Application Software Problem Solving Syllabus for 2023-2024
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>BYRD 352</p>

Office Hours

MW 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

TR 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

TR 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM (IO 115)

Students may contact me from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM via text at (806) 340-0027.

Students may contact me by email through the course in Blackboard (Messages).  If you would like to schedule a set day and time to meet, flexibility in my scheduling is available.  Please do not hesitate to ask for a specific time if needed.

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

ITSC-2335-001 Application Software Problem Solving

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: BCIS 1305

Course Description

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

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, 4 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.

Pearson's MyLabIT access code is available for purchase from the AC Bookstore ($146.75) or directly from the publisher (at a slightly lower cost) using a link provided in the course.

This access codes is a required element of the course.

The code is valid for 24 months and provides access to the MyLabIT learning platform where you will view learning materials, complete assignments, and read the electronic version of the textbook (e-text) :

          My LabIT With Ebook - Access Code
          Your Office Microsoft 365: Excel 2021
           1st edition
           Amy Kinser, et. al.
           ISBN: 0137676808

If you prefer, you may also purchase a printed copy of the textbook directly from the publisher for an additional cost of $35 (does not include the required access code) by using a link provided in the course

Supplies

Access to a PC (personal computer) running the Windows 10 (or above) operating system

Computers are available in The Underground (Ware Student Commons building, Washington Street Campus, Amarillo College) for student use

Computers running macOS are NOT a viable option for this course.  Some advanced functions in Excel cannot be engaged in the macOS environment.

Because Chromebooks do not permit the necessary Microsoft Office software (Excel) to download onto the device, they are also NOT a viable option for this course.

A high-speed internet connection is necessary to access and upload assignments to both Blackboard and MyLabIT.

A paid/downloadable version of Microsoft 365/Office 2021 software (Excel).

Due to limited availability of Excel tools, you may NOT use Office 365's Education (free version) or other free versions of spreadsheet programs, like Google Sheets or OneDrive's Excel.

Computers with the requisite software are available in The Underground (Ware Student Commons building, Washington Street Campus, Amarillo College) for student use.

Students can request Microsoft 365 from Amarillo College (directions in More About Microsoft 365 and This Class link in Blackboard course).

Optional: a USB flash drive or cloud storage account (OneDrive; Google Drive) for file transport between computers.

Student Performance

Students will utilize spreadsheet software (specifically Microsoft Excel), with a focus on understanding the impact of these applications and technology on our society and in the business world.

At completion of course student will be able to:

  • Use Excel to manage business data, and analyze empirical data from various sources using complex functions and other tools
  • Use Excel to prepare visual representation of data through charts and graphs.
  • Use Excel to create financial models. Students will learn to create amortization models. In addition, students will learn to use tools and features that help with bonds and investment analysis and depreciation of assets in a business.
  • Use Excel to create statistical models wherein students will learn to use tools to predict business outcomes, relationships between data, and predict future values.
  • Use Excel to manage data to facilitate data driven decision making.
  • Use powerful features in Excel such as PowerPivot, PowerView etc. to connect external data sources within Excel and perform analysis.

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.

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

Late Work Policy

Assignments are expected to be completed by the scheduled date/time. Late work is not accepted without written permission from your instructor prior to the due date.

Mandatory Tutoring

Any time a student's overall course grade falls below a 75, or three or more assignments have not been completed by the due date, the student is required to attend a tutoring session. This session can be scheduled directly with your instructor or with AC's Tutoring Center in the Ware Student Commons.

Grade Calculations
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 

Types of Assignments

Weekly Quizzes (10%)

As each chapter concludes, you will complete a quiz in MyLabIT over the chapter concepts. A quiz provides another method of assessing your understanding of the material--an intellectual understanding as compared to a practical understanding. Experiencing both types will enhance your ability to use the software as needed in a fast-paced work environment.

You have two attempts on each weekly quiz. Review any errors made on the first attempt to solidify your understanding and then try again. There are a total of 6 weekly quizzes worth 10% of your overall course grade.

Training Projects (30%)

Training Projects entail downloading an Excel starting file that you then alter based on a set of instructions. Training projects typically follow the chapter material step-by-step and provide practice of the chapter concepts. Training Projects are uploaded and auto-graded in MyLabIT.

You have three attempts to complete each training project successfully. Students are highly encouraged to review their submissions to locate and correct any errors on the initial attempt in order to achieve mastery of the chapter concepts. When multiple attempts are taken, the higher grade is reported to the Blackboard gradebook. There are a total of 16 training projects weighted at 30% of your overall course grade.

Chapter Projects (30%)

Chapter Projects also entail downloading an Excel starting file that you then alter based on a set of instructions. Instructions provide less detail and while the textbook provides broad explanation, it does not show you step-by-step how to complete a chapter project. Chapter Projects permit you to demonstrate more fully your understanding of the Excel concepts. Chapter Projects are uploaded and auto-graded in MyLabIT.

You have two attempts to complete each chapter project successfully. Students are highly encouraged to review their submissions to locate and correct any errors on the initial attempt in order to achieve mastery of the chapter concepts. When multiple attempts are taken, the higher grade is reported to the Blackboard gradebook. There are a total of 6 chapter projects weighted at 30% of your overall course grade.

Midterm Project (15%)

The Midterm Project is much like a Chapter Project and assesses progress thus far in the course. The Midterm project includes material from chapters 1-6 (your learning to date).

You have two attempts on the Midterm Project. When multiple attempts are taken, the higher grade is reported is to the Blackboard gradebook. The Midterm Project is weighted at 15% of your overall course grade. See the MOS Certification Exam substitution option below.

Final Project (15%)

The Final Project is also comprehensive, potentially addressing any of the Excel concepts introduced throughout the entirety of the course.

You have two attempts on the Final Project. When multiple attempts are taken, the higher grade is reported to the Blackboard gradebook.  The Final Project is weighted at 15% of your overall course grade. See the MOS Certification Exam substitution option below.

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification Exam (optional)

Completion of a MOS Certification Exam will satisfy the Midterm Project and Final Project requirements as follows:

  • MOS: Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps) substitutes for the Midterm Project
  • MOS: Microsoft Excel Expert (Microsoft 365 Apps) substitutes for the Final Project

How a MOS exam score correlates to a grade:

  • >=700 points = 95 on Midterm Project or Final Project (and MOS certification)
  • 600-699 points = 85 on Midterm Project or Final Project
  • 500-599 points = 75 on Midterm Project or Final Project
  • <500 points = retake MOS Exam or take Midterm Project or Final Project
  • Actual MOS certification is ONLY awarded for an exam score >=700

*If you have already obtained any of the various MOS certifications, speak with your instructor about additional/alternative MOS certifications that will substitute for the Midterm Project or Final Project.

Attendance

All Week 1 assignments must be completed by Sunday, 3/24, @ 11pm, 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 AC email (@amarillocollege.com) and any course announcements in AC Connect/Blackboard for communications and additional instructions.
  • Check your email daily!
  • Complete assignments on time!

Calendar

The schedule below represents a planned outline for the course. Actual assignments and dates are subject to change. Please check your email daily for course updates from your instructor.
 

WEEK 1

Review Course Information / Getting Started Module
Course Syllabus Quiz
Email Instructor
Activate MyLabIT Account
Review of Excel from BCIS-1305 (Business Computer Applications)

WEEK 2

Excel CH06: Integrating Complex Functions into Business Analysis

WEEK 3

Excel CH05: Complex Conditional and Retrieval Functions

WEEK 4

Midterm Project
Excel CH09: Organize, Import, Export, and Cleanse Data Sets

WEEK 5

Excel CH09: Organize, Import, Export, and Cleanse Data Sets
Excel CH10: Data Tables, Scenario Manager, and Solver

WEEK 6

Excel CH11: Loan Amortization, Investment Analysis, and Asset Depreciation

WEEK 7

Excel CH13: The Excel Data Model and Business Intelligence

WEEK 8
Excel CH12: Business Statistics and Regression Analysis
Final Project

Additional Information

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

March 18:                      Spring-2 Classes Begin
March 25:                      Census Day (Administrative Drop for Non-Attendance)
March 29 - March 31:    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

 

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 in the basement 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.
  • The Underground: Located in the basement of Ware Student Commons, The Underground contains more than 130 computers and features numerous individual work stations, production and collaboration rooms, some 85-inch screens, and high-quality printers. Hours of Operation are: Monday-Thursday (7am-8:30pm), Friday (7am-4pm), and Sunday (2pm-6pm).
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:

03/17/24 6:36 PM

Last Edited on:

03/17/24 6:41 PM