COT  202 Online              INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

Text:

Microsoft OFFICE 2003, Benchmark Series Comprehensive Specialist (Word 2003, Excel 2003, Access 2003, PowerPoint 2003 – Nita Rutkosky) ISBN – 0-7638-2053-9

Instructor:	Bonnie York	Telephone:	H – 423-6181 W – 423-8330, Ext. 2255
		e-mail: bonnie@wncc.edu
Prerequisite:	It is recommended that you know how to type and have previous computer experience—preferably Introduction to Information Systems or Introduction to Computers.

Number of Credits:  3

Transferability of Course within Nevada:  Transfers as a general elective.

Linkage of course to educational program mission and outcomes:  This course is one of the degree requirements for the AAS in one of three degrees in Computer Technology.  Upon completion of this course students will have a skill set necessary for further study in computer technology and with successful completion of the course are able to test successfully on certification standards in this specialty program.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

· Analyze, synthesize, and evaluate school, work, or home situations and use application software to complete information-processing tasks efficiently and effectively.

· Access the Internet and use the browse, search, and hyperlink capabilities of Web browsers.

· Prepare, manage, and print documents using application software.

· Learn strategies for merging and integrating source data from different applications.

· Create, design, and produce professional documents using basic word processing software. Topics include design options for formatting and layout, strategies for working with multiple documents, and techniques for using templates and predesigned styles.

· Process, manipulate, and represent numeric data using the basic functions of spreadsheet software. Functions include: using formatting techniques for preparing a spreadsheet, creating and testing formulas, using multiple worksheets, exploring what-if scenarios, and converting to chart formats.

· Plan, structure, and create databases for efficient data access and retrieval using database software. Functions include: search and sort capabilities for extracting data, data retrieval commands, techniques for record specification, and design options for report layout.

· Design and create informational and motivational slides using presentation software and images that contain hyperlinks, tables, clip art, and animation.

COMPUTER TIME

Approximately 8 to 10 hours per week of computer time is recommended for successful completion of course requirements.

ATTENDANCE and TESTING

Tests will cover class notes, lab work, and reading assignments.  If a student does not turn in weekly assignments, for a period of 2 weeks without contacting the instructor, and does not plan to continue with the class, please formally withdraw so that your name does not continue to appear on the class list.  Of course I have the positive attitude that everyone will complete the course.

GRADING

Your final grade will be computed by averaging together the following grades:

Four Theory Tests =	15%
Assignment points on weekly  graded assignments (Internal Chapter Exercises, online chats, bulletin board discussions)	25%
Eight Performance Assessments =	30%
Chapter Quizzes	10%
Integrated Project =	20%

In order to successfully complete your graded assignments (EX’s and PA’s), you will have to work through the exercises in each chapter.  These exercises will be graded, and they are your means of learning the specifics of the software.  Occasionally a saved exercise will be called up again in order for you to complete another exercise.  A perfect assignment will receive a score of 4.0. One full point will be deducted for omissions or text additions, incorrect formulas, or commands that result in copy that seriously deviates from the exercise instructions. One-half point will be deducted for each typographical error or major formatting error. One-quarter point will be deducted for minor formatting errors.

SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS

Assignments are due the week after they are assigned and will be submitted through WebCT’s Assignment drop boxes.  i.e.:  Folders containing the completed exercises for Word Ch. 1, Ch. 2, and Ch. 3 will be selected and zipped into one folder labeled Week 1.  Your assignments must be clearly labeled according to the instructions at the end of each chapter exercise.  All assignments except the fourth Theory Test, PowerPoint Workplace Ready, Chapter 8 PowerPoint quiz, and the Integrated Project must be submitted by Monday, December. 12.  The fourth Theory Test, PowerPoint Workplace Ready, PowerPoint Chapter 8 Quiz, and the Final Integration Project must be submitted by Friday, May 19.

The following percentage grade scale will be used:

94 - 100 = A	73 - 76 = C
90 - 93 = A-	70 - 72 = C-
A87 - 89 = B+	67 - 69 = D+
83 - 86 = B	63 - 66 = D
80 - 82 = B-	60 - 62 = D-
77 - 79 = C+	Below 60 = W (F)
If after the midterm, a "W" is at the instructor's discretion. Note: It is the student's responsibility to notify both the school and the instructor of a withdrawal. Failure to notify both the instructor and the school may result in a grade of "F".

ALL ASSIGNMENTS AND TESTS MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THE SEMESTER IN ORDER TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THE COURSE!

Week	Topic/Skills Area	Resources
FIRST SECTION - MICROSOFT WORD
1	***Getting Started, Using Windows XP, and Browsing the Internet Using Internet Explorer(You hand in nothing from this intro section.  Use it as a review)	GS1-GS12, W1-W28, and IE1-IE8
	Creating, Printing, and Editing Word Documents	Chapter 1 - Word
	Formatting Characters and Using Help	Chapter 2 – Word
	Formatting Paragraphs	Chapter 3 – Word
	Chapter 1, 2 and 3 Quizzes
2	Formatting Documents	Chapter 4 – Word
	Work in Progress	Unit 1 Word
	Maintaining Documents	Chapter 5 – Word
	Chapter 4 and 5 Quizzes
3	Customizing Documents	Chapter 6 – Word
	Creating Tables and Charts	Chapter 7 – Word
	Chapter 6 and 7 Quizzes
4	Enhancing Documents with Special Features	Chapter 8 – Word
	Chapter 8 Quiz
	Workplace Ready	Unit 2 Word
	Theory Test for Word Specialist Level	Bulletin Board
SECOND SECTION – MICROSOFT EXCEL
5	Preparing an Excel Worksheet	Chapter 1 – Excel
	Formatting an Excel Worksheet	Chapter 2 – Excel
	Inserting Formulas in a Worksheet	Chapter 3 – Excel
	Chapter 1, 2 and 3 Quizzes
6	Enhancing a Worksheet	Chapter 4 – Excel
	Work in Progress	Unit 1 Excel
	Moving Data within and between Workbooks	Chapter 5 – Excel
	Chapter 4 and 5 Quizzes
7	Maintaining Workbooks	Chapter 6 – Excel
	Creating a Chart in Excel	Chapter 7 – Excel
	Chapter 6 and 7 Quizzes
8	Enhancing the Display of Workbooks	Chapter 8 – Excel
	Chapter 8 Quiz
	Workplace Ready Test for Excel Specialist Level	Unit 2 Excel Bulletin Board
THIRD SECTION – MICROSOFT ACCESS
9	Creating a Database Table	Chapter 1 – Access
	Creating Relationships Between Database Tables	Chapter 2 – Access
	Using Wizards and Help	Chapter 3 – Access
	Chapter 1, 2 and 3 Quizzes
10	Performing Queries and Filtering Records	Chapter 4 – Access
	Work in Progress	Unit 1 Access
	Creating Forms	Chapter 5 – Access
	Chapter 4 and 5 Quizzes
11	Creating Reports, Mailing Labels, and Charts	Chapter 6 – Access
	Importing and Exporting Data	Chapter 7 – Access
	Chapter 6 and 7 Quizzes
12	Creating Web Pages and Using Database Wizards	Chapter 8 – Access
	Chapter 8 Quiz
	Workplace Ready Theory Test for Access Specialist Level	Unit 2 Access Bulletin Board
FOURTH SECTION – MICROSOFT POWERPOINT
13	Preparing a PowerPoint Presentation	Chapter 1 – PowerPoint
	Modifying a Presentation and Using Help	Chapter 2 – PowerPoint
	Formatting Slides	Chapter 3 – PowerPoint
	Chapter 1, 2 and 3 Quizzes
14	Adding Visual Appeal and Animation to Presentations	Chapter 4 – PowerPoint
	Work in Progress	Unit 1 PowerPoint
	Adding Visual Elements to a Presentation	Chapter 5 – PowerPoint
	Chapter 4 and 5 Quizzes
15	Sharing and Connecting Data	Chapter 6 – PowerPoint
	Linking and Embedding Objects and Files	Chapter 7 – PowerPoint
	Chapter 6 and 7 Quizzes
	Sharing Presentations	Chapter 8 – PowerPoint
16	Chapter 8 Quiz
	Workplace Ready	Unit 2 PowerPoint
	Theory Test for PowerPoint Specialist Level	Bulletin Board
	Office 2003  Integrated Project	text, after Index