Course Syllabus

 

Course Description

This course provides a hands-on introduction to office application software designed for computers and mobile devices. Topics include cloud applications, presentations, word processing, and spreadsheets.

Prerequisites: Basic computer skills are required.

 

Essential Objectives

By the end of the course, you will be able to: 

1. Demonstrate the ability to create, organize, and securely share files using local and cloud-based platforms, applying file management best practices across local and remote systems.
2. Apply primary features of word processing software to create, format, and edit accessible documents used in workplace settings.
3. Design and construct accessible spreadsheets using basic formulas, functions, charts, and data visualization tools to organize and analyze quantitative information for informed decision-making in the workplace.
4. Create and design professional presentations that engage audiences, ensure accessibility and inclusion, and communicate information clearly and effectively.
5. Identify and apply ethical uses of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to enhance productivity and streamline tasks in common computer applications.
6. Determine the appropriate and efficient use of software applications for a variety of workplace tasks.

 

Textbooks & Technology

Required Textbooks:

There are no textbooks to purchase from the CCV Bookstore for this course. All resource material will be found in the Canvas course and include:

• eBooks, readings and videos through VSCS Library
• PDF files and Canvas lecture pages for reading
• Links to external websites with reading and video
• At least one podcast link (with available MP3 download)
• Discussions and material presented by classmates

The following textbooks used in this course are available in eBook format through the Hartness Library: 

• Microsoft Word 2019 Step by Step, First Edition, Joan Lambert, Microsoft Press, 2019 (Accession Number: hart.477545)
  
• Microsoft PowerPoint 2021  Step by Step, First Edition, Joan Lambert, Microsoft Press, 2015 (Accession Number: hart.477183)
• Microsoft Excel 2019 Step by Step, First Edition, Curtis Frye, Microsoft Press, 2019 (Accession Number: hart.476891)
  
  

Technology Requirements:

You will need to have access to a computer that has a Windows or Mac operating system installed. A Chromebook or tablet with Android or Apple operating systems will not be sufficient to complete the coursework. The college provides five free licenses to Microsoft Office – Office 365 Suite for Windows users and Office 2019 for Mac users. Please review how to access Office 365 software for free.

You will use this software throughout the course, so please be sure to access it right away. Windows operating systems are strongly recommended for this class as the course is taught with examples from Windows operating systems, but Mac is acceptable. Students will be responsible for researching the differences they experience with a Mac computer.

Module Topics

• Module 1: Digital Foundations
• Module 2: File Management and Organization
• Module 3: Word: Introduction
• Module 4: Word: Secure File Sharing and Collaboration
• Module 5: Word: Accessible and Professional Documents
• Module 6: Spreadsheets: Introduction
• Module 7: Spreadsheets: Formulas and Functions
• Module 8: Spreadsheets: Data Visualization and Charts
• Module 9: Spreadsheets: Application and Decision Making
• Module 10: PowerPoint: Intro to Presentations
• Module 11: PowerPoint: Accessible and Engaging Presentations
• Module 12: Generative Artificial Intelligence
• Module 13: Choosing the Right Microsoft Application for the Task
• Module 14: Capstone Project Development
• Module 15: Capstone Presentation and Reflection

Grading 

Your final grade will be based on the following assessments:

 

Assignments Overview

In each module, you will complete hands-on projects and assignments to make sure you are comfortable with the different office applications.

Demonstrate Your Learning forums are a part of some learning modules and are post-first discussions, which means that you will post your reply before seeing the replies of others. Discussions will be graded based on the following rubric:

Discussion rubric

	Exceeds Expectations	Meets Expectations	Approaching Expectations	Does Not Meet Expectations	Points
Knowledge	Comprehensive, in-depth and wide-ranging (5 points)	Up to date and relevant (4 points)	Relevant but not comprehensive (3 points)	Limited superficial knowledge/response (2 points)	5 points
Understanding	Outstanding ability to grasp concepts and relate theory to practice (5 points)	High level of ability to conceptualize essential ideas and relate theory to practice (4 points)	Some ability to conceptualize essential ideas and relate theory to practice (3 points)	Limited ability to draw out concepts and relate theory to practice (2 points)	5 points
Writing Skills	Excellent mechanics, sentence structure, and organization (5 points)	Significant mechanics, structure and organization (4 points)	Some grammatical lapses, uses emotional response in lieu of relevant points (3 points)	Poor grammar, weak communication (2 points)	5 points
Application & Analysis	Grasps inner relationship of concepts. Excellent use of a wide range of supporting material (5 points)	Demonstrates the ability to analyze and synthesize, independent analysis, good use of a range of supportive material (4 points)	Informed commentary with some evidence of genuine analysis; some supportive materials used (3 points)	Lacks evidence of critical analysis, poor use of supportive evidence (2 points)	5 points
				Total Points:	20 points

Assessment 

Rubrics are attached to each of your discussions and assignments. It’s important to review the grading rubrics before starting your work so that you will know exactly how your work will be assessed. Please review the instructions for viewing assignment rubrics and for viewing discussion rubrics. 

Feedback

It is important to review feedback for your assignments and discussions to see where you are meeting expectations and where additional work may be needed. You can review rubric results from the instructor for your assignments and discussions. Your instructor may also leave general comments or annotation feedback within the assignment link.

 

Student Support & Policies

Please review the following policies and support services: