BUS115 Computer Applications – Syllabus
3 credits

Instructor:
Jon F. Lavelle
email:  jonlavelle@yahoo.com

There are no synchronous or on-site requirements for this course.

Communication Policy: Communication is through the WebCT Private Mail Tool in the online course. I will log in Monday, Wednesday and Saturday evenings to answer e-mail questions.

Course Description:   An introductory, hands-on course designed to provide an overview of microcomputer hardware and software.  The course will provide hands-on exposure to internet, e-mail, operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, database, graphics applications, and will explore the myriad of security issues facing today’s computer users.  Prerequisite:  Keyboarding skills preferred, but not required.

Course Objectives:

• Essential computer concepts
• Exploring operating systems—managing files and folders
• Browser and mail basics
• Common features of MS Office suites
• Using word processing—creating, editing, formatting, printing documents; multiple page reports, desktop publishing and mail merge
• Using spreadsheets—managing data, working with formulas and functions, formatting; working with charts and reports
• Using database management software—creating and maintaining a database, using queries, creating forms and reports
• Using presentation software—creating and modifying presentations
• Integrating word processing, spreadsheets, database software and presentation software
• Creating web pages

Required Textbook & Materials:

• Text - Office 2007, Introductory Concepts and Techniques, Windows XP Edition, Shelly Cashman Series, Shelly Cashman Vermaat, Thomson Course Technology, 978-1-4188-4327-4 or  978-0-3248-2685-2 Available from HCC Bookstore.
  
  
• Software - Microsoft Office 2007, containing Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access - Available at academic prices from HCC Bookstore.

Methods of Instruction Testing and Evaluation: Online - Distance Learning
Reading Assignments and Tutorials from Course Text - Posted Online
Textbook Software Application Tutorials completed on your home computer and sent to Instructor as WebCT Private Mail attachments
Online Reading Check Quizzes
Course Projects
Homework Assignments sent as mail attachments
Online WWW Activities and Projects

Evaluation - is primarily based on projects and exams. You will have to complete Microsoft Office Software Application Projects and Internet based projects. You will be evaluated according to whether or not you can demonstrate proficiency in using software applications. All projects, tutorials and homework assignments must be submitted on time. Due dates are clearly posted on the assignments due dates page. All Projects must be submitted in a timely manner.

Class Participation: Students must participate in all must complete quizzes and text tutorials to be submitted as Private Mail file attachments. Failure to participate and complete tutorials will result in a mark of F* - "F" due to excessive absence.

Additional Information:

Free Tutoring Services Available:  HCC offers free online tutoring for all HCC students in the following subjects:  accounting, writing, mathematics, information literacy and research methods, and sciences. This service is free and available 24 hours a day to all HCC students.  Either go to: http://etutoring.org/ and follow the login directions or go to http://webtide.hccdl.org/ and click on the E-tutoring link.

Disability Services Statement:  HCC is committed to full inclusion of all students.  Students who, by nature of a documented disability, require classroom, equipment, testing or assignment accommodations should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities at 552-2417 to request accommodations before the start of the semester.  Your immediate attention to these arrangements is necessary to assure a positive learning experience.

Academic Integrity Policy:  Academic integrity is expected of all students.  This means that all work for this class must be undertaken and completely by you alone without collaboration from others.  Any dishonesty in the performance of course work, such as plagiarism or cheating in other forms, will be reported.  In the event the student is charged with some form of dishonesty, the Student Discipline Policy will be followed.   The full text of the Academic Integrity Policy and the additional Online Policy can be found either here Academic Integrity Policy or in pdf format at:  http://webtide.hccdl.org/documents/Academic_Integrity_Policy.pdf.

Changing Your WebCT Password:  Students should change their WebCT password before the end of the first week of classes.  This is important so that you do not log into someone else’s account or others log into your account.

Withdrawal Policy:  Sometimes it is necessary for a student to withdraw from an online course.  If that should become necessary, please complete the withdrawal form found at http://webtide.hccdl.org/forms.htm.

Dean of Distance Education:  Should you ever need to contact the Dean of Distance Education, for any reason, you can send an email to:  dladvising@hcc.mass.edu.

Help Desk:  If you need WebCT support or technical assistance, please contact dlhelp at 413-552-2124 or dlhelp@hcc.mass.edu.  Be sure to indicate your full name, course number and the problem.  Email assistance is preferred.