Computer Literacy and Applications
Course: Computer Science (Com S) 103, XW
The on-line nature of this course will allow students to learn at their own pace and study in the comfort of their home or work environment. This online course brings educational opportunity directly to the student’s computer 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. The computer literacy portion of the course covers topics that deal with the physical components, operation, societal use, and personal use of computers. An introduction to the total picture of computer usage is presented to help students learn the importance of the computer to their job fields, to help dissipate computer anxiety, and to acquaint students with 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 assist students in planning 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.
Students need to register through AccessPlus and must obtain the ISU NetID to access WebCT. Continuing Education must work with each student for a mutually agreeable, trustworthy proctored test management arrangement. The Continuing Education must also provide the class list from ISU Registrar for the instructor to map the list to the WebCT roster two weeks before the course starts. Students must have access to Windows XP and Microsoft Office 2003 including Word, Excel, Access, and Powerpoint software. Students are also required to have a speaker attached to the computer or a set of earphones in order to listen to the streaming lectures each week. Finally, students must have high-speed (at least at the DSL or Cable speed) Internet connection.
Dates: 06/16/2008-08/08/2008
Delivery Method: Online and WebCT
Credit: 4 undergraduate credits
Tuition: $924
Delivery fee: $125
Computer fee applies--see table
Off-campus program: Bachelor of Liberal Studies
Instructor: Shu-Hui H. Chang (Susan), Lecturer
Registration deadline: 06/02/2008
Text: (1) Shelly, Cashman & Vermaat. 2004. Discovering Computers. Publisher: Course Technology. ISBN:9781423942993
(2) Shelly, Cashman & Vermaat. Microsoft Office 2003 Introductory Concepts and Techniques. Publisher: Course Technology. ISBN:9781428308763
Students must:
1) Fill out the proctor before June 4.
2) Complete the proctor form (Click continue if security message appears) with the proctor's signature and mail it to Dr. Chang before June 4.
Mail to:
Dr. Shu-Hui (Susan) Chang
226 Atanasoff Hall
Computer Science Department, Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011
Note: You need to keep a copy.
Note: If you do not have a proctor, you cannot take the 6 tests.
Approved proctors include:
•Elementary or secondary school superintendents, principals, teachers or guidance counselors
•Professional employees of accredited post secondary colleges or universities
•Professionals working for public or private libraries
•Commissioned officers of the military (National Guard)
•Clergy
•Iowa State University Extension staff including county extension staff
No relative or immediate work supervisor may proctor an examination.
Purchase textbooks online at:
http://www.ubs.iastate.edu/
Click "Shop Online" icon, under "Textbooks", click "Purchase your books online" and complete the form.
Or, order by phone: (800) 478-0048 |