Computer and Information Systems

Course
Semester
Spring
Year
2022
General Course Information

Course Lecturer Name(s):  Mrs. Chrislyn Charles-Williams

Course Director Name: Dr. K. S. Senthilkumar

Course Lecturer(s) Contact Information:  ccwilliams@sgu.edu

Course Director Contact Information: 1(473) 444-4175 Ext. 3311

Course Lecturer(s) Office Hours:  by Appointment 

Course Director Office Hours: by Appointment

Course Lecturer(s) Office Location:  N/A

Course Director Office Location:  Building D (Leeward Hall), 2nd Floor Course Support:   N/A

Course Management tool: To learn to use Sakai, the Course management tool, access the link https://apps.sgu.edu/members.nsf/mycoursesintro.pdf

Course Curriculum Information

Course Description: 

This course is an entry level course into the field of computing and information systems. It traces the evolution of computers, giving learners a broad overview its history. This course introduces the learner to terms associated with computers and mobile devices, the Internet, programs and apps, and digital safety and security. Additionally, fundamental aspects of computer operations and its general applications as it pertains to information processing are introduced. This course will offer opportunities to students for career choices, development and advancement.

Course Objectives:  

  1. Introduce the learner the fundamentals of and terms associated with computers and mobile devices, the Internet, programs and apps, and digital safety and security
  2. Present the material in a visually appealing, interactive, and exciting manner that motivates readers to learn
  3. Provide exercises, lab assignments, and interactive learning activities that allow readers to learn using computers, mobile devices, and the Internet
  4. Present strategies for purchasing desktop computers, mobile computers, and mobile devices

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the course students should expect to: 

  1. Differentiate between computing, information, and communication technology [henceforth referred to as ICT]
  2. Trace the evolution of ICT from its inception to contemporary times.
  3. Appreciate the place of ICT in academia and daily life.
  4. Compare the benefits and disadvantages of ICT technologies applications in society.
  5. Understand the role of various ICT device components [hardware, software, communications and networking].
  6. Identify and appreciate the legal, ethical and security issues related to using computers and networks. 
  7. Appreciate the challenges facing organizations as they integrate computers into the workplace.
  8. Be cognizant of the direction and focus and also critique computer related advancements/emerging technologies occurring in our society. 
  9. Assess various employment and investment opportunities available to qualified ICT professionals.

Program Outcomes Met By This Course:

  1. CTP-O1: Analyse a problem, identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution, taking into consideration current techniques, concepts, skills, tools, and best practices used in the core information technologies.
  2. CTP-O2: Design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs, applying current techniques, concepts, skills, tools, and best practices used in the core information technologies.
  3. CTP-O3: Demonstrate professional and ethical responsibilities.
  4. CTP-O4: Recognize the need for and engage in continuous professional development.
  5. CTP-O5: Demonstrate teamwork.

SAS Grading Scale: Grades will be assigned as follows:

A  = 89.5% or better

B+ = 84.5 - 89.4%

B  = 79.5 - 84.4%

C+ = 74.5 - 79.4%

C = 69.5 - 74.4%

D = 64.5 - 69.4%

F = 65% or less 

 

Course Materials:

Text: Technology in Action Complete by Evans, Martin, Poatsy (2022). Technology in Action, Compete. Pearson, 17th Edition.

Supplementary Readings/Resources:

  1. Discovering Computers Campbell, J. T., Freund, S. M., Frydenburg, M., Sebok, S. L., Vermaat, M. E. Discovering Computers 2018 (Shelly Cashman Series), Cengage Learning, 2019.  
  2. Presentations and Presentation notes: Each module would be accompanied by PowerPoint slides, with detailed notes when necessary.
  3. References:  Additional material from Professional Journals, Library Resources, Web Sites, Annual Reports, Case Studies, Newsgroups, Magazines, and Personal Interviews

Course Grading Requirement:

Assignments 

 

40%

Forums             

 

10%

In class quizzes

 

10%

Project              

 

15%

Midterm           

 

15%

Final                 

 

 

10%

TOTAL            

 

100%

Course Requirements:

WEEK:

FORUM /QUIZ / PROJECT/ ASSIGNMENT REQUIRED

1

Forum 1: How Technology Is Used on the World Stage and in Your Personal Life

2

Assignment 1 given

3

Assignment 1 expected

4

Quiz 1

Forum 2

5

Assignment 2 given

6

Assignment 2 expected

7

Forum 3

8

Mid Term Week

9

Project Given

 

10

Assignment 3 given

11

Assignment 3 expected

 

12

Quiz 2

13

 

14

 

15

Project expected

16

Final Exam Week

 

Course Schedule

Week

Lecture

Reading

Assignment

Discussions/ Assignments/Forums/Quiz/Exams

Week 1

The Impact of Technology in a Changing World

 

Chapter 1

 

Class Discussion: Ethical challenges relating to IT

Forum 1:  How Technology Is Used on the World Stage and in Your Personal Life

Week 2

Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts

Chapter 2

Assignment: Paper: Technology wish List

Class Discussion:  

Week 3

Using the Internet: Making the Most of the Web’s Resources

 

 

Chapter 3

 

Class Discussion: Doing Business Online AND Evaluating Websites

Ethics Project: Internet Privacy

Week 4

Application Software: Programs That Let You Work and Play

 

 

Chapter 4

Quiz 1: Weeks 1 – 3 topics Forum: Mobile payments

 

 

Week 5

 System Software: The Operating System, Utility Programs, and File Management

Chapter 5

 Assignment: Protecting your device O.S

 

 

Week

Lecture

Reading Assignment

Discussions/

Assignments/Forums/Quiz/Exams

Week 6

Understanding and Assessing Hardware: Evaluating Your System 

 

Chapter 6

Class Discussion

How do you decide whether you need a smartphone and a tablet or if the new larger phones are enough for your needs?

Week 7

Networking: Connecting Computing Devices

Chapter 7

 

Forum: Firing Employees for Expressing Views on Social Media Sites

 Class Discussion; Watch TV without Buying Cable

Week 8

Midterm

 

 

Week 9

Managing Your Digital Lifestyle: Challenges and Ethics

Chapter 8

Term Project Given Forum: Avoiding Plagiarism

 

Week 10

Securing Your System: Protecting Your Digital Data and Devices

Chapter 9

Class Discussion: Identity Theft

Week 11

Software Programming

 Chapter 10

Class Discussion: Software That Kills 

Week 12

Databases and Information Systems

Chapter 11

Class Discussion: Data Privacy

Quiz 2

Week 13

Networking and Security in the Business World

Chapter 12

Class Discussion: Securing Passwords

 

Week 14

How the Internet Works

Chapter 13

Class Discussion: Creating websites

Week 15

Careers in IT

 

Final Project expected

Week

Lecture

Reading Assignment

Discussions/ Assignments/Forums/Quiz/Exams

Week 16

FINAL EXAM

 

Final Exam

School of Arts and Sciences Master Syllabi — Info for All Sections

Plagiarism Policy

Academic Integrity

The St. George’s University Student Manual (2019/2020) states as follows:

Plagiarism is regarded as a cardinal offense in academia because it constitutes theft of the work of someone else, which is then purported as the original work of the plagiarist. Plagiarism draws into disrepute the credibility of the Institution, its faculty, and students; therefore, it is not tolerated” (p. 48).

Plagiarism also includes the unintentional copying or false accreditation of work, so double check your assignments BEFORE you hand them in.

Be sure to do good, honest work, credit your sources and reference accordingly and adhere to the University’s Honor Code. Plagiarism and cheating will be dealt with very seriously following the university’s policies on Plagiarism as outlined in the Student Manual.

Your work may be subject to submission to plagiarism detection software, submission to this system means that your work automatically becomes part of that database and can be compared with the work of your classmates.

Attendance Requirement

The St. George’s University Student Manual (2019/2020) states as follows:

Students are expected to attend all classes and or clinical rotations for which they have registered. Although attendance may not be recorded at every academic activity, attendance may be taken randomly. Students’ absence may adversely affect their academic status as specified in the grading policy. If absence from individual classes, examinations, and activities, or from the University itself is anticipated, or occurs spontaneously due to illness or other extenuating circumstances, proper notification procedures must be followed. A particular course may define additional policies regarding specific attendance or participation” (p. 9).

Examination Attendance

The St. George’s University Student Manual (2019/2020) states as follows:

All matriculated students are expected to attend all assigned academic activities for each course currently registered. Medical excuses will be based on self-reporting by students. Students who feel they are too sick to take an examination or other required activity on a specific day must submit the online SAS medical excuse, which is available on Carenage. Students are only allowed two such excuses a year. Upon consultation with the Director of University Health Service, the third excuse will result in a mandatory medical leave of absence. The policies regarding make-up examinations are at the option of the Course Director” (p.46).

For additional specific examination policies and procedures, refer to the St. George’s University Student Manual (2019/2020), pages 31 through 37.

Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services Policy

The St. George’s University Student Manual (2019/2020) states as follows:

A student with a disability or disabling condition that affects one or more major life activities, who would like to request an accommodation, must submit a completed application form and supporting documentation to the Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services (SAAS) located in the Dean of Students Office. It is highly recommended that students applying for accommodations do so at least one month before classes begin to allow for a more efficient and timely consideration of the request. If a fully completed application is not submitted in a timely fashion, an eligibility determination may not be made, and accommodations, where applicable, may not be granted prior to the commencement of classes and/or examinations” (p. 8).

Disclaimer

It is the responsibility of the student to read and understand the policies, laws, rules and procedures that while they could affect your grade for a course, have not been specifically outlined in the course syllabus. These are contained in the St. George’s University Student Manual.