CGS1060C

COMPUTER & INTERNET LITERACY


Course Name:  Computer and Internet Literacy
Term/Sessions:  20171/1, 2, 3 & 4
Course Number:  CGS 1060C
Reference Numbers: 548544, 551269, 551432, 551433


CGS1060C is offered in the Fall 2016 semester (20171), Sessions 1, 2, 3 and 4. Session 1 and 2 begin on Monday August 22, 2016, Session 3 begings on September 7, 2016 and Session 4 begins on Tuesday October 18, 2016. A mandatory online orientation will take place during the first three (3) days of each session, consisting of an assignment, an introductory discussion, an email using BConline email and a syllabus assessment. If you do not complete the online orientation by the due date you may be dropped from the class. You may withdraw from the class with full refund by the drop/add date line.

Faculty Introduction                                      

My name is Simon J. Ramirez, and I am pleased to be your instructor for this course. I am an adjunct professor at Broward College.  My academic life also includes Palm Beach State College, DeVry University and ITT Technical Institute where I have taught computer programming, network system administration and computer engineering technology courses.

Presently, I am an IT consultant specialized in the areas of network management and software development. My professional experience includes over twenty years in the research & development divisions of AT&T Bell Laboratories, Lucent Technologies, and Siemens. I began my professional career with AT&T Bell Laboratories in Naperville, Illinois where I developed software for large real-time systems in C and C++ on UNIX® and Linux platforms. I have extensive experience in networking technologies, Microsoft Office suite, Windows server, UNIX® and Linux operating systems, C, C++, Java, Python and various other proprietary programming languages.

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from DeVry University and a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from Illinois Institute of Technology.

Faculty Contact Information


Instructor Name:
Simon J. Ramirez
Office Phone:
954-201-7900
Campus Phone:
954-201-7900
Fax:
954-201-7937
Email:
sramire1@broward.edu


Course Description & General Outcomes

This is an introductory course in basic computer and Internet use. It covers computer hardware and software fundamentals (including the use of Windows), key productivity applications (including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation systems), and living in an online world (including network fundamentals, e-mail, and the effective use of the Internet as a communication tool and information resource). Students will develop basic computer skills to aid them with college studies and workforce readiness. Hands-on use of a personal computer is required.

General Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student shall be able to

  1. Identify what an OS is and its purpose; manage computer files and folders; manage computer configuration, Control Panel, OS drivers.
  2. Identify common computer technology; types of devices; and describe factors that affect computer performance.
  3. Demonstrate software management skills; identify various licensing models; identify what software to use for a specific task; identify available software tools.
  4. Troubleshoot and manage software problems, hardware problems, and problems relating to devices and peripherals; demonstrate how to backup and restore software and data.
  5. Identify common features and commands of key applications, use formatting tools located in key applications, navigate key applications, and work with multi-media files.
  6. Use word processing software to organize data and use design tools and layout tools to format documents.
  7. Use spreadsheet software for data management and use design and layout tools to format spreadsheets.
  8. Use presentation software to create presentations by inserting content, managing and designing slides.
  9. Use database management software to store, modify, and extract information from a database.
  10. Use the comment tool in key applications and share files using email, network storage, and cloud storage environments.
  11. Distinguish between the Internet, Browsers, and WWW and shall be able to navigate the Internet, Browsers, and WWW.
  12. Use Internet connections, explain network types and features capabilities, and the ability to troubleshoot network problems.
  13. Communicate through email and real-time communication programs, i.e., Twitter, Skype and text messaging.
  14. Demonstrate proper digital communications standards and the responsible and legal use of computers.
  15. Demonstrate the use of secure online communications and/or activities and ergonomics.
  16. Use search engines and evaluate search results, using advanced features of search engines.

Course Prerequisites

  • Course Prerequisites and Co-requisites: None

Orientation to Online Learning

To be successful in an online course, you should assess your readiness to successfully engage in an online learning class at Broward College. You can complete the Orientation to Online Learning to determine if an online class is a right fit for you and to learn how to navigate the system.  Upon completion of the orientation, you will earn a certificate.  Some professors require you to submit this certificate during orientation, so make sure to save it in an easily accessible folder on your computer. 

Course Attendance and Participation Policy

During the first week of class, you must complete the syllabus quiz from the course orientation or you will be withdrawn from the course. Simply logging into the course will not satisfy your attendance during this time. As with an on-campus course, students who are reported for non-attendance in an online course and are withdrawn are still responsible for paying for the course. If you do not complete the requirements of the first week of class, you should drop the course by the official drop/add deadline or expect to pay for the course.

It is very important for you to actively participate in this online class. If you stop participating in class discussions, do not submit assignments, or fail to take quizzes or tests prior to the withdrawal date, you will be withdrawn from class and receive a W or, if it is your third attempt, an F.

If you stop participating after the withdrawal date, you will receive an F. To avoid this situation, you should remain an active learner in this class and always communicate extenuating circumstances to your instructor. Ongoing communication with the instructor is critical to your course success. Completion of tests, assignments, and other class activities are used as indicators of your participation in order to satisfy this reporting requirement.

Required Course Materials

  • No Textbook or additional material costs required. Students must have access to a computer with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access) and Internet connection. You will be required to open a free account at Lynda.com.

Methods of Instruction

This is a 3-credit hour fully online course with a proctored exam. In this class, you will engage in structured out-of-class and online activities. The online activities may include, but are not limited to, readings, discussions, essays, case studies, research, and/or online quizzes and tests. See the course schedule for a detailed description of activities. Students are responsible for regularly reviewing the course schedule and completing all required assignments.


General Policies and Technical Requirements

You are responsible for being familiar with all BConline policies and procedures related to your activity in this course.

Broward College Policies

  • Review the Broward College Policies on topics including disability services, academic honesty, privacy, and critical event procedures.

BConline Policies

  • Review the General Course Policies for topics including rules for netiquette, definition of participation, and other information.

Proctored Exam Policy

  • This course has a proctored exam that must be taken at a campus e-Testing Center or at an alternate pre-approved testing location. For detailed instructions please visit our Proctored Exam Policy page.

Technical Requirements

  • Students taking an online course are expected to be moderately proficient in using a computer. Please go to the Technical Requirements page for a complete list of computer skills and technical requirements.

How to Access the Course

Follow these steps in order to log into the BConline course. Normally, the login date will be the first day of the session in which the course is scheduled. Only students who have registered and paid for the course will be permitted to login. There may be a delay of up to 20 minutes from when you register and pay before BConline login is activated.
  • Your BConline User Name is the same as your BC email ID.
  • Your BConline password is the same as your BC email PIN code.
  • If you need login information, obtain BC email user ID and PIN code before attempting to login to BConline.

Links to help you get connected to BConline course(s)