COMPUTER SCIENCE 1300-7
Essential Computer Skills: Technology in Education
Spring 2007

This 3-credit course satisfies the University's computer skills requirement and is designed specifically for students majoring in education. It may not be taken pass/fail. The course prepares students to collect, organize, analyze and communicate information in an academic environment and to integrate technology into the K-12 curriculum as a tool for teaching and learning. Students will apply skills in K-12 teaching and learning examples. The hands-on use of computers and computer network resources is integral to the course. The class meets in the CLS 344 lab, Wednesdays from 5:00-7:45 pm.

Instructor:

Ruth Jungman
Office: HAS 201G
999-7810 during office hours
rjungman@trinity.edu or ruthj@ahisd.net

Teaching assistant:
Joey Dodds
785-317-5458 (cell)
josiah.dodds@trinity.edu

Class Web Page: http://www.cs.trinity.edu/~rjungman/cs1300

Blackboard: http://bb.trinity.edu/

Texts:

References:

Online Computer Setup Guide
Student Technology Manual 2006-7

Software:

All students must install and use;

Office Hours:

Wednesdays 4:00 - 5:00 PM. I am always available by email at rjungman@trinity.edu or ruthj@ahisd.net 
Joey is also available to assist you by phone or email.

Catalog Description:

Computer skills and the integration of technology into education. Computing hardware, software, files and formats. Text processing. Numbers and quantitative analysis. Information structure and retrieval. Graphics and visualization. Communication, networking and the World Wide Web. Computer ethics, privacy and legal use of software and data.

Computer Skills designated in Common Curriculum:

  1. Introduction to Computing (hardware, software, files, and formats).
  2. Computers and Text (the uses of word processing software).
  3. Computers and Numbers (quantitative analysis using spreadsheet software).
  4. Computers and Information Retrieval (structuring and retrieving data using database software).
  5. Computers and Graphics (visualizing and illustrating data using graphics software).
  6. Computer Communications (using Local Area Networks, electronic mail, and the World Wide Web).
  7. Computer Ethics (issues of privacy and the legal use of software and data).

Requirements and Evaluation:

Your grade will be based on the percentage of total points you accumulate during the course.

Midterm Exam - 100 points
Course Project - 200 points
Tests                -  30 points each (unannounced quizzes: 5-10 points - no makeup quizzes will be given)
Assignments*      - 15-40 points each

A 93% - 100%

B+ 87% - 89.9%

C+ 77% - 79.9%

D+ 67% - 69.9%

F 0% - 59.9%

A- 90% - 92.9%

B 83% - 86.9%

C 73% - 76.9%

D 63% - 66.9%

B- 80% - 82.9%

C- 70% - 72.9%

D- 60% - 62.9%

*assignments 1 day late will have 10% deducted from the grade
  assignments 2 days late will have 25% deducted from the grade
  assignments 3 or more days late will not be accepted
Please note assignment due dates posted on the class webpage. Assignments are often due before the next class meeting.

Midterm: Wednesday, February 28.

Course Project: There will be no final exam for this course, however, a comprehensive course project will be due April 25.

Cell phones and pagers should be silenced during class.

Academic Honor Code

All students are covered by a policy that prohibits dishonesty in academic work. The Academic Integrity Policy (AIP) covers all students who entered Trinity before the fall of 2004. The Academic Honor Code covers all those who entered the fall of 2004 or later.

The Integrity Policy and the Code share many features: each asserts that the academic community is based on honesty and trust; each contains the same violations; each provides for a procedure to determine if a violation has occurred and what the punishment will be; each provides for an appeal process.

The main difference is that the faculty implements the AIP while the Code is implemented by the Academic Honor Council. Under the Integrity Policy, the faculty member determines whether a violation has occurred as well as the punishment for the violation (if any) within certain guidelines. Under the Code, a faculty member will (or a student may) report an alleged violation to the Academic Honor Council. It is the task of the Council to investigate, adjudicate, and assign a punishment within certain guidelines if a violation has been verified.

Students who are under the Honor Code are required to pledge all written work that is submitted for a grade: “On my honor, I have neither given nor received any unauthorized assistance on this work” and their signature. The pledge may be abbreviated “pledged” with a signature.

What if the Computer Network is Down?

You should plan to complete assignments well before they are due. Do not wait until the night before the assignment is due. Unforeseen computer problems often occur. Many times these are beyond a student's control. It is not necessary to call me if the network goes down.

What if you don't have a computer or your personal computer isn't working?
Computers are available for you to use in

What if I am sick?

You are responsible for the work missed. Visit Blackboard and the class web page. Contact me as soon as possible if you have missed a test. You should make arrangements to make up the test prior to the next class period. Unannounced quizzes cannot be made up.

What if I am excused for athletic or other extracurricular events?

Bring me your request to be excused from the activity sponsor/advisor involved as soon as you know you are going to miss class. You are responsible for the work missed. Visit Blackboard and the class web page and talk with another student. Contact me as soon as possible if you have missed a test. You should make arrangements to make up the test prior to the next class period.

You will not be excused from class to attend class events for another course you are taking.

May I work with other students on my assignments?

Students can learn from each other and are encouraged to do so. However, each student should complete his/her own assignments. Group assignments will be specified. Do not lend any assignment or project to another student or allow any other student to use your password. Penalties will be accessed according to the Trinity University Policy on Academic Integrity.

What computer applications should be open during class?
As a courtesy to your classmates and to me, please open only those applications that are being discussed in class.

Where can I get help with computer-related problems?

Email helpdesk@trinity.edu or phone x7409. The helpdesk is open 8am - 9pm on weekdays and 7am - 7pm weekends.