Syllabus
Information Management Systems
Instructor:  Diane Bennett

Course Description:

This course examines the use of microcomputers for business and personal use. Students study the Windows 98 IBM Operating System using Microsoft Office Professional 2000 (word processing (Word), database systems (Access), spreadsheets (Excel), multimedia presentations (Powerpoint), and desktop publishing, networking, internet, e-mail, and telecommunications concepts. Critical thinking skills and hands-on activities are used to develop end-user computing skills. For more information on courses, see our website at http://www.wcschools.com/mjhs

Credit

One unit of credit is granted for successful completion of the objectives of this course. Students must have had or are currently enrolled in keyboarding, typewriting, or a personal typewriting course for at least one semester.

Approved Fee:

The Wilson County Board of Education has approved a fee of $10 for this course to cover consumable expenses incurred in the classroom such as computer paper, disks, paper clips, staples, etc. Please arrange to have this submitted to me by the first 1-2 weeks of school or make arrangements for a date soon thereafter.

Textbook:

Microsoft Office 2000, Introductory Course (by Pasewark & Pasewark) South-Western Educational Publishing (http://www.swep.com)  

Instructor:

Diane Bennett, Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Education, MTSU, 1974 and 1980. Additional courses in computing at Nashville Tech, Volunteer State and Athena Computer Learning Center. Four years work experience in business and computer industry. Lifetime resident of the Mt. Juliet community. Twenty four years at Mt. Juliet Sr. High. Classroom phone: 758-8511. Planning period daily during 3rd  block.

Personal/Career Goals and Outcomes:

The primary career/vocational goal of this course is to provide students with information and practical hands-on application to work with computer hardware and software for problem-solving activities related to developing computer literacy. As a result of successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated the ability to operate the IBM computer system and to use software for specific computer applications as well as possess the knowledge and skills to achieve maximum development as citizens and workers in any technological environment.

Methods of Assessment:

Assessment of the course outcome is accomplished through four methods. The first is by written examinations. These exams--which cover skills achieved, lecture material, class discussion, textbook reading material, etc.--may include true/false, short answer, fill-in-the-blank, essay, and multiple choice questions. The second method of assessment is by computer lab assignments which the student is to perform during normal class hours. Students are encouraged to seek help if needed. The grading scale for this class follows the school policy scale as discussed in the MJHS Student Handbook. Since students are encouraged to manage work and leisure time, extra credit work is available for students who have demonstrated a willingness to complete normally assigned classwork. Extra credit work is not allowed for those who have not completed in-class assignments or because of excessive unexcused absences or consistently poor use of class time. The third and fourth method of assessment is the student’s record of attendance as established by the Wilson County Board of Education (20%) and the student’s performance on the final exam.

Attendance and Use of Class Time:

Attendance and wise use of class time are extremely important to productivity and successful completion of this course. Excessive absences will create a problem toward the timely completion of assigned computer projects and/or written examinations and usually results in poor performance. Poor use of class time while present makes it difficult to meet deadlines and project due dates.

Computer Trust Agreement:

A signed Computer Trust Agreement is to be signed and on file with the student's 1st period teacher at the beginning of the school year. Until then students will receive these guidelines verbally and be expected to abide by them as a condition of continued use of the provided equipment.

Student Conduct:

The discipline program of both the school and this classroom teacher attempts to establish a climate indicative of an academic facility which is well-disciplined and concentrates on academic tasks. Disruptive conduct will not be tolerated. The instructor reserves the right to remove a disruptive student from the company of other students in order to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning. Students who refuse to do assigned class projects will be allowed to remain in the classroom but will be removed from the lab area and will receive a zero on the work assigned.

Lab Availability:

Ample class time will be given for computer projects; however, some students need or want additional computer lab time for extra credit projects or to meet current project deadlines. Deadlines are extremely important in meeting overall objectives. The lab will be available before and/or after school per an announced schedule developed early in the term. Students must schedule an appointment to receive this opportunity, but there is no cost involved.

Policies and Procedures:

A separate document is signed and is on file in the classroom regarding class rules and consequences which also includes information about make-up work for excused absences. Overall school policies and procedures are discussed in the MJHS Student Handbook distributed to each student as they entered school for this year.

Parent/Community Involvement:

Parents and community leaders are encouraged to visit, observe, and become a part of classroom activities. Announcements of opportunities in the work world periodically are coordinated with students.