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Syllabus

CS/CIT 105P: Foundations of Computing and Problem Solving (4)

Instructor

Nicole English
Email: EnglishN@umkc.edu

Required Text Book and Supplies

• Author:
  • Shelly, Cashman, Vermaat, et. al., (Shelly Cashman Series)
• Title:
  • Discovering Computers 2008: A Gateway to Information, (2007). ISBN-10: 1423912055, ISBN-13: 978-1423912057 (New or Used) ~904 pages
    • OR you can use a previous version of the book below, if budget is an issue, but the info may be dated, and you might need extra help for Quizzes off of the book's Website.
  • Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information, (2005). ISBN: 0619255463 (New or Used) ~920 pages
  • Discovering Computers 2003 Concepts for a Digital World, (2002). ISBN: 0789565145 (New or Used) ~850 pages
  • Discovering Computers 2002 Concepts for a Digital World, (2001). ISBN: 0789561859 (New or Used) ~850 pages
• Publisher: Course Technology, Inc. at URL: http://www.course.com/
• Note: Be sure to get the FULL text and not just the study guides or abridged versions. Be sure to use the ISBN# to order so you get the correct version if you choose to order off-campus.)
• Other Supplies:
  • A small flash drive (thumb drive) that can plug into the PC, to save a back-up of your work is optional, but strongly recommended and very advisable. It can save a lot of heart-ache later.

Evaluation

• 10% Lab Exercises
  • (Internet Information Search, Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Database, PowerPoint, Graphics)
• 10% Final Project.
  • You propose the topic of your project. The only requirements are that it be
    • (1) technical, (2) related to computers/software tools, and (3) challenging to you.
  • You will also want to pick something that is interesting to you.
  • Don't worry about the size and level of difficulty.
  • Any project idea you have can be scaled to fit the expectations of the assignment.
  • Many people choose to do a Power Point project for their Final Project.
    • See the Power Point Assignment (on the Assignments Page) for more details.
• 80% Quizzes (80 Questions total, at 1% each).
  • Format will be multiple choice. Quizzes will cover readings and some lab skills/concepts.
• Each quiz will cover recent issues discussed in textbook.
• Quizzes are open-book, open-notes, and online.
• They can be taken in the labs, on campus, or off-campus (at home or work).
• You can do them at your own speed and pace.
• They are on Blackboard (for Current Students), and can be saved as you work on them.
• See the Assigns page for more information on the Assignments and Quizzes. See also the Introduction page for more information about the course.
• Extra Credit:
  • Extra Credit is available. Extra Credit points are optional points.
  • Several examples are on the Assignments Page.
    • Attendence of the Organizational (Orientation) Meeting is worth Extra Credit points.
    • Extra Assignments earn Extra Credit points.
    • The Introductory Bio is worth Extra Credit points.

Course Description

This course has three general learning objectives:

1. Basic computer application skills. When most people talk about knowing how to use a computer they are usually talking about knowing how to use a specific computer application. In this class you will have the opportunity to see and explore a few of the most popular applications. This includes word-processing, spreadsheets, and graphics. There isn't enough time this semester to become proficient with any one application, but you may choose to study a specific application as part of your independent study project.
2. Basic computer concepts. As you learn new skills we will stress the concepts which will be useful long after you have forgotten which button to press for a specific function.
3. Emerging technologies. There is talk about a paradigm shift in the world economy and way of life. Advances in technological (especially computers and information technology) is generally recognized as the most significant catalyst for the change. The first step toward understanding and adapting to this new paradigm is understanding the technologies that are causing the changes.

Note

• Instructor adheres to UMKC Policies of Student Conduct concerning Academic Honesty and Fair Use of sources for projects and papers.
• Students who violate these guidelines will be subject to sanctions as outlined in section 200.010 of the Student Conduct Code. All such cases will be forwarded to the Primary Administrative Officer in the Student Life Office for appropriate action.
• Students with disabilities are welcome to join the class. Students with disabilities should contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities to coordinate accomodations.
• Statement to Students concerning Sexual Harassment Click Here.
• Please check the Academic Calendar for drop dates and Financial Aid deadlines. It can be found at this URL: http://www.umkc.edu/registrar/acal.asp