Warning: When you sign up for an online class, it is with the understanding that you can use the Internet and World Wide Web without assistance. Certain Internet Service Providers do not offer all of the tools that you need to take an online class. It is your responsibility to determine if your equipment will support your successful communication with the Blackboard Vista site and your course instructor. If you need assistance using Vista, please attend one of the open sessions that are offered the first week of the quarter. Check the schedule under the Student Support link.

*Note: This document is not a Syllabus; it is for informational purposes only.

BTS 161 Computer Software Fundamentals (5 Credits)

Prerequisites: BTS 101 or 104 or equivalent keyboarding experience recommended.

Instructor: Keith Rowley

Email: krowley@bellevuecollege.edu

Office: A252

Phone (Business Division): 425-564-2311

Office Hours: Thursdays, 1:30-2:30pm in A133 (in the Business Tutoring Lab), and Wednesdays 7:30-8:30pm in Instructor's "vRoom"

Required Texts:

GO! With Windows Vista, by Gaskin, Ferrett, ©2007, published by Pearson Prentice Hall. 60 pages. Suggested retail price: $25.33. ISBN 0-13-614097-1. Publisher’s website

GO! with Microsoft Office 2007 Introductory-2nd Edition, by Gaskin, Ferrett, Marks, Alicia Vargas ©2007, published by Pearson Prentice Hall. 1280 pages. Suggested retail price: $116.33. ISBN 9780132418874 Publisher’s website

Course Description:

BTS 161 introduces use of the personal computer while working in a Windows environment. Students become familiar with basic computer hardware components and learn to use word-processing, spreadsheet, charting, and database software.

Course Learning Objectives:

• Demonstrate competence in operating a personal computer system
• Identify basic components of a computer system.
• Demonstrate the ability to navigate the World Wide Web and communicate electronically.
• Create and manage files in a Microsoft Windows environment.
• Use and apply basic features of the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Define general word processing, spreadsheet, and database concepts and terminology.
• Design, create and format a variety of business documents, including business letters, newsletters, business correspondence, business plans, flyers, spreadsheets, budgets, charts, and database reports and tracking.
• Use resources to solve problems.

Course Policies:

• It is expected that students will conduct themselves with integrity. If you cheat or aid someone else to cheat, you violate a trust. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, copying answers on exams, glancing at nearby exams, turning in assignments or papers that have been used in other classes or have been completed by another, and giving or receiving help during an exam.
• Students with a disability that may require some form of accommodation need to discuss their specific situation with Disabled Support Services (DSS). If you require accommodation based on a documented disability, emergency medical information to share, or need special arrangements in case of emergency evacuation, please make an appointment with DSS. If you would like to inquire about becoming a DSS student, you may call 564-2498 or go in person to the DSS reception area in the Student Services Building (B132). If this is not done, it is assumed that the student does not have a disability requiring some form of accommodation.
• Once you have registered for this course, the instructor is required by the college to give you a grade. If for some reason, you cannot complete the course, please officially withdraw. This is your personal responsibility. Students who do not officially withdraw by the date listed in the course schedule will have their grades calculated on the number of points earned by the end of the quarter. No extensions or incompletes will be allowed in this class.

Grading:

Grading components are listed at the course site.

Project Activities:

Most of your grade will come from the Chapter Projects in the Go! textbooks. Becoming proficient in Word, Excel and Access is achieved by using the software for many hours. Homework gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the software and perform the mental exercise necessary to really understand it.

There is a significant amount of homework in this class. You can expect to spend an average of 10 hours per week outside class to complete the assigned work. Be sure that you can spend the time this quarter. If you are overloaded, this may not be the quarter for you to take Computer Software Fundamentals.

You are expected read the text, explore Help, use Web resources, conduct discussion with classmates, and post problems you encounter when working on these projects.

Team Submissions:

Team assignments may be required.

Discussions/Email:

Discussions and email assignments will be required.

Quizzes:

Quizzes will be given.