Class Syllabus – 2017-18/WINTER

CLASS IDENTIFICATIONTITLE: Information Systems & LiteracyPREFIX/SECTION: INFO 1001/7DCREDIT HOURS: 4.5CLASS BEGINS/ENDS: 05 Dec 2017/22 Feb 2018MEETING DAY(S)/TIMES: T & Th/10:00 a.m.-11:55 a.m.NO CLASS DAYS: 21 Dec 2017-03 Jan 2018, 15 Jan 2018WITHDRAWAL DATE: 08 Feb 2018CENSUS DATE: 15 Dec 2017CLASS LOCATION: SOC MHY 210LAB LOCATION: SOC CON 217

CONTACT INFORMATIONInstructor Name: Alan R. Reinarz

HOURS* LOCATION PHONE FAX

M, W 11:00a-12:00pT, Th 8:30a-9:30a, 2:30p-3:30p

SOC MHY 110 531-622-4089(voice-mail) 531-622-4535

*Stated office hours may need to be changed due to special circumstances or events. If the student wishes to meet with the instructor at a time other than scheduled office hours, the student should make an appointment with the instructor.

Home phone: (402) 556-3071Email Address: areinarz@mccneb.eduFaculty Web Site(s): http://faculty.mccneb.edu/AReinarz/ (also see

https://mccadc.mccinfo.net/infodept/areinarz/Course%20Resources/) Academic Program Area: Dr. Daryl Hansen, Dean of Business & IT (dhansen@mccneb.edu)

Students are required to check and use MCC Email for all official course correspondence. See also STUDENT EMAIL

REQUIREMENTS.

COURSE INFORMATIONCOURSE DESCRIPTION:This course introduces students to computer technology concepts and skills needed to be successful in their academic and professional lives. Topics include hardware, desktop and cloud-based applications, computer ethics, effective research techniques, security, and the Internet. NOTE: A basic understanding of computer systems is recommended prior to taking this course. Students desiring to take a basic introductory computer course should enroll in WORK 0900 Introduction to Microcomputer Technology. For students who feel they have mastered the concepts taught in this course, an INFO 1001 competency test is available in the Testing Centers.

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COURSE PREREQUISITES:

None

RECOMMENDED A basic understanding of computer systems – recommended before taking this course, but not

required.

MINIMUM TECHNICAL SKILLS:A basic understanding of computers, college level reading and writing skills are recommended. A working knowledge of elementary arithmetic including the order of operations, decimals/fractions, percentages and translation of story problems into a workable formula is also strongly recommended. A working knowledge the following skills is strongly advised:

• Basic personal computer elements (keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, external drive, etc.)• The use of email with attachments• The ability to save files to a local disk or a USB flash/hard drive• The ability to open from a local disk or a USB flash/hard drive• The ability to identify and use a web browser.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:1. Recognize, identify, and utilize the basic terminology used in information systems and literacy;

understand the main social implications of information and systems.2. Identify essential objects and basic operating systems; evaluate, plan, organize and execute a file

management plan.3. Identify, locate, analyze, and organize researched information using the resources in the library

and on the Internet. Evaluate researched information for accuracy and document information correctly to avoid plagiarism.

4. Utilize collaboration systems and discuss the social and ethical implications involved as well as the inherent vulnerabilities of using these types of communication systems.

5. Create, edit and format messages, letters, memos, and publications using word processors.6. Create worksheets, populate the sheets with labels and values, and create formulas to calculate

sums and percentages using spreadsheet software.7. Create effective slide presentations using presentation software, incorporating bullets, graphics,

and transitions.8. Identify the Acceptable Use Policy at Metro Community College and discuss the best practices

to secure personal information while using technology.

REQUIRED & SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:

1. Textbooks: None 2. USB flash drive or USB hard drive and headphones, which you should bring to all class sessions. 3. Please see Software Requirements and Recommendations section of the “Start Here” Lesson on

Blackboard.

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COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS:You must have regular access to a computer in order to complete this course. Computers are available for student use on MCC campuses at libraries (https://www.mccneb.edu/Current-Students/Student-Tools/Library.aspx) and the Learning & Tutoring Centers (https://www.mccneb.edu/Current-Students/Student-Tools.aspx). The choice of computer used outside the classroom for coursework is up to you – the student - with four notes:

1. You are responsible for interpreting the course material and applying it to your chosen computing environment appropriately.

2. You are responsible for completing all course assignments, discussions and quizzes within the assigned windows.

3. Your choice of technology is not an acceptable excuse for failure to meet schedules or deliver assignments that satisfy the established requirements

4. The computer you use for outside of the classroom must be able to run Mozilla Firefox. Students using browsers other than Firefox may experience problems completing quizzes, exams, and automated labs. Students using a browser other than Firefox do so at their own risk and accept any ungraded or answers incorrectly graded by Blackboard.

SOFTWARE/FILE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:Metropolitan Community College uses Microsoft products as part of its standard software and encourages students to do the same. You may save word-processed documents for file attachments in Microsoft Word .doc or .docx format. If your software does not allow either of these, then save files in Rich Text Format (.rtf).

GETTING MICROSOFT OFFICE FOR FREEAll MCC students are entitled to a copy of Microsoft Office for Windows and OS X as part of their tuition. You can find Instructions for obtaining Microsoft Office in the course Start Here folder in Blackboard.

CLASS STRUCTURE:This course consists of in-class lecture, with learning materials assigned for completion outside class. In some instances, your instructor may provide the opportunity to work on projects or assignments in the classroom if time permits; however, this is your instructor’s choice.

A new topic is presented each week. Assignments consist of quizzes and labs. Quizzes are assigned weekly. Students will have 60 minutes to complete quizzes and quizzes can only be taken one time. Some labs consist of digital worksheets, which are automatically graded within Blackboard, or hands-on exercises.

The course has a midterm exam and a final exam. The midterm and final exam both consist of a written and practical (hands on) portion.

STUDENT EMAIL REQUIREMENTS:Email sent from a Blackboard course is delivered to both the sender and recipient’s MCC Email account. You can access your email by account by logging into MyWay (https://myway.mccneb.edu/). No email is stored in Blackboard. Students enrolled in online and hybrid classes are required to check and use MCC Email for all official course correspondence. New email sent from Blackboard needs to

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include the course number, section, and title in the subject line.  Students must include the same information in the subject line when responding or composing new email from the MCC Email inbox.

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT WORK

THE ACADEMIC WEEKFor the purposes of this syllabus, the Academic Week is defined as the period when material and assignments are made available. See the Schedule of Assignments, below, for the dates of the Academic Weeks. Each Academic Week begins on first day of that week at 12:00 a.m. and ends on the last day of that week at 11:59 p.m.

TYPES OF ASSESSMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS:Automated Labs: Some labs are completed in Blackboard. These labs are essentially digital worksheets. The labs may be completed and submitted a maximum of two times. The labs are graded automatically within Blackboard.

Other labs: These labs require the student to complete a task and submit a deliverable. These labs are graded by your instructor.

Please note that automated labs vs. other labs are identified as such from within Blackboard so that there is no confusion.

Quizzes: Students are now allowed to re-do their quizzes 2 times. The quizzes are timed. They will have 60 minutes to complete it each time and their grade will be based on the average they get for the 2 attempts. Questions on the quizzes will come from the Learning Materials page in Blackboard and that includes the PowerPoint presentations and textbook. Midterm Exam/Final Exam: The course has a midterm exam (Week 4) and a final exam (Week 10/11). The midterm consists of a practical (hands-on) exam, and a written exam. Both the practical and the written portions of the midterm and final exams are to be completed individually. This means the exams are not to be completed in teams or groups, nor should the exam be completed with the assistance of the Learning and Tutoring Center (LTC) staff. Please see the section entitled, Academic Honesty Statement for more information.

LATE WORK:Students are expected to use the Calendar tool in Blackboard to help stay on track in the course. Course assignments, quizzes, projects, etc. are listed on the course calendar. All students are responsible for tracking due dates on the course calendar. Late work is not accepted in this course.

GRADING POLICY: The following grading breakdown applies:Item PointsLabs 296Quizzes 161Midterm 150Final 250Total Points 857

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CALCULATION OF FINAL COURSE GRADE:Letter Grade Required Percent RangeA 90 to 100B 80 to 89C 70 to 79D 60 to 69F 0 to 59

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING PROGRAM:Metropolitan Community College is committed to continuous improvement of teaching and learning. You may be asked to help us to accomplish this objective. For example, you may be asked to respond to surveys or questionnaires. In other cases, tests or assignments you are required to do for this course may be shared with faculty and used for assessment purposes.

USE OF STUDENT WORK:By enrolling in classes offered by Metropolitan Community College, the student gives the College license to mark on, modify, and retain the work as may be required by the process of instruction, as described in the course syllabus. The institution shall not have the right to use the work in any other manner without the written consent of the student(s).

INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS

TECHNOLOGY ISSUES:Students are responsible for contacting the instructor no later than 48 hours before the assignment due date if technology issues arise, which prevent the student from completing work in a timely fashion. Failure to contact the instructor 48 hours before the assignment due date, or failure to contact the instructor at all may result in the student receiving a failing grade for an assignment.

“It didn’t work," “I couldn’t find it," “I didn’t see it," “I didn’t know," “I assumed," or “I didn’t understand” (among others) are not acceptable excuses for failing to complete work. Students are responsible for seeking clarification and technical assistance when the need arises.

LOSS OF FILES OR STORAGE MEDIA:Broken storage media or lost files are not acceptable excuses for failing to submit work. MCC provides 25 GB of free, cloud-based storage where students can store and backup files. Students are responsible for maintaining backup copies of their work at all times. Please see Backing Up Your Work in the Start Here folder in Blackboard for more information.

CLARITY AND ASSUMPTIONS:If something is unclear or doesn’t make sense, ask your instructor for clarification.

ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION POLICY:If you require signed verification of attendance, you will receive signatures for the dates for which you have submitted tasks in Blackboard.

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To confirm each student’s eligibility to remain registered for the class, the instructor will officially report attendance/participation on or before the Census Date (see page 1 of this document). Students taking this course on campus must attend at least one class meeting by the course census date and online students must complete at least one activity submission (e.g., discussion board post, quiz submission, assignment submission). Students in this section of Information Systems & Literacy must participate in a class activity by Thursday 14 Dec 2017 at 11:55 PM!

If a class needs to be cancelled, the instructor will attempt to notify students in advance and notification will be posted near the classroom door. Student email and Blackboard Announcements communication should be checked regularly for class announcements. College closing announcements are made on the MCC Website (www.MCCNEB.edu) and most local television stations.

Students who do not understand assignments should ask their instructor for guidance as soon as possible.

For students taking this course on campus or in a hybrid format: students will sign in upon arrival to class. A student is not considered present unless he or she attends at least half the scheduled class time.

COMMUNICATION EXPECTATIONS:When you communicate with others in this course, you must follow the Student Conduct Code (http://mccneb.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/Course-Catalog/Student-Services/Student-Conduct), which calls for responsible and cooperative behavior. Please think critically, ask questions, and challenge ideas, but also show respect for the opinions of others, respond to them politely, and maintain the confidentiality of thoughts expressed in the class. You may also wish to review information at http://www.albion.com/netiquette/.

RECORDING IN THE CLASSROOM:Students may not video or audio record class sessions without the instructor’s knowledge and permission. If recording of class sessions is authorized as a reasonable accommodation under Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the instructor must have the appropriate documentation from College Disability Support Services. Permitted recordings are to be used only for the individual student’s educational review of the class session and may not be reproduced, posted, sold or distributed to others. Students who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary procedures as outlined in the Student Conduct Code.

ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT:Students are reminded that materials they use as sources for classwork may be subject to copyright protection. Additional information about copyright is provided on the library website at https://www.mccneb.edu/Current-Students/Student-Tools/Library.aspx or by your instructor. In response to incidents of student dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, illegal peer-to-peer file sharing, etc.), the College imposes specific actions that may include receiving a failing grade on a test, failure in the course, suspension from the College, or dismissal from the College. Disciplinary procedures are available in the Advising/Counseling Centers or at https://www.mccneb.edu/getattachment/About-MCC-Nebraska/About-MCC/Procedures/V-4_Student_Conduct_and_Discipline.pdf.aspx

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Both portions of the Midterm and Final Exams are to be completed by the student alone. Neither the Midterm nor the Final Exam are group activities. Soliciting assistance from classmates, from the Learning and Tutoring Center (LTC) staff or any other source in the effort to complete the Midterm or Final Exam is considered cheating.dd

STUDENT WITHDRAWAL:If you cannot participate in and complete this course, you should officially withdraw through My Services on the MCC My Way portal at http://myway.mccneb.edu/ or by calling Central Registration at 531-622-5231 or 1-800-228-9553. Failure to officially withdraw will result in a failing (F) grade. The last date to withdraw is noted in the CLASS IDENTIFICATION section of this syllabus.

LEARNING SUPPORTMCC's Learning and Tutoring Centers, Math Centers, and Writing Centers offer friendly, supportive learning environments that can help students achieve educational success. Staff members in these centers provide free drop-in assistance with basic computing, reading, math, and writing skills. Self-paced, computer-assisted instructional support in reading, vocabulary, typing, English as a Second Language, and online course orientation is also available.

Detailed information about the Learning and Tutoring, Math, and Writing Centers is in the My Way portal, the College Catalog, and online at https://www.mccneb.edu/Current-Students/Student-Tools.aspx.

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND STUDENTS WHO ARE PREGNANT:Metropolitan Community College provides reasonable accommodations to students with documented qualifying disabilities and to students who are pregnant. It is the student’s responsibility to request accommodations from the appropriate office listed below. After the student has arranged for accommodations, the student and the instructor should privately discuss these accommodations. Disabilities: Contact a Disability Support Services (DSS) Counselor in any Student Services office. More information is available at https://www.mccneb.edu/Current-Students/Student-Tools/Disability-Support-Services.aspx. Pregnancy: Contact a Disability Support Services (DSS) Counselor or an Advocacy Counselor in any Student Services office. More information is available at https://www.mccneb.edu/Current-Students/Student-Tools/Student-Advocacy-and-Accountability/Title-IX/Pregnant-and-Parenting-Students.aspx.

Lactation/Prayer: Please know that MCC does have accommodations for these purposes:Campus/Center Lactation Meditation/PrayerEVC room 107 (staff)

room 213 student lactation or meditation as determined by needFOC room 224D, building 10South Connector room 117 room 248ATC None listed for eitherExpress Center South room 113 can be used for either

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Campus/Center Lactation Meditation/PrayerFremont Center room 216A is for lactation or meditation/prayerSarpy Center room 113 room 145

NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:Metropolitan Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, age, disability or sexual orientation in admission or access to its programs and activities or in its treatment or hiring of employees.

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT  If you have difficulty connecting to the Internet, call your Internet provider.  If you need help connecting to the course from the Blackboard login page, refer to “Getting

Started Online” at https://www.mccneb.edu/Online. If you are unable to solve the problem, email BlackboardSupport@mccneb.edu or call 531-622-

2834.

For assistance with student email, passwords, and most other MCC technology, contact the Help Desk at

531-622-2900 or mcchelpdesk@mccneb.edu.

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES:By using the information technology systems at MCC (including the computer systems and phones), you acknowledge and consent to the conditions of use as set forth in the Metropolitan Community College Procedures Memorandum on Acceptable Use of Information Technology and Resources. It is your responsibility as a student to be familiar with these procedures. The full text of the Procedures Memorandum may be found at the following website: https://www.mccneb.edu/getattachment/About-MCC-Nebraska/About-MCC/Procedures/X-15_Technology_Resources_Use.pdf.aspx

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IMPORTANT DATES See https://myway.mccneb.edu/StudentServices/Pages/Important-Dates.aspx

ACADEMIC CALENDAR: See https://www.mccneb.edu/Academic-Programs/Academic-Affairs/Academic-Calendar.aspx

SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS

(NOTICE: This syllabus sets forth a tentative schedule of class topics, learning activities, and expected learning outcomes. However, the instructor reserves the right to modify this schedule to enhance learning for students. Any modifications will not substantially change the intent or objectives of this course and will conform to the policies and guidelines of Metropolitan Community College.

Week Academic Week Topic1 5 – 7 Dec 2017 Student Resources2 12 – 14 Dec Computer Concepts & Internet and Trends3 19 Dec 2017 – 4 Jan 2018 File Management4 9 – 11 Jan Midterm5 16 – 18 Jan Microsoft Word6 23 – 25 Oct Library Skills and Citations7 30 Jan – 1 Feb Microsoft Excel, Part 18 6 – 8 Feb Microsoft Excel, Part 29 13 – 15 Feb Microsoft PowerPoint 10 20 – 22 Feb Final Exam

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2017/18 (17/WI) Winter Quarter Important Dates

Classes begin for 10-week/first 5-week sessions..............................................................Dec 4 MCensus Date* for first 5-week session..................................................................................Dec 8 FCensus Date* for 10-week session......................................................................................Dec 15 FDeadline for students to drop a class with no charge**.............varies by class. See Refund PolicyDeadline for students to withdraw from a class with no grade**.............................varies by class Last class day before Holiday Break..............................................................................Dec 20 W Holiday Break/College Closed........................................................................Dec 25 M- Jan 1 MHoliday Break ends for Faculty/Staff....................................................................................Jan 2 THoliday Break ends for Students/Classes resume...............................................................Jan 4 Th Martin Luther King Day/College closed........................................................................Jan 15 MClasses end for first 5-week session................................................................................Jan 22 MClasses begin for second 5-week session.........................................................................Jan 23 TWinter grades for first 5-week session due and posted by 7:00 a.m..................................Jan 25 ThCensus Date* for second 5-week session...........................................................................Jan 29 MFall quarter “I” incomplete grades are due...........................................................................Feb 5 MClasses end for 10-week/second 5-week sessions...........................................................Feb 26 MWinter grades for 10-week/second 5-week sessions due and posted by 7:00 a.m.............Mar 1 Th

Current Student (more than 50 hours) Spring 2018 (17/SP) Registration begins..............Jan 11 ThCurrent Student (fewer than 50 hours) Spring 2018 (17/SP) Registration begins..............Jan 15 MGeneral Registration Spring 2018 (17/SP) Registration begins.........................................Jan 18 Th

*Census Date: To confirm each student’s eligibility to remain registered for the class, the instructor will officially report attendance/participation on or before the Census Date.

**Student Drops and Withdrawals: To view the last date to drop a class with no charge or the last date to withdraw from a class with no grade, go to the Class Schedule at https://catalog.mccneb.edu/Pages/Home.aspx. Find the course section, and click on the Important Dates link. Dates for each course section are automatically calculated based on the start and end dates and/or the number of class meetings.

REFUND POLICY for Credit CoursesA student is responsible for dropping a course if unable to attend. Non-attendance or non-payment does not relieve a student from the obligation to pay.

An official schedule change that reduces or terminates a student’s credit load may entitle the student to a refund. The last date to drop a class with no charge is listed in the Important Dates link for each class in the credit Class Schedule. Through 11:59 p.m. of the listed date, there is no charge for the dropped class. After this date, the student is charged 100% for the dropped class. Additional information on tuition and refund policies is available at https://www.mccneb.edu/Prospective-Students/Tuition-Financial-Assistance/Tuition.aspx.

Note: Schedule changes may have implications for students on Financial Aid. Prior to any schedule changes, check with the Financial Aid Office at 531-622-2405 or 1-800-228-9553.   

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