Spreadsheet Concepts and Practices (3 Credits) (Note: on-line students click On-line Class Info for additional information)(Note: This is a generic syllabus; a class specific syllabus with detailed schedule will be posted inside our WebCT class site.)COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed for individuals who wish to master and use
spreadsheet software. The course is directed toward novices, first-time
owners of personal or business computers, and individuals who would like
to learn more about spreadsheet software and operations. Covered in the
course are the history and terminology of spreadsheet software,
spreadsheet design and construction, and uses of spreadsheets to solve
financial problems. Also covered are spreadsheet graphics, spreadsheet
databases, and spreadsheet automation with macros. The course requires
use of a PC (personal computer). Apple computers are not acceptable. Four contact hours: three lecture hours, one laboratory hour. A.S., A.A.S. (Of course, online hours are flexible.) COURSE GOALS & INTENDED OUTCOMES:Goals: The goal of this course is take the student from spreadsheet novice to a level of competency nearing expert. The student should be comfortable creating effective spreadsheet solutions in a business environment.
Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to do the following: - Explain the history of spreadsheet development
- Understand and know how to execute spreadsheet menu commands
- Know how to properly design and construct a spreadsheet solution
- Understand and know how to use spreadsheet functions
- Know how to construct spreadsheet formulas
- Be able to construct business graphs of spreadsheet data
- Understand the basics of spreadsheet database capabilities and limitations
- Be able to create and use spreadsheet macro commands
Return to top PREREQUISITES:There are no prerequisites for this course. However, online students should be familiar with basic computer operations and Internet browsing. Courses that would better prepare you for success in this course, although not required, are: OST 1100 Keyboarding/Introduction to Word Processing, CGS 1060 Introductory Computer Concepts, or CGS
1570 Microcomputer Applications. In addition, this is a sixteen week
course covered in twelve weeks...expect to be moving at a brisk pace. OFFICE HOURS: Online Office hours will be posted online as soon as the
term starts. However, if you want or need to meet with me, contact me with whatever method you are most comfortable with…email, telephone, or in person…and I will set a specific place, date and time to meet with you. Once I have you scheduled in my planner, you can count on me being there when you are. EXPECTATIONS AND GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS: Like any other process, you will gain from this course directly in proportion to the effort you put into it. With that said, here are some of my expectations and recommendations for you: Attendance: You should log into the course at least once a day to keep abreast of any changes, read email, post discussion topic responses, receive or submit assignments, review course content, and take quizzes/exams when scheduled. Participation: This course is setup as an online learning community environment. All of us working together, sharing ideas, and communicating effectively will make this a successful course experience. Your participation is critical. As such, participation is 20% of your grade. You will have three avenues to demonstrate participation: The first is discussion topics which I will post in the Main topic area. If you have spreadsheet experience, share your knowledge or experiences regarding the topic with us. If you are inexperienced, you can participate by asking questions. The second is in special group discussion area
called Team setup specifically for group members to assist each other. If you are having problems understanding a course concept, you will post a question here. Other group members can respond appropriately. And lastly, the third is the email system within WebCT. Collaboration: The entire course is a collaborative effort. However, certain behaviors are not acceptable. For example, you may discuss in general terms how to approach a particular assignment with other students. But, exchanging actual spreadsheet files (i.e., giving them the answer) is not OK. Of course, online quizzes/exams are to be taken individually also. Personal Discipline: I strongly recommend that you complete the reading and all exercises before attempting the weekly assignment and to better prepare you for any discussions on the chapter; start your assignments early; do not wait until the night before they are due; study for the exams as you go (not everything the night before); and keep track of your own progress. Ignoring this advice is a recipe for failure. Instructor Assistance: Spreadsheet solutions can be fun, and conversely, they can be very frustrating. If you find yourself getting frustrated, whether reading the textbook, doing the assignments, or participating in online discussions, it is time to talk to me. If you let your frustration build, you do yourself and spreadsheets an injustice. Contact me. You have my telephone number. I will do my best to help alleviate your frustration.
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GRADING: Your final grade will consist of the following inputs: Four Tests worth 40% Eight Assignments worth 40% Class Participation worth 20% (Discussions, group assistance, email, etc.) The following grade scale will be used in assignment of your final letter grade: 90 – 100 A 80 – 89 B 70 – 79 C 60 – 69 D Below 60 F (FN if you stop all online communications) Incomplete I (rare…only with extreme extenuating circumstances) Return to top LATE POLICY:There will be four tests. If you know in advance that you will be unable to take/finish a scheduled test on-time, contact me. Tests cannot be taken early. Make-up tests are approved on a case-by-case basis. Missed tests and late assignments are scored as zero. Return to top STUDENT NOTICES, WARNINGS, POLICY CHANGES, AND DISCLAIMERS: I. When students repeat a course at FCCJ, only the last grade earned is calculated in their cumulative grade point average (GPA). However, students with an excessive number of "W", "IW", or "NP" grades and students who repeat courses to improve their GPA jeopardize their admission to some programs in the Florida State University System (SUS) institutions or other institutions. II. Effective Fall Term (961) an instructor-initiated withdrawal grade of "IW" may be assigned by instructors to students who have been absent from more than 15 percent of the scheduled classes in any given term. An optional grade, the "IW" grade may be assigned only after a warning has been sent to the student. Faculty who intend to use this grade option must clearly state that intention in their course syllabi. Students may appeal an instructor-initiated withdrawal within 10 days of the withdrawal by contacting the campus student affairs office. It should be noted that this grade may not be assigned to college preparatory students since preparatory courses have a required attendance policy. III. Effective Fall Term (971) the State mandated the following changes that apply to students under the 1996/1997 FCCJ College Catalog and later. q A student may have three attempts per course including the original grade, repeat grade and withdrawals. (See page 16 of the 1996-97 College Catalog.) q A student will be permitted a maximum of two withdrawals per course. Upon the third attempt, the student will not be permitted to withdraw and will receive a grade for that course. q A student cannot repeat a course when a grade of A, B, or C has been earned. Return to top
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