Course Catalog

CIS104E Introduction to Computers and Information Technology (2 credits) 9670

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is a study of computing issues and information technology designed to provide a foundation for future course work and vocational experiences. The course involves two major components: 1) computing and information technology concepts and 2) computer software applications. Student access to MS Office required to participate in this class.

LEARNING RESULTS
1. The learner will recognize the fundamental ideas and terminology of computer hardware and software systems and adapt them to other academic and vocational situations requiring computing knowledge and skills. (TERMINOLOGY and FOUNDATION).
2. The learner will discover how to use and implement features of common software packages through hands-on exercises and assignments. (APPLICATION)
3. The learner will develop an awareness of computing and information system practices, standards, and ethical constraints, and assess their impact on society. (ETHICS and SOCIAL ISSUES)
4. The learner should develop a personal relationship with God and demonstrate a commitment to an exemplary CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE, including the use of information technology and computer systems.

REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIALS
Williams & Sawyer, Using Information Technology, 7th ed. complete. (Irwin/McGraw-Hill, 2005). ISBN 9780072260717.
Microsoft Office 2003 Professional (including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint & Outlook) is the preferred office productivity application suite for the Applied Learning Labs. You may use other versions of Microsoft Office (Office97, Office 2000, Office XP(2002) but some features will appear or function slightly different than described in the Applied Learning Lab lessons.

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INTEGRATION OF FAITH AND LEARNING
Throughout this course, the learner will encounter the integration of faith and learning in several ways.

First of all, the course textbook was specifically selected because it strongly emphasizes ethical matters related to computers and information technology in each chapter. Secondly, through learning experience assignments, students reflect and write about ethical standards for the use of computers and their impact on society. A "Soul Project" assignment helps learners develop the habit of quiet communication with God and reflection on their spiritual being and its relation to the physical world around. Finally, learners are encouraged to apply a Christian worldview perspective to their own ethical application of technology in practical ministry and vocational situations.

LEARNING DOCUMENTATION
Students document their learning by submitting numerous written assignments, by completing electronic end-of-chapter review quizzes, by completing sectional tests and a final proctored exam, and by completing Applied Learning Lab activities. Typical examples of graded learning activities may include:
• Short Research papers and reports
• Quizzes and Exams
• Electronic discussion group activities
• Application of knowledge in "real world" situations.
Each step of the way, the learner will have a chance to acquire new vocabulary and practice using it in written assignments and exercises. The following assignments will help the learner meet the course objectives:

Learning Unit 0: Introduction to the course
Learning Unit 1: Information Technology
Learning Unit 2: The Internet and World Wide Web
Learning Unit 3: Application Software
Learning Unit 4: Operating Systems
Learning Unit 5: CPU and Storage Hardware
Learning Unit 6: Input and Output Hardware
Learning Unit 7: Telecommunications
Learning Unit 8: Databases and E-Commerce
Learning Unit 9: Information Technology Today
Learning Unit 10: Information Technology Tomorrow
Learning Unit 11: Information Systems
Final Exam (proctored)

Please notice that there are also ten separate assignments in the required Applied Learning Lab (ALL) section of this course. These lab assignments are graded on a "pass/fail" basis. All of the lab assignments must be successfully completed in order to obtain credit for this course. Use the "Applied Learning Labs" button on the main menu to access those labs.

LEARNING EVALUATION
Each learner will accumulate up to 1000 “competency points” based on evaluation of documented learning experiences in the concepts portion of the course.
Learning Evaluation Point Breakdown
Item Description Each Total
12 Learning experience written exercises 50 600
11 End of chapter quizzes 10 110
3 Tests 50 150
1 Final Proctored Exam 100 100
Meaningful contributions & participation in discussion board, extra credit 40

TOTAL COURSE LEARNING POINTS 1000
Some extra credit or bonus points may be available by special arrangement with the instructor. Final grades will be based on "plus and minus" letter grades in accordance with CLL policies.
Please notice that there are separate required assignments in the Applied Learning Lab (ALL) section of this course. These lab assignments are graded on a "pass/fail" basis. All of the lab assignments must be passed in order to obtain credit for this course. Use the "Applied Learning Labs" button on the main menu to access those assignments.