DESCRIPTION OF COURSE
This workshop presents an introduction to the use of computer hardware, software, and connectivity in a business environment. Software including spreadsheet modeling, database management, groupware, and
Internet tools is covered. Students gain an understanding of computer capabilities and limitations, and the appropriate use of information technology in domestic and global environments.
REQUIRED TEXTS
Discovering Computers, Fundamentals: Your Interactive Guide to the Digital World, 8th Edition,
2012, Shell and Vermaat, Cengage Learning, ISBN-978-1-111-53045-7
New Perspectives: Microsoft Access 2010, Brief, Adamski – Finnegan, Cengage Learning,
ISBN-978-0-538-79849-5
New Perspectives: Microsoft Excel 2010, Brief, Carey, Parsons, Oja, and Ageloff, Cengage
Learning, ISBN-978-0-538-74292-4
REQUIRED SOFTWARE: Microsoft Office 2010 is available to registered Hofstra students at no cost. NOTE: Additional materials may be assigned during the semester. A Blackboard site has been established for the course. It is your responsibility to check the Blackboard website for the latest course information and assignments. Course outline, assignments, class material, and any special announcements are generally available on this site.
DELIVERY METHOD
This online workshop will be conducted mainly using Blackboard as the “Learning Management
System”. You may have taken other “distance learning” course(s) previously, or you may experience this method for the first time. In any case, although you may already have experience with the use of
Blackboard elsewhere, please note the following important points:
1. The entire workshop will be taught online. There is no physical classroom to attend. All materials, except for the assigned textbooks listed on page one, will be delivered online through Blackboard. The instructor’s office hours will also be virtual.
2. You need to regularly use and rely on your Hofstra GMail as one of the major modes of communication with the instructor and other students. Only emails from the Hofstra.edu email system will be accepted. Please visit www.hofstra.edu/G for detailed information on using your Hofstra Gmail.
3. You are expected to actively participate in the discussion board and frequently post your findings, questions, comments/response to other participant’s postings, etc. Your course grade is partially based on your participation in the discussion board.
4. Based on my personal experience using the Blackboard and on what I have learned from other users, it is compatible with a variety of machines and platforms to a certain degree. If you are using a PC with Windows operating system and Firefox browser, most likely you will not have problems using various features of the Blackboard from downloading assignment files to taking exams on-line. To avoid experiencing any predicaments, I strongly recommend that you call 516-463-7777 (help desk) to find out about potential compatibility issues regarding the specific machine, operating system, and the Internet browser you are using. Also, please visit Student Computing Services (SCS) site for information on troubleshooting: http://www.hofstra.edu/about/it/itscs/index.html. The instructor is not responsible for resolving technical issues.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
There is no physical
