Course Information

 

Course Description:

Computer Concepts provides an introduction to the computer parts (peripheral equipment) and the operation of a computer system particularly the Windows operating system. There are emphasis on the program manager, file manager, control panel, and desktop panel. This course also covers Internet access, browsing and e-mail understanding. This course is a cornerstone to all other computer courses because it provides the basic information you will need to effectively use your computer.

 

Course Objectives:
1. Identify the hardware essentials for a computer system
2. Describe basic terminology of the selected operating system
3. Demonstrate the knowledge of and use of various mouse operations.
4. Demonstrate a knowledge of various Windows operations.
5. Demonstrate a knowledge of working with application programs.
6. Demonstrate a knowledge of managing files using My Computer.
7. Demonstrate a knowledge of using Windows Explorer.
8. Demonstrate a knowledge of using the Control Panel.
9. Demonstrate a knowledge of Exploring and Using the Internet.

 
Prerequisites and Co requisites:
You should complete Orientation of On-line Classes a 6 hour class offered at no charge at RODP.
Course Topics:

Module 1: Introduction (1 hours)
Module 2: Fundamentals of Using Microsoft (5 hours)
Module 3: Working on the XP Desktop (4 hours)
Module 4: File, Document, and Folder Management and Windows XP.Explorer (6 hours)
Module 5: Introduction to Internet Explorer (4 hours)
Module 6: Web Research Techniques and Search Engines (5 hours)
Module 7: Communicating Over the Internet (5 hours)

Specific Course Requirements:

Students will need to be a self-starter and self-motivated with the ability to meet deadlines set on your calendar timeline.

Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements
Required Textbooks:
 

Please visit the Virtual Bookstore to obtain current textbook information for this course:

 http://rodp.bkstr.com

Required Materials:

 

 

SAM XP/TOM Student Tutorial/CD-3.0 2004
ISBN 0-619-17309-2
Publish Date: December 2, 2003
SAM and TOM System Requirements: To run SAM XP and TOM, your computer must meet the following system requirements:
Shockwave 8.0 or higher (for TOM training only)
Internet Explorer 6.0
200 MB minimum hard disk space
SVGA graphics, 800x600, 256 color (16-bit color recommended)
Operating system: Windows XP

The password in this packet will be used to access the testing system that shall measure your progress. You will be using this to access the test for each chapter, each level, and the comprehensive exam as well as the practice tests for the MOUS Certification Exams.
Hardware Requirements:
The minimum requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm.
Software Requirements:
The minimum requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm. Specific hardware requirements for this course include Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher, Shockwave 8.0 or higher, Microsoft Office 2003. Install using the custom installation and select to install all components to be run from you hard drive to complete this course.
Instructor Information

Please select the Instructor option on the Navigation Bar at the left to find instructor contact information. Virtual office hours and other communication information will be available on this web page.
Assessment and Grading
Testing Procedures:
Each Module will give specific directions on how to complete the tests and quizzes. It will provide instruction on how you will receive your grade.
Grading Procedure:

Your grade will be based on Skills (50%), Related Work (25%), and Participation (25%).

The Skills score is the score you receive on your SAM exam

The Related Work is derived from the assign work you will be submitting.

The Participation grade will be based on your involvement in the discussion board, email communications, and completing assignment on time.

Students are required to participate actively in discussions. During the course, the instructor will post questions on the discussion board concerning a specific topic. Students will have the opportunity to respond to these topics and to other students' responses. The discussion board is here for you. It is to assist you in learning this content successfully. Please feel free to begin your own discussion on Outlook.

Grading Scale:
93-100---A
85-92---B
77-84---C
A score of 77 or better must be achieved to receive credit for this course.
Assignments and Participation
Assignments and Projects:
A sequenced list of assignments and projects arranged by course section or module with due dates if applicable.
Assignments and Participation:
Students are expected to communicate with the instructor as a learning resource, students must check the course bulletin board frequently for announcements, and students must actively participate in threaded discussion events. The instructor will post topics for student comments.
Punctuality:
Students are permitted to work ahead of the timeline in this course. There are specific unit completion dates posted on the calendar and noted in units modules. Assignments are required to be turned in by these dates.
Course Ground Rules

The following are recommendations for students taking this class:

  • Learn how to navigate in Web CT if you are not familiar with the system.
  • View the Course Calendar for exams and assignment deadlines.
  • Check the Discussion Board several times a week for course announcements, course information and discussion topics.
  • Manage your time wisely. Give yourself enough time complete assignments and properly prepare for exams.
  • Keep in contact with the instructor on a regular basis by emails and discussion board.
  • Use the assigned e-mail address as opposed to a personal e-mail address for everything related to the course.
  • Address technical problems immediately.
  • Students must respect the rights of others at all times when communicating in chat, email, or discussions. Observe course netiquette at all times.
  • Participation in this course is the key to doing well. Be sure all assignments are completed by the due date as posted on the Course Calendar.
  • If you have a technical issue address it at once to avoid falling behind in the class.
  • If you have questions, the discussion board is a greater place to ask it. Remember that the only bad question is the one not asked. So, if you are unsure of something , ask. If you prefer, you may also email the instructor.
Guidelines for Communications
Email:
  • Always include a subject line.
  • Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
  • Use standard fonts.
  • Do not send large attachments without permission.
  • Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
  • Respect the privacy of other class members
Discussion Groups:
  • Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant.
  • Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
  • Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other’s ideas.
  • Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
  • Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
  • Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
  • Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.
Chat:
  • Introduce yourself to the other learners in the chat session.
  • Be polite. Choose your words carefully. Do not use derogatory statements.
  • Be concise in responding to others in the chat session.
  • Be prepared to open the chat session at the scheduled time.
  • Be constructive in your comments and suggestion
Web Resources:

Library

The Tennessee Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in the Regents Degree Program. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading must be included in all courses. 

Students With Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the left to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) on the course bulletin board.

Technical Support

Telephone Support:
If you are having problems logging into your course,
timing out of your course, using your course web site tools, or other technical problems, please contact the Eduprise Help Desk by calling

1-866-550-7637 (toll free)

or go to their web site at:

http://askrodp.custhelp.com