Introduction to Computer Applications
Using Microsoft Office 2016
Welcome to distance education at Cuesta College. My name is Michele McAustin and I will be your instructor for Introduction to Computer Applications (AGB 210 - CRN 34396 and CIS 210 - CRN 30869). This letter is to inform you of some of the important details prior to the start of Spring 2020 online class. Please read this page very carefully! This course will start on Monday, March 23, 2020, and you will gain access to your course on the first day of classes! This class is fully online with no mandatory meetings or proctored exams.
Instructor Contact Information:
Instructor: Michele McAustin
Email: mmcausti@cuesta.edu
Phone: 805-546-3100 ext.
IS an ONLINE CLASS FOR YOU?
- First of all, go to the Online Readiness Resources Links to an external site.and take the "self assessment survey" then read "Your Results". (If that survey does NOT describe you, then taking this class online is NOT for you and I strongly suggest that you drop the online class and enroll in a traditional classroom section.
Course Overview - Student Learning Outcomes
This course is an introductory course in computer applications which will utilize Microsoft Office 2016.
The course Student Learning Outcomes are:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the development and use of information systems in business.
- Discuss security, ethical and privacy issues resulting from the use of computer technology.
- Demonstrate the process to create basic word processing documents, spreadsheets, databases and presentation software.
- Demonstrate application of the information systems concepts and methods through the completion of a comprehensive project using computer based solutions to business problems.
Please be prepared to spend 15 - 20 hours per week on coursework for this class. Are you wondering how successful you may be at a distance education course?
Accessing Canvas:
This course will be taught using Canvas. This is a Web-based Learning Management System (LMS) used to facilitate teaching an online class. This platform provides the framework for the AGB/CIS 210 class including student data files, the tools to receive and send course material, video presentations and a grade book.
The Friday before the beginning of class your instructor will send an e-mail to your myCuesta e-mail account with more information about how to access the class in Canvas. You will NOT be able to access Canvas until the course begins.
Please click here Canvas Quick ReferenceLinks to an external site. to become familiar with Canvas.
College Policies:
Each student is required to follow all school guidelines and policies
Class Requirements - Textbook - Communication:
You will need to have access to your myCuesta email account and the World Wide Web. You will also need to purchase your textbook prior to the first day of class. The textbook is available in the College bookstoreLinks to an external site. . The textbook is also available at the Cuesta College Library Reserve for a 2-hour checkout. Listed below are the textbook details:
Title: Discovering Computers & Microsoft® Office 365 & Office 2016: A Fundamental Combined Approach, 1st Ed.
ISBN: 978-1-305-87180-9 
Authors: Campbell, Freund, Frydenberg, Last, Pratt, Sebok, and Vermaat
Publisher: Cengage Learning
It is essential that you understand the basic concepts of e-mail, web navigation and online communication to succeed in this course.
Please visit Cuesta College’s Distance Education websiteLinks to an external site.Links to an external site.. for FAQs and online resources. Also visit the Online Student Readiness TutorialsLinks to an external site. focused on enhancing the academic and technical skills needed for success in the online learning environment.
Most of our communication for the online class will be through the written word. Please use the same respect and courtesy you would when speaking to a classmate or instructor in a face to face class. You may notice that the written word sometimes comes across harsher and you may be at a loss as to how to communicate a point. Please review a Netiquette (Internet etiquette) siteLinks to an external site. for further guidelines.
Computer and Software Specifications:
Computer:
- You must have access to a computer
- An email address
- Reliable Internet connection. You will also need to have a backup plan in case your internet provider or computer goes down.
Software:
This course requires Office 2016. The book demonstrates techniques for Office 2016. As a Cuesta student, you can obtain a free 1-year subscription to Office 365/Office 2016 program for 1 year.
MAC Users - The textbook is designed to cover the Windows operating system. MAC users please be aware that 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 enough 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 you have any further questions prior to the first day of class, please feel free to email me at mmcausti@cuesta.edu.
I look forward to having you in this online course.
Thank you
Michele McAustin
icons at the top right corner of the subsection.