Business Computer Applications Syllabus for 2019-2020
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>Byrd Business Building 344</p>

Office Hours

Hi! I am looking forward to working with you this semester.

Please contact me by email (lkenney@actx.edu), through Messages in Blackboard, or via text (806.680.4348) if you would like to schedule a day and time to meet in person or Zoom online to get your questions answered or to receive additional guidance on course concepts. Flexibility in scheduling is available, so do not hesitate to ask for what works for you.

If you want to stop by, I will be in my office at these designated times:
      Mondays: 10:30am - 11:30am
      Thursdays 11:30am - 12:30pm

Know two things:

  1. I am here and ready to assist you and guide you at whatever level works for you. If you are at a level that permits you to work this course mostly independently, go for it. If you need assistance, a lot or a little, please communicate that. Many times what feels like a big thing holding you back is a small obstacle we can work on together to get past in a short period of time.
  2. There are many tasks to complete in the course. Every week, multiple tasks, for the entire 8 weeks. Block off time to get these assignments complete. This is how you will learn and how you will demonstrate competency with this material.

Good luck this semester!!

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

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.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

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:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

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-1305-011 Business Computer Applications

Prerequisites

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 ResourcesStudent 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:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact 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

Although you have outside buying options available, speak with your instructor before buying from a source other than the AC Bookstore. We want to ensure you have the correct product.

  • [MyITLab w/e-text Access Card For Exploring Office 2019; Poatsy; ISBN # 0135402468; $120.00 @ the AC Bookstore]

The physical textbook is NOT required, but is available for direct purchase from the publisher (Pearson) if you learn more effectively utilizing printed text. A link for this printed textbook purchase ($35) is provided in the online course materials.

The MyLabIT access code is a REQUIRED element of this course; it is not possible to complete this course successfully without obtaining a valid access code.

Supplies

Microsoft Office 2019 / Office 365

Computers with the appropriate software are available on the various Amarillo College campuses if you do not have access to a computer or the internet at home.


If you wish to complete work on your personal computer/laptop, Microsoft Office 2019/Office 365 must be installed.

Earlier versions of Microsoft Office (2016, 2013, 2010, etc.) are not fully compatible with this course. "Free" software such as Open Office or Google Docs/Sheets or Office 365 for Education are not compatible with this course.


Please check with your instructor if you have questions about appropriate software options.

 

Access code to MyLabIT (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 and a high-speed internet connection.

Computers running the Windows 10 operating system with internet access are available at various locations on Amarillo College campuses.

Student Performance

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

At successful completion of course student will be able to:

Describe the fundamentals of information technology concepts – hardware, software, security, and privacy.

Demonstrate proper file management techniques to manipulate electronic files and folders in local, network, and online environments.

Create business documents with word processing software using spelling and grammar check, format and layout, tables, citations, graphics, and mail merge.

Create business documents and analyze data with spreadsheet software using (1) tables, sorting, filtering, charts and graphics, pivot tables, macros; (2) statistical, financial, logical and look-up functions and formulas; and (3) add-ins

Create business multimedia presentations with presentation software using templates, lists, groups, themes, colors, clip art, pictures, tables, transitions, animation, video, charts, and views.

Create databases and manage data with database software using tables, fields, relationships, indexes, keys, views, queries, forms, reports, and import/export functions.

Integrate business software applications.

Use web-based technologies to conduct ethical business research.

Use “goal seeking” and “what-if analysis” to solve problems and make adjustments/recommendations in a business environment.

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 MyLabIT 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 MyLabIT 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 & Training:  15%
          Computer Concepts & Quizzes:  15%
          MyLabIT Chapter Projects:  20%
          Midterm Exams:  15%
          Analysis & Course Project:  20%
          Final Exam:  15%

 Attendance for seated classes will be taken during each class period.

Two attempts are permitted on the MyLabIT Chapter Projects. When two attempts are taken, the higher grade will be used for grade calculations.

One attempt is permitted on the Computer Concepts & Quizzes, the Midterm Exams, and the Final Exam.

Unlimited attempts are permitted on the MyLab IT training simulations. When multiple attempts are taken, the higher grade will be used for grade calculations.

Attendance

All Week 1 assignments must be completed by Sunday of Week 1 (11/3 @ 11:30pm), 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. Late work is not accepted.

Attendance for seated classes will be taken during each class period. Excessive absence or lack of participation may result in failure of the course.

Students should plan on spending a minimum of 8-10 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.

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

The schedule below represents a planned outline for the course. Actual dates are subject to change. Please check your email daily for course updates from your instructor.
 
  • Assignments are due by 10:00 pm each SUNDAY during Weeks 1-7
  • Assignments are due by 10:00 pm on THURSDAY (12/19) during Week 8
     
See the checklist posted in your Blackboard course as a mechanism to monitor due dates and your progress in the course.
 
Week 1:  October 28 - November 3

Course Survey
Contact Information DropBox Assignment
Introduce Yourself Email
Course Syllabus Quiz
Activate MyLabIT Account

Simulator Training Quiz
Grader Projects Quiz
File Management DropBox Assignment

All Week 1 assignments must be satisfactorily completed in order to advance to Week 2 assignments.
All Week 1 assignments must be completed by Sunday of Week 1 (Sunday, 11/3 @ 10pm), 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.
 Contact your instructor as soon as you run into any troublesome issues during Week 1, so that assistance can be offered to help you stay on track!!
Week 2:  November 4 - November 10

Computer Hardware & Software Quiz
Training: Chapters 1 & 2 /  WORD

Training: Chapter 3 / WORD
Project: Chapter 1 / WORD
Project: Chapter 2 / WORD
Project: Chapter 3 / WORD

Week 3:  November 11 - November 17

Training: Chapter 4 / WORD
Training: Chapter 1 / EXCEL
Project: Chapter 4 / WORD
Project: Chapter 1 / EXCEL
Word Capstone & Critical Thinking Quiz

Week 4:  November 18 - November 24

Ethics & Technology Quiz
Training: Chapter 2 / EXCEL
Project: Chapter 2 / EXCEL

Week 5:  November 25 - December 1

Training: Chapter 3 / EXCEL
Training: Chapter 4 / EXCEL
Project: Chapter 3 / EXCEL
Project: Chapter 4 / EXCEL
Analysis & Course Project.1

Week 6:  December 2 - December 8

Security Breaches & Hacking Quiz
Training: Chapter 1 / POWERPOINT
Project: Chapter 1 / POWERPOINT
Excel Capstone & Critical Thinking Quiz
Analysis & Course Project.2

Week 7:  December 9 - December 15

Training: Chapters 2 / POWERPOINT
Training: Chapter 3 / POWERPOINT

Project: Chapter 2 / POWERPOINT
Project: Chapter 3 / POWERPOINT

Week 8:  October 14 - October 17

Training: Chapter 1 / ACCESS
Training: Chapter 2 / ACCESS
Final Exam (Comprehensive)

 

Additional Information

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:
October 28                           :    Fall 2 Classes Begin
November 4                          :   Census Day (Administrative Drop for Non-Attendance)
November 4                          :   Spring Registration Begins
November 11                        :    Veteran's Day
November 26                        :    Thanksgiving Bag Give-Away
November 28 - December 1 :    Thanksgiving Holiday (AC Closed)
December 11                        :    Last Day to Withdraw
December 19                        :    Last Day of Fall Courses
December 20                        :    Commencement, 7:00 PM
December 21 - January 5     :    Christmas Break, Limited College Services

TECHNOLOGY & COMPUTING ISSUES
  • 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
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.

Syllabus Created on:

10/27/19 5:20 PM

Last Edited on:

10/27/19 10:29 PM