Course Intro Notes: Computer Literacy, Tools, Platforms, and Assessments

Course Overview and Platform Access

• Materials available online: all materials are hosted on Olaf Pai and via the course Canvas site. Expect announcements to outline weekly material and expectations.
• Announcements: used to remind students what material is coming next; occasional humorous notes about names (e.g., Miss Kobayzov, Miss Pitt) to illustrate the casual tone of updates.
• Course access and accounts:
  • Canvas is the primary learning management system for announcements, modules, and submissions.
  • You will interact with a TURO/TURL-based login and Moodle-like access via Canvas; Office 365 is integrated as widgets and via a direct login link when needed.
  • Direct MindTap (Cengage) access can be accessed via modules; the instructor notes that there are multiple pathways (module-based vs direct MindTap links) and recommends using the module path to avoid confusion.
• Instructors and support:
  • Yvette Gonzales is recommended as a computer tutor for this course.
  • If you need computer lab access, you can use campus labs; Chromebook users may require additional steps (Azure Virtual Machine) to run Windows.
• Communication and backups:
  • The instructor records sessions with YuJa as a backup for students who miss live sessions or lose voice during lectures.
  • Students are encouraged to communicate if they cannot attend class (email preferred); accommodations and makeup opportunities exist.

Hardware, Software, and Setup Requirements

• Preferred platform: Windows-based computer is strongly recommended; Macs are workable but can introduce some obstacles. The department prefers Windows to minimize issues.
• Essential hardware: reliable internet connection, a mouse (wireless recommended), webcam (built-in or external), and a microphone (often built-in).
• Software and access:
  • Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is provided; if you don’t have a full version, links are provided in the course outline/syllabus to obtain it for free.
  • If you have a Chromebook or limited local software, you may need to install Virtual Machine Azure to run Windows applications.
  • Students on DOE (Department of Education) devices may need alternatives; campus computer labs are suggested as a fallback.
• Mobile and cloud access:
  • Tablets or phones can be used to access eBooks and certain course materials; a Windows environment is still required for full functionality.

Course Description and Learning Outcomes

• Course type: Computer literacy and foundational computer concepts class.
• Topics covered: hardware, software, printers, Internet basics, and core Microsoft tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Learning outcomes:
  • Understand essential computer concepts and information literacy skills.
  • Learn to search the Internet effectively and responsibly (avoid uncritical reliance on social media).
  • Recognize input/output devices (monitors, printers) and operating systems.
  • Understand current OS trends (Windows 11 emphasized; historical references to Windows XP-era systems).
  • Consider how a smartphone behaves as a computer (updates reflect the broader concept of OS and software ecosystems).
• Projects and assessments:
  • In-class labs and hands-on trainings are complemented by book portions and projects.
  • A semester-long computer concepts project (and a separate “computer trends” project) will be assigned.
  • Examinations are scheduled, and the instructor emphasizes frequent small assessments to keep material fresh.
• Final exam: January 6 (date highlighted as a milestone).

Course Structure, Schedule, and Workload

• Duration: 15 weeks of material with a sequence that often combines book content and hands-on labs.
• Weekly rhythm: module content, in-class labs, trainings, and independent work. The instructor notes the schedule is not rigid and may be adjusted based on class progress.
• Typical sequence: trainings → book portions → projects → exams; some modules include a take-home component.
• Important time-bound items:
  • A take-home test for modules 4 and 6 is administered; a three-week window is provided for completion.
  • The due date for the modules 4 and 6 exam is September 30 (there is no class on September 23 or 24).
• Tutorials and extra resources:
  • YuJa hosting for recorded lectures and videos; MindTap (Cengage) as the primary digital content, with a simplified workflow recommended.
  • The Office 365 tools and MindTap content are integrated into Canvas via widgets/modules for easy access.

Assessments, Grading, and Policies

• Grading components and weights (as described):
  • Trainings: 7% of the final grade.
  • Examinations: 20% of the final grade (exams for modules 4 and 6; there may be makeups for missed exams).
  • Remaining components: book portions, projects, IR/IR activities, and other assessments; total adds to 100%.
  • Arrow Code: approximately 3% of the final grade for completing the Hour of Code activity.
• Hour of Code (Arrow Code) specifics:
  • Accessed via the course’s modules; includes a “Minecraft Voyage Aquatic” activity within the Studio Code pathway.
  • The activity consists of a 12-step sequence (with an optional shortcut path) to build a small coding project and earn a certificate.
  • Students personalize the certificate by entering their name, save the certificate as PDF, and upload it to Canvas as evidence of completion.
  • If students run into issues saving as PDF (Mac users, etc.), they can save as an image as a fallback; be sure to submit the correct file type on Canvas.
  • The instructor emphasizes not using the MindTap direct link and instead using the module-provided link to avoid disorganization.
• Computer concepts and module structure:
  • Modules 4 (Operating Systems and File Management) and 6 (Security and Safety) are covered in depth.
  • A take-home test for modules 4 and 6 is offered with a three-week window; passwords and access details will be communicated via announcements/email.
• Makeups and support:
  • Makeup exams are available if a student misses an exam, with the same exam content; the instructor notes this is not preferred but offered as a safety net.
  • The instructor emphasizes regular progress, with a policy that attempting work—even if imperfect—is valued over a complete zero.
• Additional guidance:
  • Completion of trainings is essential; missing many trainings will negatively affect grades.
  • Each assignment often allows multiple attempts (the highest grade counts).
  • The instructor keeps a running check on students’ progress and may share progress reports.

Academic Integrity, Classroom Etiquette, and Ethics

• Academic integrity policy (Canvas module):
  • No plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, tampering, or lying.
  • Academic honesty is strictly expected; copy-paste and misrepresentation of work is discouraged.
• Ethical and practical implications:
  • Use of AI tools (e.g., Copilot) requires careful, ethical application and proper attribution; the syllabus stresses information literacy and responsible use of AI.
  • Students should not rely on shortcuts that bypass the learning objectives; the instructor emphasizes building real skills through hands-on practice.

Tools, Platforms, and How to Use Them

• Canvas: primary LMS for course announcements, modules, and submissions.
• MindTap (Cengage): used for training modules, computer concepts content, and some assessments; avoid direct MindTap links when possible in favor of module navigation.
• Copilot (AI assistant): introduced for the computer trends project; students should learn to use it as a tool, not a substitute for understanding.
• Office 365 (Microsoft 365): access via Canvas widgets or a direct login link; students should use their TURL email address to access it.
• Azure Virtual Machine (Azura): used to run Windows software on Chromebooks or non-Windows devices; helps DOE teachers and Chromebook users access Windows-based tasks.
• YuJa: video hosting for recorded lectures and course content; instructors may post many videos for asynchronous learning.
• Hour of Code / Minecraft Studio Code: interactive coding activity pathway associated with a portion of the grade; includes steps, certificates, and submission.
• Direct login tips:
  • One-time signup/login flow for the MindTap direct link is used to activate accounts; activation codes are sent to internal emails; follow prompts to sign in and activate.
  • After activation, you should access content via Canvas modules rather than direct MindTap links for a smoother experience.

Tips and Best Practices for Success

• Stay on top of announcements; they outline weekly coverage and requirements.
• Keep a consistent study schedule across the 15 weeks; anticipate longer weeks when working on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint projects.
• Use the tutoring resources provided in the course for extra help; many tutorials are available for free.
• Plan for technical issues: keep the backup plan in place (recordings via YuJa, access to campus labs, Azure VM for Windows tasks).
• For assignments with multiple attempts, aim for a solid attempt early and then refine later; the highest score is counted.
• Communicate proactively with the instructor about any personal or technical barriers to attendance or submission.

Connections to Real-World Relevance

• Emphasis on information literacy and responsible Internet use aligns with workplace expectations for digital literacy and critical evaluation of sources.
• Foundational computer concepts map to everyday technology use: operating systems, basic software, file management, and security.
• The course bridges theory and practice through hands-on labs and projects that mimic real-world office tasks (document creation, data handling, presentations).
• The integration of AI tools (Copilot) reflects current industry trends and the need to use AI responsibly while maintaining skill development.

Key Dates and Quick References (from the transcript)

• Final exam date: T_{ ext{final}} = ext{January } 6
• Fifteen weeks total in the term: W = 15
• Module 4 & 6 exam take-home window: ext{Due date} = ext{September 30}
• No classes on: ext{Sept } 23, ext{Sept } 24 (calendar adjustments noted during the session)
• Arrow Code contribution to grade: w_{ ext{arrow}} = 0.03
• General weighting emphasis mentioned: trainings w{ ext{train}} = 0.07, exams w{ ext{exam}} = 0.20, with a total weighting summing to 1.0 across all components.
• Typical use of eBook and online resources to avoid purchasing a physical textbook; all materials are accessible online.
• Final reminders: communicate, attend, and complete trainings; three attempts allowed per assignment; be prepared for long hours when working on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint projects.

Quick Reference Formulas (LaTeX)

• Week count and final date:
  W = 15,\qquad T_{ ext{final}} = ext{January } 6
• Grade weights (illustrative):
  G = w{ ext{train}} imes S{ ext{train}} + w{ ext{exam}} imes S{ ext{exam}} + w{ ext{rest}} imes S{ ext{rest}},
  ext{ with } w{ ext{train}} = 0.07,\nw{ ext{exam}} = 0.20,
  w_{ ext{rest}} = 1 - (0.07 + 0.20) = 0.73.