Introduction to Computer Applications

1
Introduction to Computer Applications
MIS105
Introductory Session
Instructor Irfan Ilyas
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Agenda

• Introducing the Instructor
• Course Introduction Part of Course Syllabus
• Objectives
• Course Composition (Theory Practice)
• Text Books
• Course Relevant Web Sites
• Exam Dates
• Course Policies
• Grading Policy

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Agenda

• Teaching Methodology
• Effective Lecturing
• Collaborative Learning in Group setups
• Collaboration Mechanisms (Theory part/ Lab
  collaborations)
• Group Formation Scheme (Feedback form)
• Use of Information Technology Practices
• IT based collaboration with Instructor class
  mates
• Use of WebCT (online course platform)
• Class Participation Evaluation Criteria

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Agenda

• Use of Multimedia Content
• Make use of Instructor provided Web content
  (Tims Toolbox at http//www.mhhe.com/oleary/CE05)
  
• Use of online practice Quizzes
• Use of cross-word puzzles

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Introducing the Instructor

• Irfan Ahmed Ilyas
• Lecturer (last 6 years)
• Masters Degree from KFUPM (in ICS) - 2000
• Bachelor Degree from NED, Pakistan (in COE) -1995
• Office Location Building 24/ Room 223
• Office Hours
• SUMT 10AM 11AM

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Course Related Stuff

• Grading Policy
• Exams
• First Major Exam 10
• Second Major Exam 15
• Final Exam 20
• Lab Exams
• Use of Microsoft Excel 15
• Use of Microsoft Access 15
• Use of VBA in Microsoft Access 8
• Quizzes 10
• Class Performances 7

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.Course Related Stuff

• Lecture Textbook
• Computing Essentials 2006AuthorO Leary, T. J.,
  et al.,PublisherMcGraw Hill
• Lab Textbook
• Microsoft Exploring Office XPAuthorRobert T.
  Grauer, Maryan Baber
• PublisherPrintice Hall

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.Course Related Stuff

• Course Exam Dates
• MIS105 Major01    - Tuesday, 10th Oct Building
  24/ Room 120-121 630 800PM
• MIS105 Major02    - Tuesday, 5th Dec Building
  14/ Room 108 630 800PM
• FINAL EXAM - 700 PM  January 22, 2007  Monday  

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Teaching Methodology

• Effective Lecturing

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Teaching Methodology

• Collaborative Learning in Group setups
• Proved to be very effective in reinforcing
  communication and problem solving skills
• Enhances the ability of learning independently
  and helping others
• Student academic performances satisfaction are
  found to be tightly linked with their
  collaboration with other students Richard Light_at_
  Harvard University-1992

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..Teaching Methodology

• Class Collaboration Mechanisms
• All the class will be divided into groups of 4
  students each
• Certain group-based class/ lab activities will be
  introduced
• Theory Sessions
• Each group is supposed to prepare a class
  presentation on some IT relevant topic (gradable
  activity)
• During the presentation, other groups are
  supposed to interact actively with questions/
  criticisms (gradable activity)
• Group presentations will be schedule on weekly
  basis (throughout the semester)

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Class Collaboration Mechanisms

• Lab Sessions
• Each group will be sitting together, working on
  the lab problem
• In the first part, Instructor will be delivering
• An exposure to the relevant concepts
• A brief problem explanation
• The problem is supposed to be solved
  collaboratively

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Class Collaboration Mechanisms

• Lab collaborations
• Minimal Instructors help can be sought by the
  needy group during the session
• At the end, the work done will be graded by the
  instructor on both
• Individual basis Evaluating each students
  understanding about the solution
• Group basis By affecting each students score
  with the group average

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Pictorial View of the Lab Setup
Instructor
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Teaching Methodology

• Group Formation Scheme
• Done by the instructor
• Students computer familiarity / academic
  performance will be used as a criterion for
  consistent group distribution
• Students feedback/ earlier quiz performance will
  be utilized as inputs

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Using Information Technology Practices

• IT based collaboration
• Collaboration will be encouraged both with
  Instructor class mates
• Online discussions will be initiated by the
  instructor/ students on specific topic areas
• The participation from students will be a part of
  his grade in the course
• Initiating a creative discussion will consider as
  a good measure of students control over the
  course
• Ideas discussed can be shared on 24/7 basis

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Example Online Discussions
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Use of WebCT

• Administered by KFUPM
• Available at http//webcourses.kfupm.edu.sa
• Requires a login name/ password on the first page
  s234875/ your email password
• For every student (Sec01, 06, 07, 08)
• Course link for MIS105 will appear
• Discussion groups will be arranged by instructor
  for topic discussions

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Use of WebCT

• Types of Online Collaboration Support in WebCT
• Online group discussions
• Individual Emails
• Online Chat/ Conferences (can be adopted during
  instructors office hours or by getting an online
  appointment)

A demo session of WebCT usage will be delivered
in the first weeks lab session
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Class Participation Evaluation

• Class participation score will count all of the
  following
• Student class presentation performance
• Students interactivity during question/ answer
  sessions of other groups presentations
• Students participation in the online discussion
  topics (Instructor can use face-to-face checks
  for assessing the credibility of such
  participation)
• Students/ groups lab performance

Important Bonus score up to 5 can be added in
the course grade composition
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Multimedia Components

• Use of Tims Toolbox
• Features included
• Conceptual Animations

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Multimedia Components

• Use of Tims Toolbox
• Features included
• Defining IT positions
• and many more.

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Multimedia Components

• Use of online practice Quizzes
• Helpful in class quiz/ exam preparation
• Test the understandings after finish each chapter

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Multimedia Components

• Use of cross-word puzzles
• Helpful in class quiz/ exam preparation
• Test the understandings after finish each chapter

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Summary

• Collaborative learning style will be adopted
  through out the course
• Online collaborative component will be highly
  encouraged to be adopted