COSC 1301:
In the event of an emergency or announced campus closure due to a natural disaster or pandemic, it may be necessary for Panola College to move to altered operations. During this time, Panola College may opt to continue delivery of instruction through methods that include, but are not limited to: online learning management system (CANVAS), online conferencing, email messaging, and/or an alternate schedule. It is the responsibility of the student to monitor Panola College's website (www.panola.edu) for instructions about continuing courses remotely, CANVAS for each class for course-specific communication, and Panola College email for important general information.
Regular and punctual attendance of classes and laboratories is required of all students. When a student has been ill or absent from class for approved extracurricular activities, he or she should be allowed, as far as possible, to make up for the missed work. If a student has not actively participated by the census date, they will be dropped by the instructor for non-attendance. This policy applies to courses that are in-person, online, hybrid, and hyflex.
Attendance in online courses is determined by submission of an assignment or participation in an activity. According to federal guidelines, simply logging into a distance learning course without participating in an academic assignment does not constitute attendance. Distance learning is defined as when a majority (more than 50%) of instruction occurs when the instructor and students are in separate physical locations. Students must engage in an academic activity prior to the course census date.
When an instructor feels that a student has been absent to such a degree as to invalidate the learning experience, the instructor may recommend to the Vice President of Instruction that the student be withdrawn from the course. Instructors may seek to withdraw students for non-attendance after they have accumulated the following number of absences:
Fall or spring semesters:
3 or more class meeting times per week - 5 absences
2 class meeting times per week - 3 absences
1 class meeting per week - 2 absences
The student is responsible for seeing that he or she has been officially withdrawn from a class. A student who stops attendance in a class without officially withdrawing from that class will be given a failing grade; consequently, the student must follow official withdrawal procedures in the Admissions/Records Office.
Please note: Health Science and Cosmetology courses may require more stringent attendance policies based on their accreditation agencies. Please see the addendum and/or program handbook for further information concerning attendance.
Panola College welcomes pregnant and parenting students as a part of the student body. This institution is committed to providing support and adaptations for a successful educational experience for pregnant and parenting students. Students experiencing a need for accommodations related to pregnancy or parenting will find a Pregnancy and Parenting Accommodations Request form in the Student Handbook or may request the form from the course instructor.
Panola College's instructional goals include 1) creating an academic atmosphere in which students may develop their intellects and skills and 2) providing courses so students may receive a certificate/an associate degree or transfer to a senior institution that offers baccalaureate degrees.
The purpose of this course is to fulfill academic requirements of an Associate of Arts degree, an Associate of Science degree, an Associate of Applied Science degree or a certificate at Panola College.
After studying all materials and resources presented in the course, the student will be able to:
- Describe the fundamentals of computing infrastructure components: hardware, application software, operating systems, and data communications systems.
- Delineate and discuss societal issues related to computing, including the guiding principles of professional and ethical behavior.
- Demonstrate the ability to create and use documents, spreadsheets, presentations and databases in order to communicate and store information as well as to support problem solving.
- Describe the need and ways to maintain security in a computing environment.
A general description of lecture/discussion topics included in this course are listed in the Learning Outcomes section of this syllabus.
Students in all sections of this course will learn the following content:
- Computer Basics
- Define computer and identify the basic computing functions
- Identify types of hardware devices and their uses.
- Identify types of software and their uses.
- Identify ethically responsible and safe computing practices.
- Describe networks.
- Define network terms.
- Business Productivity Software
- Terms and concepts as they relate to Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access.
- Skills required to use Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access to manipulate data and create solutions to business problems
This course is offered in the following formats: Traditional (face-to-face), Hybrid, and Online
Learners in the traditional class, hybrid class, and online class will have access to this course via the current Learning Management System. Learners in the traditional class and hybrid class will meet regularly for discussion on the new material. Learners in the online class will only be required to meet with the instructor or the proctor in a verified testing center for exams. Details will be posted in the Learning Management System.
All assignments will be completed and submitted via the current Learning Management System or the MyLab IT Web site. Learners may complete the following using the MyLab IT site: a) A MINIMUM of two proctored exams; b) Skills training and quizzes; c) Graded project homework and assessment quizzes; d) Concepts quizzes; e) a Final Exam.
Learners in the traditional, hybrid, and Internet classes should use the messaging (email) component of the current Learning Management System to communicate with the instructor and others in the learning community. If you are unable to contact the instructor using this method, you may use the instructor’s Panola College email address. Panola College instructors attempt to respond to all email within 24 hours when on campus or during virtual office hours. Always include a subject line and your name in your email.
The grading scale for this course is as follows:
- Quizzes 20%
- Daily Work 40%
- Major Exams 40%
| 90 and above | A |
| 80 – 89 | B |
| 70 – 79 | C |
| 60 – 69 | D |
| Under 60 | F |
- Courses conducted via video conferencing may be recorded and shared for instructional purposes by the instructor.
- For current texts and materials, use the following link to access bookstore listings: https://www.panolacollegestore.com.
- For testing services, use the following link: https://www.panola.edu/student-services/studentsupport/academic-testing-center.
- If any student in this class has special classroom or testing needs because of a physical learning or emotional condition, please contact the ADA Student Coordinator in Support Services located in the Charles C. Matthews Student Center or go to https://www.panola.edu/studentservices/student-support/disability-support-services for more information.
- Withdrawing from a course is the student’s responsibility. Students who do not attend class and who do not withdraw will receive the grade earned for the course.
- Student Handbook: https://www.panola.edu/ (located on at the bottom under student)