CIS101 - Technology and Digital Literacy
3 Credit hours - 3 lecture, no lab
Prerequisite(s): None required
Course Rationale:
This course will teach students computer skills using computer application products from the business community, enabling the student to confidently work with these products. This course also focuses on teaching students how to be digitally literate citizens by introducing topics such as online safety and practical digital security.
Catalog Description:
This course provides an overview of digital literacy topics such as computer hardware, software, programming, security, safety, and information systems. This is a "hands-on" class learning to use the most common computer software programs and information resources facilities. This course provides a look at the structure and components of computers, their operating systems, and an introduction to various applications with emphasis on word processing, spreadsheet applications, presentation software, and Internet usage.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
Describe in some detail the various technical components of computers.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of the fundamental systems model as it relates to information systems.
Explain the role that computers play in contemporary society, including limits and uses, and critically evaluate the effect of computers on society.
Demonstrate an understanding of application software and their appropriate uses and productively use application software for word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and Internet applications.
Demonstrate an understanding of safe Internet usage practices in every-day scenarios.
Produce and analyze various forms of computer output.
Apply information literacy skills when researching digital literacy concepts and trends.
All course assignments and exams are closely aligned to, and assess the student's mastery of these core objectives.
Core Outcomes
In this course, students are introduced to key digital literacy concepts necessary for understanding life in our world of modern computing. Students completing this course should be able to perform the following:
Explain the role of technology in their personal life and in the professional world
Explain the impact of modern technology concepts of Internet of Things (IoT), embedded computing, artificial intelligence, and virtual/augmented reality
Describe the role of organizations in Internet Web Standards and key terminology for the Web
Demonstrate familiarity with various types of computer hardware components
Explain the pros and cons of different types of computers (mobile, tablets, desktop, etc…) and show they are an informed consumer
Explain the differences of modern operating systems and system software
Explain the impact of apps and how they are used in daily life
Demonstrate an understanding of current trends in app development
Explain the risks to computer security and safety
Describe the risks computing can have on physical, behavioral, and social health
Describe common cybersecurity attacks and how to protect systems from these attacks
Describe the methods, tools, and strategies associated with developing software
Describe the methods, tools, and strategies associated with developing websites
Discuss the key features of connected networks and how connections between networks are made.
Students are also introduced to concepts relating to application software for word processing, spreadsheet, and presentations. Students completing this course should be able to perform the following:
Perform introductory tasks in Microsoft Word relating to starting a document, navigating the software, and accessing basic functionality.
Describe the MLA documentation style for research papers and use the various functions of Microsoft Word to create a well-formatted research paper.
Discuss the function of an effective business document
Perform introductory tasks in Microsoft Excel relating to starting a spreadsheet, navigating the software, and accessing basic functionality.
Apply different types of formatting to spreadsheets
Perform various business operations using spreadsheets such as financial projections, what-if analysis, and using decision functions.
Perform introductory tasks in Microsoft PowerPoint relating to starting a presentation, navigating the software, and accessing basic functionality.
Describe the relationship between modern visually-oriented culture and effective presentation graphics
Test Out Requirements
Students who wish to demonstrate proficiency in this course will need to complete the CLEP exam for Information Systems
The college’s test out policy is outlined in policy 2.12 - Credit by Exam (Test Out)
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