Western Nevada College
COT204 Using Windows
On-line Syllabus

---

Class Begins:

Monday, January 23, 2012 (e-mail instructor by this date or you may be dropped from the class without further communication). Registering for this class is only the first step in the process, you must e-mail the instructor in order to gain contact. See steps in getting started below. Have updated contact information/address on file with our registration office. For more information about WNC's Online follow the link http://www.wnc.edu/webcampus/ and information regarding my online courses see Online Course Introduction.

 

Course Description:

Covers how the Windows Graphic User Interface is used, how to customize Windows and how to use the various accessories and parts of the Windows program.

 

General Information:

Class starts on January 23, 2012 (contact me by this date - see getting started below). THIS IS NOT A SELF PACED CLASS! Chat sessions will be live two or more days, designated on Tuesday nights, 7:30 - 8:00 (March 6, May 1). You may make up chats within 24 hours of the scheduled chat for a reduced grade. The lessons/lectures will be available on WEBCT course content for students each week. Lessons are due each week (Friday by 6:00 p.m.) on the date listed for each assignment. This means you have one week to complete assignments. You may turn in work early, but you may not turn in work late, I do not accept late work. The course is treated like a campus course, but work is done over the internet. Therefore, every week new material is introduced and information is shared through class participation/discussion board, assignments, lectures and chats. The course is modeled around a campus course and is not to be mistaken as self-paced. There is a schedule and due dates which must be followed. This class will require a proctored mid-term and a proctored final at a WNC Campus near you. Students are responsible for planning accordingly, proctor hours will be posted and adhered to. The last day of class will be May 14, 2012 . Please note that it is the students responsibility to notify both the school and the instructor of their intent to drop the class.

 

Textbook & Required Material:

Parsons, Oja, Ruffolo (2011). Microsoft Windows 7. New Perspectives. Thomson Course Technology. ISBN-13: 978-0-538-74600-7.

• USB Flash Drive 1G+
• Working Computer with Windows 7 Operating System and Office 2007 Software (Word) installed
• Active Internet access and email
• Speaker/Headset (microphone optional)

Course Objectives: The successful student will demonstrate

1. Explain the essential hardware components of a computer system.
2. Identify the major elements of a computer operating system and explain their functions.
3. Describe the differences between application and system software and list examples in each category.
4. Identify what impact the graphical user interface (GUI) has on routine computer work.
5. Recognize and use the various features for manipulating through Windows (menus, title bars, dialog and message boxes, cascading menus, dragging and dropping, pop-up menus, icons,  task bar and toolbars.)
6. Define and use the basic functions of the Desktop.
7. Explain and use the features provided in My Computer and Explorer.
8. Identify features of Control Panel and utilize it to customize the desktop.
9. Create, edit, save, and print a Notepad document, copy and move text using the Clipboard, use the Calculator to perform basic arithmetic computations.
10. Create, save, format and print documents using WordPad and Paint. Use features of Windows such as importing graphics, Character Map and printing screens using WordPad and Paint.
11. Create, edit, exchange data and save documents using Object-Linking and Embedding and Windows 98 application programs.
12. Explain and use DOS features and programs in Windows.
13. Explain and use the features in the Printers and Fonts folders.
14. Explain and use the features of system maintenance.
15. Explain the concepts of electronic communications, such as how to set up and end communications, if equipment and time permit.
16. Explain the concepts of multimedia if equipment and time permits.

Methods of Instruction:

Reading, lecture, hands-on, handouts, assignments, and personalized help will be utilized through the Internet. The student will work on jobs/assignments relevant to the current lecture material. The instructor will offer assignment parameters and suggested applications. The student should take every advantage to apply job assignments to actual work or interest. Class agenda, instructional material, and student assignments will be posted on the net. Disability support services are available to assist appropriate academic accommodations that students may require, please contact me immediately (by second week of class) to ensure timely accommodations.

Attendance:

This is a class on the Internet, attendance is required by weekly (4+ suggested) through participation in bulletins, chats, e-mail and completed assignments.. No activity in access of three weeks from a student online indicates failure to complete work and may result with a failure grade letter of F or a W indicating withdraw from the class.

Grading:

Weekly, students will receive a grade for there individual performance of each project, reading, quizzes, tests, and/or class discussions. See Class Procedures. Grades will be based upon the percentage of the total possible. All grades/totals are subject to change during the semester. It is the students responsibility to keep track of their individual progress. Access your final grade through your individual webreg account.
The grading scale is as follows and may include + and - grades:
100-90 = A
89 - 80 = B
79 - 70 = C
59 - 00 = F or W
Grade F or W will be assigned at instructors discretion for absences in excess of three class meetings (any period of inactivity longer than three weeks for online classes) or for failure to complete class assignments. If the student has not voluntarily withdrawn prior to the twelfth week of the semester, the instructor may issue a grade of "W" at that time. An attempt to contact the student will be made through the students WNC email address prior to the issuing of the "W". Grade F may be issued for any form of academic dishonesty (refer to WNC Policy).

 

Grading Criteria: Approximate point totals

Chat (2) 60
Homework 300+
Discussion/Participation 10 points each week (15)150
Midterm (1) 100
Final (1) 100

 

Course Work Schedule:

Following is a tentative list of class dates, reading, and class discussion topics which are subject to change. It is the students responsibility to look up the current agenda on the web page and view lectures from WebCampus course content, which will be updated frequently.

GETTING STARTED: WHAT THE HECK DO I DO?

1. Register for the class. You must register to be on the official class roster.
2. Print and read this syllabus following all links. Changes may be made to syllabus up to the first day of the semester.
3. Purchase your books. Begin reading, there is a great deal of material and reading is your main tool for learning this material, along with learning the terminology.
4. Have Internet/computer access ready and working. Have Windows 7 up and running.
5. Visit my Online Course Information Page and complete the personal data sheet so that I have contact phone numbers.
6. E-mail me before Jan. 23. Send me an e-mail confirming your registration, stating that you have registered in my on-line IS101 course. In your e-mail make the subject, "Registered IS101" and in the body, list your full name and e-mail address. Watch for a welcome email the first day of class.
7. Gain access to our online WebCampus Moodle environment at http://wnc.mrooms3.net

Last Updated: January 24, 2012 This syllabus is subject to change up to the date class starts, thereafter changes will be posted in class discussions.
Page Author: Janeen L. Malkovich, M. Ed.

Class Notes: (use the space below for class notes and course changes)