CONTACT:
Instructor: Dr. Melanie Martin Office: P 276 E-mail: mmartin@cs.csustan.edu Phone: 667-3787 Web: http://www.cs.csustan.edu/~mmartin/CS4000/ Office Hours: TWR 2-3 pm and by appointment

  Winter 2006

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

CS 4000 Personal Computing (3 units). Gives the student the knowledge and experience needed to use a personal computer effectively. A range of computers and software will be available; as much as possible, the student will be able to learn about systems which are directly usable in his or her area of study. Topics include discussions of computer hardware, the range of capabilities of the personal computer, how to evaluate a piece of software, and how software is written. Satisfies G.E. area F1. Corequisite: CS 4002. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing. (Credit may not be given for both CS 2000 and CS 4000.) (Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours) (Fall, Winter, Spring)

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Textbook: Computer Confluence: Tomorrow's Technology and You, 7th Ed., Complete Edition, George Beekman & Michael J. Quinn, ©2006, ISBN 0-13-152531-X. Email: An email account (accessible from campus and home.)

DESCRIPTION OF CLASS ACTIVITIES AND ASSIGNMENTS:

Assignments in word processing, spreadsheet, email, web use, and presentations are specifically designed to provide a working knowledge of each and to enhance communication processes in a variety of forms. Assigned readings provide practical and theoretical insights which can be applied to these assignments and to future career activities. Word Processing Software: Each student will be assigned the task of creating a cover letter, a resume, and a discussion paper with computer use as its focus. Spreadsheet Software: Each student will be assigned the task of creating an Excel spreadsheet replicating their CSUS Evaluation of Transfer Credit report. Presentation Software: Each student will be assigned the task of creating two computer-based presentations to first, share information about themselves, and to second, share their knowledge of computer use as assigned in the discussion paper (also see: In-Class Presentation below). In-Class Presentations: Each student will prepare two speeches using the slide-show developed in the Presentation Software section above. The first will be 1-2 minutes duration, and the second will be a 3-5 minute speech. The second presentation will be graded by the entire class. Critiques of Peer Performance: Each student will critique and score the second In-Class Presentation performance of fellow students. Critiques will be entered into an online database by each evaluator for compilation. Restricted viewing of the results by the presenter will be available immediately online. Note: Points for this assignment will be prorated on the number of critiques you complete but failure to critique at least 60% of your peers (e.g., 24 presenters x .60 = 15 required) will result in no points being awarded. Email Usage and Web Research: Each student will use email to contact and be contacted by the instuctor. Each student will join the class listserv. In addition, most assignments will be required to be sent to the instructor using attachments in email. The World Wide Web will be used to conduct research and to locate information pertaining to this course. Web Page Creation and Posting: Students will create a personal web site containing information as assigned to include work created in class. Class Quizzes: There will be twelve chapter quizzes available in BlackBoard with one to be completed each week. Quizzes will be open-book with a time limit for completion.

DUE DATES, MAKE-UPS, AND LATE PENALTIES:

All assignments are due when specified unless extended with the prior approval of the instructor. Late assignments will be accepted by the instructor but will incur a 10% points reduction for each class meeting period (or portion thereof) that the assignment is late. Extensions with the prior approval of the instructor: Said approval will only be given before the due date/time of an assignment. Each request will be evaluated on the merits of the circumstances leading to the request. Said approval is not automatic. Re-submission of graded assignments will be allowed to achieve a passing score (see GRADING below.) An assignment may be re-submitted once in an attempt to receive a passing score. The maximum possible score on re-graded assignments will be 70% of the original points less any late penalities on the original submission. All work must be completed and submitted via email to the instructor prior to end of class on day twelve. The web page assignment may be corrected and submitted for regrading by notifing the instructor via email by end of class day twelve that the assignment is updated of the web server. Note: It will not be possible to makeup the Peer Critique assignment.

ATTENDANCE:

Regular attendance is expected for each entire class period. Assignments will be discussed in class and I will provide additional help during lab to insure your understanding and successful completion of each one. Checking the class web site and your email frequently is expected as well. Doing so will keep you aware of changes, clarifications, and resources available to complete your assignments and to allow you to track your progress in this class.

GRADING:

You must earn a minimum of 60% of the available points to pass Core-Competency Assignments. There are five assignments that I regard as core-competency for the completion of this class. Each must receive a passing score (60% or more) in order to pass the course. Failing any of the five will result in your receiving a failing grade regardless of the number of points you have earned. The five assignments are: Word Processing Software -- Discussion Paper Spreadsheet Software -- Transfer Credit Presentation Software -- Computer Usage -- PowerPoint Two In-class Presentations -- Computer Usage -- Oral Presentation Two Web Pages In addidion: Points for the Peer Critique assignment will be prorated on the number of critiques you complete. Failure to critique at least 60% of your peers (e.g., 24 presenters x .60 = 15 required) will result in no points being awarded for this assignment. Grading options: A.B.C.D.F. (using plus/minus grading) with option to receive Credit/No Credit grade. You must pass each assignment given (to include each quiz) to be eligible to receive a Credit grade rather than a letter grade. Passing is 60% or more of the available points for an assignment. Anyone may request a NC. A request to change from a letter grade to CR/NC or vice versa must be submitted to the instructor in writing (email is OK) no later than end of class on the day twelve of class. It may be necessary to present an Add Form for my signature to be submitted to Enrollment Services as well to allow the entry of the changed grading method. Points earned for particular activities assigned in this course will be weighted as follows: CRITERIA FOR GRADING - Word Processing Software: 440 points. Cover Letter - 70 points. Resume - 70 points. Discussion Paper - 300 points.   Spreadsheet Software: 100 points. Transfer Credit - 100 points.   Presentation Software: 120 points. Personal Information - 40 points. Computer Usage - 80 points.   In-class Presentations: 120 points. Personal Information - 40 points. Computer Usage - 80 points.   Peer Critiques: 70 points. Web Pages: 140 points. Quizzes: 360 points. Twelve Quizzes - 30 points each.   Total For The Course -- 1350 points. Grading Scale POINTS GRADE 1215 - 1350 A 1170 - 1214 A- 1125 - 1169 B+ 1080 - 1124 B 1035 - 1079 B- 990 - 1034 C+ 945 - 989 C 900 - 944 C- 855 - 899 D+ 810 - 854   D 765 - 809 D- 0 - 764 F To receive a Credit grade you must earn a C- or better and not fail any assignments.

Copied with permission from Dan L. Bratten © 2005