Revised: March 18, 2004
Northern Virginia Community College - Annandale Campus
Introduction to Microcomputer Software, Spring 2004
Section 84N: TTh 1:30-4:20, CT228
Instructor: Dr. William M. Pegram, wpegram@nvcc.edu, (703)-486-0952 (home)Web Site for Class: www.nvcc.edu/home/wpegram
Course Description:
This course is a hands-on introduction to the four primary programs in the Microsoft Office suite - Word (word processing), Excel (spreadsheet), Access (database), and PowerPoint (presentations). Use of Windows, email, and a web browser will be briefly covered at the outset.
Accelerated Schedule
We will have as much class time and cover as much material as in the 16 week course. Think about whether you would prefer the more relaxed schedule of a 16 week course.
Software:
The course covers Windows XP briefly but focuses on Office XP. Because Windows and Office are relatively mature products, the change from version to version of the programs is now relatively small and these changes often occur with advanced features that are not covered in an introductory course. For both of these reasons, you can complete all, or almost all aspects of the course and homework using a different version of Windows and Office. Windows XP is the most current version of Windows whereas the most current version of Office is Office 2003, one version after Office XP -- the programs in Office XP are often designated as 2002 -- i.e. Word 2002, Excel 2002, Access 2002, etc.
The Windows and Office programs are available in all computer labs on campus. Should you wish to purchase it for academic use, there are several retailers who sell software for academic use at highly reduced prices. For example, you can purchase Microsoft Office 2003 Professional at the educational price of $169 from CampusTech at 1-800-543-8188. In some stores you can also find Microsoft Standard for Teachers and Students for about $140 but this version does not included Access.
Floppy Disks
You will want to bring a floppy disk to class so that you can save your work. If you forget to bring a disk, you can save your work to the c drive and then send an email to yourself with the file as an attachment.
Homework
I would prefer to have your homework submitted on a floppy disk. However, if you are going to miss class, you can email me and include the file(s) as attachments.
Attendance:
If you miss class, please check the class website for any changes to the schedule, including new assignments. Contact fellow students rather than the instructor regarding material that was covered during your absence. When class is cancelled due to inclement weather or instructor absence, assignments will be pushed back to the next class date. In cases of instructor absence, I will send an email to all students, so checking it before coming to class is always a good idea.
Office Hour Schedule:
Before and after class.Communication with Instructor:
In addition to office hours, most class periods will have time for one-on-one questions with the instructor. Asking questions in this way is generally more efficient than email.
Texts:
Each class session I will present the topics covered in a particular chapter or chpaters in the text listed below. Since the organization of material in another book may differ, it may be somewhat more difficult if you choose another text. However, you will not be tested on things that have not been mentioned in class, and therefore you could use another book without fear that something will appear on the test which was mentioned in the text.
New Perspectives on Microsoft Office XP: First Course Windows XP Edition, Parsons et al, Course Technology, ISBN 0-619-18594-5, 2003. approximately $68. Available in the bookstore and on the Course Technology website at www.course.com.
Required Email Address
Unless you email me with another email address, I will email you at your VCCS email address. If you do not check this address frequently, I would recommend you set it up for automatic forwarding to an email address you do check more frequently. Please remember to include your name in all emails to me.
Grading Policy:
There will be 3 exams. If you miss an exam, please take it at the Testing Center as soon as possible; however, in the past there have sometimes been software problems at the Testing Center which could hurt your performance on the exam. These exams will be worth 54% of your grade, the final 26%, and homework worth 20%. Although this suggests that individual homework assignments are unimportant, quite the opposite is true. The best way to prepare for the exams is to give your best on each assignment and do it in a timely fashion so that you get feedback from the instructor.
Assignments
Assignments will receive a 10% grade penalty for each class period they are late. Assignments that are more than 1 class period late, will either not be accepted (if I have discussed the solution) or will receive an additional 10% off for each additional class period late.
Academic Integrity
In general, students are expected to follow the Information Technology Student/Policy Ethics Agreement as posted in computer areas and academic integrity standards as set down in the Student Handbook.
In addition, I want to give you specific guidance regarding the following issues:
(1) On homework assignments and projects, students may ask for and receive some assistance from others, unless otherwise directed by the instructor. Yet those helping a student should avoid "doing the work" for the student. If students receive significant assistance from others, the student should give credit to these individuals. No assistance is permitted on exams and quizzes.
Withdrawal from the Class:
Monday, March 22 is the last day for schedule adjustments and textbook refunds. Monday, April 19 is the last day to withdraw without grade penalty or to change to audit.
Learning Environment
NVCC is a place for learning and growing. You should feel safe and comfortable anywhere on this campus. In order to meet this objective, you should: a) let your instructor, his/her supervisor, the Dean of Students or Provost know if any unsafe, unwelcome or uncomfortable situation arises that interferes with the learning process; (b) inform the instructor within the first two weeks of classes if you have special needs or a disability that may affect your performance in this course.
Fire/Emergency Evacuation Procedures
Students should familiarize themselves with both the primary and secondary routes that are to be used, in case you need to evacuate the building, as well as other evacuation procedures to be followed.