BCIS 1305 0310 - BUSINESS COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

Introduction

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NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

COURSE AND INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

 

Course title:  Business Computer Applications

Course prefix, number, and section number:  BCIS 1305.0310

Semester/Year of course:  Spring 2026

Semester start and end dates:  January 12, 2026 – May 7, 2026

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 –
    • Students log in to SIMnet through Canvas to activate
    • Skills Approach 365 – Manning and Manning - ISBN 9781266935350
  • MOS voucher for Final Exam   
    • Final Exam is mandatory and taken last week of semester
    • Student must have Dean approval to take exam early
    • Final exam is taken at an authorized Certiport testing facility   
      • NCTC Corinth Campus has an authorized facility
        • Students do not pay if taken at Corinth Campus
        • NCTC provides site license for exam
      • Students taking exam at a different location or online will need to purchase a voucher
        • Link provided for alternative testing facilities found in Final Exam module
        • Directions provided in Final Exam module on how to obtain a voucher for the certification in the Final Exam module
  • Working computer (should support MS Office software, including MS Access)
  • Internet access   
  • MS Office Professional 365/2021 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
    • NCTC may provide access to MS Office for semester, contact instructor for more information
  • 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 12:00-2:00; Tuesday 10:00-12:00 and Wednesday 12:00-1:00; Online Office hours (through Webex): Tuesday 12:00-2:00, Thursday 10:00-1:00

 

Students who need to meet face-to-face during Webex hours, should schedule with me ahead of time.  If you work and can only meet in the evening, please contact me to schedule a convenient time.

 

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.  Not all extra credit assignments are included in list below.

 

List of graded assignments:                                                             Points    Due Date      

Essential Skills for Microsoft Office                                                  14           1/19/2026     

Word - Chapter 1 - Getting Started with Word                                16           1/19/2026     

Word - Chapter 2 - Formatting Text and Paragraphs                       21           1/19/2026     

Word - Chapter 3 - Formatting Documents                                      21           1/19/2026     

Word - Chapter 4 - Working with Pictures, Tables, and Charts       23           1/26/2026     

Word - Chapter 5 - Working with Reports and Collaborating

with Others                                                                                       21           1/26/2026     

Word Addendum A Mailings                                                            7             1/26/2026     

Introduction Discussion Forum by Video                                         50           1/29/2026     

Course Syllabus Quiz                                                                         60           1/29/2026     

Word 2021 Skills Approach - Ch 4 Skill Review 4.2                          28           1/29/2026     

Word 365/2021 Capstone – Level 2 Writing a Research Paper       39           1/29/2026     

Essential Skills 2021 Exam                                                                23           2/2/2026       

Word Ch 1 2021 Exam                                                                      30           2/2/2026       

Word Ch 2 2021 Exam                                                                      30           2/2/2026       

Word Ch 3 2021 Exam                                                                      26           2/2/2026       

Word Ch 4 2021 Exam                                                                      30           2/2/2026       

Word Ch 5 2021 Exam                                                                      30           2/2/2026       

Word Mailings Exam                                                                        9             2/2/2026       

Excel - Chapter 1 - Getting Started with Excel                                  20           2/9/2026       

Excel - Chapter 2 - Formatting Cells                                                 22           2/9/2026       

Excel - Chapter 3 - Using Formulas and Functions                           22           2/9/2026       

Excel - Chapter 4 - Formatting Worksheets and Managing the

Workbook                                                                                         22           2/16/2026     

Excel - Chapter 5 - Adding Charts and Analyzing Data                     25           2/16/2026     

Discussion Forum #2 (DF #2)                                                            20           2/19/2026     

Quiz 1                                                                                                50           2/19/2026     

Excel 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 1 Skill Review 1.1 (extra credit)    0             2/19/2026     

Excel 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 3 Skill Review 3.2 (extra credit)    0             2/19/2026     

Excel 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 3 Challenge Yourself 3.3               37           2/19/2026     

Excel 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 5 Skill Review 5.2                           29           2/19/2026     

Excel Ch 1 2021 Exam                                                                       30           2/23/2026     

Excel Ch 2 2021 Exam                                                                       30           2/23/2026     

Excel Ch 3 2021 Exam                                                                       30           2/23/2026     

Excel Ch 4 2021 Exam                                                                       30           2/23/2026     

Excel Ch 5 2021 Exam                                                                       30           2/23/2026     

Excel – Chapter 8 - Exploring Advanced Data Analysis                     25           3/2/2026       

Excel - Chapter 10 - Working with Macros                                       10           3/2/2026       

Excel 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 8 Skill Review 8.1 (extra credit)    0             3/5/2026       

Excel 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 8 Challenge Yourself 8.4               26           3/5/2026       

Excel 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 10 Skill Review 10.2                      14           3/5/2026       

Excel Ch 8 2021                                                                                 25           3/16/2026     

Excel Ch 10 2021                                                                               17           3/16/2026     

Access - Chapter 1 - Getting Started with Access                             20           3/23/2026     

Access - Chapter 2 - Working with Tables                                        19           3/23/2026     

Access - Chapter 3 – Using Queries and Organizing Information    23           3/23/2026     

Access - Chapter 4 – Working with Forms and Reports                   22           3/30/2026     

Discussion Forum #3 (DF# 3)                                                            20           3/30/2026     

Quiz 2                                                                                                50           3/30/2026     

Access 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 2 Challenge Yourself 2.3             24           4/2/2026       

Access 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 2 Fix It 2.6                                   15           4/2/2026       

Access 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 3 Skill Review 3.2                        26           4/2/2026       

Access 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 4 Fix It 4.6 (extra credit)             0             4/2/2026       

Office 2019 Integrated Applications – Project 2 Word, Access,

Excel                                                                                                  41           4/2/2026       

Access Ch 1 2021 Exam                                                                    30           4/6/2026       

Access Ch 2 2021 Exam                                                                     29           4/6/2026       

Access Ch 3 2021 Exam                                                                     30           4/6/2026       

Access Ch 4 2021 Exam                                                                     25           4/6/2026       

PowerPoint - Chapter 1 - Getting Started with PowerPoint            19           4/13/2026     

PowerPoint - Chapter 2 - Adding Content to Slides                         23           4/13/2026     

PowerPoint - Chapter 3 - Formatting Presentations                        21           4/20/2026     

PowerPoint - Chapter 4 - Managing and Delivering Presentations 20           4/20/2026     

Emerging Technology Topic Discussion (topic only)                        0             4/23/2026     

Extra Credit – PowerPoint Modified from Default                           0             4/24/2026     

Extra Credit – PowerPoint Modified Pre-Designed Template          0             4/24/2026     

Final Project – Emerging Technology                                               100         4/27/2026     

Quiz 3                                                                                                100         4/30/2026     

Discussion Forum #4 (DF #4)                                                            20           4/30/2026     

PowerPoint 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 3 Challenge Yourself 3.4     18           4/30/2026     

PowerPoint 2021 Skills Approach – Ch 4 Skill Review 4.1

(extra credit)                                                                                     0             4/30/2026     

PowerPoint Ch 1 2021 Exam                                                            32           5/4/2026       

PowerPoint Ch 2 2021 Exam                                                            30           5/4/2026       

PowerPoint Ch 3 2021 Exam                                                            29           5/4/2026       

PowerPoint Ch 4 2021 Exam                                                            30           5/4/2026       

Final Exam                                                                                         100         5/4-5/7          

 

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.)
  • Reusing a project file from a previous semester – If you are taking this class again then you should use a different theme and subject for final project
  • 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 19, 2026

Last day to withdraw from the course with a “W” is:  March 30, 2026

Spring Break College Closed – March 9-15, 2026

Spring Holiday College Closed – April 3, 2026

 

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.

 

PREGNANT AND PARENTING STUDENTS

Pregnant and Parenting Students:  Any student who, because of their pregnancy or parenting status, may require special accommodations to meet course requirements should contact the Student Parent Liaison (studentparents@nctc.edu). Students may also self-report by visiting www.nctc.edu/cares and submitting a report for Pregnant & Parenting Students.

 

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

Syllabus File(s)

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