CSIS 1

Intro to Computer Science and Information Systems 

Instructor:  Tom Rebold   Phone:  645-1327                Office: BH-104A Office Hours: T/Th3:00-4:30PM, W2-3, F 2-3	Credit:  3 units Classroom: Marina Campus MT4      Time: Labs Mondays 6:30-8:30 PM           Lectures: Download and listen to before each class Tell me about yourself!
Class web site:  http://www.mpcfaculty.net/tom_rebold/CSIS1.htm Tom Rebold's faculty HOME PAGE

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Text:      Snyder, Fluency with Information Technology, Addison-Wesley, 2006, ISBN 0321357825
             (One copy 3rd edition + several prior editions on reserve at the MPC Library circulation desk)

Materials: One USB drive, or high density 3 ½” floppy disk—bring to next class
                 Suggested: 3 ring binder for holding lab handouts, homework, project notes

Objectives--Students will be able to:

a)     Use contemporary computer applications such as e-mail, word and image processing, internet, spreadsheet, and database software

b)     Demonstrate knowledge of computer architecture, digital representation of information, assessing information authenticity, networking and programming

c)     Troubleshoot computer related problems, and apply reasoning skills to an extended computer project

Class format:

This class should stimulate people at all levels.  Detailed hands on laboratory assignments and extended laboratories for beginners means everyone will have something to do at all times.  In the first third of class we gain a deeper understanding of internet mechanics by developing and posting our own web pages and evaluating web information. The next third develops basic skills in programming small Javascript applications that will create algorithmic artwork. Finally, the third segment covers how complicated information can be organized and retrieved from spreadsheets and databases. 

Lookup any computer word definition or concept here: WebOPEDEIA

Optional: Download FTP For Your PC  winscp382setup.exe    MAC: http://www.pure-mac.com/ftp.html

Class format, continued:

Tests will cover both concepts (from the reading & labs) and computer manipulation skills. 

I will be looking for volunteers among the advanced students to help the beginning students during class time.  If you are interested in being a paid tutor for this class (meeting students outside of class hours), please let me know. 

Beginners who need more help working with the Microsoft Windows operating system are highly encouraged to take CSIS 71 Operating A Personal Computer, which meets for four Saturdays from 9-1, starting February 4.  For typing skills, see BUSC 109 and/or BUSC 110.1.

Lab policy:

Check the lab schedule for open lab hours.  If you need extra time to work on your labs, you can come in during open lab times or during certain classes with the instructor's permission.  ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD OR DRINKS IN THE COMPUTER LAB.  PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONES.  You will be given one to two breaks between the lecture and the lab.

 Labs/Assignments/Projects:

The assignments consist of the questions from the labs and the end of chapter questions assigned from the book. All labs and assignments are due 1 week after they are assigned.  Late assignments, and projects can be turned in after they are due but will be docked 30% after the due date. 

Attendance:

This class requires frequent interaction with the instructor. Students missing three consecutive weeks without some communication may be dropped at the instructor's discretion. Drop date:  November 18.

Grading:

12 Assignments @ 10 pts        120 points   
3 Tests @ 30 pts                       90 points    (Mostly vocabulary and multi choice)
2 Projects @ 30 pts                  60 points
Final Exam                             100 points    (Cumulative, computer skills test)
                                                ------------

total                                         370 points possible,  a perfect score will start at 340
                                                (i.e. 30 points will be discarded from your lowest work)

Makeup  Tests

No make up tests will be given. However, everyone is allowed to miss one of the three tests (worth 30 points) without suffering a grade penalty.  At the end of the semester, the lowest test score will be erased from your record.  The same goes for homework—for example, you perform well on all three tests but don't complete all the assignments. Your worst 30 points, be they test or homework or project, will be erased from your record.

If you have any questions about this policy, please ask or e-mail me.