Computer Literacy and Applications
Course: Computer Science (Com S) 103, section XW
Physical components, operation, societal use, and personal use of computers. An introduction to the total picture of computer usage to learn the importance of the computer to job fields, to help dissipate computer anxiety, and to introduce a common computer vocabulary. A few of the specific topics covered include the Internet and WWW; application and system software; components of the system unit; input, output, and storage devices; communications and networks; e-commerce; program development and languages; and ethical, security, and privacy issues. Students will need to understand the fundamentals of computer nomenclature, particularly with respect to personal computer hardware and software and the World Wide Web; make use of the World Wide Web as a repository of the latest information and an integrated learning tool; develop an in-depth understanding of why computers are essential components in the business world and society in general; focus on the computer as a valuable productivity tool; recognize the personal computer's position as the backbone of the computer industry and emphasize its use as a stand-alone and networked device; present strategies for purchasing, installing, and maintaining a personal computer system; and, investigate a career in the computer field.
For the application portion of the class, a recent version of Microsoft Office is used and includes Word for word processing, Excel for spreadsheets and business graphics, Access for database management, and PowerPoint for presentation software. The Application portion is covered in weekly assignments. Students can work according to their own pace and schedule during the week, but must turn in their assignments and projects on time. However, students need to take comprehensive assessment tests through WebCT in a proctored test environment.
Prerequisite: none
Computer requirements: see
https://webct.ait.iastate.edu/ISUtools/webhtml/webct_specs.html
Dates: June 13-August 5
Delivery method: online
Credit: 4 undergraduate credits
Tuition: $816
Delivery fee: $95
Computer fee applies--see table
Off-campus program: Bachelor of Liberal Studies
Instructor: Shu-Hui H. Chang (Susan), Lecturer
Registration deadline: May 23
Texts: Shelly, Cashman & Vermaat. 2004. Discovering Computers. Publisher: Course Technology. ISBN 141882206X.
Shelly, Cashman & Vermaat. Microsoft Office 2003 Introductory Concepts and Techniques. Publisher: Course Technology. ISBN 1418821721.
CD: SAM 2003 Assessment student tutorial with CD version 2.5. Publisher: Course Technology. ISBN 1418821829.

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