Business Computer Applications Syllabus for 2023-2024
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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 Enrollment Center, Suite 700. 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:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

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-1305-018 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

In this course, you are expected to read all assigned materials and agree to abide by the rules and guidelines presented in the department academic integrity policy; by submitting an assignment, you acknowledge this policy. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VG1NSpxZzc8HDz_ElcnwYALIMYy-tCSl/view?usp=drive_link

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

Hybrid

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, Access Code
          R. Nordell, et al. (author), copyright 22, digital content
          ISBN: 1264559879
          $104 @ the AC Bookstore

This access code may also be purchased directly from the publisher (McGraw-Hill) using a link provided in the course.

Although the physical textbook is NOT required, it is available for direct purchase from the publisher (McGraw-Hill) if you learn more effectively utilizing printed text. This information is in Blackboard/Announcements or let your instructor know if you need the textbook.

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

Supplies

Microsoft 365 / Office 2021

  • This course requires that you have installed on your computer the licensed version of the necessary software - either Microsoft 365 or Office 2021.
  • Earlier versions of Microsoft Office (2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, etc.) are not fully compatible with this course.
  • "Free" software such as Office 365 Education, Open Office, Google Docs/Sheets, or Wordpad is 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).

USB flash drive (for file download and transport) or access to a cloud storage service (optional).

PC (personal computer)

  • Microsoft Windows 10 or higher operating system
  • high-speed Internet connection

NOTE:

  • Students may also use a Mac/Apple computer with the licensed version of Office 2021 or Microsoft 365 installed.
  • A Chromebook or tablet does NOT have the necessary functionality to complete important elements of the course.
  • The Underground, the computer lab in the basement of Ware Student Commons, 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 (see Student Rights and Responsibilities).
  • Students who give another student their files or allow another student to use their work are committing a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.  Students who engage in this unethical behavior risk being subject to disciplinary action in accordance with College policy.
  • 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.
  • Our partner learning management system, SIMnet, will not allow a student to submit another student's files. If you attempt to hack our system to upload files that are not yours, you will be in violation of our CIS policies and subject to disciplinary action.
  • Integrity violations in SIMnet are automatically flagged by SIMnet software whenever elements of another person's file are detected in an uploaded student file. Once detected, a flagged file is rejected by the system and the assignment remains incomplete until a valid file is uploaded.

Grading Criteria

Course grades will be assigned based upon the following criteria. Grades scored 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 assignment categories and weights:         

  CategoryWeights
Intro/Concepts (11 assignments)15%
SIMbook Lessons (16 assignments)20%
SIMnet Projects (12 assignments)30%
SIMnet Capstone Projects (2 assignments)20%
SIMnet Integrated Final Applications (1 assignment)15%
  • Unlimited attempts are permitted on the SIMnet Lessons and SIMBooks. When more than 1 attempt is completed, the higher grade will be used for grade calculations.
  • Three (3) attempts are permitted on the SIMnet Projects. When more than 1 attempt is completed, the higher grade will be used for grade calculations.
  • Two (2) attempts are permitted on the SIMnet Capstone Projects. When more than 1 attempt is completed, the higher grade will be used for grade calculations.
  • One (1) attempt is permitted on the Office Integrated Applications - Final Project.

Late Work Policy:  Late work is discouraged and may incur a penalty. Time management is important to succeed in this class.

Tutoring Policy: A student whose overall course average falls below a 75 will be required to attend a Mandatory tutoring session with one of Amarillo College's Academic Success Centers. This action is to ensure you have access to necessary resources to successfully complete the course.

Attendance

  • All Week 1 assignments must be completed by Sunday of Week 1 (March 24 @ 11:59 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, course Blackboard Announcements, and Blackboard Messages.
     
  • 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 and course announcements daily for course updates from your instructor.

  • Assignments are due by 11:59 pm each SUNDAY during Weeks 1-7

  • Assignments are due by 11:59 pm on THURSDAY during Week 8
     

See the assignment checklist posted in your Blackboard course as a mechanism to monitor due dates and your progress in the course.

Week 1: Introduction to Course, Computer Concepts

Week 2: Word, Computer Concepts

Week 3: Word

Week 4: Excel, Computer Concepts, Word Capstone Project

Week 5: Excel, Computer Concepts

Week 6: PowerPoint, Computer Concepts, Excel Capstone Project

Week 7: PowerPoint

Week 8: Access, Integrated Final

Additional Information

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

March 18:                      Spring-2 Classes Begin
March 25:                      Census Day (Administrative Drop for Non-Attendance)
March 29 - March 30:    Easter Holiday (AC Closed)
April 8:                           Registration Opens / Summer 2024 / Fall 2024
April 14:                         Honors Convocation @ Civic Center
April 17:                         All Majors Job Fair
April 30:                         Last Day to Withdraw
May 9:                           Last Day of Course
May 10:                         Commencement Ceremonies / Civic Center

 

  • Blackboard 101:
    Many students need more technical assistance with the new Blackboard Ultra. Blackboard 101 is an optional self-paced Blackboard tutorial course to help familiarize students with the workings and mechanics of Blackboard Ultra. See The Blackboard Student Help Page - www.actx.edu/ctl/blackboard-student-help - for more information about Blackboard 101.

Syllabus Created on:

02/17/24 10:40 PM

Last Edited on:

02/26/24 3:14 PM