Los Angeles Valley College - CSIT 830 Microsoft Office 2013 - Fall 2016 - Section 7071

Instructor: Eva Bitar

Course Information
There are no prerequisites, although in an online class, we expect you to have considerable computer literacy. See last page of this syllabus
for a required assignment that determines eligibility to remain in class.
Required Textbook: Microsoft Office: A Skills Approach Author: Manning. ISBN: 9780078130144. Includes the SIMnet Access Card.
You will see two books online; do not purchase the book that is labeled Standalone Suite.
The book and license are available at the LAVC bookstore and online at: http://www.lavcbookstore.com. You have a 14 day grace period to
use the SIMnet site complimentary until your purchase is complete, so you can begin your work immediately. Once the grace period ends, you
lose the complimentary access. The program saves your work. It is your responsibility to have the books and license by the grace period.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to create professional looking Word documents, analyze, design and create
worksheets to solve business problems, plan and create a database, prepare a slide show using PowerPoint, identify and reorganize files and
folders, and illustrate different types of data using charts.

Technical Assistance
There are helpful resources including tutorials and FAQs at http://www.lavc.edu/virtualvalley.
Login: https://lavc.simnetonline.com
Help: For McGraw-Hill Support Center click on http://mpss.mhhe.com/contact.php for email and chat. You can call (800) 331-5094
during posted Central Time business hours. We go by Pacific Time, which is two hours ahead. They record all chats and calls.
SIMnet staff cannot reset projects or exams. They only walk you through system issues. Follow the required settings to avoid issues.

Login: https://ilearn.laccd.edu/login/canvas
Help: For Canvas technical help - contact the Virtual Valley help desk - Email: vvhd@lavc.edu or call (818) 778-5834.
User ID:

LAVC Student ID (no spaces or dashes) - Example: 881234567

Password: 88, followed by Birthday month and Birth day (mmdd) (No year) - (Example: 880203 for February 3rd)

Student Resources
Financial Aid The Financial Aid office is located in the Student Services Center (SSC) 1st floor. Call (818) 947-2412. For more information:
http://www.lavc.edu/financialaid/index.aspx

Access Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) is located in the Student Services Annex (SSA) 1st floor. Contact at SSD@lavc.edu or Call
(818) 947-2681 or TTD (818) 947-2680.

Attendance and Time Commitment

We work and communicate online; there are no other meetings or office hours at the college. While online courses offer greater flexibility in
study time, we have assigned deadlines. Succeeding requires serious self-discipline, time management, and working independently. Check
weekly for Announcements and Email Messages and expect to spend at least 8 hours a week. Although the entire class material is available
for you to work ahead of time, note that if you do not show ongoing progress, you may be dropped. The time and effort spent directly affects a
grade. Consider the time lag for responses and technical problems.

Contact Information and Communication Protocols

Primary Use Canvas Inbox to send a private message Please keep messages brief and to the point.
Secondary - Email: bitare@lavc.edu (use only if Canvas is not operating). Update your email with Admissions.

My role is to assist you with class questions. I login daily to respond to your questions, but depending on weekends and holidays, please allow 3-4
days for a response. See Technical Help for questions pertaining to Canvas, SIMnet, or your computers compatibility and settings. Visit the college
website www.LAVC.edu for administration related questions (i.e. drop dates, etc.).

Let us be respectful and constructive in our communications. We follow netiquette guidelines (i.e. dont use all capital letters; it is considered shouting,

etc.). Because everything in an online class is written, it lacks personality and tends to be dryer. So lets be careful about our tone since the voice
inclination and face features are missing. Read your message twice before you send it and never send a message while you are emotionally charged.
Anyone disrespecting the process will be excluded until they regain composure. I accept constructive criticism and I acknowledge those who take full
responsibility for their actions and communicate in a respectful manner.

Ask questions after doing full research. Youll find most answers in the Syllabus and documents in Canvas and SIMnet. You have my assistance,
Canvas and SIMnet technical staff. If you need clarification, I am there for you! Most communications come after students receive an undesirable
grade. Please use the experience as a learning opportunity. Learning occurs during reflection and down moments. Take the time to reflect. The key is
to remain active and make progress, because I promise you that a couple of points here and there will not affect your final grade. I offer a William
Arthur quote: "The Pessimist complains about the wind; The Optimist expects it to change; The Realist simply adjusts the sails."

Life offers unanticipated good and bad times, emergencies and disasters, and family and personal challenges. The lessons of these challenges often

shape our views and strengthen our character. If life deals you a challenge, please take care of it. At times, the decisions result in a sacrifice. Only you
can prioritize your life. Sometimes students state, This is my last semester, or if I fail, I will lose my financial aid. Then please work hard to keep
those great opportunities. This is your journey; you get out of life what you put in it (energy in, energy out). I hope you enjoy the journey!

This syllabus may change. If I make any changes, the updates will come in the form of announcement in Canvas.

Assignments and Due Dates

We use two systems (Canvas and SIMnet). Both keep a tally of all student activities and the time spent online. Heres their uses:
Use SIMnet to view audio/video SIMbook lessons/practice and Skills Review projects, exams, and check work progress and grades.
Use Canvas to view class announcements and communicate with me via private messages.
IMPORTANT: SIMnet projects only work with a PC using Windows. Do Not Use a MAC as the program does not recognize the MAC keystrokes, which
hinders your grade. Please accept full responsibility if you use a MAC. The program works best with Firefox and Chrome.
The class is self-paced. You may work ahead of time and complete coursework prior to deadlines. This is a policy to allow you to work ahead of schedule,
not that you could login whenever you wish. If you are not making progress along the way, most likely at least 50% of the class work by the 2 nd drop date, I
have to drop you (College Rule).
You need 8 hours a week to finish the work, dont let time lapse, it is too difficult to catch up. I can tell you that many finish the projects ahead of schedule
and put the class behind them early in the semester. The college at times places new requirements, which may require that I amend this Syllabus.

Due Dates:
Lesson Exercises and Projects are due on December 12th by 11:59 p.m.
Final Exam opens December 12th at 8 a.m. and closes December 14th at 11:59 p.m. You may take it at any time during those three days. You need
to set aside one hour. The exam is 40 multiple choice question based on the entire semesters work.

All coursework is due by the scheduled dates. You have ample time and variety. There are no makeup exams or extra credit opportunities regardless

of the circumstance (including technical difficulties or personal issues - no exceptions). The college policy states: Its at the discretion of the instructor
to excuse absences or late work for extenuating circumstances, including verified cases of accidents, illness, or other circumstances beyond the
students control.

Assignments and Grading Criteria

No grade is assigned for the Canvas & SIMnet Tasks, but full and accurate completion by the deadline is required to remain in class.
Grades are based on a total of 400 points as follows:
A = 360-400 pts (90%)

B = 320-359 pts (80%)

C = 280-319 pts (70%)

D = 240-279 pts (60%)

F = below 240 pts

You are expected to reach 280 points before the 2nd drop date. If you reach 360 points, you qualify to opt-out of the Final Exam. It is the students
responsibility to withdraw by the deadlines. Names appearing on the roster at the end of the semester will receive a grade.
Assignments
Lessons/ Exercises = 160 points
SIMbook Lessons are the lectures. They use a simulated environment, which does not require MS Office 2013 program. The lessons are set to allow you unlimited
attempts. Each lesson includes 3 features 1) Show Me, 2) Guide Me (audio and closed captioning), and 3) Let Me Try exercises. You must do the Let Me Try
exercise to receive a score. The content of these lessons are permanently available to you under the library link even after class is concluded.
How to take a SIMbook lesson:
1. Click ASSIGNMENTS.
2. Click on SIMbooks and then click the SIMbook title you would like to review.
3. Click the Open Book button to open the lesson from the beginning or click on a page title.
Projects = 200 points
Projects are the computer applications. They require using MS Office 2013. If you do not have the Office 2013 program, you may need to use a public library. Since
the SIMnet grading engine is designed based on a PC, Windows version of Microsoft Office 2013, using any other program or a different Office version will
compromise the grade. SIMnet records every stroke providing step-by-step feedback. Each step has a point value assigned next to the task (known as Rubrics).
Projects allow for 2 attempts in case you encounter technical difficulties. If you choose to take advantage of both attempts, the program will record the highest grade
of the attempts.
Hints to avoid mistakes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Make sure you are using Office 2013.

Begin the project with the provided file; do not start the project in a new file that you created.
Follow the project instructions in sequential order.
Use a single space (not two spaces) after punctuation and at the end of sentences.
Do not copy and paste any part of the project unless specified in the instructions.
Do not include the sample watermark in your solution files.

Steps to complete a project:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Click Instructions for step-by-step directions.

Click Solutions to view the project solution.
Click Download Resources to download extra files necessary to complete the project. If link does not appear, then the project does not require extra files.
Click Download start file to download the project.
Save the project. You can upload a copy of your in-progress work at any time. A new upload will replace any files that have been previously uploaded. Click
the Upload & save button, select the project file you want to upload and click open.
6. Submit project for grading. Click the Grade my Project button to submit your project for grading. You must first save the completed project file. The result will
be available in your gradebook.
I check all work to ensure you have full credit and I watch your participation and grade you on your progress, so please just focus on learning the material. Take
advantage of the 2 attempts available for every project and exam.

Do not copy any project from others. The program is very sophisticated and flags any suspicious activity. If you copy a file that is not linked to your work, the program

will not allow you to submit it. When an integrity violation is detected, you and the person you copied from will receive a FAIL grade on the identified projects and
all linked students will be disciplined as there is Zero tolerance for cheating. Cheating includes attempting to copy or submit others work in any form, or any action
that might be construed as academic dishonesty. Disciplinary action may result in a failing grade on exams or projects, disciplinary probation, suspension or
termination of financial aid, and permanent expulsion for both the student providing the information and the recipient.
Exam = 40 points
Exam consists of 40 Multiple Choice questions timed at one hour. Exam includes content from the book, lessons and projects. Do not close the window (the x on
the top right corner). Exams allow for 2 attempts in case you encounter technical difficulties. If you choose to take advantage of both attempts, the program will record
the highest grade of the attempts. If you lose the connection or navigate away, you will lose one of your attempts. If you encounter a technical difficulty, please
address the issue before taking the exam again, as we are unable to provide additional attempts, and you would lose all points on the exam. You have 3 days to take
the exam; I would start immediately when the exam opens in case you encounter issues. If you reach 360 points, you qualify to opt-out of the Exam.

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Lessons and Assignment Titles

SIMbook

00 A Skills Approach - Office 2013, Overview - Chapter 1 - Essential Skills for Office 2013

SIMbook

01 A Skills Approach - Office 2013, Word - Chapter 1 - Getting Started with Word 2013

SIMbook

02 A Skills Approach - Office 2013, Word - Chapter 2 - Formatting Text and Paragraphs

SIMbook

03 A Skills Approach - Office 2013, Word - Chapter 3 - Formatting and Printing Documents

SIMbook

04 A Skills Approach - Office 2013, Excel - Chapter 1 - Getting Started with Excel 2013

SIMbook

05 A Skills Approach - Office 2013, Excel - Chapter 2 - Formatting Cells

SIMbook

06 A Skills Approach - Office 2013, Excel - Chapter 3 - Using Formulas and Functions

SIMbook

07 A Skills Approach - Office 2013, Excel - Chapter 4 - Formatting Worksheets and Managing the Workbook

SIMbook

08 A Skills Approach - Office 2013, Excel - Chapter 5 - Adding Charts and Analyzing Data

SIMbook

09 A Skills Approach - Office 2013, PowerPoint - Chapter 1 - Getting Started with PowerPoint 2013

SIMbook

10 A Skills Approach - Office 2013, PowerPoint - Chapter 2 - Adding Content to Slides

SIMbook

11 A Skills Approach - Office 2013, PowerPoint - Chapter 3 - Formatting Presentations

SIMbook

12 A Skills Approach - Office 2013, Access - Chapter 1 - Getting Started with Access 2013

SIMbook

13 A Skills Approach - Office 2013, Access - Chapter 2 - Working with Tables

SIMbook

14 A Skills Approach - Office 2013, Access - Chapter 3 - Working with Forms and Reports

SIMbook

15 A Skills Approach - Office 2013, Access - Chapter 4 - Using Queries and Organizing Information

Project #1

01 Word 2013 Skills Approach - Ch 1 Skill Review 1.1

Project #2

02 Word 2013 Skills Approach - Ch 2 Skill Review 2.1

Project #3

03 Word 2013 Skills Approach - Ch 3 Skill Review 3.1

Project #4

04 Excel 2013 Skills Approach - Ch 1 Skill Review 1.1

Project #5

05 Excel 2013 Skills Approach - Ch 2 Skill Review 2.1

Project #6

06 Excel 2013 Skills Approach - Ch 3 Skill Review 3.1

Project #7

07 Excel 2013 Skills Approach - Ch 4 Skill Review 4.1

Project #8

08 Excel 2013 Skills Approach - Ch 5 Skill Review 5.1

Project #9

09 PowerPoint 2013 Skills Approach - Ch 1 Skill Review 1.1

Project #10

10 PowerPoint 2013 Skills Approach - Ch 2 Skill Review 2.1

Project #11

11 PowerPoint 2013 Skills Approach - Ch 3 Skill Review 3.1

Project #12

12 Access 2013 Skills Approach - Ch 1 Skill Review 1.1

Project #13

13 Access 2013 Skills Approach - Ch 2 Skill Review 2.1a

Project #14

14 Access 2013 Skills Approach - Ch 3 Skill Review 3.1

Project #15

15 Access 2013 Skills Approach - Ch 4 Skill Review 4.1

Exam

CSIT-830 Office 2013 Exam

Canvas &

Tasks

This is an exercise that demonstrates you know how to navigate in Canvas and setup your SIMnet site. Accurate completion of all the tasks
by Thursday, September 15, by 2 pm is mandatory and a condition to remain in the class. Absolutely no exceptions - No drama please!
To complete, follow the directions below. If you run into any issues, refer to the online tutorial in the Virtual Valley site or call the help desk.
Ask all the questions now, because once the deadline passes, there are no exceptions regardless of the issue.
IN CANVAS:
1) Click on the Account tab on the left and create a profile with a short Biography (telling me a little bit about you), and a photo. You dont
need to add links.
2) Click on the Syllabus tab on the left. Read, review and reflect upon the learning policies and protocols in the course syllabus. The
syllabus and announcements represent a contract between us (the instructor and the student). Please email me with the following:
Place in the Subject Line: Syllabus Contract Acknowledgement
Please type the following in the message: I have read the Syllabus and I understand and agree to its terms and conditions.
IN SIMNET:
3) See the instructions Registering Your SimNet Online Account in the Modules tab on the left, then Go to the SIMnet website and
register. Heres how
Login to https://lavc.simnetonline.com Make sure the name you register is exactly how it is at LAVC and enter your student ID number.