Fall 2024
CIS 101 - Introduction to Computing [70777] 3 credits
Course description
At Pace University, and in careers beyond Pace, students will face the challenges of coping with technology and the opportunities to benefit from the productive use of technology. The Introduction to Computing course provides students with guided hands-on exercises with a variety of computer-based tools. The hands-on portion of the course gives the students experience with spreadsheets, computer programming for problem solving, and the exploration, societal impact, and ethical issues of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Prerequisites
None
Course learning objectives
After taking this course, the students will be able to:
1. Recognize fundamental computing concepts, terminology, and definitions related to components of computing.
2. Apply programming knowledge and skills to solve simple computational problems.
3. Analyze computational problems by breaking them down into smaller components.
4. Assess the quality and effectiveness of a technology solution based on predetermined criteria.
5. Design an original technology solution to address given problems or requirements.
6. Explore and use a variety of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.
7. Evaluate the ethical and social implications of computing, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
8. Demonstrate effective communication skills when collaborating and presenting ideas both orally and in writing with peers and in group projects.
Course lectures and assignments unfold weekly. You are responsible for submitting all assignments before the beginning of the next week. Participation in all class sessions is mandatory. In addition, you are expected to come to class prepared and having reviewed the materials for that week’s work. Please consult the Syllabus and Getting Started section, under the Content Navigation Bar in Classes for information on what materials you will need to have for each class session. It is expected that you access the Classes site frequently and read the announcements. You must participate in the Discussion Topics/Forums, do the readings, and submit assignments in Classes on or before they are due. It is expected that you will participate actively by maintaining communication with the instructor via email and respond promptly to requests/questions by your instructor.
Instructional Materials
Required
(Required) MyLab IT with e-text for GO! Microsoft 365: 2021 Edition, by Shelley Gaskin and Alicia Vargas, Pearson, ISBN: 9780135404430
Computing Equipment Required
PC or Mac only with a Webcam (NO Chromebooks or NO iPads)
Optional
Laptops can be reserved for a couple of hours in the Library.
Grading Policy
To receive a grade in CIS 101, you must complete all assigned homework, classwork, and projects. Grades for this course will be determined through several assignments and assessments. I recognize that different kinds of assignments feed into the strengths of different students, and Iwork to provide a range of opportunities for you to show what you’ve learned.
All assignments must be submitted via the LMS (Classes). IMPORTANT! No assignments will be graded from emails sent to the professor.
The following assessments will be used to determine your grade:
Final Grade Breakdown
|
Course Work
|
Percent of Final Grade
|
|
Getting Started
|
5%
|
|
Excel
|
30%
|
|
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
|
30%
|
|
Python Concepts
|
15%
|
|
AI Group Project
|
20%
|
|
Total
|
100%
|
Grading System
|
Rounded %
|
0-59
|
60-66
|
67-69
|
70-72
|
73-76
|
77-79
|
80-82
|
83-86
|
87-89
|
90-93
|
94-100
|
|
Grade Points
|
0.0
|
1.0
|
1.3
|
1.7
|
2.0
|
2.3
|
2.7
|
3.0
|
3.3
|
3.7
|
4.0
|
|
Letter Grade
|
F
|
D
|
D+
|
C-
|
C
|
C+
|
B-
|
B
|
B+
|
A-
|
A
|
Classwork and Homework
In Classes (LMS) under Content, you will find all required coursework for each week.
Rubric
Rubrics are provided with some assignments.