SYLLABUS
ECOMP 7100 – FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER STRUCTURE
September17-19, 2004 & October15-17, 2004
Fridays 5-10 pm, Saturdays & Sundays, 8 am to 5 pm
Crestwood High School
2000 Oswego Road
Sumter, SC 29153
Instructor
Mary Hopper, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Lesley University
177 River St., Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 868-7157 /
Phone: 617-868-7157
EMail:
Course Description
This course will explore some of the technical aspects of the computer. Primary emphasis will be placed on the hardware of the computer. Various methods of maintenance, troubleshooting and repair will be demonstrated and explained. It is not the intention of this course to make computer technician out of every student, rather, students can expect to take away some of the mysteryfrom that box called a computer and to feel more comfortable doing some of theirown upgrades and troubleshooting.
Course Goal
Improve your proficiency with computers and computer technology: learning the technological language (geek-speak), the concepts, and the ways to communicate about, prevent, and solve technical problems, so that you can function effectively in educational settings with computers.
Course Objectives
Learning what's necessary for technically informed decisions forpurchasing and upgrading of computers and peripherals.
Learning some knowledge and methods that enable effectively troubleshooting computer problems.
Identifying the main hardware components in a computer and their typical configurations.
Understanding how computer components function together as a system.
Understanding the functions of computer operating system software.
Becoming familiar with computer interfacing, networking and compatibility issues.
Understanding how to do basic maintenance and repair on the computer.
Becoming familiar with broad spectrum of computing technology.
Required Text/Readings
Long, L. (2004). Personal computing demystified: A self-teaching guide. Osborne/McGraw Hill.
Suggested Books
How Computers Work,(PC Computing) White, ZD Press, ISBN# 1-56276-250-8
How Macs Work,Rizzo and Clark, ZD Press, ISBN# 1-56276-146-3
PCs for Dummies, Gookin & Rathbone, IDG Books, ISBN# 1-56884-078-0
Mac for Dummies, Pogue, IDG Books, ISBN# 1-878058-53-3
PC Secrets (Info World), Halliday, IDG Books, ISBN#1-878058-49-5
Mac Secrets (MacWorld), Pogue & Schorr, IDG Books, ISBN#0-7645-4006-8
The PC Bible, Knorr, Peachpit Press, ISBN# 0-201-88354-6
The Mac Bible, Judson, Peachpit Press, ISBN# 1-56609-140-3
Assignments
These assignments are mostly for your mind, less so for your own students. It is important to recognize that this is an MA program and not a series of workshops. This course intends to extend your abilities to work with computer systems. It is a very practical course. We have a long way to go to reach Larry Cuban's vision of computers that "just work", and schools continue to underbudget for technical help. You will often encounter situations in which the technology does not work right, and help is not easily accessible. You can empower yourself to better handle these situations by making serious efforts to learn as much as you can in this course -- I'm here to help you.
All assignments must be completed on time, or prior to, their due date. Active class participation, which accounts for 50% of your grade, means that you should take an active role in course discussions and presentations.
On Sunday of the first weekend, please bring a computer you want to upgrade or troubleshoot to class! You assume the risk in doing so, but we have been very successful in the past, because learning to proceed carefully and systematically is part of the course content. If you want relevant hands-on experience, bring something!
Assignments, Weights & Due Dates
Attendance, Exercises, Labs & Self Assessments 50% (In Class)
Midterm Project 25%, Due Friday 2nd Weekend (October 15)
Final project 25%, Due 3 Weeks After Class (November 7)
Attendance Policy
This graduate level course, for three credits, requires 45 in-class hours of attendance. Attendance for all sessions is required, except for emergency or "milestone" circumstances. If you will miss up to the equivalent of one full day over the two weekends, then you are responsible for contacting me and your advisor to discuss the nature of the emergency and "milestone" circumstance, whether the course attendance expectations will permit make-up work and/or whether there may be an adverse effect on your final grade. Missing more than the equivalent of one full day over the two weekends will result in a grade of technical fail (TF) on your transcript. You will need to take the class, and pay tuition again. Serious family emergency and significant "milestone" circumstances may warrant exception to these requirements and will be considered on a case-by-case basis in consultation with your advisor and the Program Director.
Incomplete Grades
Students who find it impossible to complete course requirements by the due date may request an grade of "incomplete". To do this you must notify your instructor, in writing, prior to the end of the class and explain your need for a grade of incomplete.Incomplete grades must be taken care of no later than the end of the semester immediately following the current semester. After this, the incomplete grade becomes a permanent grade.
Lesley College is committed to ensuring the full participation of all students in its programs. Accordingly, if a student has a documented disability, and, as a result, needs some accommodation to complete course requirements, he/she should inform the instructor at the beginning of the course. For further information about services through Lesley College for students with disabilities, contact the Office of Student Affairs on the main campus at (617) 3498544 (TDD) or (617) 3488543 (Voice).
Policy for Students with Disabilities
Lesley University is committed to ensuring the full participation of all students in its programs. Accordingly, if a student has a documented disability, and, as a result, needs a reasonable accommodation to attend, participate or complete course requirements, then he or she should inform the instructor at the beginning of the course. For further information about services through Lesley College for students with disabilities, please contact Manju Banerjee, Coordinator of Disability Services, at (617) 349-8194 or (617) 349-8530 (message), or e-mail:
Other
Lesley University Academic Policies:
*** These guidelines are presented in the Lesley College Graduate School Student Handbook ***
COURSE SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, June 11
5:00 PM Introductions
Welcome & Introductions
Instructor
Students (Pre-Questionnaire)
Course (Pre-Assessment)
DINNER/BREAK
Computing History
Objective: Identifying historical and conceptual developments of the computer as a major technological invention.
Class Activity: Computer History Web Scavenger Hunt
BREAK
Computing Language
Objective: Learn the technological language and concepts needed to communicate about computers.
Lab Activity: Geek Speak, Tech Talk and Computer Lit Lab
Wrap Up & Workshop 9:30 PM
End of Session, Discussion & Reflection
Questions & Concerns
Preview of Saturday
SATURDAY
Open Lab 8:00 AM
Project Work Time, Consult with Instructor
Unpacking & Setup
Computer Systems 9:00 AM
Objective: Communicate about and demonstrate how computer components function together as a system.
Reading: Long, Introduction & Part One: Personal Computers
Chapter 1 Processing Information: Inside the PC
Chapter 2 Storing Information: Disks, Discs, and Flash
Chapter 3 Getting Information In: Input
Chapter 4 Getting Information Out: Output
Optional Web References
The Journey inside (requires flash)
How stuff works : computers and the internet
How computers work
Brief Lecture: Computer Systems Overview
BREAK
Hardware Components 10:30 AM
Objective: Identify the main hardware components in modern computer systems, their functions, and their typical configurations.
Lab: Hardware #1, Critical Components
Processor/CPU
Memory
Storage
Cards, Ports & Jacks
LUNCH
1:00 PM Hardware Components (Cont)
Lab: Hardware # 2, Critical Peripherals
Mouse
Keyboards
Monitors
Audio (Microphone/Speakers)
Wrap Up & Workshop 4:00 PM
End of Session, Discussion & Reflection
Questions & Concerns
SUNDAY
Open Lab 8:00 AM
Project Work Time, Consult with Instructor
Hardware Maintenance and Repair 9:00 AM
Objective: Do basic maintenance, troubleshooting and repair on the computer.
Reading: Long, Chapter 10 Installation, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting
Lab Care and Feeding, Norton Utilities
BREAK
Buying and Upgrading 11:00 AM
Objective: Make technologically informed evaluations regarding acquisition and upgrading of computer systems.
Reading: Long, Part Three: Buying and Using a PC
Chapter 7 Buying Issues and Considerations
Chapter 8 What and Where to Buy
Chapter 9 Supplies, Services, and Accessories
Useful WebSite:
LUNCH, Extra Time for Computer Stalking…
Computer Buying Field Trip and Debriefing!1:00 PM
BREAK
Housekeeping 3:00 PM
Final Project Introduction
End of Session, Wrap-Up Discussion of Assignments
Midterm Questionnaire
SECOND WEEKEND
FRIDAY
Welcome Back! 5:00 PM
General Progress and Questions on Assignments
Computer Systems Purchasing 5:30
Midterm Feedback & Sharing Session
Computer Horror Stories
BREAK
Cool Stuff, Use & Sharing 7:00 PM
Reading: Long, Part Five: What you can do on a PC
Chapter 14 Building a Software Portfolio
Chapter 15 Personal Computing Applications
Chapter 16 Working with Digital Media
Chapter 17 PC-Based Gaming
Wrap Up & Workshop 9:00 PM
Questions & Concerns
SATURDAY
Open Lab 8:00 AM
Project Work Time, Consult with Instructor
Operating System 9:00 AM
Objective: Configure the computer operating system.
Reading: Long, Chapter 5 Working with Windows
BREAK
Local Files 11:00 AM
Objective: Understand the structure, organization and management of computer file system and files.
Reading: Long, Chapter 6 Working with Files
Activity: File Scavenger Hunt 1
LUNCH
Networking & Files 1:00 PM
Objective: Understand, setup and trouble shoot computer networks.
Reading: Long, Chapter 18 Building a Home Network
Activity: Network Setup
Activity: File Sharing
Activity: File Scavenger Hunt 2
Wrap-Up Workshop 3:00 PM
End of Session, Discussion & Questions
Project Work Time
SUNDAY
Open Lab 8:00 AM
Project Work Time, Consult with Instructor
Internet, Files & FTP 9:00 AM
Objective: Understand the internet functioning, file structure and placement.
Reading: Long, Chapter 11 Internet Basics: Going Online
Reading: Long, Chapter 12 Internet Applications: Cruising and the Internet
Activity: File Scavenger Hunt 3
BREAK
Internet Security 11:00 AM
Objective: Understand computer security issues and know how to protect against problems.
Reading: Long, Chapter 13 Internet Security: Protecting Your PC
LUNCH
Future of Computing 1:00 PM
Objective: Be aware of the immediate and long-term developments in the future of computing.
BREAK, Post-Questionnaire & Course Evaluation
Finishing Up 3:00 PM
Final Project Sharing
Wrap Up & Workshop 4:00 PM
End of Session, Display, Discussion & Reflection Review of 2st weekend
Final Project Proposal Due
Discussion of Assignments (What Remains, Final Project)
Questions & Concerns
Cheers to the Class
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