Course Outline Notes — Online Section B61 (Spring 2021)

Online course: Contact Center Productivity Applications, Section B61 (Spring 2021); Instructor: Les Graves
Contact: Les.graves@bc3.edu
Office hours: via email; typical response within $48$ hours; weekends may take longer
Primary aim: foster computer literacy with emphasis on productivity software
Course structure: predominantly hands-on (≈ two-thirds); topics include Windows OS, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, email, and web
Key focus: productivity software (Microsoft Office). Hardware, email, and web topics are foundational but less emphasis than Office apps
Tools: Blackboard for course content; Slack used for project embedding; LockDown Browser and webcam for certain exams

Prerequisites: Reading placement test (to ensure reading directions are understood)
Textbook: Do not buy a textbook; ebook included with software access code
Software access: Cengage Unlimited one-semester code recommended; other options (6 months, 2 years) exist for multi-class usage
Hardware/software needs: Access to a Windows computer; Mac users receive special setup instructions (remote Windows 10 via Citrix) for most tasks; Access database limited on Mac
Exams: LockDown Browser and webcam required for the “questions” portion; hands-on exams allow open-book/notes

Software: Cengage MindTap/SAM (three software components) with access codes
Platform: Blackboard; announcements with Mac-specific remote access instructions; LockDown Browser required for certain exams

Core subjects: Word (word processing), Excel (spreadsheets), PowerPoint (presentations), Access (database)
Other topics: Email (Outlook), Internet/web basics
General education outcome: Technological competence
Modules: Word, Excel, PowerPoint each have multiple modules; Access has fewer modules; Outlook covered as email tool

Week 1: Chapter on Internet/Web basics; Office 2016 basics; Windows 10
Word: ~2 weeks (3 modules)
Excel: ~2 weeks (3 modules)
Midterm exam: 1 week for exam and review
After midterm: hardware (Chapter on computers) and security
PowerPoint: ~2 weeks; second half of course project embedded (Word content → slides; include Excel chart)
Access: ~2 weeks (2 modules)
Outlook (email) and Apps & Tools: integrated through later weeks
Final: 1 week window during final exams week; two exams within that week

Total points: $1000$
Components:
- Exams: four parts total, $100$ points each, sum $400$
- Homework: MindTap/SAM: $400$
- Integrated course project: $100$
- Discussion questions (Blackboard): $100$
Grading thresholds:
- A: $900$ – $1000$
- B: $800$ – $899$
- C: $700$ – $799$
Late work: Not accepted
Exam formats:
- Midterm and final include a “questions” (LockDown Browser) portion and a hands-on portion (open-book/notes)
Integrity: Plagiarism policy in effect; penalties as specified

Attendance vs. time management: Online course relies on timely completion by due dates; no attendance credit
Communication: Professional tone in emails and discussions
Etiquette: Do not post disrespectful or off-topic content; treat others with respect; maintain professional communication
Changes: Instructor may update the outline via Blackboard announcements

Mac users: Special remote access setup provided via announcements and instructions
Windows access: Native/remote Windows environment for coursework
LockDown Browser: Required for select exams; webcam verification
Support: Email for questions; responses typically within $48$ hours on business days

Primary focus: Microsoft Office productivity suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) in a hands-on format
Total course points: $1000$ ; major components: $400$ (exams) + $400$ (homework) + $100$ (project) + $100$ (discussions)
Exams: four parts, 100 points each; one facility-based “questions” exam with LockDown Browser and webcam; hands-on parts open-book/notes
Tech requirements: Windows access; Mac workaround via remote desktop; LockDown Browser for certain assessments
Due date discipline and professional online conduct are essential for success