Course Syllabus

CGS2100C (all sections):  COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS FOR BUSINESS
COURSE SYLLABUS
Summer 2021

Course Instructor: 

You have both a Lecture Instructor (Instructor of Record) and a student LAB Instructor assigned to your course section.  All instructors' names and their contact information, are listed on the “Instructors'  page" in Webcourses.

Instructor of Record for this course (all sections) is Dr. Reza (Ray) Aria and could be reached at (reza.aria@ucf.edu).

Welcome!
This web-assisted course explores how computers and information technology are used in business enterprises and introduces students to popular office productivity tools including presentation graphics, spreadsheet, and database applications.

University Catalog Course Description
CGS 2100C – Computer Fundamentals for Business:  Uses of computers and software in business, including business applications, commercial packages, and the Internet.  Not open to Computer Science majors.

UCF General Education Program Requirements
CGS 2100C satisfies your GEP Mathematical Foundations 2 requirement and is a required course for many undergraduate majors.

Course Overview
This course is designed to teach undergraduate business majors general information technology concepts and office productivity software applications.  Knowledge and skills gained in this course will be applied in other upper division courses to evaluate processes, solve problems, and formulate strategies for business enterprises.  The assignments in this course have been selected to present you with an overview of computers and information technology in today’s digital age.  These assignments provide valuable hands-on experience using current presentation graphics, spreadsheet, and database applications.  The course also contains an Internet technology component which will prepare you for other Internet-driven coursework that you’ll encounter during your academic career at UCF.

Student Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand and recall the meaning of basic computer terminology and general information technology concepts
• Identify and understand the functions of various computer hardware components and peripheral devices
• Understand the uses of information technology to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and decision-making in business enterprises
• Recognize the importance of computer and Internet security and privacy issues
• Understand the ethical, legal, and social issues related to Information Technology
• Perform essential business tasks including creating presentations, spreadsheets, and databases using popular office productivity application software

Enrollment Requirements
Having access to a properly functioning computer, a reliable internet connection, Google Chrome web browser,  basic computer keyboarding skills, and familiarity using MS Windows,  are required for this course.  You should also know how to navigate to a website and access your Knights Email account.  If you do not have any of the above-mentioned requirements, you may find it difficult (or even impossible) to keep up with the course material and assignments.

• Important note for Mac users: Unfortunately, MS Access software doesn't work on Mac. So you need a Windows PC if you need to run MS Access. However, don't worry, you may take the MS Access Exam on Mac, since it is simulated and hardware/OS independent.  

Course Credits
3 semester hours

Required Course Materials and Resources

• Connect with LearnSmart without eBook for Tedmon: Investigating Technology, 1e

• SIMnet for Office 365/2019, Nordell SIMbook, Office Suite  

Students are expected to have (purchase) all the required course materials by start of the second week of the semester.  No assignment extensions or makeup opportunities will be provided to students who fail to submit assignments because they do not have the required course materials.

Note: this course is participating in the First-day Access program, and you may just opt-in to that program on the course material tab, so you have a discount on the material as well as consistent access throughout the semester.

Basis for Final Grade
The final grade you earn in this course will be determined by your performance in the following areas and weighted as shown below:

1. IT Concepts Assessments: 3 assessments demonstrating your understanding of the  IT Concepts topics will be administered online using Connect.
2. Independent Projects: 8 projects demonstrating your proficiency using Microsoft Office 2019 applications will be administered online using SIMnet.
3. SIMnet Exams: 4 mini-exams demonstrating your proficiency using Microsoft Office 2019 applications will be submitted online using SIMnet.
4. Attendance:  Please see the attendance section.

 

Course Component	Percentage of Final Grade		Final Grade	Percentage Earned
3  IT Concepts Assessments	30%		A	90.00% - 100.00%
8  Independent  Projects	36%		B	80.00% - 89.99%
4   Mini-Exams	34%		C	70.00% - 79.99%
			D	60.00% - 69.99%
TOTAL PERCENTAGE	100%		F	<60.00%
			This course does not use + or - grading. Note: there will be absolutely no round ups.

 Method of Instruction

This course is offered as an On-campus (0V01) or fully online (0W61) sections.

Note: You may look in my.ucf.edu to find out which section you are in.

On-campus Section (0V01):

You will have only one orientation session online lecture at the beginning of the semester. The rest of the semester will merely be teaching labs. Almost two third of your learning will take place in your weekly teaching labs with up to 30 students, lead by a lab instructor. The teaching labs are done in BlendFlex mode, meaning that you may either participate online or in-person. Teaching labs are not Mandatory, but very useful for learning.

the remaining one-third of your learning will take place online, using the Connect software.  All assignments have posted absolute due dates and your workload is identical to a traditional college course that meets on campus for 3 hours each week during a regular 15-week academic semester.

Fully Online (Web) Section (0W61):
You will have only one orientation session online lecture at the beginning of the semester. Otherwise, this is a 100% online section. This section is appropriate for highly self-motivated students with strong computing skills who are able to learn independently with limited instructor feedback.  All of your learning activities will take place on the SIMnet website.  Even though this section never meets on campus, you are still required to meet posted due dates and complete the same amount of work as a traditional college course that meets on campus for 3 hours each week during a regular 15-week academic semester.

Virtual Open Lab (VOL):

Regardless of your section, you may use our Virtual Open Lab (VOL), if you have any questions or concerns about the course, assignments, etc. at anytime during the VOL's operation's hours. The VOL is always your first stop for any questions.

Course Website
All official course information will be posted in Webcourses.

Connect & SIMnet Website
Both Connect and SIMnet website is accessed through the Modules tab in Webcourses.

Important Dates
The CGS2100 Course Summary (Calendar) with assignment due dates is available at the bottom of the Syllabus in Webcourses.

Email & Messaging
Throughout the course, your lecture and lab instructors may contact you through your official UCF Knights Email account.  The best way for you to contact your instructors is through your Knights email account.  If you have questions or concerns about lecture topics or your IT Concepts Assessment grades, email your lecture instructor.  If you have questions about your SIMnet Projects or Microsoft Assessments and grades, please contact your LAB Instructor.

Important note: Do not use Webcourses messeges. The instructor may not see it. Use your knights email only.

Your email messages should:

• Be brief and to the point
• Contain the full email thread, otherwise the instructor will not / cannot respond
• Ask specific questions which have not already been answered in class or on the course website
• Include your full name, course number, lecture section, and lab section in the subject line since instructors teach multiple sections.

Controversial Content Disclaimer
Throughout this course, you may be exposed to a variety of multimedia content available in the public domain including websites, podcasts, and videos which were created and produced by unaffiliated third parties.  Some of the multimedia content may contain controversial topics, adult themes, and explicit language intended for mature audiences.  The views expressed in the multimedia content are those of the content producers and do not necessarily reflect the views of your instructor or the university.  If you find any of the course multimedia content objectionable, please inform your lecture instructor.  You will be excused from viewing the objectionable content and may be assigned an alternate lesson to complete.

Disclaimer Statement
CGS2100C is designed to teach and evaluate your individual knowledge, skills, and abilities using computers and office productivity applications.  There are no group or team projects in this course and no interactive discussions.  If this is not the type of learning environment you desire, you should select a different course to meet your GEP Mathematical Foundations 2 requirement.  As many factors affect the development and progress of a course, your lecture instructor reserves the right to alter this syllabus as may become necessary to assure attainment of the stated course objectives.  Lab instructors do not have the authority to change any course policies, due dates, or requirements stated in this syllabus or on the course website.  If you receive conflicting information, the information contained in the syllabus located in Webcourses will prevail.  Your enrollment in this course signifies your acceptance and agreement with all policies contained in this syllabus.

Course Policies

Fairness Policy:
To ensure the success of UCF students upon graduation and to maintain the academic reputation of the university, it is critical that your lecture instructor maintains the academic integrity of this course. Please understand that all students must earn grades using the same criteria in order to maintain integrity and provide a level of fairness to all students enrolled in the course.  Unfortunately, it is not possible to grade students using different criteria based on what they are experiencing in their personal lives.  While your lecture instructor is always willing to talk to you and to advise you through difficult times, it would not be fair to your fellow classmates, many of whom are going through or have gone through similar situations, to make grading exceptions for one student based on their current life situation.

Make-up Exams and Assignments Policy:
Makeups will only be considered in the case of an extreme personal emergency or if there is a technology issue that affects all students enrolled in the course.  Your lecture instructor has sole discretion in determining what constitutes an extreme personal emergency and what type of documentation you will need to provide.

Assignment Submission Policy:
All Assessments and Projects are available to you starting on the first day of the semester.  Each Assessment and Project has an absolute due date that is at least one week after all the material necessary to complete that Assessment or Project has been covered.  You have the entire time from the first day of the semester until the posted due date to complete and submit each Assessment or Project.

You may submit each Assessment or Project up to 3 times BEFORE the absolute due date to improve your score.  The highest score you receive on each Assessment or Project submitted prior to the due date will be used in calculating your overall course grade.  Failing to submit an Assessment or Project by the posted due date will result in a zero score for that Assessment or Project.

You are solely responsible for ensuring that the computer and Internet connection you are using is reliable and compatible with SIMnet and Webcourses.  You are strongly encouraged to complete and submit your Assessments and Projects at least 3 days in advance of the posted absolute due dates to allow yourself time to get assistance if you encounter problems.  Technical problems with your computer or Internet connection are not considered valid excuses for failing to submit an Assessment or Project by the posted due date.

You may complete this course from any location Worldwide using a compatible computer and browser with a reliable Internet connection.  All assignment due dates and times posted are based on U.S. Eastern Time.  If you are working from another time zone, you are solely responsible to ensure your assignments are submitted on-time.

Extra Credit Policy:
There is no extra credit available in this course.

Grade Disputes Policy:
Assessments and Projects are automatically graded and your scores are recorded to your Webcourses Grades page within 24 hours of submission (it usually happens immediately).  SIMnet is extremely accurate in grading your Assessments and Projects.  If you believe that your grade on an Assessment or Project is inaccurate, you should first review your SIMnet score report which will explain where points were deducted.  You should correct those errors in your work and resubmit your work prior to the due date.  After reviewing your SIMnet score report, if you are certain that your Assessment or Project was incorrectly graded, you should contact your LAB Instructor no later than one week (one-week rule) after the assignment due date. Any request after the mentioned one-week rule will be automatically rejected/ignored. 

If you are unable to resolve the grade issue with your own LAB Instructor, you should report the situation to your lecture instructor immediately.  Students reporting a grade dispute who are found to have misrepresented the facts (for example, stating they submitted an Assessment or Project when they never did) will be referred to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for disciplinary action.

Attendance/Participation Policy (for on-campus sections only):

Students who regularly attend and participate during the labs typically have the best academic performance in this course. Attending the labs is not mandatory though.

Withdrawal Policy:
You may withdraw from this course through the Student Self Service Center on myUCF at any time until the Withdrawal Deadline and receive a “W”.  After this date, the lecture instructor will assign a final course grade based upon your academic achievement in the course.  Before withdrawing from any UCF course, you should consult with your academic advisor since withdrawing may affect your financial aid and/or scholarship eligibility.

Expected Student Conduct Policy:
UCF is dedicated not only to the advancement of knowledge and learning but also is concerned with the development of responsible personal and social conduct.  By enrolling at UCF, you assume the responsibility for becoming familiar with and abiding by The Golden Rule “Rules of Conduct.”  You are expected to be courteous and respectful to each other and to the instructor in class, personal conversations, emails, and online postings.  Violation of any course policies or UCF rules may lead to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from UCF.  Disciplinary action could include being withdrawn from the class, disciplinary warning, probation, suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate and authorized actions.

Recording Devices Policy:
Audio, video, or image capture devices are not permitted to be used in the classroom without obtaining prior written consent from your lecture instructor.  If written consent has been obtained, you agree to utilize the recordings solely for the purpose of studying for this course and to delete all recordings at the conclusion of the course.  You agree not to sell, share, forward, or post the recordings to any person, entity, or Internet site.  If you violate this policy, you will be removed from the course, receive an “F” grade for the course, and be referred to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for additional disciplinary sanctions.  If you are found to have violated this policy after final course grades have been posted, you will still be held accountable for your actions and you will be referred to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for disciplinary sanctions.

Course Materials Policy:
All information contained in the textbook, on the course website, and in SIMnet is the Intellectual Property of its rightful owner (publisher, Instructor, or UCF).  You agree not to sell, share, forward, or post this information to any person, entity, or Internet site without the explicit written consent of the rightful owner.  If you violate this policy, you will be removed from the course, receive an “F” grade for the course, and be referred to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for additional disciplinary sanctions.  If you are found to have violated this policy after final course grades have been posted, you will still be held accountable for your actions and you will be referred to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for disciplinary sanctions.

Academic Integrity and Zero Tolerance Policy: 
The Center for Academic Integrity (CAI) defines academic integrity as a commitment, even in the face of adversity, to five fundamental values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. From these values flow principles of behavior that enable academic communities to translate ideals into action.  http://www.academicintegrity.org/icai/assets/FVProject.pdf (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

UCF Creed: Integrity, scholarship, community, creativity, and excellence are the core values that guide our conduct, performance, and decisions.

1. Integrity: I will practice and defend academic and personal honesty.
2. Scholarship: I will cherish and honor learning as a fundamental purpose of my membership in the UCF community.
3. Community: I will promote an open and supportive campus environment by respecting the rights and contributions of every individual.
4. Creativity: I will use my talents to enrich the human experience.
5. Excellence: I will strive toward the highest standards of performance in any endeavor I undertake.

UCF is committed to promoting a culture of academic integrity where faculty and students work together to meet our personal, professional, and social responsibilities.  A degree from UCF is only valuable to the extent it reflects valid assessments of student learning.  Misrepresenting your learning on tests, projects, reports, or papers invalidates your grades and tarnishes the credibility of UCF.  This course employs a Zero Tolerance Policy regarding academic dishonesty.  UCF has established guidelines that instructors are required to follow in the event a student is suspected of violating the Rules of Conduct contained in the UCF Golden Rule.  All students enrolled in this course are required to read and understand this university policy before starting work on any graded assignment in this course.

Q:         What is considered academic dishonesty in this course?

A:         Academic dishonesty is not only viewed as cheating on an exam.  Students may be held liable for academic dishonesty if they do not complete assignments on their own.  In other words, anything you submit for a grade should be entirely created by you.  There are no team projects in this course so collaborating with other students on your assignments is considered a violation of the Golden Rule.  If another student copies, adds to, deletes from, or modifies your file in any way, it is considered a violation of the Golden Rule and your instructor will initiate disciplinary action against you.  A word of advice:  Never allow another student to touch your computer while you are working on an assignment.  In addition, never leave your assignments (whether open on the computer desktop or saved on a flash drive or a hard disk) where they are accessible to another student.  Do not save your assignments to the computer desktop, or the C: drive in any public access lab.  Finally, always remember to take your flash drive with you and log off of the computer when leaving the lab to ensure that no other students can retrieve your file without your knowledge.  If a student copies an assignment from another student, even without the student’s permission or knowledge, both students may be held liable.  You are ultimately responsible for guarding your own work from theft by others.

Q:         What happens if you are accused of academic dishonesty?

A:         Allegations of academic dishonesty will first be brought to the attention of your Lecture Instructor.  Your Lecture Instructor will review the evidence and contact you to inform you of the alleged violation.  You will have an opportunity to respond in defense including hearing from other persons with knowledge of the situation involving your alleged behavior.  Consequences are determined on a case-by-case basis and may range from an academic action to recommendation for disciplinary action by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.  The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities can impose additional disciplinary actions (community service, probation, suspension, expulsion) beyond the academic actions imposed by your Lecture Instructor.  No action will be taken unless the allegations are supported by evidence deemed sufficient by your Lecture Instructor.  If your Lecture Instructor imposes an academic action, a report documenting the incident and the academic action taken will be submitted to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.  Should the student feel the allegations are unjust, the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities provides a process that must be followed for grade appeals.

Q:         After taking this course, is it still considered academic dishonesty if I give my assignments to another student?

A:         Yes.  Even if you successfully completed this course, you are still responsible for your work (assignments, projects, etc.).  Previous students found to have involvement with a current academic dishonesty case will be referred directly to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities with a recommendation for disciplinary action.  This action will most likely result in suspension or expulsion from the University of Central Florida.  In short, giving your old coursework to another student will subject you to disciplinary action.

Zero Tolerance Policy I understand that I am enrolled in a course that enforces a Zero Tolerance Policy regarding the misuse of computing and telecommunications resources.  I will be liable for violating the Zero Tolerance Policy if I use any form of Academic Dishonesty, show disrespect towards others (rude or inappropriate behavior, comments, or emails), use profanity, or access pornographic media using a university computer or network.  I accept full responsibility for the actions of any person violating the Zero Tolerance Policy while using my student email or network account.  I understand sending any assignment to another student, regardless of intention, is considered a violation of the Zero Tolerance Policy and the UCF Golden Rule.  I will not use the computing and telecommunications resources for this course for personal financial gain.  I understand a report of misuse of computing and telecommunications resources in this course may subject me to disciplinary action by the University of Central Florida.

 

SIMnet has excellent built-in plagiarism detection.  Each SIMnet Project requires you to download a template starting file from your private SIMnet account.  You then edit the template file, save your changes, and upload your updated file back to your private SIMnet account so it can be scored.  When you download the template starting file, SIMnet embeds hidden encrypted codes in your file that indicates that the file was originally downloaded from your private SIMnet account.  SIMnet is also able to detect if a portion of your file was copied and pasted from another file.

YOU SHOULD NEVER GIVE A COPY OF YOUR TEMPLATE STARTING FILE TO ANOTHER STUDENT for any reason!  If you do, and the other student renames and uploads the file to their own SIMnet account, SIMnet will permit it to upload but SIMnet will also send a notification that the uploaded file originally came from your account.  Both students are considered guilty of academic dishonesty...even if it only involved sharing the unaltered template starting file.  I FAIL students in the course with the "Z" indicator to show they cheated and refer the students to Student Rights and Responsibilities. In addition to receiving a "ZF" grade indicating academic dishonesty permanently noted on your transcript, Student Rights and Responsibilities will determine additional sanctions which could include expulsion, suspension, or completion of a plagiarism workshop.

Computer Use Policy:
Use of computers in the lab is restricted to those activities designated by the lab instructor to enhance the course material.  Any other use is strictly forbidden.  Inappropriate use includes, but is not limited to:

• Use of computer to send email or to access Internet sites not specifically assigned for this course
• Use of computer for job, internship, homework, or other activities not assigned for this course
• Modifying any hardware or software system configuration or setting
• Activities not in accordance with The Golden Rule’s “Student Code of Conduct”

Use of computers in the department computer labs (HEC 308, ENG1-187, ENG1-188) is limited to activities involved with preparing homework or coursework for this department and is subject to the same restrictions as listed above.

Computer use is remotely monitored.  Any student using computers inappropriately may be subject to dismissal from the lab section or the department computer labs.  Subsequent offenses may be sent to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for disciplinary sanctions.

Chain of Command:
It is important for us to be able to respond to your questions and concerns in a timely manner.  For this reason, we ask you to address your concerns to the appropriate person, as indicated below.  Please be sure to include your full name, CGS2100, and your lecture and lab section number in your email subject line.

• Problems with lab grades  (SIMnet Projects and Exams) should be directed to your LAB Instructor first. If a resolution is not reached, then your next person to contact is Head Lab Instructor. If at this stage the resolution is not reached, then your final  move is to contact your Lecture Instructor (Instructor of Record).
• Problems with SIMnet website should be reported to your lab instructor.
• Problems regarding the course content in Webcourses should be reported to your lab instructor.
• Problems with IT Concepts Assessment grades should be reported directly to your Lecture Instructor.
• Problems with your final course grade should be reported to your Lecture Instructor.

Student Responsibilities and Tips for Success:
Contrary to many students’ beliefs, instructors do not gain any personal satisfaction from watching you struggle with assignments or fail a course.  The learning process requires a serious commitment of your time and focused attention to be successful.  Your instructors are dedicated to provide as much assistance to you as possible while ensuring the same standards and level of fairness are applied to every student enrolled in the course.  To assist you in studying for this course, you are expected to:

1. Read all the information posted in Webcourses including the entire syllabus. Your enrollment in this course signifies your acceptance and agreement with all policies contained in this syllabus.
2. Immediately notify your Lecture Instructor, in case you notice any type of discrepancy (e.g. syllabus, announcements, etc.), and ask for clarification.
3. Check your Knights Email account at least once every two days (48 hours). Your instructor considers you officially notified 48 hours after sending you an email.
4. Check Webcourses at least once every two days (48 hours) for newly posted announcements and grades. After an announcement or grade has been posted for 48 hours, your instructor holds you accountable for having read the updated information.
5. Check your grades in Webcourses regularly and email grade disputes to the correct instructor no later than one week after the assignment due date.
6. Read the SIMnet Project instructions carefully before starting on each project and ask your LAB instructor any questions you may have about SIMnet Projects well in advance of the posted due date.
7. Submit your SIMnet Projects according to the assignment instructions. Do NOT email your assignments to your lab or lecture instructors as they will not accept or grade them.
8. Run the SIMnet System Check regularly to check your computer and browser settings to ensure they are configured correctly.
9. Keep track of Assessment and Project due dates and plan your schedule to allow you to complete and submit them at least 3 days in advance of the posted absolute due dates.
10. Keep backup copies of all assignments until any grade disputes have been resolved and the UCF Registrar has posted your final course grade.
11. Promptly notify your Lecture Instructor by email if you encounter an unanticipated extreme personal emergency that prevents you from completing an Assessment or Project by the due date. Technical problems with your computer or Internet connection are never considered extreme personal emergencies.
12. Uphold the UCF Creed and maintain your personal integrity by avoiding any activities that might be construed as academic dishonesty by your instructors.

 

Policy Statements