Spring 2021
Introduction to Computer Applications
Dear Student:
Welcome to distance education at Cuesta College and the online version of Introduction to Computer Applications. My name is Sue Scholl and I will be your instructor for this course. This letter is to inform you of some of the important details prior to the start of this 12-week Spring 2021 class. Please note that the length of this course is unique. Though it covers everything that the 18-week course does, it is compressed into 12 weeks beginning March 1 - May 21/2021.
Instructor Contact Information
Instructor: Sue Scholl
Phone: 805.674.3356
Email: sscholl@cuesta.edu
Instructor Contact Expectations: The best and fastest way to contact me is email. I will generally respond to your emails within 24 hours.
Course Overview
Introduces students to the role of computer information systems within business organizations. Students use microcomputer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, and database management to apply computer-based solutions to business problems.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Describe the features, functions, and differences common to operating systems and office applications.
- Discuss the ethical issues surrounding technology in a business setting.
- Demonstrate the process to create basic word processing documents, spreadsheets, databases and presentation software.
- Integrate social media, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases in a comprehensive business project using presentation software.
Course Environment
This online course will be using a Web-based Learning Management System Canvas as the method to disseminate information. Canvas provides the framework for the course including demonstration videos, student data files, the tools to receive and send course materials, and a grade book. Using the communication tools, you can communicate using e-mail, and you can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion forums. This Course will be available for view in Canvas on 3/1/2021.
If you have never taken an online class or this is your first experience with Canvas, please be patient with yourself. Online classes are not inherently easier, although they may be much more convenient for many students. There will be a substantial amount of reading, viewing, studying, and writing required. All coursework (discussions, assignments, quizzes) is submitted online.
Please be prepared to spend 8 - 12 hours per week on coursework for this class. Are you wondering how successful you may be at a distance education course? Take the Self-Assessment Survey at https://www.cuesta.edu/academics/distance/forwhom.htmlLinks to an external site.
Contact Policy
Regular and effective instructor contact will be met through weekly instructor initiated threaded discussion forums; weekly announcements to students; timely and effective feedback on student assignments; email, and phone or messaging to individuals.
Class Requirements
You will need to have access to an e-mail account and the World Wide Web. You will also need to purchase your textbook(s) prior to the first day of class. The textbook(s) are available in the college bookstore https://cuesta.bncollege.com/shop/cuesta/homeLinks to an external site.. Many rent the book via Chegg or purchase on Amazon. The textbook is also available at the Cuesta College Library Reserve for a 2-hour checkout. I have listed the textbook details below.
Technology for Success and Shelly Cashman Series Microsoft Office 365 & Office 2019
Sandra Cable/Susan L. Sebok/Misty E. Vermaat/Jennifer T. Campbell/Mark Ciampa/Steven M. Freund/Mark Frydenberg/Ralph Hooper/Ellen Monk/Lisa Ruffolo
ISBN: 9780357026380
It is essential that you understand the basic concepts of email, web navigation and online communication to succeed in this course.
Computer Requirements
The browser requirements and minimum qualifications required for this class are detailed in the following link: http://www.cuesta.edu/academics/distance/faqs_technical.htmlLinks to an external site.
Software: Microsoft Professional Plus is needed to complete this course. You may use either 2016 or 2019 version. If you do not currently have this software, options are available as follows:
MAC Users - The textbook is designed to cover the Windows operating system. If you are working on a MAC you will not be able to follow many of the step-by-step instructions in the textbook. There are significant differences in the Office 365 program for MAC. We will be covering MS Excel and MS Access in this class. There are significant differences in Excel for Mac that it may be easier for you to plan to work on a PC either at one of the Cuesta libraries or another source. MS Access does not work on a Mac at all. During the end of the class when we work on Access you will need to plan an alternative location.
If needed, this is a possible option for Mac users:
- Install a version of Parallels Links to an external site.on your Mac. (Journey Ed has this for Cuesta Students - $36.95)
- Purchase a download of Windows 10Links to an external site.. (Again, you can visit Journey Ed website).
- After you have installed a Windows 10 version, install your free WINDOWS version of Office 365. It will work on your Mac and you will then have the programs you need including MS Access that will not work on the Mac operating system.
Accessing Canvas
Prior to the Monday classes start, you will receive an email to your my.Cuesta.edu address providing you with a reminder that class will be starting and log in procedures for Canvas, the learning management system (LMS) used to deliver course content. You can access Canvas by logging into MyCuesta, then clicking on the Resources Tab, then clicking on Canvas in the Online Learning Channel, or by typing https://cuesta.instructure.com/ into your browser address bar. Do not bookmark / favorite the canvas site after your login, or you will get an error message next time you try to log in. You must access the canvas log in directly.
If you are not familiar with logging into Canvas, please refer to the Canvas Quick Reference GuideLinks to an external site.. Once logged into Canvas you will be directed on where to get started. Be sure to read all the direction on the course home page.
If you are having difficulty logging into Canvas after class begins and need assistance please email me or technical support at support@my.cuesta.edu.
Technical Support: http://www.cuesta.edu/student/aboutacad/distance/technical_support.htmlLinks to an external site.
College Policies
Each student is required to follow all school guidelines and comply with all school deadlines including personal responsibility for adding and/or dropping this class. Drop dates are available on the academic calendar. Each student is responsible for obtaining updates or changes to the syllabus and/or assignments for the course.
Accommodations:
This course is designed using an accessible Learning Management System, and course materials have been created with ADA compliance in mind. If you have a disability and might need accommodations in this class such as extended time on exams or other resources. Please contact the instructor as soon as possible so that you can receive appropriate accommodations in a timely manner. You should also contact DSPS (Disabled Student Programs & Services) at 805-546-3148 or http://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/dsps/index.htmlLinks to an external site.
Academic Honesty:
Students are responsible for being aware of and complying with the Academic Honesty Policy (refer to Cuesta College Schedule or Cuesta College Catalog). At the discretion of the instructor, students being academically dishonest (submitting another student’s work as your own, e.g. copying a computer file that contains another student’s work) will be dropped from the course. If the drop deadline has passed, students will receive a failing grade in the course. In addition, a “Student Incident Report” will be filed with the Vice President of Academic Affairs office.
All students attending San Luis Obispo County Community College District at any district site and when representing Cuesta College in any off-campus activity, assume an obligation to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner compatible with the Student Code of conduct. Please review the Cuesta College Student Code of conduct at:
https://www.cuesta.edu/about/documents/vpss-docs/StudentConducttrifold-brochure_2017.pdfLinks to an external site.
Add / Drop Policy
Please review the Cuesta policy for drops:
Waitlist Policy
Please review Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructions: http://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/admrreg/arpolicies/Waitlist.htmlLinks to an external site.
If you have any further questions prior to the first day of class, please feel free to email me at sscholl@cuesta.edu.
Thank you,
Sue Scholl
icons at the top right corner of the subsection.