Business Computer Applications Syllabus for 2017-2018
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

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Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

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

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

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

BCIS-1305-016 Business Computer Applications

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: RDNG 0321-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating readiness for RDNG 0331

Course Description

Students will study computer terminology, hardware and software related to the business environment. The focus of this course is on business productivity software applications and professional behavior in computing, including word processing (as needed), spreadsheets, databases, presentation graphics and business-oriented utilization of the Internet.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact your advisor, the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Two options are available for course materials:
 

(1) Purchase an access code to MyITLab and accompanying electronic text (e-text)

[MyITLab w/e-text Access Card For Exploring Office 2016; Poatsy; ISBN #0134455878; $127.50 @ the AC Bookstore]
 

(2) Purchase a physical textbook, access code to MyITLab, and accompanying electronic text (e-text)

[Bundle Exploring MS Office 2016 Vol I W/MyITLab Access Card; Poatsy; ISBN #0134526457; $160 @ at the AC Bookstore]
 

The physical textbook is NOT required, but is available if you learn more effectively utilizing printed text. Either option can be purchased at the AC Bookstore.  Should you choose the first option and later decide you also want the printed text, the text can be purchased directly from the publisher for an additional fee (roughly $35).

 

Supplies

Microsoft Office 2016 (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Computers with this software are available in the CIS Computer Labs at Amarillo College (2nd Floor, Byrd Business Building, Washington Street campus).

For Windows-based computers, a 180-day subscription to Microsoft Office 2016 is available from Pearson for $13 (link available inside the course).

Earlier versions of Microsoft Office (2013, 2010, etc.) are not compatible with this course.
 

Access code to MyITLab (see textbook information above).
 

USB flash drive (for file download and transport).
 

Access to a PC (personal computer) running Microsoft Windows 7 or higher operating system.

Computers running the Windows 7 operating system are available in the CIS Computer Labs at Amarillo College (2nd Floor, Byrd Business Building, Washington Street campus).

Student Performance

Students will utilize word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet software, as well as Internet research, to prepare documents and presentations, with a focus on understanding the impact of computer use and technology on our society and culture.

At completion of course student will be able to:

Explore the impact of computer technology on society and how computer technology has changed how we think, live, work, play, communicate, and our values and beliefs.

Determine the computer application skills one should acquire to be successful in the job market, in college courses, and in everyday life.

Recognize the ethical and societal effects and responsibilities of computer use.

Discuss how activities such as plagiarism, theft of services or licensing, or the spread of viruses impacts the individual, society, and culture and what one can do to protect oneself and one's data. Discuss how digital actions can cause accidental or intentional harm to others and methods of preventing those actions.

Recognize quality Web sites, practice online etiquette and safe surfing.

Categorize computers based on size, application, and cost.

Recognize the components, types, importance, advantages and disadvantages of networking computers.

Evaluate the possibilities of e-commerce and cloud computing

Recognize and describe the features of computer operating systems and system utilities.

 Use PowerPoint to create presentations addressing the above issues.

Use Word to create documents, mail merge, fliers, resumes and research papers.

Use Excel to create personal budgets, grade books, manage business data, and analyze empirical data from various sources.

Use Excel to prepare visual representation of data through charts and graphs.

Explore coding (computer programming) at an introductory level, learning the basics of language structure, breaking a problem into manageable parts, and applying logic and critical thinking to accomplishing tasks.

Identify curren t and future computer trends.

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 receive a 0 on an assignment; 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 Program reserve the right to ask a student to verify any portion of a test or assignment by reproducing any specific section or the entire test/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 (using all or part of someone else’s file) in MyITLab will result in both parties receiving a grade of 0 for the assignment and there will be no makeup for that assignment. Integrity violations are automatically flagged by MyITLab software whenever elements of another person's file are detected in an uploaded student file.

Grading Criteria

Course grades will be assigned based upon the following criteria:

> 89.5 = A
>79.5 = B
>69.5 = C
>59.5 = D
<59.5 = F 
 

Student evaluation is based upon the following assignments and weights:

Attendance and/or Chapter Simulation Trainings: 10%
Chapter Concepts Quizzes: 5%
Chapter Projects: 30%
Capstone Projects/Final Projects: 25%
Computer Concepts Quizzes/DropBox Assignments: 15%
Coding Assignments: 15%

 

Attendance for seated classes will be taken during each class period. Attendance for online classes will be assessed by completion of training simulations in MyITLab. The two lowest grades in this category will be dropped before calculating a grade.

 One attempt is permitted on the following tasks: computer concepts quizzes and dropbox assignments, capstone projects, and final projects. For the computer concepts quizzes and dropbox assignment category only, the lowest grade will be dropped before calculating a grade.

 Capstone projects are like major exams in this course. Students are expected to complete each capstone project independently and without assistance from anyone.

 Two attempts are permitted on the following tasks: chapter concepts quizzes, chapter projects, and coding assignments. When two attempts are taken, the higher grade will be used for calculations. For the chapter projects category only, the lowest attempt grade will be dropped before assigning a project grade.

Attendance

All Week 1 assignments must be completed by the census date (Tuesday, January 23), in order to be considered Present in the course. Failure to complete all assignments by this date may lead to an administrative drop from the course.

Check your email daily.  The email address used by your instructor is the @amarillocollege.com email address issued to each AC student. Your instructor will communicate important course updates, guidance, and hints via email.

Complete assignments by the scheduled date/time.  There is a "no late work" policy, except in extreme circumstances.

Attendance for seated classes will be taken during each class period. Attendance for online classes will be assessed by completion of training simulations in MyITLab.  Excessive absence or lack of participation may result in failure of the course.

Students should plan on spending a minimum of 10-12 hours per week on this course. This time commitment is not an exaggeration. Actual amounts will vary depending on weekly assignments, topic complexity, and prior experience with the subject matter.

Due to the nature of this course and the volume of work required to master this material, students are rarely successful when attempts are made to complete work during one or two days each week. Please schedule your time, so that you are able to devote the appropriate energy and effort to achieve success in this course.

Your instructor, Lynne Seal, may be contacted by email through the course in Blackboard. If Blackboard is not available, please email lseal@actx.edu.  In-person meetings or additional help are available if needed or desired. Please contact by email to set up a convenient day/time.

Emails are typically answered within 24 hours. If you do not receive a response within that timeframe, please resend your message as a reminder.

Calendar

Additional Information

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:
January 16:           Spring 2018 Courses Begin
January 23:           Census Day (Administrative Drop for Non-Attendance)
February 27:          Last Day to Withdraw from Course
March 8:                Last Day of Course (all work due by 5pm)
March 10:              Spring Break Begins

 

TECHNOLOGY & COMPUTING ISSUES

• Open Computer Labs: The Business Systems and Emerging Technology Department hosts an open computer lab on the 2nd Floor of the Byrd Business Building. Labs are open 7 days a week. Assistance with this course and/or technical assistance are available in the computer labs. Visit the Computer Information Systems (CIS) website for additional details: http://cis.actx.edu.
• Computer Services Center: Located within the AC Bookstore, trained staff will diagnose computer-related issues and repair problems on a fee-for-service basis. Laptop rentals are also available. Visit the Computer Services Center website for additional details: https://www.actx.edu/bookstore/computer-service-center.
• Student & Faculty Help Center: Located on the first floor of Ware Student Commons, the Help Center provides technical support to students and faculty. The Help Center offers assistance in logging into AC Connect, Blackboard, resetting passwords, and general computing and software questions. Visit the Student & Faculty Help Center website at https://www.actx.edu/ctl/helpcenter.

COURSE ASSISTANCE

• Tutoring: A variety of options are available when you need a little extra help in a course (online, walk-in, one-on-one). Visit the Tutoring website at https://www.actx.edu/tutoring/.
• Writers' Corner: Writers' Corner offers one-on-one tutoring to review assignment requirements, provide constructive feedback, and guide students through all phases of the writing process. Writer’s Corner will not edit your work, but will help you get on the right path. Visit the Writer’s Corner website at https://www.actx.edu/english/writerscorner.
• DisAbility Services: DisAbility Services helps students by providing necessary accommodations for course success and facilitating access to all services and programs at Amarillo College. Visit the DisAbility Services website at https://www.actx.edu/disability/.
• Learn about using AC Connect (Blackboard) and using features of our course by reviewing the following tutorials:
  • Blackboard On Demand Learning Center for Students
    • Topic list: https://help.blackboard.com/Learn/Student
    • Videos: http://ondemand.blackboard.com/students.htm
  • AC Connect Student Resources
    • https://www.actx.edu/ctl/ac-connect-student-resources

PERSONAL ISSUES

• Advocacy & Resource Center: The Advocacy & Resource Center is located on the first floor of Ware Student Commons. A variety of resources are available in the areas of social services, a food pantry, a clothing closet, and adult student programs. Visit the Advocacy & Resource Center website at http://www.actx.edu/arc/advocacy-and-resource-center.
• Counseling Center: At the Counseling Center, student and counselor work together to develop more personal awareness and the skills needed to overcome barriers to success. All services are free and confidential. Visit the Counseling Center website at: https://www.actx.edu/counseling/index.php.
• Legal Clinic: The Legal Clinic is a free, walk-in clinic assisting enrolled AC students on various legal issues including family law, immigration, probate, landlord-tenant issues, and general legal matters. Visit the Legal Clinic website at https://www.actx.edu/legalstudies/legal-student-intership.