COSA 30: Introduction to Computers
COSA 30: Introduction to Computers
Course Syllabus
Embedded Files
Introduction to Computers | 3.00 Units
Introduction to Computers | 3.00 Units
This is a computer literacy course designed to familiarize the learner with a variety of computer tools and computer concepts with an emphasis on utilizing Office Suite programs. This course introduces the use of computers, standard software programs, peripherals, and social media. Students are instructed to use a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation tools, and internet applications. This course satisfies the technology component of the Information Competency graduation requirement.
Course Information
Course Information
Recommended Preparation: COSA 1 - Computer Information Competency
Instructor: Assistant Professor Calip, Vincent
Classroom Location(s): Check your Viking Portal for exact class locations
Online / Hybrid / WEB via Canvas
PCC Campus, AA Building, Second Floor
LAC Campus, M Building, Second Floor
Length of Course: 12-16 Weeks
Outcomes
Outcomes
Explain introductory computer and information technology concepts and technology that are used personally, in society, in government, in education, and in business.
Examine the history of computers and evaluate the skills needed to effectively use the internet and cloud computing.
Objectives
Objectives
Explain the functions of the computer.
Assess computers' human behavior and social implications, primarily as they affect privacy, security, and ethics.
Distinguish between data and information.
Compare and contrast computer hardware components.
Understand and evaluate the operating system and utility programs.
Analyze and understand the different social networking options and communication apps available on the internet.
Explain e-commerce and the different safeguards that are available.
Recognize and manage online dangers and malicious software.
Integrate application software including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and graphics.
Analyze a project and choose the appropriate software package.
Identify major advancements and the influencers in computer technology and predict future trends in the computer technology field.
Analyze the advantages and limitations of mobile computing.
Recognize and demonstrate understanding of copyright laws about software.
Course Material
Course Material
This course utilizes OER or “Open Educational Resources.” When a course uses OER, this means that the course utilizes resources at the discretion and direction of the instructor with no cost to the course participants.
This course utilizes an open educational resource entitled “LinkedIn Learning.” This website is designed as a repository of high-quality mini-courses, video tutorials, and webinars taught by industry professionals in various subject matters. To get started, all participants will need to establish a free account with LinkedIn or LinkedIn Learning and await further instructions from your facilitator on obtaining the free version as a college student.
Classroom Policies & Procedures
Classroom Policies & Procedures
To ensure a conducive learning environment that is positive and fair for all participants and students, there are several policies and procedures the student must follow.
Attendance
Attendance
All students must attend all scheduled class sessions for the entire semester. If a student cannot participate in any particular day, they must obtain pertinent information about the day they missed from a classmate. Instructor notification is not needed.
(Online) All students must check their Canvas periodically (at least 2-3 times a week) throughout the course. Distance learning environments are subject to change; therefore, students need to check back frequently.
Deliverables
Deliverables
All course deliverables found in Canvas and distributed by the instructor are expected to be submitted through the Canvas Learning Management System by the due date. Late submissions may not be accepted for points.
Late Submissions
Late Submissions
All course deliverables will be given ample time to be completed. Due dates will be reflected on the assignment within Canvas or relayed during class sessions. Under no circumstances will late work be accepted. Late submissions will not be worth any points toward the overall grade.
Tardiness
Tardiness
If a student is tardy for any reason, they will have to obtain any missed information from a classmate so that they do not disrupt the class in session, lecture, or classwork. Information will not be repeated for students arriving past the scheduled start time.
Assessments
Assessments
Exams and quizzes may be administered in this course. See specific test-taking rules and procedures for our course. Typically exams and quizzes may only be taken once; exceptional circumstances or under student accommodations may warrant more time or additional tries on assessments.
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
In-person classes are typically conducted in rooms with sensitive and expensive equipment. Food & drink are not allowed. Liquids may be allowed only in closed containers or with spill-proof lids. No eating in the classroom.
Class Conduct
Class Conduct
All students are expected to act professionally; any inappropriate behavior may be subject to disciplinary actions and removal from the classroom (i.e., vulgar language, inappropriate computer activity, bullying, weapons, physical altercations, class disruption).
Extra Credit
Extra Credit
There may be some extra credit opportunities throughout the course. Extra credit will have due dates provided for them similarly to regular assignments and will only be accepted as “extra credit” if submitted on time. Extra credit is not required for this course and is at the instructor's discretion.
Additional Help
Additional Help
Suppose the student requires additional help or assistance with the subject matter or materials. In that case, they are at liberty to contact the instructor via [INBOX] on Canvas to set up a meeting or provide solutions.
Tentative Course Schedule
Tentative Course Schedule
The course schedule is tentative; stay abreast of any course changes via Canvas LMS or email per your instructor's preferred communication portal. To ensure you receive the most beneficial instruction out of this course, all students must check their Canvas frequently (Daily) throughout the semester.
Because this is an online course, we will not physically meet for class; utilizing LBCC’s campus-wide learning management system will be used primarily to conduct the study, distribute course materials, and communicate with your instructor. Although everyone will be at the liberty of working at their own pace, it is suggested that all students work through the modules found in Canvas methodically and sequentially. Each module builds off another; therefore, one cannot proceed until completing the preceding modules and their assignments.
The course comprises three computer proficiency levels, each containing seven domains.
Unit 1
Unit 1
Computer Fundamentals
Computer Fundamentals
Week 1: Computer History and OS Fundamentals
Week 2: System Components
Week 3: File & Folder Management
Week 4: Computer Categories, Protecting Privacy, Ensuring Security.
End of Unit 1 Exam
Unit 2
Unit 2
Living Online
Living Online
Week 5: The Internet & The World Wide Web
Week 6: Networks, Wired, and Wireless
Week 7: Cloud Computing
Week 8: Cloud Computing via Open Source Software
Week 9: Collaborative and Communication Applications
End of Unit 2 Exam
Unit 3
Unit 3
Key Applications
Key Applications
Week 10: Application Software
Week 11: Microsoft Word (Part 1)
Week 12: Microsoft Word (Part 2)
Week 13: Microsoft Excel (Part 1)
Week 14: Microsoft Excel (Part 2)
Week 15 Microsoft PowerPoint
Week 16: Microsoft Access
End of Unit 3 Exam
The weeks shown above are typically organized via modules in our canvas course (i.e., Week 1 = Module 1, and so on). The tentative course schedule will vary depending on the length of your scheduled course; currently, LBCC may offer the following lengths:
16-Week (Full regular school semester)
12-Week (typically late starting classes in a regular semester, Fall, Spring)
8-Week (typically during the intersessions Summer, and Winter)
4-Week (typically during the intersessions Summer, and Winter)
Ensure you are following the Canvas Modules, as that will be the correct sequential order of topics, concepts, and assignments for your course.
The IC3 Digital Literacy Certificate justifies digital literacy in three levels of proficiency surrounding computers and modern technology in business. It is not enough nowadays to simply convey that one is proficient in utilizing a computer but, even more importantly, to justify one's proficiency with a globally recognized credential in digital literacy. The IC3 Digital Literacy Certification Exam assesses one's knowledge among the following domains:
Technology Basics
Digital Citizenship
Information Management
Content Creation
Communication
Collaboration
Safety & Security
Get Certified
Get Certified
Did you know that taking the IC3 Digital Literacy Certification Exam independently costs close to $150.00?
Luckily for you, as a student of this course at LBCC, you will be able to challenge this globally recognized certification exam as a required deliverable or extra credit (this will be up to your instructor's discretion).
Grading Scale
Grading Scale
This course utilizes a standard grading scale; please see the scale table below. No (-) or (+)’s will be added to the scale. The student's overall score for this period of instruction will be comprised of the following components:
Attendance
Participation
Course Involvement via Canvas
Individual Assignments
LinkedIn Learning Completion
Quizzes & Tests
After finalizing the students’ grades for this course, all components will be considered. Please consult with your instructor if you feel your overall score or status does not appropriately represent your performance thus far.
Only letter grades will be entered into the Viking Student System by the end of the course offering.
Communication Policies, Procedures, and Expectations
Communication Policies, Procedures, and Expectations
The success of this course will depend on how well you and I can communicate this semester. To that end, I promise to log in regularly during the week. On weekends...maybe not quite so much. During the week, if you email me a specific question, I will do my best to reply promptly and appropriately within 24 hours. Please do not wait until a few hours before an assignment is due to ask questions.
During the week, you can log in at your convenience. There are no mandatory times for you to be online. My suggestion would be to pick a specific day and time you log in every week to complete your assignments, tests, etc. You can expect assignments and discussions to be graded within five days of the due date.
Each week you will have a discussion to participate in. Please log in early and post your comments. This helps the discussion to get going. Make sure you have made two posts by the end of the week.
E-Mail
E-Mail
If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with me through the mail function on your canvas site. I will check the course primarily on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (usually more often). You can expect a response within 24-48 hours (except on weekends and holidays).
Canvas
Canvas
There is no meeting time for this class, but you should plan to check in at least three times per week. It works best if you set up a consistent weekly schedule for working on this class. Treat this schedule respectfully as if you were setting aside the time to attend an in-person course. Don’t get left behind…chances are you will never be able to catch up. Please print out your syllabus and calendar and look at them frequently.
Whenever you enter the Canvas site, check the Announcements and your mailbox. This is how I alert you to changes or upcoming activities. Since we don’t meet as a class, class announcements are the best way I can communicate class news to you, so don’t miss these.
Discussions
Discussions
You will be given a weekly topic to discuss on the Discussion Board. The discussion will require you to submit a short but substantial response and a response to one other student's post, but you can respond to more as well. The responses will be due on Sunday of each week; please submit your initial response to the discussion topic by Thursday. This schedule will spark a more productive online conversation. If everyone waits until the last day to submit their response, you won’t have anyone to respond to, and the discussion will be less meaningful.
Grading
Grading
Check your grades frequently. Read my comments to you as well as your numerical grades. The comments are intended to be a helpful learning tool. I will try to grade and comment on all assignments and discussions within one week after the due date. Occasionally, I cannot be as prompt as I would like. If that happens, please be patient.
Zoom Meetings
Zoom Meetings
Throughout this course; we may have occasional live, pre-scheduled zoom meetings; we must try to encourage good communication during our class meetings. This will be different than communication in face-to-face courses that you might be used to. So, to help us have a good class, I want to encourage you to do the following:
Use headphones or earbuds. This cuts down on echo and extra noises while using the program. If someone is causing an echo or letting in extra noise during the meetings, I will mute them. Please don't be offended if I do that to you. It happens to the best of us.
Turn off your microphone if you are not engaged in conversation for class purposes. For the same reasons as above, turning off your microphone if you are not using it will help everyone hear better. Did you know that you can quickly mute and un-mute your microphone in zoom by using the spacebar on your keyboard? Try it out sometime.
Use Chat. If you can type your question in chat, you can do that. I will try to monitor the conversation as much as I can. However, if you need my attention, please turn on your microphone and ask me. Sometimes, I will miss the question in the chat.
Use your camera (Optional). Feel free to turn on your camera if you feel comfortable showing your background. This is not required but optional.
As we all get used to video conferencing, I am sure we can add to this list, but for now, think about these, and if there is anything else that would help you adjust to meeting online, let me know, and we can add it to this list.
End of Course Syllabus | Last updated 08/13/2022 | Author: Professor Calip
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