NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

COURSE AND INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

 

Course title:  Business Computer Applications

Course prefix, number, and section number:  BCIS 1305.0342

Semester/Year of course:  Spring 2025

Semester start and end dates:  January 21 – May 15

Modality (Face to face/Synchronous or Asynchronous online/Hybrid):  Asynchronous online

Class meeting location, days, and times:  N/A

Lab meeting location, days, and times:  N/A

Semester credit hours:  3 (2 hours lecture and 2 hours lab)

 

Course Description: 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 prerequisites:  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 – student already has textbook and access card, purchased when enrolled in course
  • MOS voucher for Final Exam 
    • Final Exam is mandatory
    • Final Exam is taken the last week of the semester (student must have Dean approval to take exam early)
    • Purchase voucher through Certiport 
    • Final exam taken at an authorized Certiport testing facility       
      • NCTC Corinth Campus has an authorized facility
      • Student may purchase any time before end of semester; directions will be posted in an announcement and Get Started! and Final Exam module on how to purchase
  • Working computer (should support MS Office software, including MS Access)
  • Internet access   
  • MS Office Professional 365/2021 or later version of software which includes MS Access (required):
    • MS Access will not work on a Mac OS
    • Students will need to download software onto computer
    • Do not use the online version of MS Office
  • Keyboarding skills (if you lack keyboarding skills, you can learn this skill quickly using a free online software such as:  https://www.typingclub.com/)

 

Name of instructor:  Linda Janoe

Office location:  Corinth Campus, Room 331B

Telephone number:  940-498-6427

Email address:  ljanoe@nctc.edu (Students need to use Canvas to contact instructor)

Office hours for students: Monday and Wednesday 12:00 – 1:00 room 331B; online office hours Tuesday 10:00 – 2:00, Wednesday 1:00 – 3:00, and Thursday 10:00 – 12:00

 

SYLLABUS CHANGE DISCLAIMER

 

The faculty member reserves the right to make changes to this published syllabus if it is in the best interest of the educational development of this class. Any such changes will be announced as soon as possible in person and/or writing.

 

SUMMARY OF COURSE ASSIGNMENTS

This course is assignment heavy and hands-on with over 60 assignments.  The Chapter Lessons and Projects are how students learn the skills and the practicum exams test the skills learned.

 

List of graded assignments:                                                                        Points   Due Date

Essential Skills for Microsoft Office                                                             14          1/27/2025

Word - Chapter 1 - Getting Started with Word                                            16          1/27/2025

Word - Chapter 2 - Formatting Text and Paragraphs                                  21          1/27/2025

Word - Chapter 3 - Formatting Documents                                                 21          1/27/2025

Word - Chapter 4 - Working with Pictures, Tables, and Charts                   23          2/3/2025

Word - Chapter 5 - Working with Reports and Collaborating with Others 21          2/3/2025

Word Addendum A Mailings                                                                       7            2/3/2025

Discussion Forum #1 (DF #1) Extra Credit                                                   0            2/6/2025

Course Syllabus Quiz                                                                                    10          2/6/2025

Word 2021 Skills Approach - Ch 4 Skill Review 4.2                                      28          2/6/2025

Word 365/2021 Capstone – Level 2 Writing a Research Paper                   39          2/6/2025

Essential Skills 2021 Exam                                                                            23          2/10/2025

Word Ch 1 2021 Exam                                                                                 30          2/10/2025

Word Ch 2 2021 Exam                                                                                  30          2/10/2025

Word Ch 3 2021 Exam                                                                                 26          2/10/2025

Word Ch 4 2021 Exam                                                                                  30          2/10/2025

Word Ch 5 2021 Exam                                                                                  30          2/10/2025

Word Mailings Exam                                                                                    9            2/10/2025

Excel - Chapter 1 - Getting Started with Excel                                             20          2/17/2025

Excel - Chapter 2 - Formatting Cells                                                             22          2/17/2025

Excel - Chapter 3 - Using Formulas and Functions                                       22          2/17/2025

Excel - Chapter 4 - Formatting Worksheets and Managing the

Workbook                                                                                                     22          2/24/2025

Excel - Chapter 5 - Adding Charts and Analyzing Data                                 25          2/24/2025

Discussion Forum #2 (DF #2)                                                                        20          2/27/2025

Quiz 1                                                                                                           50          2/27/2025

Excel 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 1 Skill Review 1.1 (extra credit)                0            2/27/2025

Excel 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 3 Skill Review 3.2 (extra credit)                0            2/27/2025

Excel 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 3 Challenge Yourself 3.3                           37          2/27/2025

Excel 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 5 Skill Review 5.2                                      29          2/27/2025

Excel Ch 1 2021 Exam                                                                                  30          3/3/2025

Excel Ch 2 2021 Exam                                                                                  30          3/3/2025

Excel Ch 3 2021 Exam                                                                                   30          3/3/2025

Excel Ch 4 2021 Exam                                                                                  30          3/3/2025

Excel Ch 5 2021 Exam                                                                                   30          3/3/2025

Excel – Chapter 8 - Exploring Advanced Data Analysis                                25          3/10/2025

Excel - Chapter 10 - Working with Macros                                                   10          3/10/2025

Excel 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 8 Skill Review 8.1 (extra credit)                0            3/13/2025

Excel 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 8 Challenge Yourself 8.4                           26          3/13/2025

Excel 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 10 Skill Review 10.2                                  14          3/13/2025

Excel Ch 8 2021                                                                                            25          3/24/2025

Excel Ch 10 2021                                                                                          17          3/24/2025

Access - Chapter 1 - Getting Started with Access                                        20          3/31/2025

Access - Chapter 2 - Working with Tables                                                    19          3/31/2025

Access - Chapter 3 – Using Queries and Organizing Information                23          3/31/2025

Access - Chapter 4 – Working with Forms and Reports                               22          4/7/2025

Discussion Forum #3 (DF# 3)                                                                        20          4/7/2025

Quiz 2                                                                                                           50          4/7/2025

Access 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 2 Challenge Yourself 2.3                        24          4/10/2025

Access 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 2 Fix It 2.6                                               15          4/10/2025

Access 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 3 Skill Review 3.2                                   26          4/10/2025

Access 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 4 Fix It 4.6 (extra credit)                         0            4/10/2025

Office 2019 Integrated Applications – Project 2 Word, Access, Excel         41          4/10/2025

Access Ch 1 2021 Exam                                                                                30          4/14/2025

Access Ch 2 2021 Exam                                                                                29          4/14/2025

Access Ch 3 2021 Exam                                                                                30          4/14/2025

Access Ch 4 2021 Exam                                                                                25          4/14/2025

PowerPoint - Chapter 1 - Getting Started with PowerPoint                        19          4/21/2025

PowerPoint - Chapter 2 - Adding Content to Slides                                     23          4/21/2025

PowerPoint - Chapter 3 - Formatting Presentations                                   21          4/28/2025

PowerPoint - Chapter 4 - Managing and Delivering Presentations             20          4/28/2025

Emerging Technology Topic Discussion (topic only)                                    0            4/30/2025

Final Project – Emerging Technology                                                           100        5/3/2025

PowerPoint Ch 1 2021 Exam                                                                        32          5/12/2025

PowerPoint Ch 2 2021 Exam                                                                        30          5/12/2025

PowerPoint Ch 3 2021 Exam                                                                        29          5/12/2025

PowerPoint Ch 4 2021 Exam                                                                        30          5/12/2025

Final Exam                                                                                                    100        5/12-5/15

Final grade scale: 

 

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.   Review Get Started! module for weighted percentages.

 

Weighted Assignments

Chapter Lessons                                                                                                         10%

Discussion Forums                                                                                                       10%

Practicum Exams                                                                                                          35%

Projects                                                                                                                        15%

Quizzes                                                                                                                         10%

Final Project                                                                                                                 10%               

Final Exam - MOS Certification Exam                                                                          10%

 

Grading scale has already allowed for rounding up.  No more rounding up will be allowed.

 

A = > 89.5

B = 79.5 – 89.49

C = 69.5 – 79.49

D = 59.5 – 69.59

F = < 59.49

 

Late work policy:

 

Unexcused absences

  • No late work accepted!  No excuses!
  • No make-up or redo assignments

 

Students waiting to complete assignments at the last minute, do not receive “grace” because of computer glitches (this includes thunderstorms, tornadoes, loss of electricity), software issues, and/or connectivity issues, unless there are campus-wide difficulties.

 

Approved absences

Students will be allowed to make up missed assignments with instructor approval once proper documentation is provided.  It is the student responsibility to provide proper documentation of any emergency.  Scheduled vacations are not approved absences.

 

SEE CANVAS FOR THE COMPLETE COURSE CALENDAR, OUTLINE, DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF GRADED WORK, AND OTHER RELATED MATERIAL.

 

COURSE POLICIES

 

Academic Integrity Policy:

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 (5 or more words) 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.

Will receive any or all the listed consequences below:

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

 

Artificial Intelligence Policy:

Students found utilizing AI/Natural Language Programs (NLPs)/Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT or any other AI composition software (Turnitin does detect AI programs and violation of this policy will be considered an academic dishonesty/integrity issue) will receive any or all the listed consequences below:

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

 

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 proper 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. 

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)

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 or asynchronous online must attend class or complete assignments outside of class each week to count toward attendance.  Logging into Canvas does not constitute class attendance.

 

Chapter lesson assignments and exams are used to determine regular attendance for online students.  Students absent (excused or unexcused) for 5 of 16 week, 4 of 10 week, or 3 of 8 week semester may receive an “F” for the course.  The instructor may drop the student before the last day to withdraw from the course with a “W” due to excessive absences or missed assignments.

 

Withdrawal Policy: A student may withdraw from a course on or after the official date of record. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate and complete a Withdrawal Request Form.

 

Martin Luther King Holiday College Closed – January 20, 2025

Spring Break College Closed – March 17-23

Last day to withdraw from the course with a “W” is:  March 31, 2025

 

Student Learning Outcomes:

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.

 

Core Objectives:

 

COLLEGE POLICIES

ADA STATEMENT

NCTC will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations to afford equal educational opportunity. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Office for Students with Disabilities to arrange appropriate accommodations.  See the OSD Syllabus Addendum.


AI STATEMENT

Absent a clear statement from a course instructor, use of or consultation with generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or other similar technologies shall be treated analogously to assistance from another person, agency, or entity. In particular, using generative AI tools to substantially complete an assignment or exam is not permitted. Students should acknowledge the use of generative AI (other than incidental use) and default to disclosing such assistance when in doubt.

 

When students use generative AI to replace the rigorous demands of personal engagement with their coursework, it runs counter to the educational mission of the college and undermines the heart of education itself. Artificial Intelligence, large language models, and other such technologies hold promise for deploying knowledge in service to others and accelerating the discovery of new knowledge. However, such technology poses new challenges to pedagogy and to integrity. Within the context of the teaching mission of the college and consistent with the Student Code of Conduct, the authority to define the appropriate use, study, and deployment of these technologies rests with the faculty.

 

Individual course instructors, in coordination with their divisions, set policies regulating the use of generative AI tools in their courses, including allowing or disallowing some or all uses of such tools. Course instructors will set such policies in their course syllabi and clearly communicate such policies to students. Students who are unsure of policies regarding generative AI tools are encouraged to ask their instructors for clarification.

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the Student Handbook.

 

STUDENT SERVICES

NCTC provides a multitude of services and resources to support students.  See the Student Services Syllabus Addendum for a listing of those departments and links to their sites.

 

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

 

The student should contact the instructor to deal with any questions, concerns, or complaints specific to the class.  If the student and faculty are not able to resolve the issue, the student may contact the chair or coordinator of the division.  If the student remains unsatisfied, the student may proceed to contact the instructional dean.

 

Name of Chair/Coordinator:  Rebekah Sanchez

Office location:  Corinth

Telephone number:  940-498-6480

E-mail address:  rsanchez@nctc.edu

 

Name of Instructional Dean:  Debbie Huffman

Office location:  Gainesville

Telephone number:  940-668-3357

E-mail address:  dhuffman@nctc.edu