Introduction to Business Computer Applications

 

Course Description

 

This course provides a fundamental working knowledge of the computer, its keyboard, and many current applications.  We will work with Google, Typing Agent, Mind Tap/SAM and Microsoft Office 2016 Software.  This course will benefit you throughout your high school career and beyond.

 

Course Objectives

 

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate correct keyboarding techniques (including posture and finger position).

2. Demonstrate a mastery of keys; achieve an acceptable level of skills such as speed and accuracy.

3. Apply these skills to compose documents, including proofreading and editing copy.

4. Demonstrate knowledge of the history of computers and their impact on society.

5. Display an understanding of computer terminology.

6. Identify hardware components and types of software.

7. Exhibit skills in many widely held computer applications (i.e. Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentations, Database).

 

Course Outline

 

IBCA is broken down into 5 sections.  During all 5 sections we will be completing assignments.  Weekly grades are worth 25 points and tests/major assignments are worth 100 points.

 

Part 1:  Google/Oncourse 8/11/21-8/27/21

In Part 1 of IBCA, you will learn the proper way to send an email, create folders, docs and slides in Google.  In Oncourse, you will learn how to view assignments, turn in assignments and view your grades through the Oncourse Dashboard.

 

Part 2:  Typing Agent 8/30/21-9/17/21

In Part 2 of IBCA, we will work in Typing Agent to progress through keyboarding lessons where students earn badges, GritCoins, and Experience Points to play exciting typing games..

 

Part 3: Mind Tap/SAM -Microsoft Word 9/20/21-11/19/21

In Part 3 of IBCA, we will work in Microsoft Word 2016.  You will learn the basics of Word and how to format letters, memos, reports, and tables.  You will also learn how to set tabs, paragraph spacing, and how to download new text.  You will learn the drawing tools as well as some advanced features of Word. 

 

Part 4: Mind Tap/SAM -Microsoft PowerPoint 11/29/21-1/28/22

In Part 4 of IBCA, we will work in Microsoft PowerPoint 2016.  We will learn how to properly create PowerPoint Presentations.  You will also learn the basic tools of PowerPoint as well as many advanced features as well. All grades will be application and the amount they are worth will vary.

 

Part 5:  Mind Tap/SAM -Microsoft Excel 1/31/22-4/14/22

In Part 5 of IBCA, we will work in Microsoft Excel. Excel learns your patterns, organizing your data to save you time.  We will create spreadsheets from templates or create your own and use modern formulas to perform calculations.

 

Grading Scale

GRADES 8-12: A grading system for all major and minor subjects will be used by all schools in determining the credit given for each unit using a letter grade assigned according to a four-point scale as follows: 

A - 4 points (93-100%) B - 3 points (85-92%) C - 2 points (75-84%) 

D - 1 point (67-74%) F - 0 points (0-66) 

 

 

Tips

 

1. DON’T SHARE YOUR PASSWORD!  Not even with your close friends – you never know who might be looking to have “fun” with you.  Get into this habit now for it will be something you must deal with in your professional life.

2. Sign on as YOURSELF – do not use anybody else’s login.

3. SAVE YOUR WORK IN YOUR Google Drive!   Do not just save your work under “My Computer.”   Any hard work you have done WILL be lost for good once the computer is shut down for the day.

4. Be sure to close down each program correctly.

5. Be sure to correctly LOG OFF after every session.  Just turning off the monitor or the computer is not enough, and the next person who comes in might have access to your data.

6. It is okay to look at your fingers from time to time as you are learning to type.  However, you should reduce this action as time goes on.  Take your time.  Speed is NOT important in lessons.  To avoid eye strain, look away from the screen once in a while.  Lessons can be hard work especially when your muscles are not conditioned for keyboarding.  

7. Once you begin a timed writing/testing, keep going.  When you make corrections or hesitate, you lose time.  While you are building skill, you are also conditioning your muscles. Allow yourself to build strength, speed and skill over a period of time.  

 

 

Classroom Conduct

(“The Rules”)

 

 

BE RESPECTFUL! I will treat you with the utmost respect and I deserve to be respected as well.

 

COME TO CLASS!  This is your “job” as students, and to prepare you for the real world, you must be at every class and ON TIME.  

 

Please make sure that you visited the “facilities” before class.  It will be so uncomfortable to sit for 90 minutes with a full bladder, so be sure you go before class starts.

 

Please make sure that you are wearing the appropriate uniform. 

 

NO INAPPROPRIATE WEBSITES.  YES, I CAN SEE YOU MINIMIZE THE WINDOW QUICKLY; Also, I can control your computers from mine, so unless you want your internet privileges blocked, you will follow the rules.

 

No food or drink of any kind in the classroom.

 

No fighting, no disruptions, no distractions.    Discussions are strongly encouraged, but be respectful of others opinions, even if it is the polar opposite of yours.  You just might learn something! 

 

Do not touch the wires or change any settings on the computer without my permission!

 

**  INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ADD TO THIS LIST AT ANY TIME!

 

 

Late Work/Absence Policy

 

It is very easy to get behind in a computer class.  I will remind you of your make up work once but I will not be a constant alarm.

 

Should a student be unable to meet a deadline, it is expected the student will make arrangements in advance with the instructor to turn in work late. 

 

If a student does not make prior arrangements with the instructor and fails to turn individual work in on time, the student has the option to turn in assignments within the 9 week period for a drop in letter grade.  The late assignments will be due 1 week before the end of that 9 week period in order to get credit. 

 

 

Grade recovery:  If a student makes a failing grade on a major assignment, he or she will be notified when the assignment is returned to them.  Those students who are eligible for grade recovery will be given a specific date in which they must report to retake the test or redo the project.  This is the only date those students will be able to recover their failing grade on that particular test or assignment.  If the student does not show up on that date, his or her failing grade will remain—no exceptions or excuses.  Students will be notified of the date in advance.  If they know they will not be present on that specific date, they need to make arrangements with me BEFORE that date, not after.  

 

IMPORTANT REMINDER:  If a student does not put forth effort in class or plagiarizes, he or she will not be eligible for grade recovery if he or she makes a failing grade.  Lack of effort includes, but is not limited to the following:  sleeping in class, playing on the internet, not paying attention when skills are taught or directions are given, etc.

 

Plagiarism Policy

 

Hammond High considers academic honesty to be one of its highest values. Students are expected to be the sole authors of their work.   If you plagiarize you will be given a ZERO for that assignment. These are some examples of what I would consider Plagiarism:

• Using another person's words, ideas, or results without giving proper credit to that person; giving the impression that it is the student's own work.

• Any form of cheating on examinations or projects.

• Submitting an assignment(s) that was partially or wholly completed by another student.

• Copying work or written text from a student, the Internet (copy and paste), or any document without giving due credit to the source of the information.

• Assisting another student with reasonable knowledge that the other student intends to commit any act of academic dishonesty. This offense would include, but would not be limited to providing an assignment to another student to submit as his/her own work or allowing another student to copy answers to any test, examination or assignment.

In essence, plagiarism is the theft of someone else's ideas and work. Whether a student copies verbatim or simply rephrases the ideas of another without properly acknowledging the source, it is still plagiarism.