Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Virtual Meetings: There are not any face to face meetings for this class. However, I am available for
virtual, individual meetings with students.
Email Professor Sands for an appointment to meet virtually. All request should be made at least 24 hours
before the requested appointment time. If we meet virtually, you will go to:
https://breeze.sc.edu/itec264/
Enter the meeting as a guest and login with your name. You may or may not use a Web camera for Virtual
Office meetings.
EMAIL
I will check email periodically throughout the day Monday - Friday. I do not check email consistently on
Saturdays or Sundays or during the week after 7pm.
When sending emails to me include your name, the class name in the subject line of each email (SPTE
274). Failure to include the course name in the email may result in the email being returned to you before it
is answered.
All questions about the Grader Assessments, should be posted to the general discussion board
before 7 pm on the date the assessment is due. Posting in this manner allows you time to get
adequate feedback on any questions you may have before the assignment is due. There is no
guarantee that questions posted after 7pm will be answered the same day. Questions posted after 7
pm will be answered the next business day.
Please update your address in Blackboard. I will communicate with you through the email
address you registered with in Blackboard.
NOTE: Do not email your Instructor with Grader Assessment related questions, but post these
questions on the General “Discussion Board’ in Blackboard, so all students may benefit from the
questions and answers. Please post questions/comments under the correct chapter / area in the
discussion board. I encourage all students to actively participate on the General Discussion Board.
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ALL assignments must be submitted through Blackboard, unless otherwise indicated. I do not
accept emailed assignments.
MAC USERS
NOTE: This course is based on Excel 2016 – which is a Microsoft Office product. You will not be
able to fully complete some of the assignments on a MAC computer because some of the
commands you need are either not present on a MAC or are not detectable by the grading program
that is used for this class. Computers are available for your use in the Thomas Cooper Library on
campus.
MICROSOFT ACCESS SOFTWARE IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR MAC COMPUTERS. You can use
the public computers on campus to complete Microsoft ACCESS assignments.
Course Description
Survey of the core skills and techniques used in modern business applications.
Pre-requisites
There are no course pre-requisites. No prerequisite knowledge of Excel is needed.
** The University of South Carolina provides FREE Access to Microsoft EXCEL. Please
review the link below.
https://www.sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/university_technology_services/services/student/sof
tware/microsoft.php
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Required Textbook
You have 2 options for the textbook.
Option #1 is the all-digital option that comes with access to MYITLAB and the digital textbook
(e-text). It does not include the hardcopy of the textbook.
OR
Option #2 is the hardcopy of the text book that comes with access to MYITLAB. It also provides access to
the digital textbook (e-text).
ISBN: 0134455877
You can purchase this option from the USC Bookstore or directly online from Pearson. Registration
instructions are included on Blackboard or you can use this link MYITLAB REGISTRATION
INSTRUCTIONS
Purchase from campus bookstores or online from the USC Bookstore (http://tinyurl.com/USC-BN-
Bookstore)
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The e-text is located in each chapter folder in MYITLAB.
Registration instructions are included on Blackboard or you can use this link: MYITLAB
REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS
If you just want the hardcopy of the textbook without access to MYITLAB
o ISBN: 9781323558232 [Custom Book (just the book)]
Video: How to Purchase the All Digital Option of MyITLab & eText or Use Access Code with Printed
Textbook (http://screencast.com/t/SGAezZzJKHs) to Get to MyITLab Simulations/Assignments.
NOTE: If you do not purchase your book immediately, you can get a 14-day option through MyITLab online
so that you can get started immediately. However, at the end of the 14 days, you will have to purchase the
book.
MyITLab
MyITLab website:
http://www.myitlab.com
What is MyITLab?
MyITLab is the online environment where you will use to complete the majority of your coursework.
Chapter Simulations will be completed in the MyITLab simulated Office environment. You will receive
immediate feedback on your progress. Quizzes are taken in MyITLab. Grader assignments are completed
in live software (Excel 2016) and submitted to MyITLab for grading. MyITLab has a wealth of resources to
assist you in learning Access. All grades for this course will be recorded in MyITLab.
MAKE SURE YOUR “POP UP” blocker is disabled before you start the assignments in MYITLAB.
If you experience any technical difficulties (MYITLAB not operating efficiently, problems uploading
or downloading files, inability to access MYITLAB, etc.) please contact the Pearson Help Desk.
They have an experienced staff that is available to assist you 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Please call this toll-free (U.S.) number:
844-292-7016
Pearson’s MyITLab also provide technology support if you have any issues working within the MyITLab
system
24/7 Dedicated MyITLab Customer Technical Support Team (http://247pearsoned.custhelp.com/)
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You will also need to complete a browser “tune up”.
http://www.pageturnpro.com/Pearson-Education/51312-Student-Guide-MyITLab-for-Office-
2016/index.html#1
Technical Support
If you have problems with your computer, please contact University Technology Support (UTS) Help Desk
at 803.777.1800 or helpdesk@sc.edu. The UTS Help Desk is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM – 6:00
PM. The Thomas Cooper Library at USC has computers for you to use and if you are not in Columbia,
most public libraries have computers you may use if you find yourself facing computer problems.
Google Chrome is the recommended browser for MyITLab. When using MyITLab, Internet connection
bars will appear to show the strength of your Internet connection. The stronger the connection, the faster
MyITLab items will load and submit.
This is a totally, pure online course. Online classes are not easier than face-to-face (F2F) classes. To
succeed in an online class, you must be motivated and well-organized. You will need to purchase one of
the required textbooks listed above (e-book or printed textbook) by the first day of the course. Other
course materials are available via MyITLab. Regular Internet access is essential for successful completion
of the course. You can work ahead and complete assignments before they are due.
The purpose of this course is to help you become more skilled in using Microsoft Access and be prepared
for subsequent courses. This is particularly true if your major is HRTM, IIT, RETL or SPTE.
It is estimated that you will need to spend at least nine (9) hours per week to complete course work and to
work toward being successful in this online course. If you do not take this time each week, you may feel
overwhelmed and frustrated and your opportunity for success will be jeopardized.
ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE COMPLETED ON YOUR OWN. YOU ARE ALLOWED TO ASK
OTHERS FOR ASSISTANCE, BUT THIS IS NOT A “COLLABORATIVE” CLASS AND ASSIGNMENTS
SHOULD NOT BE COMPLETED IN GROUPS.
Although I have provided deadlines, I do not advise you to wait until the last day to complete the
assignments. Some unforeseen problem may arise which prevents you from meeting the deadline.
You are strongly encouraged to start on assignments before the date they are due.
The course is structured to begin with Excel Chapter 1. You will complete Excel Chapters 1-8 and Access
Chapters 1-4 in the comprehensive book.
4) Chapter Quiz
a. Located in MYITLAB
b. Multiple Choice, Matching, T/F
c. You will be allowed to take the chapter quiz 2 times.. Make sure you READ the textbook. Information on the
quizzes are based on the textbook. The quizzes are not timed.
d. You can view the correct answers by opening the submitted quiz and viewing the submission.
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a) Textbook Capstone Exercises are located at the end of each chapter. They will be completed in
Excel and Access and uploaded into MyITLab.
b) These are “Grader Projects” in which you will download directions and a start file in MyITLab,
complete the project using Excel 2016 and Access 2016 and submit the completed project for
assessment in MyITLab.
c) Assessment Grader Projects may be completed and updated as many times as you desire
before the due date to improve your score. Once you submit your file for assessment, you can
then check to see what you did correctly or incorrectly and fix any errors and upload again to earn
a higher grade. Refer to the Course Outline and Due Dates Checklist at the end of this
document.
7) Orientation Quiz
a. Located in MYITLAB. This quiz covers the course syllabus and the MYITLAB User guide
b. You can take the quiz as many times as you wish before the due date.
Directions for Introduction Exercise (to be submitted in BLACKBOARD under the Discussion
Board)
Please introduce yourself to the class. You may want to include the following information:
- Your Name
- Your Hometown or High School where you graduated
- Major
- Something unique about yourself OR
- Something you just want to share with the class
- Optional picture of yourself (use the attachment icon to attach to your introduction)
*** Before posting your response or responding to other students' posts, please review the Etiquette for Communicating
Online Section of the class syllabus
*** Please only post information you are comfortable sharing with the entire class
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10) Tutorial Presentations
a) After learning Excel and Access, you will develop two tutorial presentations (one for Excel and
one for Access) on a topic of your choice.
b) You may use PowerPoint, Jing, Screencast-O-Matic, Camtasia Studio, or any software you are
familiar with to develop this tutorial.
c) Tutorial 1 must show the Excel screen and provide voice over instructions on how to do
something in Excel.
d) Tutorial 2 must show the Access screen and provide voice over instructions on how to do
something in Access.
e) The basis behind these tutorials is for you to demonstrate you know how to perform a certain
function or process in Excel and Access and that you can show someone else how to do it as
well.
f) ALL the directions, grading rubric, and specific directions are listed in MYITLAB the folder titled
TUTORIAL PRESENATIONS.
g) ALL PRESENTATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED VIA BLACKBOARD UNDER THE
APPROPRIATE LINK.
MYITLAB will be the primary source you use to access assignments and view your grades.
It is important to first post all of your course content questions on the DISCUSSION
BOARD first. There are several instances where several of your classmates have the
same questions as you. When you post your questions on the discussion board, this
allows me and my Teaching Assistant to answer the questions in a more timely and
convenient manner. In addition, it allows your peers to see your specific questions and
enables them to also respond to your questions
All assignments, directions, due date calendar and other resources you need are located in
MYITLab. The folders are labeled by chapter. YOU WILL FIND THE CHAPTER FOLDERS BY
LOGGING INTO MYITLAB USING THE PEARSON MYITLAB link in Blackboard. You will then select
MyITLab Course Content
There are also separate folders for the Mid-Term, Final Exam. There is also a RESOURCE folder in
MYITLAB for each chapter that lists the PowerPoint Presentations and Demonstration Videos.
Please review the Student MYITLab User Guide to assist you in navigating through MYITLabs and the
various assignments.
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MYITLAB STUDENT USER GUIDE
http://www.pageturnpro.com/Pearson-Education/51312-Student-Guide-MyITLab-for-Office-
2016/index.html#1
TECHNICAL ISSUES
Your instructor cannot help you troubleshoot technical problems with your personal computer. Use the
campus computers if you are having problems with your own computer – problems with your personal
computer or Internet connection are NOT a valid excuse for not completing your work by the
posted deadlines! Always start your work early – when you wait until the last minute, you don’t leave
yourself enough time to recover from any problems or glitches that occur! You WILL STILL be expected to
meet all deadlines! Contact the Pearson Help Desk for ALL technical problems with MYITLAB.
GRADE REVIEW
It is your responsibility to keep up with your grades in this class. You can always check your grade
in the class by reviewing the GRADES Tab in MYITLAB. Review the MYITLAB Student Guide to
review the information on checking grades.
Once you submit an assignment, your grade will display. Make sure you review your grade as soon
as you submit the assignment. If there is a discrepancy, you must contact me within 48 hours
after you submit the assignment for me to review it. I will not change or review grades after the 48-
hour time has expired. If you experience a technical difficulty accessing or uploading an
assignment, please contact the Pearson Help Desk before the assignment is due.
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YOU SHOULD ALWAYS USE MYITLAB TO CHECK YOUR GRADES. Although your grades are
eventually transferred from MYITLAB to Blackboard, MYITLAB provides the most accurate source
for checking your grades.
Late work will not be accepted after the due date. A zero will be recorded for late assignments.
The discussions, assignments, exams, final project, etc. must be completed as scheduled on this
syllabus. Review the Course Assignment Calendar that came with the syllabus and the Course
Assignment Calendar located in MYITLAB. The Course Assignment Calendar in MYITLAB will have the
most up to date information in regards to due dates. I will only accept late assignments if you submit
me to a valid documented excuse (illness, school required conference, etc.). Please review the USC
policy in regard to excusable absences. You must be able to submit written documentation.
Excusable “Absences” include:
. participation in an authorized University activity (such as musical performances, academic competitions, or varsity athletic events in
which the student plays a formal role in a University sanctioned event)
• required participation in military duties
• mandatory admission interviews for professional or graduate school which cannot be rescheduled
• participation in legal proceedings or administrative duties that require a student’s presence
• death or major illness in a student’s immediate family
• illness of a dependent family member
• • religious holy day if listed on www.interfaithcalendar.org
• illness that is too severe or contagious for the student to attend class
• weather-related emergencies
Course Communications
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When you post a question, use a descriptive phrase as the subject of your post. Typing “Help” or
“Question” is not helpful for others to distinguish the topic included in the post. Therefore, use descriptive
phrases like “Question about Step 6” or “Need Help with Quiz in Module 2”. Please post the questions
under the correct chapter or area.
***EXTRA CREDIT WILL BE AWAREDED TO STUDENTS WHO POST ON THE DISCUSSION BOARD***
EMAIL
If you have personal questions pertaining to this course, please email me. I do not consistently check
email on Saturday and Sunday. However, I will respond within 24 hours if contacted Monday – Friday.
When sending an email, please include a detailed subject line. Additionally, make sure you reference the
course –- SPTE 274-J11 and sign the email with your name. Begin these emails with a proper
salutation (e.g., Dear Mrs. Sands or, Hello Professor Sands, Good Afternoon Prof. Sands). Starting an
email without a salutation or a simple "Hey" is not professional or appropriate.
All communications on the Discussion Boards and via emails should be professional. Concise and
relevant subject lines should be used and spelling/grammar should be carefully checked. Write in a
professional tone. Text message language is not accepted. See the Netiquette section below.
Treat one another with respect. We all hold different opinions, but we can all respect those opinions
and communicate in a professional manner.
Do not use all CAPITAL LETTERS in emails or Discussion Board postings. This is considered
“shouting” and is viewed as impolite or aggressive.
Use proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. Text messaging language is not
acceptable.
Use good taste when communicating. Profanity is not appropriate nor professional.
Re-read, think, and edit your message before you click Send/Submit.
Students with disabilities should contact the Office of Student Disability Services. The contact information
is below:
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These services can provide assistance with accessibility and other issues to help those with disabilities be
more successful in the course. Additionally, students with disabilities should review the information on the
Disabilities Services Web site and proactively communicate with me before or during the first week of
class.
The following other academic support services and resources may help you be more successful in the
course as well.
Pearson, through MYITLAB is committed to providing barrier free, accessible learning in an introductory-
level Computer Concepts and Microsoft Applications Software. Please review the MYITLAB accessibility
statement (http://www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com/northamerica/myitlab/accessibility/index.html)
Blackboard is fully committed to delivering product experiences that conform to the highest levels of global
accessibility standards. We know that a mature digital accessibility program must establish a sustainable
organizational culture around accessibility.
These services can provide assistance with accessibility and other issues to help those with disabilities be
more successful in the course. Additionally, students with disabilities should review the information on the
Disabilities Services Web site and proactively communicate with Professor Sands before or during the first
week of class.
The following other academic support services and resources may help you be more successful in the
course as well.
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Student Technology Resources (http://www.sc.edu/technology/techstudents.html)
Academic Honesty
Plagiarism/Cheating, as defined in the Code of Student Academic Responsibility, will result in failure of
this course in addition to any penalty/penalties exacted by the appropriate Academic Dean and the
University Honor Council to whom all offenses will be reported. Consult Carolina Community for what
constitutes plagiarism. You are responsible for reading and abiding by these rules. The Web sites
provided below should be reviewed so you can learn more about the University policies.
You must save files on a thumb/flash/mobile drive (especially with Assessment/Grader assignments). You
should have a back-up of all your files in another location. The MyITLab system flags submitted work
that is not your own. This is an academic integrity violation. Submitting someone else’s work is
cheating and against the Carolina Code. You will automatically receive a 0 for any assignment that is
flagged with an Integrity Violation.
Cheating, as noted previously, will result in failure of this course for all involved parties. All parties will
also be referred to the Office of Academic Integrity for additional retribution. One or more of the following
sanctions may be imposed.
INTEGRITY VIOLATIONS
Integrity Violations are serious and could potentially have a negative impact on your school records.
Grader Assessments have an embedded token that is unique to each student within the download of each of the initial
document(s) that the student downloads to begin a Grader assignment. As such, if a student uploads assignments that
is not their own or copied from another source, a Potential Integrity Violation will be noted and the Instructor of the
class will be notified. Therefore, MYITLAB will automatically notify your Instructor if an assignment is
uploaded to your account that is not your own or if your assignment is a portion of another file that you did not
download from your account. MYITLAB will automatically provide your name and the student’s name who
the file belongs to. MYITLAB will record a grade of 0 for your submission. ALL INCIDENCES OF
INTEGRITY VIOLATIONS WILL BE REERRED TO THE OFFICE OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY.
In order to avoid Integrity Violations and Referral to the Office of Academic Integrity:
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