(August 18, 2025 – Dec. 8, 2025)
Introduction to Computer Science
Applications
Course Syllabus
Professor: Dr. Yao
Email: jf.yao@gcsu.edu
Phone: (478)
445-5483
URL:
https://abacus2.gcsu.edu
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 308 (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):
10:50 AM – 12:20
PM, 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:
· GO!
2021 with Technology in Action -- MyLab IT with
Pearson eText Access Code
By alan evans; kendall
martin; mary anne poatsy
Edition : 18TH 24
Publisher : PEARSON CO
ISBN 13 : 8220144724378
· 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. This is the easiest and cheapest way.
2. MyLab IT access code can also be purchased at the GCSU bookstore.
o Do not
purchase the trial version, because it would not be enough and may cause
problems if you later purchase full access.
· Python Tutorial could
be accessed at https://www.w3schools.com/python/default.asp for free.
· 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
·
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
Technology in Action 30% (Training and Quizzes on MyLab IT)
Excel 35% (Training and Assessments on MyLab IT)
Python 35% (Learning on Website and Textbook;
Python exam on GeorgiaView/D2L, taking place at 8:00 AM on Nov. 20, 2025)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total
100%
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
· 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.
· The Fall semester starts on August 18, 2025. 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, CSCI1000-1 Fall 2025, 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 three components (Technology in Action, Excel, and Python), and the first two components (Technology in Action and Excel) 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. Here are the steps to download and install Office 365;
o go to portal.office.com
o click "apps" on the left
o click "install apps" in the top right-hand corner
o click "Microsoft 365 apps"
o click the "install office" button
o run the installer once the download has completed
o sign into the Office suite with GCSU credentials
· If you have any questions or need assistance with installing MS Office 365, please contact the GCSU IT Help Desk. (askIT@gcsu.edu or 478-445-7378.) <Back to Top>
· You may also use Office 365 on Thundercloud via a web browser by going to myGCSU and click on Thundercloud. Then use the GCSU credentials to log in. The Windows environment will show up in the browser window. Search for Excel, it will show. Thundercloud is a remote server that provides a Windows environment on a browser. You may use Thundercloud to do your Excel assignments. <Back to Top>
· 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. Although there is no late assignment penalty. However, You cannot access MyLab IT few hours prior to the midnight of Dec. 8, 2025.My recommendation is to do all components as soon as possible, when you have time. Don’t wait till the last minute.
· As to Python, it involves studying the tutorial about Python programming and taking an exam on GeorgiaView/D2L.
· The Python tutorial is on https://www.w3schools.com/python/default.asp; the Python exam, on D2L. All students must take the Python exam at the same time in class starting 8:00 AM, Nov. 20, 2025.
· All in all, the class only lasts about four weeks and there are a lot of materials. Therefore, keeping up with everything is very important. I would not recommend any vacation during the class session. If you must go on a vacation, 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”. You must check the D2L announcements on the regular basis. Make sure you are scrolling down the announcements to read all new message.
MyLab IT has the capabilities of identifying cheating with all the detail evidence. 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.
The introduction Thundercloud, OneDrive, Windows operations and file structures
The 1st trimester Technology in Action (Pieces of Training and quizzes)
The 2nd trimester MS-Excel (Pieces of Training and assessments)
The 3rd trimester Python (Tutorial and quiz)
CLASS ENDS ON Dec. 08, 2025 (Nothing will be accepted after the end of the term on
Dec. 08, 2025; MyLab IT cannot be accessed after Dec.
8. 2025 starting from few hours prior to midnight of Dec. 8, 2025)
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 1, Fall 2025”.
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
·
https://www.gcsu.edu/required-syllabus-statements-registrar
NOTE:
· Classes begin, Monday, Aug 18, 2025
·
Last day to add a course, Friday, Aug 22,
2025. 5:00 PM
· Fall break (No classes, campus open), Monday and Tuesday, Oct 13 and Oct 14, 2025
·
Last day to drop a course or withdraw from all
courses with a W grade (unless previously assigned an F by instructor or if the
maximum number of dropped courses has been exceeded), Thursday, Oct 16, 2025
· Thanksgiving holidays, Wednesday, Nov 26 - Friday, Nov 28, 2025
·
Last day of classes Monday, Dec 8, 2025
· Last
day to drop a course or withdraw from all courses with a WF grade (unless
previously assigned an F by instructor or if the maximum number of dropped
courses has been exceeded). WF grades are counted in the grade point average as
Fs.) Monday, Dec 8, 2025
Official syllabus site:
PDF version: