CS 235 - Introduction to Organizational Computing


Course Information

CRN
Lecture
Day
Time
10535
LE1*
Tuesday
10:30
*Along with each lecture is a lab and a distance section to account for the 3 credit hour course
26231
OL1
Online


Course Description

People and organizations, decision-making, information systems, telecommunications, desktop systems, integration tools, collaboration and groupware, multimedia, authoring multimedia documents, emerging technologies, communicating, converting data into information, and data mining.


Learning Outcomes

• To become an expert in creating spreadsheets.

• To understand and be able to analyze spreadsheets.

• To be able to apply and use spreadsheets in a real-life business scenario.


Prerequisites

May be taken concurrently

MA 154 or MA 158 or MA 159 or MA 161 or MA 165 or MA 223 or MA 15910 or MA 16010


Instructor Contact Information

There is an instructor and many undergraduate teaching assistants (you will meet them in lab) to help you in the course. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us using Piazza, come by during office hours or drop us an email. We are here to help!

Name:   Marta Crowe

Office Location:   Haas 142

E-mail address:   [email protected]

Phone Number:   765-496-0457

Office Hours:   Monday 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

                       Tuesday 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

                                   2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

                       Thursday 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

                       By Appointment

BoilerQ Live Evening Help Hours:   Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 6-10 pm


Materials Information

Course   CS 235 Course Handbook

Handbook:   ISBN: 978-1-64617-138-5

                  Available at Follett’s and University Bookstores (can be shipped)

Software License / Textbook:   MyLabIT w/eTextbook – You will purchase this as part of your First Lab during the 1st week of classes.

Software:   Microsoft Excel 2019 or 365. Available on all campus ITaP lab Windows computers. Other versions of MS Office are not sufficient for completing course assignments to receive full credit.

Course Brightspace page:   https://purdue.brightspace.com/

Course Campuswire Help Line:   https://campuswire.com/


Course Overview

CS 235 is a three-part course focusing on the fundamentals of organizational computing.

• Communicating Information

• Converting Data to Information

• Data Mining

Assignments are mostly online and include handbook and eText readings, videos, quizzes, exercises, and practical applications of computing skills using Microsoft Excel. You will need access to a copy of MS Excel 2019 or 365 to complete the assignments in CS 235. This can be done on any of the Purdue open labs on campus or using your own computer (you can download Excel 365 for free as a Purdue student from https://www.itap.purdue.edu/shopping/software/product/office365.html). Other older versions of Office are not sufficient and will not allow you to earn the maximum score on assignments – these include Office 2016 or 2013 for Windows and Office 2011 for Macs.


Course Design

Each week you will review chapter material, participate in activities on course topics and complete a series of exercises designed to familiarize you with using software tools to analyze and communicate information within organizations. Since you are only scheduled for one lecture meeting per week or are taking the online version, you should expect to spend a significant number of hours each week reviewing chapter material, preparing for assignments and completing coursework. Depending on your experience with the material and the difficulty of the assignments, it may require you to spend 5 to 10 hours per week outside of class to complete the assigned work in this course.


Typical Weekly Schedule

• Review material & complete Homework Assignments (1-3 hours)

• Lecture/Course Participation during scheduled lecture meeting or virtually for online (1 hour)

• Complete Lab Prep Assignments (1-3 hours)

• Complete Lab Assignments (1-3 hours)

• Team Project work (1-2 hours)

• Exam weeks – schedule will vary with review activities (2-4 hours)


Course Grades

Course grades are available to students by logging into MyLabIT and opening the “Grades” tab. See the “Maximizing your Grade” and “Grading Criteria” sections for more details.


Grading Criteria

Course grades are available to students by logging into MyLabIT or meeting with the course instructor. Grades will never be distributed or discussed in class, by email or over the telephone. Your course grade will be determined by the combined weight of six components:

Description
Weight
Course Participation
10%
Homework
10%
Lab Preps
10%
Labs
20%
Lab Exams
35%
Team Project
15%
Total
100%

Your final semester grade will be calculated based on the following scale :

A 90 – 100%
B 80 – 89.99%
C 70 – 79.99%
D 60 – 69.99%
F Below 60%

When reviewing your grades, keep in mind the following guidelines:

• The weighted score on MyLabIT represents your course grade

• All assignments are counted, except the lowest ONE course participation score will be dropped.

• Final scores are not typically rounded up.

• CS 235 does not assign +/- grades, only whole letter grades


Maximizing Your Grade

Students who wish to maximize their grade in CS 235 should follow these six guidelines:

1. Complete All Assignments: It seems so simple, however the most common reason students do not earn a high grade in this course is that they miss, forget or just ignore assignments and due dates.

2. Participate Regularly: Since 20% of your semester grade is based on participation and homework, skipping participation opportunities and homework represents a conscious decision to accept a grade of “B” or lower. Participation/Homework plays an important role in the learning process even though it may not be the most exciting part of your college experience.

3. Don’t Rush: Homework assignments in particular are designed to be a relatively easy source of points and an opportunity to mentally prepare for lab prep and lab assignments. Rushing to complete assignments hurts your lab scores and affects your ability to complete lab assignments on time.

4. Seek Help: If you are stuck on an assignment, the first place to look for help is the eTextbook found on MyLabIT. If you are still having trouble, take advantage of the many help opportunities to receive assistance and maximize your score (Piazza, Piazza Live Help Hours, Office Hours, etc.). You can find a list of help hours on the CS 235 Brightspace page.

5. Communicate: Your Instructor and TAs are available to you for advice and assistance. There are Piazza live evening help hours, office hours (virtual and in person), Piazza discussion board help and email options that can be used to get help. When you have a problem that affects your ability to perform well in the course, get in contact with the course staff and we will do what we can to help. However, we do not know that you need help if you do not reach out. Successful students in this course spend time going to office hours and evening help hours when they have questions. Reach out as soon as you need help, please don’t wait because usually it becomes a much bigger issue. We want you to succeed in the course and are here to assist you, so please ask!

6. Prepare for Exams: Many times the only difference between the students that receive the highest grades and those that fall short is their exam scores and poor course participation. We know that students that participate and prepare regularly do much better in the course than those who don’t. By completing all assignments and participating in all activities to prepare for exams will help you succeed in the course with the best possible grade. Use the optional exam review assignments and past assignments to prepare and maximize your grade. Take notes in your handbook that will help you.


Course Policies

Students should be prepared, participate and conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Your conduct should not interfere with the ability of others to work, learn and succeed in this course. If this becomes a problem, you will be notified by the course instructor and/or your TAs.


Activities that are not acceptable in this course include:

• Rudeness, disrespectful language/behavior or otherwise disrupting class

• Disruptive, argumentative or otherwise unprofessional behavior in any capacity

• Disrespectful towards other course members or course staff

• Refusal to participate in course activities

Course Information Availability

All relevant course information, assignments, downloads and changes will be made available on MyLabIT, the Piazza discussion board and/or Brightspace during the course of the semester. You should make it a habit to check with the course sites regularly. In the event of a major campus emergency, course requirements, deadlines and grading percentages are subject to change based on a reduced or modified number of individual assignments.

In the case of a campus or weather emergency:

• Check your email first for communications from your instructor or lab TA

• Check the Purdue website, your Purdue email account or Brightspace

• Emergency announcements will always be sent through official channels

• Refer to Emergency Procedures for more detailed information regarding emergencies

Participation

Course Participation/Homework accounts for 20% of your semester grade. It is important that you are staying up to date on assignments and paying attention to due dates. You are expected to be participating in every class. In addition, deadlines are set and an automatic grade deduction will be taken for all late submissions ranging from 5% - 100% for each hour late. All Homework assignments have unlimited submissions prior to the due date.

To receive full participation/homework credit, you must:

• Submit assignments on time

• Complete assignments following all instructions

• Review feedback and resubmit before the deadlines (when permitted)

• Follow the guidelines and assignment rules


Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity is one of the highest values that Purdue University holds. Individuals are encouraged to alert university officials to potential breaches of this value by either emailing [email protected] or by calling 765-494-8778. While information may be submitted anonymously, the more information that is submitted provides the greatest opportunity for the university to investigate the concern. ”Every student enrolled at Purdue University is expected to behave in a highly ethical manner. The statement as written by our own Purdue students is “As a Boilermaker pursuing academic excellence, I pledge to be honest and true in all that I do. Accountable together -we are Purdue.” Link to https://www.purdue.edu/odos/osrr/honor-pledge/about.html for further information. Studying and preparing for class with friends is expected and encouraged, however you are expected to complete all laboratory assignments, quizzes and exams completely on your own. You should never submit the work of another student as your own, use the work of another student to “prepare” for your own assignments, or use a single computer file to submit multiple copies of the same work. Students may not submit work that was completed in a different course or previous semester. The exchange of assignment files with another student in any manner (regardless of completion level) is also considered a violation of this academic honesty policy. This includes students who aid and assist as well as those who attempt such behavior.

If you violate the academic honesty policies of this course, you should expect to receive a failing grade. Do not expect any exceptions to this policy.


Lab Information and Guidelines

CS 235 includes assignments where you have the opportunity to learn to apply the concepts and skills that we discuss in lecture. The completion of this work is required to successfully pass the course.

Lab Prep Exercises

You should prepare for every lab assignment by completing a Lab Prep Exercise. These will help you review the concepts for lab and will take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours to complete depending on their complexity and your experience with the material. These assignments are automatically graded by the MyLabIT system. Complete the Lab Prep Exercise assignment according to the directions in the course handbook and on the MyLabIT webpage. You can (and should) use your lab manual, etext and notes when completing the Lab Prep Exercises. These assignments must be completed and submitted by the end of the day on Thursdays. Note that Lab Prep Exercises make up 10% of your total grade and can be submitted numerous times to achieve your best score. Late assignment submissions will be assigned a 5% per hour penalty.

Lab Assignments

Lab assignments are designed to provide you with an opportunity to learn how to apply the information discussed in lecture. Labs can be completed during your assigned lab and are automatically graded using the MyLabIT software, which is a required component of CS 235. Your first lab assignment will introduce you to MyLabIT. Lab Assignments are available only on MyLabIT and are due by the end of the day on Fridays. Note that your lab assignments represent 20% of your total grade, so it’s important that you complete each assignment by the due date to receive full credit. Partially completed assignments will still receive partial credit, so be sure to submit your work even if it is not 100% complete. Each Lab Assignment has 3 submissions, so you can complete it, get feedback and resubmit. Lab Assignments late will receive a 5% per hour penalty.

Team Project

At the beginning of the semester, you will be selecting your team members to evaluate the needs of a small business and produce several recommendation reports for their future direction. These recommendations will include supporting documentation using charts, graphs and reports based on the information provided and the skills you have learned in CS 235. By the end of the semester, your team’s recommendations and presentation will collectively represent 15% of your semester grade. It is important to be a good team player by working together and completing necessary tasks to contribute to the team’s project. Lack of participation will cause penalties to your team’s scores.

Exam Review Assignments

Prior to each exam, there are several exam review assignments that are OPTIONAL corresponding to concepts/skills on the upcoming lab exams. These are intended to help to improve your grasp of the material and are only available on MyLabIT. Studies show that students who complete the optional exam review assignments, perform much better on the lab exams.

Exams

Three times during the semester, Exams will be given to determine your knowledge of the material and your ability to apply the skills you have learned on assignments. Exams will have 2 parts: a concept based part and an application part. The dates for these exams are indicated on your schedule of lab assignments. You are expected to complete these with a high degree of academic honesty and entirely on your own. Late exam submissions will receive a zero unless they have been cleared with the course instructor. You may use your notes, homework, lab preps, and lab assignments as references on Exams, as well as your Course Manual and etext. However, you may not use any other printed materials, Internet resources, work with any other students, share your answers, possess another student’s work or otherwise violate the academic integrity policies of the course. Your TAs will be available during your exam to make sure you understand the assignment, but cannot provide assistance when completing the exam. Academic integrity violations will be dealt with strictly according to the academic integrity honor code and course policies.

The work that you submit must be your own. You should not receive assistance from or provide assistance to others. It is important to understand that if you are found to be in violation of this honor code you will receive a failing grade in this course. Do not expect any exceptions to this policy.

Late exams will not accepted.


Additional Class Information

If you do not participate in class or miss an assignment, participation opportunity, quiz or exam, then you will receive a zero unless specific arrangements have been made in advance with the course instructor. Each of these has something to offer you and presents specific information and learning applications. The college experience prepares you for future employment where poor participation/attendance and lack of attention to detail aren’t tolerated. This course reflects the same environment. Make-up assignments will be accepted when circumstances warrant. Be aware of your due dates. Assignments submitted after the specified due date will be considered late and receive a reduced score. Failure to make arrangements may result in the loss of some or all of the credit for that assignment. Communication is the key!

Absences

If you have documentation of something causing you to miss classes, then you should notify your instructor as soon as possible. If you know of an upcoming absence, you should notify the instructor prior to the event to make appropriate arrangements. The University policies on absence and absence reporting are available on the Purdue webpage. In the event that you are ill, please notify your instructor AND your TA as soon as you are able.

Students with disabilities

“Purdue University strives to make learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience physical or academic barriers based on disability, please let your course instructor know so that we can discuss options. You are also encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center at: [email protected] or by phone: 765-494-1247.” http://www.purdue.edu/drc/faculty/syllabus.html

Nondiscrimination Statement

Purdue University is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent worth and dignity of every person; fosters tolerance, sensitivity, understanding, and mutual respect among its members; and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential. In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence, the University seeks to develop and nurture diversity. The University believes that diversity among its many members strengthens the institution, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches campus life. Purdue’s nondiscrimination policy can be found at http://www.purdue.edu/purdue/ea_eou_statement.html.

Mental Health Statement

• If you find yourself beginning to feel some stress, anxiety, and/or feeling slightly overwhelmed, try WellTrack, https://purdue.welltrack.com/ Sign in and find information and tools at your fingertips, available to you at any time.

• If you need support and information about options and resources, please see the Office of the Dean of Students, http://www.purdue.edu/odos, for drop-in hours (M-F, 8 am-5 pm).

• If you’re struggling and need mental health services: Purdue University is committed to advancing the mental health and well-being of its students. If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, depressed, and/or in need of mental health support, services are available. For help and to speak with a clinician, contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at (765)494-6995 or by going to CAPS’ office on the second floor of the Purdue University Student Health Center (PUSH). For urgent situations after hours, on weekends and holidays, call (765)494-6995 to speak with a clinician. Please see http://www.purdue.edu/caps/ for further information.

Emergency Procedures

Emergency Notification Procedures are based on a simple concept – if you hear a fire alarm inside, proceed outside. If you hear a siren outside, proceed inside.

• Indoor Fire Alarms mean to stop class or research and immediately evacuate the building. o Proceed to your Emergency Assembly Area away from building doors. Remain outside until police, fire, or other emergency response personnel provide additional guidance or tell you it is safe to leave.

• All Hazards Outdoor Emergency Warning Sirens mean to immediately seek shelter (Shelter in Place) in a safe location within the closest building. “Shelter in place” means seeking immediate shelter inside a building or University residence. This course of action may need to be taken during a tornado, an active threat including a shooting or a release of hazardous materials in the outside air. Once safely inside, find out more details about the emergency*. Remain in place until police, fire, or other emergency response personnel provide additional guidance or tell you it is safe to leave.

*In both cases, you should seek additional clarifying information by all means possible…Purdue Emergency Status page, text message, Twitter, Desktop Alert, Albertus Beacon, digital signs, email alert, TV, radio, etc.…review the Purdue Emergency Warning Notification System multi-communication layers at http://www.purdue.edu/ehps/emergency_preparedness/warning-system.html 

Emergency Response Procedures

• Review the Emergency Procedures Guidelines https://www.purdue.edu/emergency_preparedness/flipchart/index.html

• Review the Building Emergency Plan (available on the Emergency Preparedness website or from the building deputy) for: evacuation routes, exit points, and emergency assembly area; when and how to evacuate the building; shelter in place procedures and locations; and additional building specific procedures and requirements.

Emergency Preparedness Awareness Videos

• "Run. Hide. Fight.®" is a 6-minute active shooter awareness video that illustrates what to look for and how to prepare and react to this type of incident. See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mzI_5aj4Vs (Link is also located on the EP website)

More Information

Reference the Emergency Preparedness web site for additional information: https://www.purdue.edu/ehps/emergency_preparedness/

Right of Revision

NOTE: This syllabus and the information contained within it may be subject to change over the course of the semester. The course staff will notify all students of any changes via Piazza, Brightspace, in Lab and in Lecture as necessary.