INSTRUCTOR: Professor Luis Poza

CLASS TIMES:

• W-F, 1:15 ~ 2:45 (Section 1), 3:15 ~ 4:45 (Section 2)

OFFICE HOURS:

• W-F 5:00 ~ 6:30; by appointment

CLASS LOCATION: NIC Media Center (3F of main NIC building)

TEXTBOOK: Online materials (http://www.lcjapan.com)
Blackboard (http://lakeland.blackboard.com)

DESCRIPTION: This course introduces basic concepts about computers and basic skills using a computer (also known as a "PC," or "personal computer"). Practical work includes using word processing, presentation, and spread sheet applications, as well as an introduction to the Internet and its personal, academic, and business potential. Students will be required to learn basic HTML formatting.

OBJECTIVES: The student will demonstrate:

1. proficiency in using word processing, spread sheet, presentation, and Internet-related programs, including e-mail;
2. an understanding of the functions of computer operating systems and their use;
3. a basic understanding of hardware and basic operations of a computer, and understand better about how to choose a computer;
4. an understanding of the use of the Internet and the creation of web sites and pages using HTML.

COURSE STUDY MATERIALS: You will have two main sources of material: this web site and the lectures. NOT ALL MATERIAL is covered in each part; for example, some information might ONLY be in the web site, but not the lecture. You will be responsible for ALL materials, so make sure to read all the web site pages carefully, and to take thorough notes during lectures!.

TESTING: Some of your tests will be given on web pages (sample test here). You will fill out the web page forms to take the test; when you click on the "Submit" button at the end, your answers will be sent to the teacher by email. The teacher will send the answers back to you by email. Other tests will be performed on your classroom computer using various software, e.g. MS Word and PowerPoint.

There may be small quizzes given at the beginning of some classes. These quizzes are based on the assigned reading. They will be calculated as part of your Chapter Test score.

I do NOT give make-up tests except in special cases. If you miss a test for any reason, you will receive a "0" score. At the end of the semester, I remove the lowest score for each student. As a result, if you miss one test due to illness, this will excuse the missed test.

ATTENDANCE: You are expected to attend every class. There are 13 weeks (25 sessions) of regular classes this semester, so missing only a few will make you miss a great deal of information and study. You are allowed only three (3) absences due to illness without penalty. The 4^th absence will mean your grade will go down one full letter (i.e., an "A" will become a "B", a "BC" will become a "CD"); the 5^th absence will mean your grade will go down TWO full letters (i.e., an "A" will become a "C"). On the 6^th absence, you will automatically FAIL the class.

EXTRA CLASSES: Mr. Poza may schedule at least a few extra class sessions that MUST be attended by all students. These will include a day for all students to deliver their PowerPoint Presentations, as well as special study sessions. You will be notified of the dates in advance.

PREPARATION: Students will be expected to have read the appropriate materials BEFORE each class. Do NOT expect to be able to walk in unprepared and learn everything from the lecture; you must also PARTICIPATE and ASK QUESTIONS during the lecture.

Most of the assignments will require work outside of class time in order to be completed. You can work as groups to help each other on the projects, but the assignments which you hand in must be your own work. Please refer to the Student Handbook on matters regarding copying and plagiarism.  

E-MAIL: Students will be expected to check email EVERY DAY, including weekend days (when possible). I will sometimes send assignments and other information on non-class days. For this class, you will use your LCJ Mail account, but you may forward the LCJ Mail account email to your regular account.

GRADING: Final grades will be assigned according to the scale:

A:  92.5% - 100%


AB:  87.5% - 92.4%


B:  82.5%- 87.4%


BC:  77.5% - 82.4%


C:  72.5%- 77.4%


CD:  67.5% - 72.4%


D:  60%- 67.4%

F:  below 60%  

GRADE WEIGHTING: The following work will be worth these percentages of your final grade:

Projects (PowerPoint Presentation, Web Page Creation, Essay): 15%

Midterm Exam: 20%

Final Exam: 30%

Chapter Tests and quizzes: 35%

Course Schedule:

The following schedule is tentative, and it will likely change according to the performance and needs of the class.

Note: Over the course of the semester, chapters on Hardware, Networks, Email, and other topics will be assigned. Most of these topics will not be covered in the lecture; however, quizzes will be given for all written material, and there will be questions on these topics in the Midterm and Final Exams.

Week 1: Course Overview; Introduction to The Operating System

Week 2: The Operating System

Week 3: The Operating System; Microsoft PowerPoint

Week 4: Microsoft PowerPoint

Week 5: Microsoft PowerPoint

Week 6: Microsoft Word

Week 7: Microsoft Word

Week 8: Microsoft Word - Midterm Exam

Week 9: HTML - (Friday, July 2, the end of week 9, is the withdraw deadline)

Week 10: HTML

Week 11: HTML; Microsoft Excel

Week 12: Microsoft Excel

Week 13: Microsoft Excel

Week 14: FINAL EXAM Week; projects due