IFSM 201: Introduction to Computer-Based Systems

Term 2, 2006/2007

University of Maryland University College - Asia

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Misawa: Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:40 - 7:20

 

 

Lecturer:                    Christine Kikuchi

Email:                         [email protected]

Office Hours:             By Appointment

Prerequisite:               None.

Course Materials:

Author	Book	ISBN
Shelly, G., Cashman, T., & Vermaat, M.	Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information, Thompson Course Technology, 2006.	0619255463
Halvorson, M. & Hunt, M.	Microsoft Office XP, Thompson Course Technology, 2002.	0619110457
These books come as one package: Discovering Computers 2006 W/MS Office XP Pkg., 1418852007
The Book's Web Site	http://www.course.com/catalog/product.cfm?isbn=0-619-25546-3

• Other requirements: Microsoft 95 or higher versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. There is no requirement for you to own the programs that you will need for your assignments; you may use the MLC (Maryland computer lab) at your local site. Microsoft Works is not an alternative. You should have a portable storage medium, i.e., floppy disk, smart card, USB card, optical disk, data stick.

Course Description:

An overview of computer information systems in which hardware, software, procedures, systems, and human resources are explored in relation to their integration and application in business and other segments of soci      ety. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 301, CAPP 101, CAPP 300, CMST 300, IFSM 201, or TMGT 201.

Course Content:

What is it? It is a lecture-based course. You will learn computer vocabulary and concepts. You will feel comfortable reading computer ads and know how to buy a computer. You will learn about the wide variety of careers in the field. You will be comfortable discussing computers and have an understanding, not a fear of them. You will learn how to use the basic features of applications. You will create your (possibly) first web page.

What is it not? It is not a hands-on application course. If you need to learn how to use Word or Excel, I suggest that you take a class from base training or another school. I will teach you the introduction of programs, but this course is not meant to be a software training class.

Methodology: Classes will assume that you have read the required materials and prepared the assignments. Classes will include lecture, discussion, and some chances to use software applications.

Course Goals/Objectives: On successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

• Discuss the evolution of computers, including societal events leading to increased demands and technological developments (historical perspective)
• Create a specification for purchasing a personal computer (effective writing, information literacy)
• Identify the basic parts and functions of computer systems (competence in information technology)
• Differentiate between the roles and functions of application and systems software, both nationally and internationally (competence in information technology, international perspective)
• Make effective use of the Internet (information literacy, competence in information technology)
• Create simple word processing documents, spreadsheets, databases, and Web pages (competence in information technology)
• Describe how several basic national and international data communication systems function (competence in information technology, international perspective)
• Analyze issues faced by information system professionals, including security, ethical, and privacy problems (civic responsibility)

Grading Information:

The First Grading Choice			The Second Grading Choice
(4) projects (10% each)	40%		(5) projects (8% each)	40%
(2) quizzes (10% each)	20%		(2) quizzes (10% each)	20%
Midterm Exam	20%		Midterm Exam	20%
Final Exam	20%		Final Exam	20%
TOTAL	100%		TOTAL	100%

Assignments may not be turned in late. Arrangements for make-ups of quizzes and the midterm are made only for official emergencies and must be made prior to the particular examination. Documentation must be provided showing the reason for the student’s absence. No makeup test will be given without sufficient written documentation. The final exam may not be made up.

The following mapping is used:

A	90-100 points
B	80-89 points
C	70-79 points
D	60-69 points
F	0-59 points

EXTRA CREDIT: There is no such thing as Extra Credit.

Homework Project Descriptions:

The First Grading Choice : (4) projects (10% each)

There will one project using Word, one using Excel, one using Access, and one using NotePad to create an HTML document. You will need to use Microsoft 95 or higher versions of Word, Excel, and Access. If you do not have the Microsoft Office Professional, you do not have Access. There is no requirement for you to own the programs that you will need for assignments; you may use the MLC (Maryland computer lab) at your local site to any work for this class. You may not use Microsoft Works for these assignments.

The Second Grading Choice: (5) projects (8% each)

You will do all of the above, plus a fifth assignment that will use Microsoft PowerPoint. You will need to use Microsoft 95 or higher versions of PowerPoint. This assignment will require you to save your work onto a floppy disk, optical disk, or smart card.

Additional Information:

ATTENDANCE: Attendance will be taken during each class.  If you come to class late, it is your responsibility to make sure that you have not been put down as absent. An absence is counted as not being in class for any reason. Any student who has in excess of 25% non-attendance hours can be assigned a grade of Fn - failure due to nonattendance. It remains your responsibility to obtain information concerning the material covered and upcoming assignments.

 

TIME REQUIREMENTS: Students will be spending considerable amount of non-classroom time researching, reading, and preparing class assignments. A rough estimate, based on the mythical average student, would be 10-12 hours per week in outside class time.

 

WITHDRAWAL POLICY: The last day to withdraw without academic penalty is 12/21/06, prior to the class starting. Ceasing to attend class or oral notice thereof DOES NOT constitute official withdrawal from the course. Students who simply stop attending classes without officially withdrawing usually are assigned failing grades.  Students wishing to withdraw must obtain and complete a withdrawal form from the Field Representative's office.

 

Writing and Research: Effective writing is critical to the intellectual life of university students and graduates within the workplace. Effective managers are usually effective communicators. Your work in this course must demonstrate your ability to master and effectively communicate course content. Effective writing

• Meets the needs of the reader
• Adequately covers the subject
• Uses expected conventions of format and organizations
• Demonstrates use of credible reasoning and evidence
• Satisfies standards of style and grammatical correctness
• Requires 100% compliance with UMUC's zero-tolerance policy regarding plagiarism.

 

Web Sites of Interest:

 

UMUC Library - Citing APA Style. Learn how to cite references in APA style. http://www.umuc.edu/library/guides/apa.html

UMUC Databases The University subscribes to several on-line library databases that students, faculty, and staff may access via the WWW. The address to the UMUC libraries: http://www.umuc.edu/library/library.html. Log in with your Social Security number. Some databases contain full text articles. Those articles that are not full text may be ordered on-line. As a student of UMUC Asian Division you may order up to ten free articles per term. Please refer any questions about the Web Databases/MdUSA FAQ or a UMUC reference librarian at [email protected].

Academic Policies:

§         UMUC – Asian Division Student Resources include the Catalog, the Student Handbook, and Library Resources. The URL is http://www.ad.umuc.edu/student/index.html. Students are advised to look through this site to see UMUC policies and procedures. The catalog http://www.ad.umuc.edu/student/resources/publications/index.html#catalog has important information for all UMUC students.

§         Students who violate UMUC's policy on Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism will receive a zero on the assignment in question; further violations of the policy will result in referral to the Associate Dean's office for further administrative action. You should read all of the UMUC's policies as they discuss your rights and responsibilities as students. You may find them by going to http://www.umuc.edu/policy/aa15025.shtml

§         The grade of I (Incomplete) is only given in extraordinary circumstances. Students requesting an I must have completed at least 60 percent of the course work and hold a C average.

§         You will be expected to write things in the process of taking college courses. I would expect college level grammar and writing structure. I refer you to the UMUC Effective Writing Center: http://www.umuc.edu/ugp/ewp_writingcenter/wc_home.html and the Guide to Research and Writing: http://www.umuc.edu/prog/ugp/ewp_writingcenter/writinggde/welcome.shtml.

Course Schedule: (This schedule is subject to change)

 

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