Distance Learning Guide

for

ITE 100-40
INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Instructor: Debbie W. Rasnick Fall 2013

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Welcome!
Welcome to ITE 100! This course is designed to give you a solid understanding of the many different facets of computing today. The coverage is very broad so even if you have used a computer before, you will discover new terms and concepts in this course. Since you are enrolled in the independent learning section of this course, you will be able to work on this course at a time and place that best suits your needs instead of at a prescribed meeting time and location like more traditional classes. The Computer Concepts textbook is bundled with an eBookonCD that contains videos, animations, labs, and practice tests to support the readings in the text. You should also have another book called Practical Microsoft Office 2013 and a supplement for Windows 7. The Practical Office book has an interactive CD that we will be using for some lab work to learn Word and Excel. You dont have to have Word 2013 and Excel 2013 installed on your computer to use this CD, but you will need access to it to do a couple of the assignments. You can use the CD in the book bundle to install a trial copy of Office 2013 on your home computer or else you will need to make sure you spend a little time on the computers in the Learning Center to complete a few assignments. There will be ample opportunity for you to interact with the instructor. Please feel free to email me with any questions or concerns at any time. I promise to respond within twenty-four hours (usually less) during weekdays. In order to keep my email system organized, I ask that you put ITE 10040 (no quotes, one space before 100 and a hyphen after) in the subject line of all correspondence. You can put other words too, but make sure you include the ITE 100-40. We will use an online tool called Blackboard for class communication. This system will allow you to access information about assignments, due dates, specific objectives, etc. Be sure to check the site regularly as it may contain additional directions or corrections to the book that you will find useful. We will be using the Discussion Board feature of Blackboard quite a bit. It will allow us to post questions and comments so that all class members can participate in a discussion forum. In fact, your first assignment is to post to the Introductions forum so that we can get to know each other. Of course, electronic communication is not the only way to go. Feel free to come by during my office hours or use SignUpGenius (see link under Faculty Information on Blackboard) to make an appointment. If you need me to demonstrate a concept to you, I will be happy to do so. We can even use Collaborate to set up an online demonstration, if needed. You will be taking four tests in this course. Please refer to the enclosed Course of Study to see which chapters will be addressed on each test. Also, refer to the tentative weekly schedule to see which weeks these tests will be given. They will be multiple-choice and they will be taken on a VHCC computer in a secure environment. Please see the specific objectives for each unit (to be posted in the Unit area on the Blackboard site) to determine the scope of the test and use these objectives as a study guide to prepare for each test. And finally, please review this entire packet. If you have any questions, please contact me. I enjoy teaching this course in an independent learning format. I hope that you will find it truly beneficial. Im looking forward to hearing from you in your first posting to the Discussion Board!

ITE 100-Rasnick Fall 2013 Page 2 VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE COURSE OF STUDY Instructor: Rasnick Course Number and Title ITE 100 Introduction to Information Systems (3 Credits) Course Description Covers the fundamentals of computers and computing and topics which include impact of computers on society, ethical issues, and terminology. Provides discussion about available hardware and software as well as their application. Lecture 3 hours per week. Broad Goals of the Course The student will be able to: Use correctly the vocabulary of the computer industry. Describe digital electronics. Identify the function and operation of computer hardware components. Select a computer system. Select appropriate computer-based tools to perform specific tasks. Demonstrate use of productivity tools: word processing and spreadsheet software. Identify and use operating systems. Manage files efficiently. Explain basic networking concepts. Analyze and compare Internet access options. Explore technologies used on the Web. Demonstrate use of communication tools: email, discussion forums, etc. Examine digital media. Analyze computer security issues. Explain the impact of computers on society: problems and solutions.

(Communication) (Information Literacy) (Information Literacy) (Information Literacy) (Information Literacy) (Information Literacy/ Quantitative Reasoning) (Information Literacy) (Information Literacy) (Information Literacy) (Critical Thinking) (Information Literacy) (Communication/ Information Literacy) (Information Literacy) (Critical Thinking) (Cultural and Social Understanding) Specific Objectives

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) 13) 14) 15)

The instructor will electronically post specific objectives for each unit during the semester. These will serve as a study guide to prepare you for your tests. Instructor Debbie W. Rasnick Phone: (276) 739-2503 Email address: drasnick@vhcc.edu Web Page: http://www.vhcc.edu/drasnick Blackboard: Login through myVHCC (preferred method) or http://learn.vccs.edu Office Hours: See hours posted on office door (room LRC-211) and on Blackboard. Use the SignUpGenius link on Blackboard to make an appointment. Email Note: All correspondence sent to the instructor concerning this course should have ITE 100-40 in the subject line

ITE 100-Rasnick Fall 2013 Page 3 Course Prerequisites Although there is no prerequisite for this course, you should feel comfortable using email and web browsers since you are taking this as a distance course. If you have previously taken the FAST (Freshman Achieving Success through Technology) assessment during orientation, you should have scored 70% or better. To refresh your skills, be sure to review the Orientation chapter in your textbook which reviews basic skills. Required Instructional Materials The bookstore sells all components as a bundle at a reduced price. If you buy the components separately, be sure to go to www.vhcc.edu/drasnick and get the specific ISBN numbers. Required Texts/CDs: New Perspectives on Computer Concepts 2013: Introductory, 15th Edition, 2013 Parsons, Oja with eBookonCD Practical Microsoft Office 2013, 1st Edition 2014 Parsons, Oja, with BookOnCD Microsoft Windows 7: Illustrated Essentials, 1st Edition 2010 Barbara Clemens Hardware: Access to a Windows-based PCs with a CD drive required Software: Word 2013, Excel 2013, Windows (7 or 8) If you dont have Word 2013 and Excel 2013 on your computer, you can install the trial version of Office 2013 included in the book bundle or use the computers located in the Library/Learning Center on campus to complete these exercises. Required: Flash Drive for storing work Other: Interactive Labs, Animations, Blackboard (you will have access to these) Note: Textbook is on reserve in the library for students that have not been able to purchase their textbook yet. It can only be used in the library. Criteria for Student Grading Unit Tests (4 @ 100 pts) plus Quizzes for extra points Computers and Digital Basics Unit 1: Chapter 1 Computer Hardware Chapter 2 Software Unit 2: Chapter 3 Exploring the Basics Windows Creating, Formatting, and Finalizing Documents Word 2013 Creating, Formatting and Finalizing Worksheets Unit 3: Excel 2013 Operating Systems and File Management Chapter 4 Working with Files Windows Local Area Networks Unit 4: Chapter 5 The Internet Chapter 6 The Web and E-mail Chapter 7 Digital Media Chapter 8 Labs and Projects 400 pts (80%)

100 pts (20%) 500 pts (100%)

Your final grade will be determined by the following scale: Points Grade 450-500 A 400-449 B 350-399 C 300-349 D Below 300 F

ITE 100-Rasnick Fall 2013 Page 4 Challenges to final grades should be made in writing directly to the instructor no later than ten (10) calendar days after the first day of class of the next semester. If the student is unable to contact the instructor directly or cannot come to an agreement with the instructor of record, the Dean of Business, Humanities and Science should be notified in writing. Methods of Instruction Textbook readings, animations, and interactive questions Discussion Forum postings and Collaborate sessions Simulated Labs Interactive training and hands-on, practical exercises Quizzes Attendance Policy Since this is an independent learning class, there is no required attendance. Instead, it will be up to you to make sure that you respond to the instructors emails, submit assignments when due, and take the tests on the scheduled days. If your email system is down for any extended amount of time or you have trouble accessing the Blackboard site, you must contact the instructor to let her know about the problem. In the event that no contact is made, you will receive zeros for the assigned work. Administrative Withdrawal You may be withdrawn from the course if you miss important deadlines, do not communicate with the instructor on a regular basis, and/or miss a test. Reminder: Last day to drop the course and receive a refund is September 12th. Last day to withdraw without academic penalty is November 5th. Tests All tests for this class will be administered in the Testing Center. Each test will consist of 50 multiple choice questions and they will be taken on Blackboard in a proctored setting. You will take the tests on Monday through Friday of the week that it is scheduled (see schedule on last page of this document.). The instructor will take reservations for your testing time. Please make sure to respond to her requests for reservations in a timely manner. If an emergency arises and you are unable to come at the appointed time, you must notify the instructor immediately (day of the test, but no later). If you have an acceptable reason for missing the test, she will schedule a make-up test; otherwise, a grade of zero will be recorded. All approved make-ups will be given at the end of the semester and they will be more challenging than the original test. Keyboarding Skills Since many of the assignments require you to enter text efficiently, proficiency in keyboarding is strongly encouraged. Students may enroll in an AST course to upgrade your keyboarding skills. Students with Disabilities Students are encouraged to discuss any special problems, needs or accommodations with the instructor during the first week of class. If you have a disability or other need for reasonable accommodation in order to successfully complete the requirements of this course, please contact ADA Coordinator, Karen Copenhaver (kcopenhaver@vhcc.edu, ISC 124, 739-2404, Office hours M-F 8:30-5:00) to discuss this matter confidentially.

ITE 100-Rasnick Fall 2013 Page 5 Assignments You will be completing various lab and homework assignments throughout the semester. These will include exercises on word processing, spreadsheets, Internet, Windows, etc. All of the assignments for the semester will be posted on Blackboard under the Unit number. Each posting will outline what needs to be completed and give a due date for the project. The due date is also posted in the Calendar on Blackboard. Use the Activities Checklist posted in the Syllabus area to help keep track of your due dates. You will receive points towards your Labs and Projects grade for completing these and submitting them by the due date. Class Communication We will be using Blackboard and Student Email to facilitate class communication. You will be given a page of instructions that describes how to access these systems. We will use some of the class meeting to demonstrate Blackboards features. You will receive instructions (via the Announcements page) about posting an introductory message to the Discussion Board before the end of the first week of classes. Class information including handouts, due dates, helpful hints, etc. will be posted on the Blackboard site for this course. You may also receive information via email. Remember to check the Blackboard site and your student email at least every two to three days. Correspondence Students are expected to correspond with the instructor in a business-like fashion. This means that the student will use proper upper/lowercase letters, avoid excessive abbreviations and misspellings, and use a respectful tone when communicating via email. Please refer to page 399 in your textbook for a list of basic netiquette guidelines. Interaction with Other Students You have access to a few tools that will allow you to interact with other students in the class. You can participate in Discussion Forums in Blackboard where you post a comment and check back later to see what others have said. (Note: You can Subscribe to a Discussion Forum so you get an email alert whenever anyone posts to it.) Also, you can email another student in the class through Blackboard. Technical Problems To help resolve problems with Blackboard or your email, contact the VHCC Help Desk by calling 276-739-2550 or emailing helpdesk@vhcc.edu. Please note that problems related to the course materials and other academic matters must be handled through your instructor. The Help Desk is responsible for technical problems with VHCCs computer systems. If you experience a technical problem with your home computer or Internet service, it is your responsibility to seek outside assistance in fixing that problem. If you are unable to resolve the problem in a timely manner, you should plan to complete your work using VHCC computers. Please make sure that you dont get behind and miss any deadlines. Rememberyou should contact the instructor to inform her about the situation if you cant get the problem fixed quickly.

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VHCC Alert You should consider signing up for the VHCC emergency messaging system. This works with email, cell phone text messaging (your cell phone text rates will apply), etc. Go to www.vhcc.edu and click on the VHCC Alert link (at the top) for more details and options.

Feedback from the Instructor When you send an assignment to the instructor through Blackboard, she will grade your work and post your points/feedback in the Grade Center on Blackboard. An exclamation point in the Grade Center indicates that you have submitted your work through Blackboard but it still needs to be graded. When you send tracking data through Webtrack (outside of Blackboard), the instructor will post students points in the Grade Center within a day or two of the due date. If you have submitted work through Webtrack and dont see your points posted within three days after the due date, contact the instructor and you may be instructed to resend the assignment. Other projects submitted through Blackboard (such as writings, reports, discussions, Word, and Excel) will take longer to grade. You can expect feedback within a week of the due date for these activities. Most assignments will be worth 5 or 10 points (See the Activities Checklist posted under the Syllabus area for a breakdown of points.). By the end of the semester, you should have accumulated close to 100 points for your projects grade if you do all your work. You have access to your grades only using the My Grades link on Blackboard. Academic Misconduct Any type of academic misconduct (such as plagiarism, offering or soliciting information on a test, inappropriate copying of disks/files, etc.) is prohibited. In order to know your rights and responsibilities, I suggest you refer to the Student Conduct section of your Catalog and Student Handbook which is available at www.vhcc.edu under Current Students => Academic Resources => Catalog => Student Policies & Services => Student Conduct. Unfortunately, your instructor has had to deal with a few cases of cheating in the past. Make sure you do your own work. It is the honest thing to do; the best way to prepare for the test; and it will assure that you avoid the consequences of getting caught cheating! Comments and Suggestions Please feel free to offer any comments or suggestions about the structure and content of this course. Your opinions are always welcome. Course Evaluations You may receive an email asking you to complete online evaluations of the course and/or the instructor. Your responses are anonymous. They will help to improve the course for future students so be sure to complete these evaluations when instructed. Thanks

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College-wide Emergency In the event of a College-wide emergency, course requirements, classes, deadlines, and grading schemes are subject to changes that may include alternative delivery methods, alternative methods of interaction with the instructor, class materials, and/or classmates, a revised attendance policy, and a revised semester calendar and/or grading scheme. In the case of a College-wide emergency, please refer to the following about changes in this course:
Course web page: Blackboard course access via myVHCC or

http://learn.vccs.edu (in case VHCC website is down) Instructors email: drasnick@vhcc.edu Instructors chosen emergency telephone number: (276)739-2503 (This is my office number but I can check it remotely and voicemails are forwarded to my email system.) For more general information about the emergency situation, please refer to:
Web site www.vhcc.edu Telephone Number - 276-739-2400 Emergency Text Messaging or Phone System- Virginia Highlands Community

College uses VHCC Alert to immediately contact you during a major crisis or emergency. VHCC Alert delivers important emergency alerts, notifications and updates to you on your E-mail account (work, home, other), cell phone, pager or Smartphone/PDA. VHCC Alert is a free service offered by VHCC. Your wireless carrier may charge you a fee to receive messages on your wireless device. VHCC will test the alert system each semester. Register online at alert.vhcc.edu or by sending a text message to 411911 keyword: VHCC In the event of an extended emergency, this class will: Continue to communicate through the Blackboard course and student email. If you dont have Internet access at home, please call the office number listed above and give the instructor a number where you can be reached. She will return your call to discuss alternate plans for communication during the extended emergency.

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Tentative Weekly Schedule for ITE 100 Fall 2013 Week 1. Aug 26-30 2. Sep 2-6 (off Mon) 3. Sep 9-13 4. Sep 16-20 Assignments Course Introduction; Syllabus Quiz; Post to Discussion Board; Complete Orientation chapter; Start Chapter 1: Finish Chapter 1: Computers and Digital Basics Complete Chapter 1 Labs Chapter 2: Computer Hardware Complete Chapter 2 Labs Test #1 (Must make a testing reservation reply to email sent a week or so prior to test week.) Chapter 3: Software Complete Chapter 3 Labs Windows: Getting Started with Applications Software Word 2013: Creating, Formatting, and Finalizing Documents Test #2 (Must make a testing reservation reply to email) Excel 2013: Creating, Formatting, and Finalizing Worksheets Chapter 4: Operating Systems and File Management Complete Chapter 4 Labs Windows: Working with Files Test #3 (Must make a testing reservation reply to email) Chapter 5: Local Area Networks Chapter 6: The Internet Complete Chapter 5 and 6 Labs Chapter 7: The Web and E-mail Chapter 8: Digital Media Complete Chapter 7 and 8 Labs Review for Test Test #4 (Must make a testing reservation reply to email to schedule your exam during exam week)

5. Sep 23-27 6. Sep 30 Oct 4 7. Oct 7-11 (off Tues) 8. Oct 14-18 9. Oct 21-25 10. Oct 28 Nov 1 11. Nov 4-8 12. Nov 11-15 13. Nov 18-22 14. Nov 25-29 (off W/Th/F) 15. Dec 2-6 16. Dec 9-13 17. Exams Dec 16-19