   Information on requirements and taking an online course. 


    Learn about using AC Connect (Blackboard) and using features of our course by reviewing the following tutorials:


    Blackboard On Demand Learning Center for Students– http://ondemand.blackboard.com/students.htm

    AC Connect Student Resources- http://www.actx.edu/ctl/index.php?module=article&id=222

     

    Syllabus Created on:

    11/30/-1 12:00 AM

    Last Edited on:

    11/30/-1 12:00 AM