Business Technology
Southwest College 

 

POFI 1104– COMPUTER FUNDAMENTAL

FALL 2011 - CRN: 59888

1 credit hours (2 lecture, 3 lab)-80 hours per semester-12 weeks

In Class Instruction

 

SCANS Competencies Included

 

 

 

INSTRUCTOR:  Mrs. Stephanie Walton

 

INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION:

            Phone:  (281) 389-2289

            E-mail:  [email protected] (evening)

                          [email protected] (evening)

                          [email protected] (daytime)

 

OFFICE LOCATION AND HOURS

Please feel free to contact me concerning any problems that students are experiencing in this course.  Students do not need to wait until students have received a poor grade before asking for my assistance.  Student performance in my class is very important to me.  I am available to hear student concerns and just to discuss course topics. Office hours are upon request.

 

FINAL EXAM:           December 12, 2011

 

LAST DAY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE & STUDENT WITHDRAWALS:  Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 4:30 p.m.  Verify in College Schedule Page. 

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

 

Overview of computer office applications including current terminology and technology. Introduction to computer hardware, software applications, and procedures. 

 

COURSE PREREQUISITE

NONE 

 

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

• The student will be able to read, listen, speak, and write proficiently.
• The student will be able to apply keyboarding and document processing skills to specific office applications.
• The student will be able to use appropriate tools and processes such as records management, accounting fundamentals, and software applications in word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentations to manage information.

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Students will demonstrate proper techniques to key accurately and rapidly basic letters, memoranda, reports and tables.
• Students will demonstrate the use of Microsoft Word features by formatting a business document.
• Demonstrate basic keyboarding techniques.
• Students will apply proofreading and editing skills; and create basic business documents.

 

SCANS

The Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) from the U.S. Department of Labor was asked to examine the demands of the workplace and whether our young people are capable of meeting those demands. Specifically, the Commission was directed to advise the Secretary on the level of skills required to enter employment. In carrying out this charge, the Commission was asked to do the following:

• Define the skills needed for employment,
• Propose acceptable levels of proficiency,
• Suggest effective ways to assess proficiency, and
• Develop a dissemination strategy for the nation’s schools, businesses, and homes.

SCANS research verifies that what we call workplace know-how defines effective job performance today. This know-how has two elements: competencies and a foundation. This report identifies five competencies and a three-part foundation of skills and personal qualities that lie at the heart of job performance. These eight requirements are essential preparation for all students, whether they go directly to work or plan further education. Thus, the competencies and the foundation should be taught and understood in an integrated fashion that reflects the workplace contexts in which they are applied.

The five SCANS workplace competencies identified by the Commission are the following:

1. Resources—An ability to identify, organize, and allocate time, money, materials, space, and people. Much of what you do in the classroom can help students develop competency with resources. Emphasize planning skills in relation to preparing, working, and completing assignments.
2. Interpersonal—Skills to participate as a member of a team, teach others, serve customers, exercise leadership, negotiate, and work with others possessing diverse backgrounds. Cooperative/collaborative learning activities are an effective way to teach interpersonal skills. In discussions after group activities, emphasize interpersonal lessons and challenges of the activities.
3. Information—An ability to acquire, organize, evaluate, interpret, and communicate information along with using computers to process information. Competency with information is basic to any classroom. Emphasize those efforts to master information skills prepare students for future employment.
4. Systems—An understanding of social, organizational, and technological systems; an ability to monitor and correct performance; a competence in the design and improvement of systems. Look for opportunities for students to use critical thinking skills to identify and analyze systems in their school, community, nation, and world.
5. Technology—The knowledge and skill to select equipment and tools, apply technology to specific tasks, and maintain and troubleshoot software and hardware. Although there are many forms of technology that can be used in your class, computers create real interest and opportunities for your students. Encourage your students to make computers an important part of their education, whether the computers are used in self-paced learning or in group projects.

The following  skills will be developed in the course:

• Using Resources:  Identify—Plan—Manage
• Developing Interpersonal Skills:  Collaborate—Negotiate—Lead
• Applying Technology:  Select—Apply—Enhance
• Understanding Systems:  Connect—Support—Improve
• Acquiring Information:  Evaluate—Communicate—Apply

 

The three SCANS foundation skills identified by the Commission are the following:

Basic Skills—Reading, writing, mathematics, listening, and speaking. classroom activities can develop and reinforce all these basic skills. Teaching these skills in the classroom can provide cross-curricular opportunities.

Thinking Skills—Creative thinking, decision-making, and problem solving, seeing things in the mind’s eye, knowing how to learn, and reasoning. During their careers, students will need this foundation to adapt to a rapidly changing society. Helping students to think critically becomes very important so that they may adjust to change.  Seek opportunities for students to stretch their minds, find new answers, ask hard questions, and lay foundations for lifelong learning.

Personal Qualities—Responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self-management, and integrity. Throughout their lives, your students will need to get along with others: with classmates, friends and family, customers, and coworkers. Look for chances to reinforce good personal qualities. And remember the power of teaching by example.

 

 

12 WEEK COURSE CALENDAR:  POFI 1104

 

WEEKLY SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS

Week	Lessons	Teaching/Learning/Evaluation Content
1		Orientation
2	Chapter 1	Projects AP-1, AP-2, AP-3, Quick Checks A, B
3	Chapter 2	Projects WD-1, Quick Checks A, B
4	Chapter 3	Projects WD-2, WD-3, WD-4, WD -5, Quick Checks A,B
5	Chapter 4	Projects WD-6, WD-7, WD-8, WD-9, Quick Checks A, B; Assessment over MS Word
6	Chapter 5	Projects EX-1, EX-2, Quick Checks A, B
7	Chapter 6	Projects EX-3, EX-4  Quick Checks A, B
8	Chapter 7	Projects EX-5, EX-6   Quick Checks A, B; Assessment over MS Excel
9	Chapter 8	Projects PP-1, PP-2     Quick Checks A, B
10	Chapter 9	Projects PP-3, PP-4, PP-5    Quick Checks A, B; Assessment over MS PowerPoint
11	Chapter 10	Project AC-1, AC-2      Quick Checks A, B
12	Chapter 11	Project AC-3, AC-4, AC-5, AC-6, AC-7; Assessment over MS Access

 

 

 

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS

POFI 1104 is a required course for certain Business Technology certificates and AAS degrees.

 

As an instructor, I want my students to be successful.   I feel that it is my responsibility to provide students with knowledge concerning office technology, modeling good teaching strategies, and organizing and monitoring the field experience that allows students to connect the information that students learn in this course to the real world of education. 

As a student wanting to learn about office technology, it is student’s responsibility to read the textbook, submit assignments on the due dates, study for the exams, participate in activities, and attend class.

 

STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS

Assignments have been developed that will enhance student learning.  To better understand a topic, students will be given assignments on key information that students will need to remember for student success in student reaching student goals.

 

Late Assignments 

 

Instructions for submitting assignments:

 

Make-Up Test Policy

Students are expected to adhere to the weekly schedule of assignments printed in the course syllabus.  Late assignments will only be accepted at the discretion of the instructor.

 

INSTRUCTOR REQUIREMENTS

As student Instructor, it is my responsibility to:

Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student grades are to be derived

• Facilitate an effective learning environment through class activities, discussions, and lectures
• Description of any special projects or assignments
• Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness and make up
• Provide the course outline and class calendar which will include a description of any special projects or assignments
• Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required

 

To be successful in this class, it is the student’s responsibility to:

• Attend class and participate in class activities
• Read and comprehend the textbook
• Complete the required assignments and exams on time:
• Ask for help when there is a question or problem
• Complete the field study with a 70% passing score

 

PROGRAM/DISCIPLINE REQUIREMENTS

Business Technology is determined to prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today’s dynamic work environment.  Students in Computer Applications I must be able to budget their time and perform class-related activities as assigned on a weekly basis.  Opportunities are provided for students to recognize the important role personal qualities play in the office environment and activities have been enhanced to help students develop the attitudes and interpersonal skills that are in demand by employers.

 

Degree Plan

Students are encouraged to file a degree plan with a Counselor or the Business Technology Department for the certificate and/or degree plan.  Please ask your instructor for Degree Plan information or contact the Business Technology Department for information about filing a degree plan.

 

Virtual Career Center

The Virtual Career Center assist HCC Students and Alumni with career planning, assessments, job search and soft-skills training.  Orientations and registration are available at all Southwest College Campuses.

 

http://www.hccs.edu/hccs/current-students/career-planning-and-resources/southwest-college

 

GRADING 

HCCS Grading System

The Houston Community College grading system will be used to evaluate students’ performance in this course.

 

Grade	Score
A-Excellent	100-90
B-Good	89-80
C-Fair	79-70
D-Passing	69-60
F-Failure	59 and below

 

Student Evaluation

The following departmental grading system will be used to evaluate students’ performances in this course:

 

Textbook	50%
Projects	40%
Final Exam	10%

 

 

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

Practical Microsoft Office 2010 by June Jamrich Parsons, Dan Oja, and Donna Mulder.  Published by Cengage Learning

ISBN 13: 978-0-538-74595-6

 

USB Flash Drive Units

 

STUDENT INFORMATION

A student handbook is available on the College website:  http:/www.hccs.edu.  Look under the student subheading to get detailed information concerning students attending Houston Community College System (HCCS).  Data such as withdrawal policies, refund policies, incomplete, late assignments, make-ups, extra credit, grading system, attendance requirements, and other details are included in the student handbook.

 

HCC Policy Statement: ADA
Services to Students with Disabilities

Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the respective college at the beginning of each semester. (At any HCC campus) Faculty  is authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.  If you have any questions, please contact the Disability Counselor at your college or the District Disability Office at 713-718-5165.

 

HCC Policy Statement: Academic Honesty

You are expected to be familiar with the College's Policy on Academic Honesty, found in the catalog and student handbook. Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by College System officials against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty.  “Scholastic dishonesty”: includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.

 

Cheating on a test includes:
• Copying from another students’ test paper;
• Using  materials not authorized by the person giving the test;
• Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization;

• Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents   of a test that has not been administered;

• Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.

 

Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work in one’s own written work offered for credit.

 

Collusion mean the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work offered for credit. Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of 0 or F in the particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the College System.  (See the Student Handbook).

 

HCC Policy Statement: Student attendance, 3-peaters, withdrawal deadline

Attendance:  Students are expected to attend all classes and labs regularly. Students are responsible for [any and all] materials covered during their absences, and it is the student’s responsibility to consult with the professors for make-up assignments. A student may be dropped from a course for excessive absences in excess of 12.5% of the hours of instruction. For example: For a three-credit hour lecture, a student may be dropped after six hours of absence.  HCCS professors cannot assign a “W” for any student after the official withdrawal date. “Administrative withdrawals are the discretion of the professor. If you are doing poorly in the class, but you have not contacted your professor to ask for help, and you have not withdrawn by the official withdrawal date, it will result in you receiving a grade of “F” in the course.

 

Course Withdrawals-First Time Freshmen Students-Fall 2007 and Later: Under Section 51.907 of the Texas Education Code “an institution of higher education may not permit a student to drop more than six courses, including any course a transfer student has dropped at another institution of higher education.” Beginning in fall 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law limiting first time entering freshmen to no more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their educational career in obtaining a certificate and/or degree. 

Course Withdrawals: Be sure you understand HCC policies about dropping a course. It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw officially from a course and prevent an “F” from appearing on the transcript. If you feel that you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from the course prior to the final date of withdrawal.   Before, you withdraw from your course; please take the time to meet with the instructor to discuss why you feel it is necessary to do so. The instructor may be able to provide you with suggestions that would enable you to complete the course.  Your success is very important. 

If you plan on withdrawing from your class, you MUST contact a HCC counselor or your professor prior to withdrawing (dropping) the class for approval and this must be done PRIOR to the withdrawal deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript.  **Final withdrawal deadlines vary each semester and/or depending on class length, please visit the online registration calendars, HCC schedule of classes and catalog, any HCC Registration Office, or any HCC counselor to determine class withdrawal deadlines.  Remember to allow a 24-hour response time when communicating via email and/or telephone with a professor and/or counselor.  Do not submit a request to discuss withdrawal options less than a day before the deadline.  If you do not withdraw before the deadline, you will receive the grade that you are making in the class as your final grade. 

Early Alert Program:  To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early Alert process by which your professor may “alert” you and HCC counselors that you might fail a class because of excessive absences and/or poor academic performance.  It is your responsibility to visit with your professor or a counselor to learn about what, if any, HCC interventions might be available to assist you – online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay in class and improve your academic performance. 

Repeat Course Fee:  The State of Texas encourages students to complete college without having to repeat failed classes.  To increase student success, students who repeat the same course more than twice, are required to pay extra tuition.  The purpose of this extra tuition fee is to encourage students to pass their courses and to graduate.  Effective fall 2006, HCC will charge a higher tuition rate to students registering the third or subsequent time for a course. If you are considering course withdrawal because you are not earning passing grades, confer with your instructor/counselor as early as possible about your study habits, reading and writing homework, test taking skills, attendance, course participation, and opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might be available.

 

 

LECTURE/LAB TEACHING DEMONSTRATION

 

CLASS, CAMPUS:  POFI 1104, Missouri City___

 

 

When teaching lecture/lab course, it is a requirement for the instructor to incorporate lab assignments while lecturing.  Please have the students complete this form during the first week of instruction.

 

A GLANCE AT THIS COMPUTER (Example)

 

1.         What is a CPU _____________________________

            On-off buttons—(demonstrate) Start vs Reset

            Student Response þ ________________________ Student Signature

 

2.         Drives on this computer: 

            USB Flash Units (explain)    

CD Rom (demonstrate)

            Zip Drive (demonstrate)

            Student Response þ ________________________ Student Signature

 

3.         Desktop (personally their desktop while on that computer)

Þ    If projects are stored on desktop of the computer in the classrooms, and/or HCC open labs, those documents are erased at the end of each day.

 

 

Name ______________________________________________________

Print “your” Name

 

I, _________________________________________, have been given

                     Student Signature

 

Instructions on the use of “this” computer.  I was provided instruction in both the lecture and lab formats.

 

Date_______________________________________

 

 

Instructor Signature__________________________________

 

This form will be returned to Willie Caldwell’s office, Scarcella Room N109 on date of completion of all lecture/lab classes for the semester.

 

 

HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Student Questionnaire

Name:                    Last Name             First Name            MI	Student ID#:
Address:                Street                                     Apt. #	Home Telephone
City                                        State                       Zip Code	Cell Telephone #
E-mail address:	Instructor’s Name:

 

Educational Plan

Have you determined your major?

Yes

No

Have you filed a degree plan?

Yes

No

(If no, please see your instructor or Business Technology Department Chair.)

Graduation Target Date:

(Must apply for graduation via the counselor’s office in order to receive your certificate or degree)

 

Employment History

Are you currently employed?

Yes

No

Is your employment

Part-time?

or

Full-time?

If you are employed, please complete the following:

Employer

Address

City

St

Zip

Phone#

 

Comments:

 

If you have any questions, please call 713-718-7808, or Fax 713-718-6774 between 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 

HCC seeks to provide equal educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

Willie T. Caldwell, Department Chair

10141 Cash Road, N109, Stafford Texas  77477

HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM

BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT

 

 

STUDENT QUESTIONNAIRE

 

Student Success

Organizational Stewardship

Business Technology Department

 

STUDENT ADVISEMENT CHECKSHEET

 

When teaching Business Technology courses, it is a requirement for the professor to inventory and complete the below list of advisement items from each student. 

Have you been informed about degree plans (contractual agreement)?  

Yes *  No  *

Have you been made aware of the importance of completing an application for graduation in order to receive your certificate or degree?    Yes *  No  *

Have you been given job placement information including:

• Job Placement Contact Person with
  • E-mail address
  • Telephone Number
  • Location
  • Website address
  • Access instruction for website including directions on how to navigate the job placement website

Yes * No  *

Name ______________________________________________________

Print “your” Name

 

I, _________________________________________, have been given

                     Student Signature

 

Information regarding the above listed items. 

 

Date_______________________________________

 

Instructor Signature__________________________________

 

This form will be returned to Willie Caldwell’s office on date of completion.