INSTRUCTOR: 

CIS

OFFICE:       

CAT 229-G

PHONE NUMBERS:    

301 322-0052 (CIS Dept.HT-129)

EMAIL ADDRESS:

vavrekrx@pgcc.edu

OFFICE HOURS:

TBA – Refer To Bb

Computer Literacy is a survey course in evolving computer technology and its relevance to individuals and society.  The societal issues include privacy, security, economics, accessibility intellectual property, pervasive computing, as well as other timely topics, such as new laws impacting computer use.  Becoming fluent in necessary technology applications is integrated into the course, and may include such topics as word processing, use of email and web browsers, spreadsheets, distance learning platforms, and others.  Prerequisite: Reading proficiency level.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

·         Locate on-line resources on the World Wide Web

TEXTBOOKS: 

MS Office Word 2007 Illustrated Brief, Course Technologies,  ISBN 0324804512

OTHER REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS:

Class Meeting Dates and Hours:

Section DL01 – Online – N/A - Testing On Line

OUTSIDE CLASS REQUIREMENTS: 

Class requires substantial lab work outside of normal class hours.

HOW ASSIGNMENTS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED:

All written assignments (unless otherwise specified) must be typed, must use Microsoft Word 2007 or higher, must turn in an electronic copy prepared with Microsoft Word. Include footnotes/endnotes, and follow APA guidelines for citations or as otherwise prescribed by the assignment sheet. Note the rules concerning plagiarism.

COLLEGE RESOURCES and SERVICES

Student Assessment Services Center (Testing Center): 

(www.pg.cc.md.us/pgweb/pgdocs/student_services/student_assessment_services.htm)        Check the web site for hours and policies and procedures.

Tutoring and Writing Centers:        (www.pgcc.edu/students/tutoring_writing_grammar)

The Writing Center offers one-on-one tutoring for all students who are working on any writing assignment in any course. 

Student Development Services:                                                                                 

Student Development Services has various programs that provide students with mentoring, advising and individual counseling.  Call or check the website for more information.

Library:   (www.pgcc.edu/library)

The Learning Resources Division provides a range of library and media services.    Refer to the web site for hours and more information about the services.

Campus Bookstore   (www.pgcc.edu/pgweb/pgdocs/bookstore.html) 

Largo Student Center, Room 116                                                                  301-322-0912

Three objective CONCEPTS exams based on the Computers: Understanding Technology text book and class lectures will be worth a total of 300 points.  The  Final Exam has a value of 100 points.  The SNAP booklet with an access code (see course materials) is required to take the  Final Exam.  One assessment will be administered the first week of the semester that will measure existing skills and knowledge in computer literacy but it will not be a part of your course grade.  A similar skills assessment will be administered as part of the Final Exam that will be included in your course grade.

The Course Computer Research Project has the value of (a separate handout on this long-range project) 150 points.  This project must be created using Microsoft Office 2007 software.  The Computer Research Project and the Major Tests represents 75 percent of your final grade.  The remaining 25 percent may consist of the following:

Course  Internet Project:

The Course Internet Project has the value of 150 points.  This project must be created using Microsoft Office 2007 or later.

Project Assignments:

There will be at least two assignments. Each of the assignments will have the point value of 50 for a total of 100 points.

Class Assessments:

On selected occasions, you may have an opportunity to earn points on an assigned topic. 

Three Computers Concept Tests        

 300

SNAP Assignments

 200

Computer Course Research Project

 150

Internet Research Project

 150

Two Project Assignments

 100

1000

900 and above =A

800-899=B

700-799=C

600-699=D

below 600=F

Incomplete

Q

administrative withdrawal for students who “disappeared” during first few weeks of class but did not officially withdraw

H

audit; students pay and attend class but do not receive a grade or credit.

If you receive a D or an F at PGCC, you may retake the course.  When you do, the new grade completely replaces the old one.  Your transcript does not in any way reflect the old grade.

·                     You may take any notes you desire during the discussion of a returned test, and all tests are returned to the instructor.  In general, tests are not cumulative – Computers, Understanding Technology Test Two covers material discussed after Computers, Understanding Technology Test One.  However, the Final Exam is a comprehensive exam. 

Copying versus helping: It is a very simple matter to copy someone else’s project or to ask a friend to write a project for you. It is more difficult to ask that friend to help you understand the concepts and then assist in correcting your project. The former is cheating; the latter is legitimate student-to-student tutoring. The former teaches you nothing, though it may get you a perfect score on a given project; the latter improves your ability to tackle the next project, the next exam, and the next assignment after that. While naturally I do my best to discourage cheating, I also encourage you to work with each other to improve your understanding, that is, to tutor and assist each other. I expect that you will always be able to explain your project. If you cannot explain it, I will assume that you did not do it, and I will grade it accordingly. If you are unsure of the difference between helping and cheating, it is better to err on the side of caution. Also, review carefully the Indiana University Writing Center’s guidelines concerning plagiarism found at http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/wts/plagiarism.html.

Research on college success demonstrates that class attendance is a significant factor in student success. Considerable material will be covered during each class session. There will be discussion of assignments, and handouts will be distributed. If a student must miss class, it is his/her responsibility to get the notes and assignments from a classmate and check with the instructor regarding any handouts, etc., preferably before the next class period.  To help me fulfill my responsibility to keep accurate attendance records, please initial the attendance sheet circulated at the beginning of each class session.  As a small incentive, I will give you one/half point of extra credit for each class fully attended.  That means being present when the class begins at 9:30 AM.  Online students will receive a bonus point total based on time spend utilizing the different components of Blackboard.

Pagers should be non-audible.  Cell phones should be turned off.  Students may be subject to a 5 point penalty for every occurrence of an audible/disruptive ring tone.

Tape recorders may only be used with the prior consent of the instructor.

Eating and drinks in the classroom is forbidden. 

The Prince George’s Community College Student Handbook contains official policies and procedures regarding student conduct, academic integrity, and related matters. You are responsible for conducting yourself in accordance with those policies. The Student Handbook also contains a wealth of information designed to help students achieve success. Please pick up your free copy from the College Life Office in the Largo Student Center (near the bookstore).

Students requesting academic accommodations are required to contact the Disability Support Services Office (M-1042) or call (301) 322-0838 (voice) or (301) 322-0122 (TTY) to establish eligibility for services and accommodations.  Students with documented disabilities should discuss the matter privately with their instructors at the beginning of the semester and provide a copy of their Student/Faculty Accommodation Form.

All of the computer projects required in this course must be accomplished using Microsoft Office 2007 or later. 

For Online students, all projects, unless otherwise stated, must be submitted electronically in the Assignment area.

Any project not turned in when it is due is late, regardless of the reason that it is late. The penalty (per 100 points) for lateness is a five (5) point deduction for each class session or ten (10) points per week that the assignment is late. No tears, no excuses, no exceptions.

The Prince George's Community College Code of Conduct defines the rights and responsibilities of students and establishes a system of procedures for dealing with students charged with violations of the code and other rules and regulations of the college. A student enrolling in the college assumes an obligation to conduct himself/herself in a manner compatible with the college's function as an educational institution. Refer to the 2007-2004 Student Handbook, beginning on page 39, for a complete explanation of the code of conduct, including the procedure for dealing with disruptive student behavior.

The college is an institution of higher learning that holds academic integrity as its highest principle.  In the pursuit of knowledge, the college community expects that all students, faculty, and staff will share responsibility for adhering to the values of honesty and unquestionable integrity.  To support a community committed to academic achievement and scholarship, the Code of Academic Integrity advances the principle of honest representation in the work that is produced by students seeking to engage fully in the learning process. 

Academic Calendar Spring 2010 (Credit)

Mon.-Fri.

January 4-22

Intersession classes meet

Monday

January 25

Classes begin for spring 2010

Monday

February 1

Refund deadline for full semester classes

Monday

February 15

COLLEGE CLOSED – Presidents’ Day

Tuesday

February 16

Last day to apply for spring graduation

Friday

February 19

Last day to change from “credit to audit” or from “audit to credit” for full semester classes   

Wednesday

March 3

Last day to withdraw from first half-semester classes

Tuesday

March 16

Midterm; end of first half-semester classes

Wednesday

March 17

Begin second half-semester classes

Mon.-Sun.

March 29-April 4

COLLEGE CLOSED – Spring Break

Monday

April 5

College reopens and classes resume

Friday

April 16

Last day to withdraw from full semester classes

Friday

April 30

Last day to withdraw from second half-semester classes

 Monday

May 10

Last day of regular classes for the spring semester

Tues.-Mon.

May 11-17**

Final examination period/last week of classes

Thursday

May 27

Commencement

Sat.-Mon.

May 29-31

COLLEGE CLOSED -  Memorial Day vacation

Tuesday, June 1:          Classes begin for first half and 10-week summer classes.