Computers at Work

CNIT 100:
Introduction to Computers
Using PC's

last updated 11/3/2009

Course Information for Fall 2009 and Spring 2010
Course Title Introduction to Computers Using PC's
Course Number CNIT 100
Semester Units 3
Prerequisites There are no prerequisites to the course.
Course Description This is a beginning course in the technology and the use of computers. We will focus on the use of computers for common tasks such as writing letters and reports, producing numeric tables, and storing and retrieving data in a useful format.  In this class, we will use PC computers running Windows 2000 or XP and the Office 2007 application programs Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. We will also use additional applications such as Notepad, WordPad, Internet Explorer, and email systems.  This course is 100% online, and requires access to a computer.  There are computer labs on the CCSF campus that can be used.

Instructor Information
Name Nancy Webb
Email nwebb@ccsf.edu, or use Insight email.  If you email me at ccsf.edu, be sure to put CNIT100 on the subject line of the message!
CCSF Phone (email is best way to reach me, phone messages may not be heard for several days)  415 239-3205
Home Page http://fog.ccsf.edu/~nwebb
Office Batmale 460, 50 Phelan Avenue, San Francisco
Office Hours
(online)		 By appointment only.

Course Requirements
Textbook Required (Textbook & MyITLAB Access Kit) package:
  1. Textbook: Technology in Action, Introductory, Custom CCSF 6th edition; Evans, Martin & Poatsy, Prentice Hall. 
  2. Custom Software License: MyITLAB Student Access Kit (with e-Book of GO! Microsoft Office 2007), Prentice Hall (Note this program can be run only with Windows operating system.  It is required for CNIT 100.)

You can purchase them together in a custom package from the CCSF bookstore  on the Phelan campus (the package has ISBN 9780558244026), at a special reduced rate.  Note it is a new book, different than Spring 2009.

The MyITLAB Access kit (sold by itself) will also be available online, only at a special website, if you already have a copy of the textbook. (Click online purchase).   http://www.pearsoncustom.com/ca/ccsf_gaskin/
Required Materials 1) Access to a Windows XP, Vista or 7 computer to run myitlab.  Myitlab is an online training and testing website, you must purchase the above license to use the site.  It is a Microsoft Office 2007 simulation program.  You do not need to have Office 2007, but it could be helpful if you do.  NOTE:  Myitlab does not work on a Mac computer unless it has Windows installed.
2) A USB flash drive or floppy diskette is required.
Computer 
Access		 To take an online class you need access to a computer with Internet connection, and Windows 2000 or Windows XP or Windows Vista.  If your computer breaks down, it is your responsibility to have a backup plan - don't wait till the last minute to take your test or turn in your homework.  Computers are available with Internet access in the Rosenberg Library on the Ocean campus, in Batmale Hall, and in the Science Building.  (You will still need to buy the MyITLAB license to have an account for doing this homework.)
Class Participation Every week you must:
  • read the week's homepage
  • read all messages in the Forums, especially Instructor Messages
  • check your Insight email
  • read all the Course Content pages for the week
  • If there's a group project, check the forums at least 3 times for the week and post 3 or more messages.

You should also frequently respond to or create forum postings. Your participation will be a factor in your final grade.  You are required to post at least 2 times a month to the forums.
Weekly Assignments Every week there is an assignment due. Keep track of these assignments on  the Schedule or the week's task list.  Each Assignment will have a specific deadline you must meet. If you have to turn in a document, you will receive a grade within one week after the due date. 

Some homework assignments will be submitted via an upload assignment, or by doing training/tests/projects in MyITLab online site, or by doing the chapter quizzes based on the Technology in Action textbook. There may be a few group assignments.
Late Homework Homework may be accepted up to one week late, but with a 10% reduction in points, and must be submitted via Insight email. I will allow only two late homework assignments from each student.  Talk to me if you are having a problem with the schedule!  Usually there is a 2 day grace period and homework can be turned in without penalty up until Sunday night.
Midterm and Final Exams The midterm and final exams are timed.  You must take the test during the stated dates.  Check the schedule for dates that tests are available, and then visit the Quizzes area of Insight to take the test.  The test results will be available to you immediately.  Tests may not be taken late.

Grading
25% MyITLAB graded tests (on Microsoft Office 2007 skills)
25% Technology in Action textbook chapter quizzes
15% Homework assignments
15% Midterm Exam
15% Final Exam
5% Class participation