CSC 101 - Introduction to Computers

3 Semester Hours Credit
 
Your Guide to Almost Everything 
You Want to Know about this Course 

 
For more information,
contact  Anita Sherman, Coordinator of Computer Services
Index
 
| Course Description | Formal Course Objectives | Credit by Exam I Approach |
| Environment | Campus Resources | Texts and Materials |Online Resources |
| Assignments | Attendance | Cheating |  Project | Project Feedback |
| Homework | Quizzes |Special Needs | A Lesson |

Top of the Page

 Course Description
This course is an introduction to computers and their applications for the beginning student using IBM compatible microcomputers.  Students will get hands-on experience with an operating system and with applications useful to students, including computer graphics, word processing, grammar checking, literature searches, spreadsheets, database management, and telecommunications.  Students will learn how to learn about computers so they can continue learning on their own.  Prerequisites: None. 
Top of the Page Formal Course Objectives
Identify attitudes, strategies, behaviors, and resources that help self-directed learning.  Understand important computer terms and concepts.  Use Windows, word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation packages.  Apply and improve writing, problem solving, sharing, and teamwork skills.
Top of the Page Credit by Exam
Students can take a Credit By Exam (CBE) test for this course for approximately $30.  Passing the exam entitles the student to three semesters hours credit in CSC 101, Introduction to Computers.  For further information, contact Janet Hall in the Learning Center.
Top of the Page Approach
Hands-on, text, and group-oriented.  For help, read the text, use Help, write down the problem, explain it out loud to someone, pretend you are a computer, ask someone in your group, ask a lab assistant, the instructor, and use the instructor’s email.
Top of the Page Environment
Have FUN together learning about computers.  Play, Explore, Enjoy successes.  Share frustrations.  Learning is supported by individual coaching from the instructor, group interaction, readings, quizzes, a project, and hands-on homework.
Top of the Page Computer Labs, Learning Center, and Libraries
Hours vary throughout the semester to assist learners.  Check on the doors, ask a lab assistant, or call for current hours.
Danielson Campus:    (860) 774 - 1130
Willimantic Campus:  (860) 423 - 4491
Top of the Page Texts and Materials
Microsoft Office 2000 Introductory Concepts and Techniques, Shelly, Cashman, Vermaat, 2000.Four or five 3.5" high density diskettes. 
Course Technology Web Site
Top of the Page Online Resources

Library Home Page
EbscoHost Online
Citing Your Sources (MLA version)
Free Online Dictionary of Computing
Top of the Page Assignments
Assignments are subject to change.  It is the student’s responsibility to keep current.  Assignments cannot be completed during class periods alone.  Significant extra lab work is required.
Top of the Page Attendance
Significant course content occurs as a result of class presentations, discussions, and interactions; therefore, attendance is required
Top of the Page Cheating
Cheating is a serious offense.  All such matters will be referred immediately to the Dean who will initiate the disciplinary process, the outcome of which can include expulsion from the college.
Top of the Page Computer Purchase/Upgrade Project
Using computers, gather data and articles to make a (simulated) computer purchase or upgrade decision and to increase your understanding of computers.  Materials will be distributed at the beginning of the project.  Grade will be based on eight citations, four article copies, a research log, and the presentation (evaluation of these materials and purchase recommendations).
Top of the Page Example of Student Feedback About This Project
“At the beginning of the course I was upset about the Computer Purchase/Upgrade Project.  I must say the information I learned was valuable after all.  For example, I was watching The Today Show, and they had a segment on new computers coming out soon.  I was totally impressed that I knew exactly what they were talking about.”
Top of the Page Homework
You may privately arrange with the instructor substitutions for any or all of parts of the homework ahead of time and confirmed in writing.
Top of the Page Quizzes
Quizzes will be taken during the semester.  The first quiz is closed book.  The others are open book.  If you miss a quiz, the make-up quiz is closed book.
Top of the Page Special Needs
Students with disabilities who may need academic accommodations should discuss options with the instructor early in the semester, preferably during the first two weeks of class.  You will need to provide documentation of your disability to the Director of Learning Services in the Learning Center.
Top of the Page A Lesson
"By the year 2010, most jobs that will exist have not yet been created, and by the year 2005, seventy percent of all jobs will require computer literate individuals to fill them.  The half-life of technical information is now less than eighteen months, which means that in less than eighteen months, half of our technical knowledge will become obsolete.  We must learn a new skill for the 21st century in order to keep current with technology.  This is the skill of learning how to learn." -quoted from the Center for Teaching Newsline, 5-98

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last update: 08/29/01