GBC IS 101 - Introduction to Information Systems IS 101 - Introduction to Information Systems Revised: January, 2008 Credits: 3 Instructor: Ed Nickel Office: HTC 133 Phone: 753-2241 (office with voice mail) E-mail: due to increased spam my email address will be provided the first day of class Class Web Page: http://cot.gbcnv.edu/~ed/class/is101.html. Textbook: Fluency with Information Technology, 2nd ed. by Lawrence Snyder, ISBN 0321357825, Addison Wesley. Search using the title, author, or ISBN for pricing at various discounters/used book dealers, or pay full price at the college bookstore. Click here for my home page, there for syllabi index, or when for office hours. SYLLABUS CATALOG DESCRIPTION: IS 101 - Introduction to Information Systems is an introduction to computer-based information systems management including hardware/software relationships, business applications usage, systems theory, current technology, networking, the Internet, computer security, and privacy issues. Recommended co-requisite: IS 201. Welcome to IS 101, Introduction to Computer Information Systems. This course covers essential computer technology and is designed to meet the GBC General Education technology requirement. We will cover computer hardware, major applications, systems theory, application development, emerging technologies, security, ethical, and privacy issues. This course should help you develop a strong understanding of computers and the role they play in the business environment and society at large. IS 201 is a recommended companion to this class. This class is primarily discussion but includes significant hands on components for which computers are used to complete assignments. Two of the more significant assignments include a written report due by mid-term and an oral presentation to be scheduled with the instructor. All other assignment due dates will be noted when the assignments are given. Additional time outside of class will be needed to complete assignments. To complete assignments students may use any open GBC computer lab or, if available, their own computer and appropriate software. The textbook, Fluency with Information Technology, 2nd ed. by Lawrence Snyder, covers three knowledge domains: Skills, which consist of competence with contemporary computer applications; Concepts, which are the fundamental principles upon which information technology is founded, including basics ideas relating to information, computer hardware, databases, and networks; Capabilities to apply reasoning in complex situations, which allows the student to master higher-level thinking in the context of information technology. METHOD OF INSTRUCTION: This class will be taught live with a combination of lecture, discussion, and hands-on exercises. You are expected to participate in discussions during each class, complete various exercises, take the quizzes, and participate in other class activities. I can be reached at the phone number listed above or you can make an appointment to see me during office hours or at other times. Office hours are posted on my office door and on my web site. The schedule of reading assignments, homework and tests is found below. Additional assignments will be given verbally or as handouts in class. MAJOR OBJECTIVES OF THIS CLASS The primary objectives for this class are to provide students with a working knowledge of technology, primarily computers, as used in modern society and we will cover some of the many ethical dilemmas surrounding the use of these technologies. To this end, the essentials of both computer hardware and software use in the workplace will be covered. Appropriate uses and common misuses of this seemingly omnipresent tool will be discussed. Some of the topics to be covered in this class include: how computers can augment and enhance many traditional human activities, but rarely, if ever, replace such activities; computers and networks as communications medium, e.g. the Web and email; an essential of understanding the complex relationships between computer hardware and software; ethics and confidentiality when collecting, analyzing, and using personal information, e.g. database use and privacy issues; intellectual property rights, e.g. patent, copyright and fair use doctrine; health ramifications of computer use, e.g. carpel tunnel syndrome, eye strain, and possibly long term problems; LEARNING OUTCOMES UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION of this class a student will be able to: illustrate the relationships between computer hardware, applications, and operating systems create basic data presentation and analysis constructs using essential computer software tools demonstrate computer and network usage as communications tools demonstrate the use of and critically evaluate electronic data and the Internet as information resources discuss ethical and privacy issues relating to computer use in the business environment list and define computer technology related careers and career requirements demonstrate effective written & verbal communications illustrate a clear understanding of at least two specific technologies Learner Outcome Measurements Measurement MethodLearner Outcomes Class Discussion1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Term Paper & Presentation4, 7, 8 Hands On Exercises2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Quizzes1, 3, 4, 5, 6 CLASS POLICIES & PROCEDURES GRADING POLICY:This is a letter grade class an A=90-100%, B=80-89%, C=70-79%, D=60-69%, F=59% or less or W=Official Withdrawal if done before the withdrawal deadline. There is no curve in this grading scale. Your grade will be based 20% on class participation and discussion, 40% on your assignments, and 40% on quiz results. All assignments are due by the beginning of the next class unless otherwise indicated by the instructor when they are assigned. QUIZ PROCEDURES: All quizzes will be objective, e.g. true/false, multiple choice, fill-in the blank, etc, and will be conducted using GBC's web based learning system. ATTENDANCE POLICY: The instructor must agree in advance to any excused absences unless there are strong extenuating circumstances. Three (3) unexcused absences can result in a failing grade, in an on-line class an absence is one week when you do not participate in class or contact the instructor. OTHER POLICIES: Plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and can result in a failing grade. The student conduct policy stated in the current GBC Catalog will be enforced. This syllabus is not a contract and is subject to reasonable changes as the class proceeds. COURSE SCHEDULE You should have read and be prepared to discuss each week's topics by the beginning of class. We will have significant hands on experiences during many lessons. Topics & chapters by week: Week 1:Chapters 1 & 2Computer terminology and the GUI using MS Word Week 2:Chapters 3 & 4Introduction to networking and web page creation Week 3:Chapters 5 & 6Finding and evaluating online information Week 4:1st Quiz & Chapter 7Quiz then debugging and troubleshooting Week 5:Chapters 8 & 9Relating computer hardware to software and data Week 6:Chapters 9 (cont.) & 10Hardware continued and algorithms Week 7:Chapter 11Multimedia Week 8:2nd Quiz & Chapter 13Quiz then computer math begins & TERM PAPERS ARE DUE Week 9:Chapters 13 (cont.) & 14Spreadsheets using MS Excel and introduction to databases Week 10:Chapters 15 & 16More database concepts with MS Access & THE STUDENT PRESENTATIONS BEGIN Week 11:Chapters 12 & 17Ethical, societal, and privacy implications of IT Week 12:3rd Quiz & Chapter 18Quiz then introductory programming concepts Week 13:Chapters 19 & 20Trying your hand at programming Week 14:Chapters 21 & 22Mixing programming with the Web and multimedia Week 15:Chapters 23 & 24Computer's limits and the wrap up Week 16:4th Quiz& only the quiz 4 Click here for my home page, there for my syllabi index, or when my for office hours. IS 101 - Introduction to Information Systems website copyright © 2005-2008 by Ed Nickel last updated January, 2008 by Ed Nickel