What is this course?

COSC 116:  Spreadsheeting.  This course covers the basic to advanced features using Microsoft Excel.  It will include working with formulas and many functions (statistical, financial, date/time, logical, etc.).  Students will learn to format worksheets, create and modify charts, work with imported data, work with editing and Web tools, record simple macros, and use data analysis features like data tables, solver, and scenarios. This course can be used (if a student opts to review all parts of the accompanying textbook) in preparation for the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist for Excel 2007 industry certification exam.

The information below is applicable to BOTH the classroom and online-based classes…

What are the prerequisites?

Prerequisites: MATH 096 or APAL 061; ENGL 095 or APEN 070; RDNG 113 or APRD 081.  Failure to meet these requirements prior to this course could seriously jeopardize your success in this course.  Students should You must consult with the instructor prior to beginning the course if you have not met these requirements.

In addition to the above, you should also be comfortable with general computer usage, including use of the Internet, e-mail, file management, uploading/downloading files, and general functionality of Windows XP or Windows Vista operating systems.

When do the classes begin and end?

The classes begin and end according to the regular, 16-week semester format.  (You can complete the class earlier, depending upon how quickly you choose to complete all assignments, but there are minimum deadlines you must adhere to.)  The course is managed using San Juan College’s ANGEL course management system (https://angel.sanjuancollege.edu/default.asp).  Access to the classes should be available on the Friday afternoon prior to the first day of the semester.  You are STRONGLY encouraged to log in as early as possible in order to complete the mandatory orientation (see below).

Who is teaching the course? 

The instructor for the spreadsheeting classes is Daniel Ziesmer, the lead instructor for the course.  You can e-mail him at ziesmerd@sanjuancollege.edu, or call (505)566-3506.  E-mail is the best method to contact the instructor (especially during the Summer).

Will I have to meet face-to-face with my instructor or other students?

This course is offered in two formats: twice-weekly in the classroom, and entirely online.  Functionally the classes are identical!  Both class formats have the same workload, assignments, due dates, general processes, and expectations.  There are only two key differences for each format:

Online:

1.) The class must be completed entirely online.  Students will utilize the textbook, the Internet, and other study materials to learn about and work through the assignments.

2.) There is no face-to-face course orientation.  Upon logging into the class on ANGEL, a mandatory class orientation will need to be completed prior to having access to certain elements of the course.

Classroom:

1.) The class is managed online, but includes classroom discussion.  The first meeting day of each week consists of a lecture and discussion of the week’s tutorial/assignment; open lab one-on-one assistance is provided on the second meeting day of each week.

2.) A basic course orientation will happen on the first regularly scheduled day of class.  Like the online students, however, classroom students will also be required to complete the class orientation in ANGEL.

What materials will I need?

All students will need the following materials for this class:

Textbook: Parsons, Oja, Ageloff, & Carey (2008).  New Perspectives Series on Microsoft Excel 2007, Comprehensive.  Thomson Learning: Boston, MA.  ISBN: 1-4239-0585-7.

CaseGrader Booklet: Crews & Murphy (2008).  CaseGrader for Microsoft Excel 2007.  Thomson Learning: Boston, MA.  ISBN: 1-4239-9823-5.

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Please note that this book CANNOT be reused or purchased used.  You will need to repurchase this book if you are retaking this class or have borrowed/purchased a former student’s materials.

Microsoft Office 2007 Professional: You have the choice to purchase the full version of Office 2007, or use the 180-day trial edition of Microsoft Office 2007 bundled with the textbook.  Some important notes about the software:

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Older versions of Office and Microsoft Works ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE ALTERNATIVES for this course!  Many new computers come from the factory pre-installed with Microsoft Works, but this is NOT the same thing as Microsoft Office. While older and alternative versions may work for completing some of your assignments, there have simply been too many significant changes in the latest version to reasonably attempt the course assignments.  The fact that you are now provided the latest version of the software should render this issue moot.

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If you choose to purchase the complete software package, understand that there are several different editions, including Student/Teacher, Standard, Professional, and Ultimate.  For the purposes of this class any of these editions will work, but Professional and above are the only ones that include Microsoft Access, which is very expensive to purchase separately if you later take the database course (COSC 185).  College students can purchase the Office 2007 Ultimate edition for only $60 by visiting the following Microsoft website: http://www.theultimatesteal.com/home.asp

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The trial edition will NOT work for students who have used a trial edition of Office 2007 in the past.  Any student who has ever exceeded the expiration date of the trial software will need to purchase a full version of Office 2007.

Personal Computer: A personally-owned, readily-accessible computer with Internet access and the Microsoft Windows XP or Windows Vista operating system is virtually mandatory.  Although public access, company-owned, or college-maintained systems can be used for occasional work, due to the workload of this course it is strongly recommended that they not be your sole form of interface with this course.

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Be sure to allow for adequate storage space on your personal hard drive to support the Office 2007 software and store completed assignments (approximately 2.5 GB total).  It is strongly recommended that you store all files on the hard disk of your computer, and you are expected to make regular backups for your protection.

Will the course be hard for me?

Students must be willing and able to carefully follow detailed, written instructions and learn through reading and practicing with the software.  Besides the assignment load, if working entirely online you can find the course challenging if you find yourself unwilling or unable to commit the necessary time, or take exception to following directions.  Students who are self-motivated, computer knowledgeable, and have basic typing skills do best.

If you don't learn well on your own, please consider enrolling in the classroom section of the course.  If you are unsure of yourself on the computer, or have nominal mathematical or typing skills, you may wish to reconsider if this course is best for you right now; there are many other entry-level courses that may be better suited for your needs if you are new to computing (e-mail the instructor for details).  If you are specifically considering enrolling in an online class, look over the “Online Readiness Checklist” under Getting Started with Online Learning on the SJC Online Learning webpage to make certain the online environment is the best choice for you.

How much time will I have to spend per week on the course?

You should expect to dedicate 9 to 12 hours per week for this class (less if you already have familiarity with spreadsheeting, more if you have a low comfort level with computers).  Please do not sign up for the course unless you are prepared to commit this amount of time every week!

Can I go at my own pace?

Yes and no.  You are strongly encouraged to work ahead, and can finish the course as quickly as you want; however, you cannot turn in your work late.  Assignments and other homework all have weekly due dates, and they will be strictly enforced.

What do I need to do if I decide to take the course?

The course space is limited – if you enroll and then don’t participate, or drop the course early on, be aware that you are depriving another student (who may not have other options for completing the course) of this opportunity.

So, if you decide to take the course, do the following:

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Sign up for the course!

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Purchase the Textbook, CaseGrader booklet, and Microsoft Office 2007 (if the trial edition is inadequate).

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Make sure that you have your username and password for ANGEL (the same one used to log onto computers at San Juan College); contact the instructor for your log on information (if necessary).

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Log in to ANGEL.

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IMMEDIATELY begin by reading and completing ALL PARTS of the Course Orientation.

If you have any additional questions, please be certain to e-mail the instructor.  Good luck!