Business Computer Applications Syllabus for 2020-2021
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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-1305-010 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.

  • Microsoft Office 365 In Practice
    Randy Nordell / ISBN #1264534515
    $100.00 @ the AC Bookstore

This SIMnet access card available at the AC Bookstore includes access to the electronic version of the textbook and a variety of learning materials. SIMnet access 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 / Microsoft 365

This course requires that you have access to the 2019 version of Office or Microsoft 365 (formally known as Office 365).

 

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, WordPad, Office Online, 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 SIMnet (see textbook information above)
 

A PC (personal computer) running Microsoft Windows 7 or higher operating system and a high-speed internet connection. All work is completed online with an internet connection.

Students may also use a Mac/Apple computer.

A Chromebook or tablet does NOT have the necessary functionality to complete important elements of the course and a student CANNOT successfully complete the course using a Chromebook or tablet.

The Underground, the computer lab in the basement of Ware Student Commons on the Washing Street campus, has computers with the appropriate software installed and available for your use.

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 SIMnet 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 SIMnet 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, between:

89.5% and 100% = A
79.5% and less than 89.5% = B
69.5% and less than 79.5% = C
59.5% and less than 69.5% = D
0% and less than 59.5% = F

Student evaluation is based upon the following assignments and weights:

Attendance / Participation:  10%
Introduction Activities / Computer Concepts:  15%
SIMbook Lessons:  15%
SIMnet Projects:  20%
Class Project:  10%
Capstone Projects:  20%
Integrated Final:  10%
 

Attendance / Participation (10% of course grade)

Attendance will be taken at each class session.
Due to social distancing limitations in the classroom, only half of our students can attend in-person each day. The other half of our students will attend via Zoom. We will rotate for each class session which students attend in-person vs. via Zoom.
Active participation in class is an important element in learning business computer applications. All students are expected to ask questions, point out concepts for which clarification is needed, assist the instructor in solving problems, and complete practice files during the class session.
There are four (4) participation projects that will be completed in class, for a grade. These projects provide practice on important software concepts. Topics include: formulas and functions, PivotTables, goal seek analysis, what-if analysis, etc.

Introduction Activities / Computer Concepts (15% of course grade)

Introduction Activities are Week 1 activities that are administrative in nature and designed to get you oriented to the course and the learning management systems you will be using (Blackboard and SIMnet)
Computer Concepts are textbook readings with embedded activities to introduce you to topics such as: computer hardware and software, the internet, networking, security, and the impact of technology on our changing world.
One attempt is permitted for Introduction Activities and Computer Concepts.

SIMbook Lessons (15% of course grade)

SIMbook Lessons provide training for each type of application software (Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word).
The training is embedded within the textbook, allowing you to read about the software tools available.
On each page are 3 options (Show Me, Guide Me, and Let Me Try). Let Me Try is required.
Let Me Try puts you into a simulated environment, mimicking the application, with tasks for you to complete. If you do not know how to complete a task, Show Me and Guide Me are optional tools that will train you.
You should expect to received a 100% on each SIMnet Lesson, because you can keep trying until you get it right. Just don't give up!
Unlimited attempts are permitted on the SIMbook Lessons. When multiple attempts are taken, the higher grade will be used for grade calculations.

SIMnet Projects (20% of course grade)

SIMnet projects provide an opportunity to practice the tools you are learning in a more realistic environment--using the actual software.
SIMnet projects entail downloading a starting file with a set of instructions. You will modify the file based on the instructions and upload your completed file to SIMnet for automatic grading.
A report will provide information about any steps you missed or completed incorrrectly.
Two attempts are permitted on SIMnet Projects. When two attempts are taken, the higher grade will be used for grade calculations.

Class Project (10% of course grade)

The Class project is an exploration of Artificial Intelligence and its potential impact on the future of work.
Videos and articles are provided to start your exploration.
The Class Project is broken up into 4 parts: 2 discussions posts, 1 essay, and 1 video presentation with outline.
One attempt is permitted on each of the Class Project components.

Capstone Projects (20% of course grade) and Integrated Project (10% of course grade)

Final exam activities include a Capstone Project for Word, a Capstone Project for Excel, and an Integrated Project that includes Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
These projects are similar to major exams, in that it is an opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of what you have learned and accomplished over the semester.
One attempt is permitted on each of these projects.

Attendance

All Week 1 assignments must be completed by Sunday of Week 1 (August 30 @ 11:30 pm), 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. Keeping aligned with the assignment checklist provided will benefit you!!

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 time frame, 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 11:30 pm each SUNDAY during Weeks 1-7
  • Assignments are due by 11:30 pm on THURSDAY (10/15) 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 (August 24 - August 30)  /  Introduction to Course, Computer Concepts

Week 2 (August 31 - September 6)  /  PowerPoint, Computer Concepts,  Class Project.1

Week 3 (September 7 - September 13)  /  Excel, Participation Project, Computer Concepts, Class Project.2

Week 4 (September 14 - September 20)  /  Excel, Participation Project, Computer Concepts

Week 5 (September 21 - September 27)  /  Excel, Word, Participation Project, Class Project.3

Week 6 (September 28 - October 4)  /  Word, Computer Concepts

Week 7 (October 5 - October 11)  /  Word, Access, Class Project.4

Week 8 (October 12 - October 15)  /  Word Capstone Project, Excel Capstone Project, Integrated Project (Access, Excel, PPT)

Additional Information

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:
August 24:          Fall 1 Classes Begin
August 31:          Census Day (Administrative Drop for Non-Attendance)
September 7:      Labor Day Holiday (AC Closed)
October 6:           Last Day to Withdraw
October 15:         Last Day of Fall 1 Courses
October 19 - 25:  Fall Break (Faculty & Students)
October 26:         Fall 2 Classes Begin

TECHNOLOGY & COMPUTING ISSUES
  • The Underground: AC's new student technology/collaboration lab in the basement of the Ware Student Commons on the Washington Street Campus:  http://www.actx.edu/underground
  • 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 http://www.actx.edu/ctl/hours-of-operation.
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:

08/19/20 1:54 PM

Last Edited on:

08/28/20 1:07 AM