Introduction to Computers

list Preamble

info Description

This is a computer concepts, fluency, and skills focused course designed for non-science majors. Students will build a fundamental knowledge of the components that comprise a computer, and will learn how these components represent digital information, including data, sound, graphics, and video. Students will also learn the computing foundations of communication and network infrastructures. The course will form a basis for problem solving skills that evolve and adapt as technology advances. Students will also master advanced skills in word processing, spreadsheet creation, and presentation software, among other applications. Previous computer experience is not expected; Not open to Computing Science majors.

list Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will understand...

menu_book Textbook

You may purchase these books in our bookstore or anywhere online. Ensure the isbns match before making your purchase. This will ensure you’re using the right edition, title, and author. No other edition/isbn is supported in class.

New Perspectives on Computer Concepts 2018: Introductory

  • isbn: 9781305951518
  • Edition: 20th
  • Author: June Jamrich Parsons
  • Amazon link

New Perspectives Microsoft Office 365 & Office 2019: Introductory

  • isbn: 9780357025741
  • Edition: 1st
  • Authors: Patrick Carey, Dan Oja, June Parsons, Katherine Pinard, Ann Shaffer, Mark Shellman
  • Amazon link

calendar_month Schedule

Important Notes

If you miss class for any reason, you’ll need to get notes from a classmate, as mentioned in the section of this syllabus marked Advice on Succeeding in Class. There will not be a streaming video option for anyone missing class.

Notable Dates

✶ Wednesday, 10 December 2025, is the last day of classes, but it’s Friday Fall Break Make-Up Day. This is the make-up date for Friday classes that were given a recess in October. Thus, our last day of class is Monday, 8 December.

In the schedule below, indicates the Computer Concepts book, while indicates the Office 2019 book.

The weekly schedule for the semester, complete with topics and readings.
Week Topics Homework
One
  • Thorough syllabus breakdown
  • Read about how to install Microsoft Office on your local machines here
  • Acquire the textbooks
  • Module 2, pgs 83–121
Two
  • Device Basics
  • Device Options
  • Processors and Memory
  • Storage
  • Input and Output
  • Module 2, pgs 122–157
Three
  • Network Basics
  • The Internet
  • Internet Access
  • Local Area Networks, or LANs
  • File Sharing
  • Module 3, pgs 200–239
  • Assignment 1 due
Four
  • Software Basics
  • Operating Systems
  • Module 6, pgs 376–413
Five
  • Apps and Applications
  • Productivity Software
  • File Management Utilities
  • Module 6, pgs 414–451
  • Assignment 2 due
Six
  • Basic Security
  • Malware
  • Module 7, pgs 452–487
Seven
  • Online Intrusions
  • Interception
  • Social Engineering
  • Module 7, pgs 488–519
  • Assignment 3 due
Eight
  • Review for midterm (Monday)
  • Midterm exam (Wednesday)
  • Word (Modules 1–2)
Nine
  • Creating and Editing a Word Document
  • Navigating and Formatting a Word Document
  • Creating Tables and Word Reports
  • Enhancing Word Page Layout and Design
  • Word (Modules 3–4)
Ten
  • Getting Started with Excel
  • Formatting Workbook Text and Excel Data
  • Excel (Modules 1–2)
  • Assignment 4 due
Eleven
  • Performing Calculations with Formulas and Functions
  • Analyzing and Charting Financial Data
  • Excel (Modules 3–4)
Twelve
  • Creating a PowerPoint Presentation
  • Introduction to the Arduino platform
  • PowerPoint (Modules 1–2)
  • Assignment 5 due
Thirteen
  • Arduino (Monday)
  • Assignment 5 presentations
  • Arduino Labs 1 – 2
Fourteen
No class (Thanksgiving recess)
None. Enjoy your break!
Fifteen
  • Arduino (Monday)
  • Review for final exam (Wednesday)
  • Arduino Labs 3 – 4
Sixteen
Final exam (Monday)
None. Enjoy your break!

assignment Assignments

There are five assignments provided via Blackboard and two paper-based, non-multiple choice exams given during class time. The weights assigned to each is as follows:

You may calculate your grade at any time using the following formula:

(10 × .006) + (10 × .006) + (10 × .006) + (10 × .006) + (10 × .006) + (100 × .003) + (100 × .004) = 1

The number 10 represents the maximum number of points for each assignment and 100 the max number of points per exam.

balance Class Policies

warning Academic Honesty

Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated in this course; make certain that all the work you submit is your own. Refresh your understanding of the college’s policy on academic honesty.

accessible Students with Disabilities

If you have a documented disability for which you are requesting accommodation, you are encouraged to contact Access-Ability Services as soon as possible by calling 860.768.4312, emailing tlopez@hartford.edu, or by stopping by the Access-Ability Services office in Auerbach Hall, Room 209. If your request for accommodations is approved, an accommodation letter will be emailed to your instructor(s) upon your request. Please discuss your accommodations with the instructor as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements. Note: Student requests for accommodations must be filed each semester. Visit https://www.hartford.edu/academics/academic-support/accessibility-services/ and click the “Registering” link for more info and a link to a video that walks you through the process.

balance Title IX and Sexual Assault

Sexual violence and other forms of sexual misconduct and harassment, including stalking and intimate partner violence, are prohibited under Title ix, federal and state law, and University of Hartford policy. Information on the University’s policies against sexual violence can be found at https://www.hartford.edu/about/policies/title-ix/. Resources regarding sexual violence can be found at https://www.hartford.edu/about/policies/title-ix/on-off-campus-resources.aspx

Note: University of Hartford faculty, staff, and ras are required to report incidents of sexual misconduct to the Title ix Office (title9@hartford.edu). For further information on The University’s policies and resources, please contact Jason Martinez (860.768.5255; jamartine@hartford.edu) or Justin Bell (860.768.4880; jbell@hartford.edu).

psychology Mental Health and Well-Being

Mental Health is an important aspect of students’ well-being and integral to positive academic experiences and success. If, during the semester, you experience difficulties and would like support, consider contacting the University of Hartford’s caps, or Counseling and Psychological Services, which offers a range of short-term counseling services available to full-time undergraduate students at no additional cost, and to part-time undergraduate and graduate students for a small fee.

caps is located in Gengras Student Union, Room 313 map, and can be reached by calling 860.768.4482 or emailing Liz Inkel at inkel@hartford.edu. Office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

info Advice for Succeeding in Class

Read over the following to understand procedures for maximizing your chances of succeeding in class.

door_front Office Hours

contact_mail Contact

Nowadays, I only use email for emergency situations, such as a pet emergencies, personal tragedies, etc. For matters related to our course, you’re advised to see me before or after class, during my office hours, or by appointment. My contact info is listed in the Preamble.