Syllabus CPT 150 Microcomputer Concepts Spring 2016
I. General Information
Course Number/Section: CPT 150- Title: Microcomputer Concepts
Instructor Name:Dennis PearsonE-mail:
Course URL:
Phone: OFFICE 724-925-4131 CELL 724 420-7862 (call anytime)
Office Hours: YOUNGWOOD CAMPUS FH Room 713 T-TH 3:30-4:30 W 12:00-3:00 or CALL 724 420-7862 for APPOINTMENT
Catalog Description:
This course introduces students to the Microcomputer and various state-of-the-art software applications: word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation. The overall goal of the course is to guide the student into becoming a proficient microcomputer user. Students are provided with hands-on experience by using programs in the Microcomputer Laboratory.
Prerequisite(s): None
II. Required Text
/ The textbook is customized and required for WCCC students in CPT 150.Note: Shrink wrapped package includes:
- Westmoreland County Community College CPT 150 Microcomputer Concepts Custom book;
- SAM 2013 and MindTap Reader printed access code;
Physical Textbook and SAM access are required because:
- Quiz questions come from them
- Assignments are there
- Reading assignments are there
- Practice exercises are there
III. Required Specific Equipment/Supplies
- Furnished by student: one USB Flash drive (Online course students: Reliable Internet Access, Internet Explorer, Windows PC, Office 2013/365, and one USB Flash drive.) Note: registered students can download and install a free version of Office 365. See Course Material in Blackboard for details.
- Furnished by the college: Blackboard course management system, student email account, Internet Explorer, Office 2013/365 -- available at any WCCC facility,
IV. Reference Materials
- Various computer books are available in the Learning Resource Center. The LRC also provides access to print, non-print, and electronic information resources. WCCC Online Electronic Resources: login and click the Library pull-down menu
- Student Class Files, grades, email available at: my.wccc.edu – Login, click Blackboard, click on course name
V. Procedures
A. Evaluation and Grading Scheme
Final course grade is weighted and based on total points accumulated over the semester with a breakdown as follows:
Exams hands-on in SAM / 30%Assignments/SAM projects/SAM training / 30%
Class participation (CP) / 10%
Final Cumulative Exam / 30%
The following scale will determine grading for course: 90-100%=A; 80-89%=B; 70-79%=C; 60-69%=D; 0-59%=F
B. Exams/Quizzes
Exams are administered in SAM after each major topic and task based or hands-on exercises. They will address chapter material as well as class discussion material. Make-up exams are not permitted. No make-up for the last test or final exam. A cumulative final exam is required at the end of the course.
C. Assignments:
There will be several assignments due during the semester. These are designed to provide the student with activities to increase proficiency with the material presented in class. Each assignment has a due date. Late assignments receive no credit.
D. Projects -- Optional
Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, and Microsoft PowerPoint projects may be assigned for this course with specifications provided well in advance of the due date.
E. Attendance and Class Participation
Face-to-face students will participate in classroom activities and online students will make regular submissions to a graded, threaded topical discussion board.
Any college class requires a time commitment from the student. You must plan to spend 6-9 hours per week outside of class time working on course material. This involves:
- Reading the assigned chapter
- Reading and reviewing lecture material presented in the classroom
- Completing textbook assignments
- Viewing and reporting findings from assigned Web sites
- Participating in classroom activities
For this to be a rewarding and positive educational experience you must manage your time wisely. Develop a schedule for yourself so that you are completing course work on a regular basis. This may be at the same time and day each week, or as time permits.
You should make every effort to attend all classes, arriving on time with the required materials and ready to begin promptly. Irregular or casual attendance results in fragmented understanding and poor performance. You are responsible for all work and all announcements made during class.
F. Withdrawal Policy:
Students withdrawing before midterm will receive a "W" grade. Students withdrawing after mid-term will receive a grade of "W" only if passing at the time of the request. There may be a financial issue associated with your withdrawal and you are encouraged to meet with a counselor prior to completing the required withdrawal forms. A college initiated withdrawal will be initiated for any student failing to login into this course in Blackboard and/or participate in classroom activities for a period of three consecutive weeks.
G. Plagiarism and Cheating
Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Any student who is found to be an active participant, on either end, in any incident, will receive a grade of zero for that assignment. Repeat incidents earn an F for the course.
H. Classroom Conduct
- Cell phones and other electronic devices not needed for the course are to be turned off during class.
- The course will use computers with continuous Internet capability and “Surfing the Net,” “chatting online,” or any other unauthorized extra-curricular activity during class is not permitted.
- Students enrolling at the college assume obligations to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the college’s function as an educational institution. Your attention is drawn to the WCCC Catalog and Student Handbook, in particular the sections concerning the Code of Student Conduct, Disruptive Student Behavior, and Academic Dishonesty.
- Only WCCC assigned student email address () is used for email communication. Faculty WCCC email address is . Please enter the course number in the subject line of your emails (CPT 150). You must also include your full name in the body of the email.
VI. Students with Disabilities:
If you need an accommodation due to a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, please contact Disabilities Services in Room 130 Founders Hall, 724-925-4121; or Lauren Eicher, Counselor of Disabilities & Student Behavioral Intervention Services, at . Advance notice may be necessary for some accommodations to be provided in a timely manner. Accommodations must be supported by adequate documentation and are determined on an individual basis.
VII. Course Outline (available in Blackboard)
Modifications to the Syllabus: As the semester progresses modification to the syllabus may be made at the discretion of the Instructor. Additional assignments and or modifications will be applied to adapt the curriculum as needed and will be announced in class along with reminders posted to the Announcements feature in Blackboard.
College Resources
If you are experiencing difficulty in this course, the following resources may prove helpful:
The college offers the following resources to all students:
Computer Help Desk – 724 925-4357 or 724 925-5921
Learning Resource Center – 724.925.4100 (Library)
Learning Assistance Center – 724.925.4135
Computer Resource Center – 724.925.4049
Student Advising – 724.925.4051
The Learning Assistance Center and the Computer Resource Center can offer you additional help if you are experiencing technical difficulties in this course. You can obtain more information about all of these services by calling Student Services at 724.925.4196.
If you are having difficulty with Campus Connections
Call: 724.925.4130
E-mail:
If you are having difficulty with Blackboard
Call: Toll Free 1.800.262.2103 ext. 4144
Dial Direct: 724.925.4144 or 724.925.4138
E-mail: