CIS 88A - Introduction to Microsoft Word for Windows
Instructor: Janet Barnes
Email Instructor
Course Description
Word processing techniques and applications, including formatting, basic operating system commands for processing data and records management. Strongly recommended: Typing skills level of 30 gwam.
To take this class, you must have daily access to a computer with an Internet connection, an email account, Microsoft Office software, and experience using a web browser. You will also need to update your email address in CLASS-Web when you register.
Check the college catalog for CSU/UC transferability and to see if this course meets AA/AS degree requirements.
This class begins Jan 22 and ends Mar 21.
On-Campus Meetings
There are no on-campus meetings.
How This Class Operates
This is not a self-paced class; there are due dates throughout the semester that you are expected to meet, just like in a traditional, face-to-face class.
The class is divided into lessons, which correspond with the lessons (chapters) of the text. You will have one week to complete each lesson. It can take 3-6 hours to complete each lesson.
The main objectives of the course are to:
- Create and edit business letters
- Create a memorandum and a press release
- Create a simple report
- Create a flyer
- Work with tables
- Work with desktop publishing
- Create a newsletter
Class Activities
Lessons might consist of several of the following:
- Discussion Board postings and replies - points value is posted with each lesson.
- Read and do the chapter pages of the text - final creation and editing, generally valued at five points each.
- End of chapter exercises - file creation and editing, generally valued at 5 points each.
- Quizzes of 20 questions, .5 point value each, for a total of 10 points
Class Project
Create, Save, and submit a Word document that is a newsletter on the subject of your choice. It should fill two complete pages with:
- Margins all around of .75 and single line spacing
- A heading line (WordArt) stretched across the first page
- A subheading line with your name aligned left and the date aligned right
- The remainder of the pages in 3-column layout with vertical lines separating the columns
- At least three font style changes
- At least two font color changes
- 1 small bulleted list
- 1 small numbered list
- 2 graphics
- 1 small table
- 1 drawn item from the autoshapes list
- No grammar or spelling errors
How Students are Graded
Class will consist of 8 lessons. Most lessons completed on time and correctly earns 30 points.
- 5 points each for each file(s) created, and 10 points each for each chapter quiz.
- 2 points each will be deducted for late files.
- Up to 3 points will be deducted if work is missing elements or incorrectly done.
- You will always receive an explanation of why points were deducted.
Lessons 1– 7 30 pts each 210 points
Lesson 8 20 pts 20 points
Final Project 20 pts 20 points
Total 250 points
225 – up A
200 – 224 B
175 – 199 C
150 – 174 D
149 - Below F
Succeeding in an Online Course
Students who succeed in online courses tend to be independent, self-motivated learners with good computer skills. If you are a procrastinator who relies heavily on the instructor for motivation, can't use a computer too well, have taken less than 21 units of college credit in your lifetime, and/or have a grade-point-average under 2.0, you should probably consider enrolling in a face-to-face course instead.
Also, don't enroll in this class if you believe the myth that learning online requires less effort than learning face-to-face. This course covers the same content and has similar activities as the face-to-face version of the course; only the method of delivery changes.
LPC offers a tutorial called "Succeeding in an online course" that will not only tell you if you are a good fit for online learning, but it also offers many strategies -- among other pertinent information -- that will help you succeed online. Please complete the tutorial.
Blackboard
This course will use the Blackboard course management system as its virtual classroom. To learn how to log in to Blackboard, go to the Blackboard Login Procedures page. Once you enroll, you will not be able to log in until the first day of class.