CSCI1000-12, Fall, 2024

(August 19, 2024 – Dec. 9, 2024)

Introduction to Computer Science Applications

Course Syllabus

 

Lab

Required Texts

Important Info

Grade Distribution

Final Grades

GerogiaView/D2L

Objectives

Course Outline

Academic Honesty

Policy

Office Hours

Python Tutorial

Access MyLab IT

Set Up MyLab IT

Get Office 365

Professor:        Dr. Yao
Email:              jf.yao@gcsu.edu

Phone:             (478) 445-5483
URL:               https://abacus2.gcsu.edu (ignore the security warning)

Lab: MyLab IT (Use a web browser to get access to it.  Computers in Atk307, computer labs in the GCSU library, and GCSU Thundercloud (under Unify) are available to all students)

 

Classroom: Atk 310 (all course material can be accessed online via GeorgiaView, a.k.a D2L, at https://gcsu.view.usg.edu/)

 

Office Hours (Face to Face in Atk317 or via Microsoft Team):

07:50 AM – 09:20 AM, Tuesday and Thursday

08:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Wednesday

and by appointment (via email: jf.yao@gcsu.edu)

 

REQUIRED TEXTS: etextbooks in MyLab IT, an optional Python textbook and a free online Python Tutorial:

·         MyLab IT with Pearson EText -- Access Card -- for GO! 2021 with Technology in Action 17e by Gaskin, Shelley, ISBN 13: 9780137679997

o   There are two ways to purchase MyLab IT access code:

1.      They could be purchased from a link in D2L.  When you go to MyLab IT on D2L, the system will prompt you to purchase the access code (easier approach.)

2.      MyLab IT access code is also available at the GCSU bookstore (more hassle.)

o   Do not get the 14-day trial version, because it would not be enough and may cause problems if you later purchase full access.

·         The optional Python textbook can be purchased at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Programming-Brief-Impatient-Python/dp/B09XZMPRV2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3Q452R4MOX85X&keywords=Gongbing+Hong&qid=1704209454&s=books&sprefix=gongbing+hong%2Cstripbooks%2C98&sr=1-1

·         Python Tutorial could be accessed at https://www.w3schools.com/python/default.asp for free.

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COURSE OBJECTIVES:

·         This Core IMPACTS course is part of the Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences (STEM) area. Core IMPACTS is the University System of Georgia (USG) and GCSU core curriculum, which is designed to ensure that students acquire essential knowledge in foundational academic areas and develop career-ready competencies to support their broad academic and career goals.

·         This course should direct students toward this broad Orienting Question: How do I ask scientific questions or use data, mathematics, or technology to understand the universe?

·         Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies: Inquiry and Analysis, Problem-Solving, Teamwork

·         Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following USG Core Learning Outcome: Students will use the scientific method and laboratory procedures or mathematical and computational methods to analyze data, solve problems, and explain natural phenomena.

·         Completion of this course will also enable students to meet the following GCSU Core Learning Outcomes:

a.       Students will be able to use technology to facilitate problem-solving.

b.      Students will be able to use critical observation and analysis to model and/or predict natural phenomena.

c.       Students will be able to evaluate mathematical and/or quantitatively based arguments.

·         Basic concepts in the areas of software applications, basic programming, equipment, information representation, and contemporary computing issues.

·         Excel Spreadsheets, Access Database Systems.

·         Python Programming

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GRADE DISTRIBUTION:

    Technology in Action         25% (Training and Quizzes on MyLab IT)

    Excel                                   25% (Training and Assessments on MyLab IT) 

    Access                                 25% (Training and Assessments on MyLab IT) 

    Python                                 25% (Learning on Website and Textbook;

         Quiz on GeorgiaView/D2L)

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        Total                               100%

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FINAL GRADES:
      Grade           Points
        A             90 or up
        B             80 – 89.99
        C             70 – 79.99
        D             60 – 69.99
        F              59.99 or less

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COURSE POLICY:

·         Keep up with the “Announcements” on D2L (https://gcsu.view.usg.edu/ ) is a requirement. Important announcements including, but not limited to, instructions for training, assessments, and quizzes will be posted on D2L.

·         All training, assignments, and quizzes are essential in obtaining a good grade.  It is your responsibility to attend the lab (MyLab IT on D2L and Python Tutorial at https://www.w3schools.com/python/default.asp ) to achieve good learning, therefore obtain a good grade.

·         Your overall grades are updated on the regular basis on D2L throughout the term.

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IMPORTANT INFO:

·         The Fall semester starts on August 19, 2024.  You need to get to work as soon as the class begins. The first thing you need to do is to go to D2L to create a MyLab IT account and sign up for my class, CSCI1000-12 Fall 2024, DrYao. You may do this step ASAP. In the process of creating your MyLab IT account, you need the MyLab IT access key code.

·         Pearson has suggested to have students contact them directly so they can look at the student's account to see what might be causing the problem. The student can get support from Pearson by visiting https://support.pearson.com/getsupport/s/contactsupport.

·         The class will have 4 components (Technology in Action, Excel, Access, and Python), and each of the first three components (Technology in Action, Excel, and Access) are on MyLab IT, which is online software that can emulate Office 2021.

·         You may need to install MS Office 365 on your PC (preferred) or Mac for the assignments.  Using the online version of MS Office would not work for some of the components.  You may download Office 365 from the GCSU Unify website for free.  The steps to obtain Office 365 follow:

o   Login into Unify at https://unify.gcsu.edu

o   Click on the “Office 365” tab at the middle top position

o    Click on the “Access Office 365” button

o   Following instructions to download and install Office 365 <Back to Top>

·         You may also use Office 365 via a web browser by going to Unify (https://unify.gcsu.edu ) and click on Thundercloud, then select GCSU Student.  Then use unify credentials to log in. The Windows environment will show up.  Search for Word, Excel, or Access, they will show.  Thundercloud is a remote server that provides a Windows environment.  You may use Thundercloud to do your Access (and/or Word, Excel) assignments.

·         How long will a person take to finish a training depends on individual differences.  The good thing about the training is that you don't have to finish it at one time.  Some people split the training into several portions and finish them at different times.  You may do them according to your own pace at the choice of your time, therefore it’s very flexible.

·         Each component on MyLab IT is set up with a due day.  You need to keep up with the due day because you will have a lot of material to go through.  My recommendation is to do all components as soon as possible, when you have time.  Don’t do them at the last minute.

·         The Python tutorial is on https://www.w3schools.com/python/default.asp; the Python quiz, on D2L.

·         As to Python, it involves studying the tutorial about Python programming and taking a quiz on GeorgiaView/D2L. on D2L.

·         All in all, there are a lot of materials. Therefore, keeping up with everything is very important.  I would not recommend any procrastination. If you must do your work off-campus, making sure the Internet connection is good. I would not accept any excuse for a poor Internet connection.

·         Any newest info will be posted on D2L under “Announcements”.

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 ACADEMIC HONESTY:

MyLab IT has the capabilities of identifying cheating with all the detail evidences. The integrity of students is a critical component of the academic process.  All written work submitted in this course must be individual work. The submission of another’s work as one’s own is plagiarism and will be dealt with using the procedures outlined on the Undergraduate Catalog. You may view the GCSU code of conduct online.

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TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE:

1st Part  (08/19/2024 - 09/10/2024)    Technology in Action (Pieces of Training and quizzes)

2nd Part (09/11/2024 - 10/03/2024)    MS-Excel (Pieces of Training and assessments)

3rd Part  (10/04/2024 - 10/29/2024)    MS-Access (Pieces of Training and assessments)

4th Part  (10/30/2024 - 11/22/2024)    Python (Tutorial and quiz)

5th Part  (11/23/2024 – 12/09/2024)    Wrap-up, finishing up late assignments.

CLASS ENDS ON Dec. 09, 2024 (Nothing will be accepted after the end of the term on Dec. 09, 2024)

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SET UP/GET ACCESS TO PEARSON MYLAB IT FROM D2L

 (Make sure you don’t use the private mode of a web browser, and you have set up the web browser correctly. If you are not able to create your Mylab IT account.  Students should follow recommended browser settings for their preferred browser to work with Pearson webpages. Here's the link for the steps: https://support.pearson.com/getsupport/s/article/Browser-Settings?p=recommended-browser-settings%2Frecommended-browser-settings")

Get access Steps:

1.      Sign into GerogiaView/D2L and select the course “Intro to Computer Sci Appl Section 12, Fall 2024.

2.      Next, do the following:

·         Select Pearson module and link (MyLab IT) under Content Browser, then

·         Select Pearson MyLab IT, and then

·         Follow the prompt.

3.      If you're new to MyLab and Mastering products, select create and complete the required fields to create an account.

4.      If you've used MyLab or Mastering before, enter your existing Pearson account username and password to sign in.

5.      If you've used Pearson Revel before you may still need to create a new account.

6.      Select one of the available access options:

·         Enter a prepaid access code from the bookstore.

·         Use a credit card or PayPal to purchase instant access.

7.      Select Open MyLab & Mastering to view your MyLab or Mastering course.

 

We recommend you always enter your MyLab IT through D2L.

 

Need Help? Go to Pearson Support

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REQUIRED SYLLABUS STATEMENTS

·         https://www.gcsu.edu/required-syllabus-statements-registrar

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Note:

08/23/2024                  @ 5pm, Drop/Add Deadline without any record

10/14-15/2024             Fall Break

10/17/2024                  The last day to drop a course or withdraw from all courses with a W grade (unless previously assigned an F by the instructor or if the maximum number of dropped courses has been exceeded)

11/27-29/2024             Thanksgiving Holidays (No classes, campus closed)

12/09/2024                  The last day of classes