CIS 101: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
SYLLABUS 
COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Introduction to Computing is a practical application of computer skills for the college student and personal computer user.  It encompasses an overview of personal computer software and hardware with a broad use of campus computing technology, including email,  Internet,  the UWSP comprehensive software environment and student computer lab resources.  The course is designed to help you develop an understanding of what a computer is and of the information revolution it has spawned.  The goal is for you to become an educated and capable user of a personal computer, its software, and the information resources it enables as you become familiar with the major computing resources at UWSP .  Students will study the major components of a personal computer system from the viewpoint of the educated consumer who would be selecting or upgrading a computer for home or office.  This will include accessing information from computer equipment web sites to learn the pros and cons of various computer processors, monitors, hard drives, and printers.  Basic survival tips and skills for working with computer hardware and software will be emphasized.  A majority of class time will be used to explain and demonstrate software applications on which hands-on assignments will be based.  
TEXT: Text Rental: Office 2000 Introductory Concepts and Techniques, Shelly Cashman Series, Course Technology, 2000; ISBN 0-7895-4635-3
ATTENDANCE: Regular attendance is required.  Students are responsible for all lecture information and assignments during any absence.  Individual lectures will not be given to students who have been absent.  Students will be required to check this site on a weekly basis  http://www.uwsp.edu/cis  for course information and the CIS 101 Public Folder  for course assignments and also check their e-mail as some assignments, handouts, and other important class information will be distributed via email.  All students have a campus e-mail account.  You should arrange with the instructor if you want your class mail sent to an off-campus e-mail address.
GRADES: To receive full credit assignments must be handed in on time.   Unannounced quizzes may be given.  Missed quizzes may not be made up.     Submit only your own work.  Evidence of collaboration between students results in a zero score for all involved.  Working together is encouraged, but students must  keyboard, manipulate and submit their own work.  See and/or email me about extenuating circumstances; leave message before or immediately after missed class.  A required midterm and a comprehensive final exam must be taken by students.  Not taking these exams will result in course failure.  The course grade will be calculated  based on assignments,  quizzes,  midterm and the final exam.  The course grade will be calculated as follows: .50 * (Assignments, Evaluation Sheets and Quiz Grades) + .25 * (Midterm) + .25 * (Final).  Letter Grade: A- 90+ ,  B- 80+ ,  C- 70+ , D- 60+,  F below 60
Calendar: Check regularly.
Assignments: Activities from the text, web sites,  e-mail and handouts (Check weekly).
CAMPUS COMPUTER ACCESS
Public Computer Labs are run by Information Technology and are a great resource for students. They are free for your use and are staffed with lab assistants who will be able to help you use the labs! Read the “Computers and You” newsletter for semester information. See Computer Guides information at http://library.uwsp.edu/ComputerGuides/  For lots of interesting info about the labs, visit their home page. http://www.uwsp.edu/it/labs/  Lab hours are posted at http://www.uwsp.edu/it/labs/Hours/   The UWSP Help Desk site http://www.uwsp.edu/it/help/ contains great information and training. 
Residence Hall Computer Labs are available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week for students who live in the Halls. Residents must use the lab in their hall. See http://www.uwsp.edu/it/help/reshall.htm  
ResNet:Computers in your residence hall room: If you have a Windows 95 or WindowsNT computer or a Power Macintosh, for a nominal fee you can get Internet service and email in your room! This service is called ResNet and is sponsored by Information Technology. For more information see the ResNet home page. http://www.uwsp.edu/it/resnet/ .  You would need to purchase Microsoft Office 2000 and install it on your computer's hard drive if you want to do most of your homework in your room.
OFF CAMPUS COMPUTER ACCESS
If you live off-campus and want to use UWSP computing services, there are a few ways you can get limited access: You can access your Email via the Internet. Set your web browser to http://owa.uwsp.edu and follow the instructions on the screen. For more details visit the Exchange web site.  http://www.uwsp.edu/it/exchange/offcampus.htm .  If you live off-campus, you will need to hook up with a private Internet Service Provider (ISP). The Library keeps an up-to-date listing of local Internet Service Providers. UWSP is not an off-campus Internet Service Provider. 
SOFTWARE FOR YOUR HOME COMPUTER
Buy Office 98 and/or Office 2000 at great prices through the UW System contract with Microsoft. Here is the purchase site.  FAQ at http://wiscinfo.doit.wisc.edu/wisc/UW_StevensPoint/st_help_faq.html 

COURSE TOPICS 

Weekly lectures and assignments will provide experience with  the following: 

Topics and assignments are subject to change.  Topics listed will be used to generate test and final exam test questions.  Most can be found in your text.  Some, however, will only be found in supplemental handouts, linked web sites and/or in class lecture.