COURSE SYLLABUS

CMPL 612: Advanced Software Tools 4 Credits, Online Spring Term 2010, April 12 - June 30 Holiday: Memorial Day, May 31 Last Updated: February 18, 2010

This is a project-oriented software applications course to help the student gain competency with advanced features of office productivity software and to introduce more advanced database application concepts.

CMPL 511 Software Tools or comparable prior learning or course work.

At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Use help files and substantial online resources to learn about new software features.
2. Produce a complex document with word processing software. The document will be characterized by:
   1. multiple chapters
   2. table of contents
   3. an index
   4. footnotes and endnotes
   5. tables
   6. mail merge
   7. clip art or other graphics
   8. use and development of a custom created template or style sheet
   9. use of hyperlinks to other sections in the document/project, to other documents as well as locations on the Web.
   10. change tracking and collaboration tools
   11. macros
3. Complete a complex project utilizing a spreadsheet (or perhaps two smaller projects each focusing on different aspects). The project(s) will include the following operations or features:
   1. multiple sections utilizing linked worksheets
   2. at least two types of graphs (chosen appropriately to the data being displayed)
   3. several formulas (both built-in functions and user-produced formulas)
   4. lookup tables
   5. pivot tables
   6. interactive web pages
   7. macros
   8. projects should include the use of the spreadsheet to do what if analysis.
4. Design and implement a small database. (Basic concepts of relational databases should be introduced/reviewed.) The database should include:
   1. well-designed and normalized data tables
   2. input forms including subforms for related tables
   3. queries, including single and multiple tables, parameter queries, outer joins and complex Boolean logic
   4. reports
   5. macros
   6. access interactive web pages
5. Integrate the output of at least two of the above tools to form a complete project.
6. Create a 2-page newsletter or its equivalent using Desktop Publishing either in a specific package such as MS Publisher or using the advanced features of MS Word. The Newsletter should contain columns, headlines, line art, clip art (or other drawing), word art, various type fonts and sizes and other features typically found in newsletters.
7. Use collaborative tools from the Office Suite and the Internet to facilitate collaboration in learning and productivity.

Textbook(s):

1. Gary B. Shelly, Misty E. Vermaat, Thomas J. Cashman, Microsoft Office 2007: Advanced Concepts and Techniques, ISBN (13 digit): 978-1-4188-4332-8 or ISBN (10 digit): 1-4188-4332-6 (both 13 and 10 digit ISBNs are the same book)

Textbooks are available via GSC's online bookstore, MBS Direct at: http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/gsc.htm (The course-CRN number for ordering this textbook is: CMPL612-30225). Textbooks can also be purchased from MBS via phone, mail or fax. For additional information, visit the Online Bookstore section of the college web site.

PLEASE NOTE: It is the learner's responsibility to have purchased all required course materials before the start of the course. Learners are expected to meet all course expectations even if the shipment of a required textbook or other learning resource is delayed. Be sure to choose the shipping option that will get your text/resource delivered in a timely manner.

Other Class Materials:

Computer Resources: Hardware and Software -

• Computer: A recent model computer which runs Windows 98 or later, or a comparable MAC (CD ROM drive is recommended). An email address is required in order for us to contact you in the event of technical difficulties affecting your course or our network. (You can use the one provided by GSC or provide an alternate email address.) You may also need access to a printer or fax machine.
  
  
• Application Software: MS Office Professional 2007

While MS Office comes in many versions, only Office Professional has all of the applications used in this course. Most Office versions do not include Microsoft Access. You can check www.utc.unh.edu/prices.shtml for software ordering information. Students may also purchase this software from a variety of academic software discount sites such as: www.academicsuperstore.com, www.journeyed.com and www.gradware.com.

The MS Ultimate Steal package has returned for students and is available thru 2010. You can purchase several MS programs including Office 2007 for $59.95. See details at http://bbresources.granite.edu/portal/MSOfficeUltimateSteal.pdf

• Web Access: You need to be able to reach the World Wide Web, either through a network at your place of business or through a modem connection from home. For detailed information on technical requirements and supported browsers, visit the OIC Requirements page (http://www.granite.edu/academics/online-programs/about-online-learning/technical-requirements.aspx) and the Getting Started page http://www.granite.edu/academics/online-programs/about-online-learning/).
  
  
• Adobe Acrobat Reader: (This can be downloaded for free at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html)

There are no face-to-face sessions for this course. If you have never taken an Online Interactive Course (OIC) at the college, we highly recommend that you attend one of the 2-hour Blackboard Orientation sessions available throughout the state. If you choose not to attend a face-to-face session, you are encouraged to complete the Online Orientation with audio at your own convenience.

Learners will demonstrate their learning through the following activities and assignments:

Participation
Discussion forums have been created for each module. You are to use these forums to either post questions on the week's homework project or to respond to project questions from your fellow students. You are expected to supply a minimum of one posting per week per homework project (again, this can be in the form of a question or a response). You may ask and respond to as many questions as you'd like. In addition, I have created discussion forums for each case study. Please use these forums to post and respond to each other's questions as they relate to the case study assignments for each application addressed in this course. There is no minimum posting count for the case study modules. They are strictly for your use and benefit. In all the forums, collaboration and the sharing of knowledge is encouraged. However, all module activities are to be completed individually. Participation is worth 15% of your grade.

Individual Assignments
Specifics on the individual assignments are provided within the course pages. Your individual work consists of reading, lecture notes, review questions, and completing your individual assignments for the week. Individual Assignments are worth 50% of your final grade. See the Assignment Rubric for grading criteria.

Real-World Case Studies
The students will complete the Cases and Places assignment at the end of each module. These will be submitted at the end of the four application units (Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint). More information about these projects can be found in the modules in which they are assigned. These Case Studies are worth 25% of your final grade.

Final Project
A final project that demonstrates how each application in Microsoft Office can be integrated to complete a problem will be completed by the student at the end of the course. The final project will be worth 10% of the student's final grade.

Your final grade for the course will be calculated as follows:

Activity	% of Final Grade
Participation	15%
Chapter Assignments	50%
Case Studies/Labs	25%
Final Project	10%
Total	100%

Granite State College has a Virtual Library (http://www.granite.edu/current-students/virtual-library/) available 24/7 with access to the full-text of thousands of journals and professional periodicals, an online Reference Room, selected Internet resources, writer’s resources, research and citation help, and a collection of tutorials. The databases are password protected.

See GSC Library tab in MyGranite for username and password. In addition, the Library Info link in the course menu provides direct links to research databases, Research FAQs and more.

Academic assistance to students is available at GSC Centers at no additional charge in such areas as basic skills preparation in reading, writing and math; study skills and research and citation help. Academic Resources staff members work closely with faculty and students toward academic success. A whole range of tools is available, including study and time management tips, APA and MLA citation assistance, access to learning resources online, and feedback on course writing projects. To contact an Academic Resource and Information Coordinator, see the Academic Resource Link on the Resources page in the course menu or go directly to http://bbresources.granite.edu/course_docs/acad_resources.htm.

For assistance with issues related to accessing the MyGranite portal, GSC email, Webrock, online courses or other technical issues related to any of the Blackboard tools, please visit the GSC Technical Assistance Center (http://bbresources.granite.edu/techassist/help.htm) for answers to the most frequently asked questions or to submit an online help request form. Or call 1-888-372-4270 (Hours: M-F, 8:30-5:00, messages checked twice daily on weekends. Extended hours for the week before start of the term and first week of the term: M-Th, 8:00-7:00.)

Granite State College will provide qualified individuals with disabilities the same educational opportunities available to persons without disabilities. When an individual's documented disability creates a barrier to educational opportunities, the College will attempt reasonable accommodation to remove the barrier. If you need assistance, we recommend that you make contact early to ensure that your requests can be reviewed prior to the start of each term. If you wish to apply for accommodations, contact your academic advisor or the Dean of Learner Services in Concord. See the complete Granite State College policy in the current college catalog for further details.

An academic community is based on honesty and integrity. Plagiarism, cheating, or other forms of academic dishonesty are not acceptable at Granite State College. Faculty and students have a joint responsibility to ensure the integrity of learning.

All work that you submit must be your own except in those instances when your instructor gives specific permission to collaborate. When quoting, summarizing or explaining ideas that are based on another's work, whether in print or online, make sure to cite references appropriately. Plagiarism is using another's words or even paraphrasing another's work without giving proper credit through the use of citations.

For Granite State College's complete academic honesty policy, see the current college catalog.

Membership in society implies minimal norms for civil behavior towards one another. It is Granite State College’s expectation that all members of our college community treat faculty, staff, and fellow learners with respect. Learners need to be knowledgeable of and comply with college policies. Each individual is accountable for his/her actions and for the consequences of any behavior that is inconsistent with these values and expectations.

Assessment is an ongoing process that enables the College to improve its programs, courses, and teaching methods. Institutional evaluation may be embedded in tests, exams, and other measurements of student learning. As members of a learning community, students, faculty, and staff will be expected to participate in the important process of assessment on occasion. Confidentiality of any data that identify participants is maintained.