Course Syllabus

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Title: 

Business Computer Applications

Course Prefix & Number:  

BCIS 1305

Section Number:  

 381

Semester/Year: 

SP 2021

Semester Credit Hours: 

3

Lecture Hours: 

2

Lab Hours: 

2

Course Description (NCTC Catalog): 

Introduces and develops foundational skills in applying essential and emerging business productivity information technology tools. The focus of this course is on business productivity software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation

graphics, data analytics, and business-oriented utilization of the internet.  32 lecture hours + 32 laboratory hours. 

Course Prerequisite(s): High School Algebra, Geometry or Business Mathematics

Required Course Materials (the materials listed below are not optional for this course and are essential to completing assignments):

  • eTextbook with SIMnet Access Card:  (Students purchased eTextbook and access card when registering for class through SIMnet)
    1. eTextbook - Cheri Manning, Catherine Manning Swinson; “Microsoft Office 365 - A Skills Approach 2019”
    2. SIMnet access card included with eTextbook
  • Access to a working computer
  • Internet Access   
  • MS Office Professional 365/2019 software which includes MS Access (required)
    1. Students are provided a Student version of MS Office which includes MS Access through NCTC
    2. How to download Office Suite from the Office 365 account
      1. Go to OneLogin account on MyNCTC
      2. On main screen click on Install Office
      3. Select Office 365 apps
      4. If the download does not work, please contact Information Technology Services at NCTC
    3. MS Access software is not available on MAC computers and may not be available on some Chromebooks
    4. Students who have MAC or some Chromebooks will need to locate a PC computer with MS Office including MS Access to complete three MS Access projects
  • Keyboarding skills (if you lack keyboarding skills, you can learn this skill quickly using a free online software such as:  https://www.typingclub.com/)

Recommended Course Materials (materials listed below are optional):

  • Flash drive:  Strongly recommended students do not use the college server to store your documents
  • Notebook and pen:  notetaking

 

Students who are not familiar with technology or uncomfortable with technology would be best suited to taking this course face-to-face or synchronously online.

             

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:

 

Linda Janoe

 

Campus/Office Location:

  Corinth campus, room 331B – currently working from home

Telephone Number:

  940-498-6427

E-mail Address:

  Email through Canvas Inbox

 

CLASSROOM HOURS

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

 

 

 

 

 

Online sections include:  BCIS 1305.310, BCIS 1305.380, BCIS 1305.381, BCIS 1305.393, BCIS 1305.394, IMED 1316.340

 

LAB HOURS Room 253: (limit 8 students)

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

 

1:30-3:30*

 

 

 

*Prescheduling is required 48 hours or more prior to date.  If no students schedule lab hours, these hours will be used as office hours

Online Office Hours

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

12:00-2:00

11:00-1:00

12:00-2:00

12:30-2:30

 

Students should call or email for an appointment to meet at a different time.

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (From Academic Course Guide Manual/Workforce Education Course Manual/NCTC Catalog

At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1

Describe the fundamentals of information technology concepts – hardware, software, security, and privacy.

2

Demonstrate proper file management techniques to manipulate electronic files and folders in local, network, and online environments.

3

Create business documents with word processing software using spelling and grammar check, format and layout, tables, citations, graphics, and mail merge.

4

Create business documents and analyze data with spreadsheet software using (1) tables, sorting, filtering, charts and graphics, pivot tables, macros; (2) statistical, financial, logical and look-up functions and formulas; and (3) add-ins.

5

Create business multimedia presentations with presentation software using templates, lists, groups, themes, colors, clip art, pictures, tables, transitions, animation, video, charts, and views.

6

Create databases and manage data with database software using tables, fields, relationships, indexes, keys, views, queries, forms, reports, and import/export functions.

7

Integrate business software applications.

8

Use web-based technologies to conduct ethical business research.

9

Use “goal seeking” and “what-if analysis” to solve problems and make adjustments/recommendations in a business environment.

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded

Course Elements

Graded Course Elements

Percentage or Point Values

21

Chapter Lessons (23 lessons)

10%

3

Discussion Forums (4 discussions, 1 is extra credit)

10%

21

Practicum Exams (23 exams)

35%

9

Projects

15%

3

Quizzes

10%

1

Final Project

10%

1

Final Exam

10%

There are two extra credit assignments available for students to improve their grade.  The assignments can be found in Excel 2019 module in Canvas.

Final%

A = > 89.5

B = 79.5 – 89.49

C = 69.5 – 79.49

D = 59.5 – 69.59

F = < 59.49

Grading is weighted per assignment type and is point driven. The maximum number of points may vary semester to semester.  Your total

earned points per graded course element will be divided by the maximum number of points graded course element. The calculation from each element will be multiplied by assigned weighted percentage and then added together for a total grade.   

  • Grading policy may be amended during the semester at the instructor’s discretion
  • Announcements/information disseminated during class will take precedence over the syllabus
  • No picture taking, video recording, or audio recording unless accommodations are provided by OSD or with instructor permission  
  • Assignment grade appeals should be made within 48 hours after the assignment is graded
  • Overall grade appeals should be made within 48 hours after the enrolled term ends

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY AND INTEGRITY VIOLATIONS

Students found: 

  • Sharing project files (SIMnet has embedded information within downloaded file which will flag student sharing and student receiving file for Integrity Violation.  If you are the individual sharing a file, it is considered collusion which is considered Academic Dishonesty.)
  • Plagiarizing a project (Turnitin will flag plagiarism, student must correct before date provided by instructor)
  • Cheating on exams or cheating on practicum exams (exams are closed book as well all browsers and other devices)
  • Taking exam outside of classroom without instructor permission (this does not pertain to online students since they take their exams outside the classroom) will potentially receive an “F” for the course and a report turned in the Dean for Scholastic Dishonesty.

 Consequences for academic dishonesty may include:

  1. An “F” for the course 
  2. Scholastic Dishonesty report
  3. Zero on assignment 

 

COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE (Major Assignments, Due Dates, and Grading Criteria)

Assignment

Points

Essential Skills for Microsoft Office

19

Word - Chapter 1 - Getting Started with Word

16

Word - Chapter 2 - Formatting Text and Paragraphs

20

Word - Chapter 3 - Formatting Documents

20

Word - Chapter 4 - Working with Pictures, Tables, and Charts

23

Word - Chapter 5 - Working with Reports and Collaborating with Others

21

Word Addendum Mailings

7

Discussion Forum #1 (DF #1) Extra Credit

0

Word 2019 Skills Approach - Ch 4 Challenge Yourself 4.2

25

Word 365/2019 Capstone – Level 2 Writing a Research Paper

39

Essential Skills

27

Word Ch 1 2019

30

Word Ch 2 2019

28

Word Ch 3 2019

25

Word Ch 4 2019

30

Word Ch 5 2019

30

Word Mailings

9

Excel - Chapter 1 - Getting Started with Excel

20

Excel - Chapter 2 - Formatting Cells

22

Excel - Chapter 3 - Using Formulas and Functions

20

Excel - Chapter 4 - Formatting Worksheets and Managing the Workbook

22

Excel - Chapter 5 - Adding Charts and Analyzing Data

22

Discussion Forum #2 (DF #2)

20

Quiz 1

50

Excel 2019 Skills Approach - Ch 3 Challenge Yourself 3.3

35

Excel 2019 Skills Approach - Ch 5 Skill Review 5.2

27

Excel Ch 1 2019

30

Excel Ch 2 2019

30

Excel Ch 3 2019

30

Excel Ch 4 2019

30

Excel Ch 5 2019

30

Excel – Chapter 8 - Exploring Advanced Data Analysis

25

Excel - Chapter 10 - Working with Macros

10

Excel 2016 Skills Approach - Ch 8 Challenge Yourself 8.4

27

Excel 2019 Skills Approach - Ch 10 Skill Review 10.2

14

Excel Ch 8 2019

30

Excel Ch 10 2019

19

Access - Chapter 1 - Getting Started with Access

20

Access - Chapter 2 - Working with Tables

19

Access - Chapter 3 - Working with Forms and Reports

22

Access - Chapter 4 - Using Queries and Organizing Information

22

Access - Chapter 5 - Exploring Advanced Tables and Queries

17

Discussion Forum #3 (DF# 3)

20

Quiz 2

50

Access 2019 Skills Approach - Ch 2 Skill Review 2.1

33

Access 2019 Skills Approach - Ch 4 Fix It 4.6

14

Office 2016 Integrated Applications – Project 2 Word, Access, Excel

42

Access Ch 1 2019

30

Access Ch 2 2019

29

Access Ch 3 2019

30

Access Ch 4 2019

25

Access Ch 5 2019

25

PowerPoint - Chapter 1 - Getting Started with PowerPoint

19

PowerPoint - Chapter 2 - Adding Content to Slides

23

PowerPoint - Chapter 3 - Formatting Presentations

21

PowerPoint - Chapter 4 - Managing and Delivering Presentations

20

Emerging Technology Topic (post topic to discussion forum)

-

Quiz 3

75

Discussion Forum #4 (DF #4)

20

Final Project – Emerging Technology

100

PowerPoint Ch 1 2019

32

PowerPoint Ch 2 2019

30

PowerPoint Ch 3 2019

29

PowerPoint Ch 4 2019

30

Final Exam

100

SimPath Chapter 6 (extra credit)

EC

SimPath Chapter 7 (extra credit)

EC

 Tip for success: Do not wait until the last minute to complete assignments.  When you wait until the last minute, you are not allowing for technical issues, personal issues, and/or the correct amount of time to complete your work.

 

All due dates are subject to change.  It is the student’s responsibility to know when assignments open and are due.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

 

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered.  All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor.  It is the student responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by the faculty member.  Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence.  Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work.  Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor.  A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if possible, for permission to postpone the exam.  Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives. Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)

Absences

NCTC drops students who have not attended class before the “Official Date of Record” when rolls are certified.  Students in face-to-face, hybrid, synchronous, and online must attend class or complete assignments outside of class each week to count toward attendance. 

  • Chapter Lesson assignments and Exams used to determine regular attendance
  • Students absent (excused or unexcused) for 5 of 16 week or 3 of 8 week semester may receive an “F” for the course or be dropped from the course

 

IMPORTANT DATES

 

Classes begin March 22

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is April 26

Final Exams – May 10-15

Term Ends – May 15

 

DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)

 

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides support services for students with disabilities, students enrolled in technical areas of study, and students who are classified as special populations (i.e. single parents). 

Support services for students with disabilities might include appropriate and reasonable accommodations, or they may be in the form of personal counseling, academic counseling, career counseling, etc.  Furthermore, OSD Counselors work with students to encourage self-advocacy and promote empowerment. The Counselors also provides resource information, disability-related information, and adaptive technology for students who qualify. 

If you feel you have needs for services that the institution provides, please reach out to either Wayne Smith (940) 498-6207 or Yvonne Sandman (940) 668-4321.  Alternative students may stop by Room 170 in Corinth or Room 110 in Gainesville.

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (For classes in the Core)________        

Communication

Mathematics

Creative Arts

American History

Government/Political Science

 

Life and Physical Science

Language, Philosophy & Culture

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Component Area Option

 

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES (For classes in the Core)

 

 

 

  

Critical Thinking

Communication 

Empirical and Quantitative

 

 

 

Teamwork 

Personal Responsibility

Social Responsibility

 

COURSE TYPE

 

         Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)

         Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course 

         WECM Course

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

 

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and published online.

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

 

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion.  Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty.  See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)]”.  

 

Consequences for academic dishonesty may include:

  1. An “F” for the course
  2. Scholastic Dishonesty report
  3. Zero on assignment

 

NCTC STUDENT SERVICES AND RESOURCES

 

 

Affinity Groups

Staff and faculty representing the Employee Resource Groups (ERG’s), along with academic advisors, counselors and success coaches, serve as mentors for NCTC’s student-centered ​Affinity Groups​.

 

An ​Affinity Group​ is a population of students who have specific needs, barriers or systems they are needing to navigate not only within college, but within life. Providing mentorship, support and resources for identified Affinity Groups such as Black/African American students, veterans and active military, single parents, students with disabilities, adult learners, Latinx, LGBTQ+ and students who have experienced foster care and/or homelessness, enables us to make more impactful, meaningful connections with students who are in dire need of equity and understanding.

 

Career Services Center

In need of employment? NCTC Career Coaches meet one-on-one to provide training in writing resumes, job searches, interviewing, and more. The Skills to Succeed Academy is also a free interactive, online employability training program focused on building the skills and confidence you need to find the best career.

 

Completion Center

The Completion Center provides a variety of services for first-time in college students. These include academic success coaching, goal setting, course planning, student resources, career development, and job placement services for all new college students. Free online Success Seminars are also available through Student Lingo and new students will also enroll in a First Year Experience (NCTC 1001) course to get started on the right track!

 

Counseling and Advising

Academic Advisors and Counselors help students explore majors and programs offered, how to take the best combination of classes to meet your goals, assist with questions related to university transfer, and guide students towards academic and personal success, and more. At NCTC, you are assigned to a specific advisor or success coach based on your major or career interests. You can locate our advisors and their majors, along with contact information on the Meet Your Advisor page-and even schedule an appointment with them through their online calendar!

 

Early Alert and CARES

The NCTC Early Alert program assists students who are at risk of failing or withdrawing from a course. Faculty and staff may refer students through the Early Alert process at any point in the semester in an effort to provide appropriate intervention and access to support services. Examples of behaviors that could prompt an Early Alert referral could be missing assignments, failing tests, excessive absences, or personal circumstances impacting academic performance. A student submitted as an Early Alert will be contacted by an academic advisor or success coach through text, phone, and/or via their NCTC e-mail address to discuss any current challenges as well as helpful resources and success strategies-we want our students to finish strong and know that education is a partnership!

 

The NCTC CARES Team is concerned not only about our students' academic success, but also their emotional and physical well-being. As a student, you have the ability to report concerning behavior which could impact your own safety or the safety of another NCTC student, such as stalking, harassment, physical or emotional abuse, violent or threatening behavior, or self-harm. Visit the NCTC CARES site to also locate campus and community resources, or email counseling@nctc.edu.  As always, if you feel there is an immediate threat to your own safety or welfare (or to another student), please call 911 immediately.

 

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

EDI partners with the entire campus community to create, maintain and demonstrate NCTC’s commitment to an equitable, diverse and inclusive learning environment where NCTC students succeed. NCTC defines equity as encompassing the practice of acknowledging individual differences and systemic disparities when developing new programs and resources for our campus community, which may sometimes challenge our own beliefs and assumptions, in order to ensure balanced educational opportunities toward completion. Everyone Included. Everyone Belongs. Everyone Valued. Everyone Inspired. 

 

Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid provides students with information and guidance with applying for eligible types of financial assistance, such as the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Students who have any types of exemptions or tuition waivers will also work with the Financial Aid Office to have these funds applied to their accounts. Additionally, the Scholarship Office provides local scholarship opportunities through an online application process, and tips on how to secure other types of scholarship awards which can help finance educational goals.

 

Student Success Center

The Student Success Center is designed to help all students at NCTC develop tools to achieve their academic goals. The center links students to FREE tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, and free online tutoring.  Student Success offers academic coaching, tutoring, including a Writing Center, and a Math Lab to assist new students acclimate to college by providing computer lab services for prospective students. First generation students can also participate in TRIO which offers specialized services.

 

Testing Services

The mission of NCTC Testing Services is to provide high-quality testing services that adhere to the professional standards and guidelines to meet the needs of students, faculty, and community members.

 

Spring 2021 - COVID-19 Specific

 

Conversion of Onsite Classes to Online/Remote Format: North Central Texas College students should be aware that in the event of a college closure due to COVID-19, onsite classes will be converted to an online/remote format. Students should plan ahead to ensure they have access to the computer equipment (either PC, MAC, or tablet), webcam, and internet connectivity to continue their classes in an online/remote format. Please read all your official North Central Texas College student emails as the transition from onsite to online/remote might require a reorganization in your personal situation. Students will be granted a 72-hour transition and grace period. Online classes will continue as scheduled without disruption. Wear a mask, stay safe, and contact your Instructor as the situation arises. These policies and procedures were updated on July 30, 2020 and are subject to change as conditions change.

 

Face Coverings: Per the North Central Texas College guidance on face coverings on campus, in the instructional setting, faculty and students must wear face coverings, such as masks or face shields. Students without coverings, or those who do not comply with the rules relating to face coverings, will not be able to participate in on-campus classroom activities. To request an exception to this requirement, students should contact the NCTC HR Office of Enrollment Management (ccove@nctc.edu). Failure to comply with the face coverings requirement may result in the Instructor directing the student to leave the classroom. Any student asked to leave the classroom may be referred to the student conduct officer. These policies and procedures were updated on July 30, 2020 and are subject to change.

 

Temporary COVID-19 Attendance Policy for Face-to-Face Meetings: We are facing an unprecedented situation in which all of us must be flexible and make prudent decisions in the best interest of our families, our campus, and our community. In light of this, North Central Texas College is temporarily establishing the requirement that faculty keep records of student attendance for face-to-face course meetings as well as a documented seating chart. In addition, students who are sick or need to quarantine should not attend classes. Students will not be required to provide formal documentation from a health care provider and will not be penalized for COVID-19 related absences when proper notification to campus health officials is made in accordance with the guidelines stated below.

 

Faculty will:

 

  • Notify students about important course information and delivery changes through Canvas and campus email.

 

Students should:

  • Provide notification to campus officials (via NCTC Daily Health Check protocol through Canvas) if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or have to quarantine so we can confirm reported absence with instructors, monitor, and assist the campus community.
  • Notify instructors in advance of the absence.
  • Connect with that class through Webex if the class session is being transmitted in a hybrid fashion.
  • Keep up with and/or make up missed classwork or assignments.
  • Submit assignments digitally through Canvas or other means as announced by your instructor.
  • Work with their instructors to reschedule exams, labs, and other critical academic activities described in the course syllabus.
  • Check Canvas and campus email daily to receive important announcements pertaining to the course.

During the spring 2021 semester, faculty with face-to-face meetings will establish assigned seating/work stations to facilitate roll-taking, and, if necessary, contact tracing. Additionally, we ask all members of the College community to be attentive to their health, and safeguard others, by following the CDC’s guideline to “stay home when you are sick.” You should stay home if you have symptoms. More information on what to do if you are sick is available at the CDC’s website.

Additional NCTC information is available at http://www.nctc.edu/coronavirus/index.html

 

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

Name of Chair/Coordinator: 

Susan Svane

Office Location:

Corinth, Room 233

Telephone Number:

940-498-6292

E-mail Address:

ssvane@nctc.edu

Name of Instructional Dean: 

Debbie Huffman

Office Location:

Gainesville

Telephone Number:

940-668-3357

E-mail Address:

dhuffman@nctc.edu