online
This course provides an introduction to the meaning and function of hardware, software, data procedures, and personnel in a business computer system. Basic systems analysis and design techniques, file processing and data base concepts, plus the entering and executing of programs will be presented. The hands-on use of business software packages for Windows, word processing, spreadsheets, Internet access, presentation graphics, and data base will be included.
Course Alignment
General Education Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will apply:
- Communication - Create and interpret messages within specific contexts and multiple channels and modalities.
- Critical Thinking - Comprehensively analyze and elevate issues, ideas, and evidence before accepting or formulating an opinion or conclusion.
- Responsibility - Model ethical and professional behavior, and cultivate an environment of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Topical Outline
- Technology in society; digital lifestyle; artificial intelligence
- Understanding basic computer parts; hardware
- Operating systems and application and system software overview
- The Internet, the World Wide Web, and ethical computing
- Windows interface and file management
- Evaluating computer systems
- Connecting computing devices
- Securing computer systems
- Servers and networks
- Microsoft Office word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases
Faculty Contact Information
By appointment
Gina Randles
Course Information
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Develop skills and knowledge in computer concepts, history and industry trends
- Develop skills in file management, Windows, Internet & Email and Networking concepts and Office Applications – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
- Be ready to embark on more advanced study in computer technology and applications
MyLab IT with Pearson e-text – Access Card, ISBN-978-0138103965.
This card contains access to the e-Texts GO! Microsoft 365 Introductory 2021, 1st edition and Technology in Action 18th ed.
Evaluation
| Coursework | Grade Weight |
| Assignments | 25% |
| Discussion Boards | 20% |
| MS Office Projects | 25% |
| Comprehension (quizzes) | 10% |
| Final Exam | 20% |
| Grading Scale | KCC’s Grading System* | |
| 100 – 90.00% | A | Outstanding quality |
| 89.99 – 80.00% | B | High quality |
| 79.99 – 70.00% | C | Satisfactory quality in meeting minimum course requirements |
| 69.99 – 60.00% | D | Below satisfactory quality level established for course |
| 59.99 – 0% | F | Failure |
*In accordance with KCC’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations, Section 4.8, Grades.
Business, Technology & Human Services
Dean, Paul Carlson; 815-802-8858; V105; pcarlson@kcc.edu; Division Office – W102; 815-802-8650
Course Policies
Academic Integrity
KCC considers student violation of academic integrity to be a serious offense. Violations include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, AI, fabrication/falsification, and personal misrepresentation. The academic integrity policy refers to all coursework in this class for the duration of the semester. The internet is a powerful learning tool that provides access to information on any topic. The same powerful internet has also made it easier to detect plagiarism, and plagiarism in any form is treated as follows:
- First incident of plagiarism, student will be issued a warning.
- Second incident of plagiarism will result in a zero for the assignment.
- Third incident of plagiarism will be reported to school officials.
SimCheck software is used to evaluate coursework for potential plagiarism. Proper use of in-text citations and references is required on all assignments. Students will be asked to reassess, revise, and resubmit assignments with a SimCheck score in the cautionary level and above (yellow/orange/red).
Refer to KCC’s Code of Campus Affairs, Section 19.6.B, for specific violations of academic integrity.
Mechanics
College-level writing is expected on all assignments. This includes proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure (complete sentences). When applicable, writing must include appropriate in-text citations and references. Use of text language is prohibited. All written assignments are graded accordingly.
Attendance
Attendance is recorded and reported to the Admissions and Financial Aid offices. Student attendance is essential to academic success. Students are expected to log in routinely since the nature of the online classroom allows for postings and submissions 24/7. Per the design of this online course, students can expect to attend and participate online a minimum of three days per week. Excessive absences from the online environment will have an adverse effect on a student’s grade as well as create cause for being expunged from the course. Excessive absence is defined as nonattendance and nonparticipation for seven consecutive days. The instructor’s right to institutionally withdraw or fail a student for nonattendance is in accordance with KCC’s Code of Campus Affairs,. Section 18.0.
Refer to KCC’s Code of Campus Affairs, Section 18.0 for specific attendance policies.
Assignments
This course emulates the face-to-face course that would normally meet 3 hours and 40 minutes per week for 16 weeks. This is an accelerated 8-week course. Coursework is prepared and presented in a variety of methods for the purpose of effective learning as well as attaining learning outcomes. The coursework is administered via the Canvas Learning Management System and via Pearson MyLab software. Details of assignments, due dates/times, and grading rubrics are provided regularly and used for assessing accordingly.
All coursework is assigned a due date in order to facilitate appropriate progression of course material as well as completing the required work in a timely manner. Assignments will be submitted electronically in the proper forum in Canvas and/or Pearson by the specified deadline time. Assignments will not be distributed or accepted by email. Assignments will not be accepted after the final closing date posted. Students who are failing at midterm of the semester will be expunged with a grade of “W”. Acceptance of late assignments and credit given is at the instructor’s discretion.
Technology issues are not accepted as an excuse for incomplete and late assignments. For an online course, it is the student's responsibility to ensure possession of proper working equipment and a contingency plan for outages. Computers for student use are available on KCC’s main campus.
Discussion Boards
The discussion boards in the online classroom take the place of the review, lecture, discussion, and social interaction that would be received in the face-to-face environment. Once discussion has ended for the week, late posts are not accepted, and students will forfeit the applicable points. There is no make-up for missed discussions. Refer to the Discussion Boards Overview & Rubric for provisions.
Comprehension
Quizzes will be administered electronically. Once the due date for taking a quiz has passed, a 0 will be entered in the gradebook. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the quiz for points. Quizzes remain open all semester and may be taken at any time prior to the official end of the course. A final exam is administered electronically via LockDown Browser during the last week of the course.
Grades
All grades count. Lowest grades are not dropped for any assignments. Diligence in completing the required coursework is expected. It is the student’s responsibility to routinely assess their gradebook in Canvas for errors or missing assignments/grades and communicate discrepancies to the instructor.
Classroom Rules
The instructor’s classroom rules are in accordance with KCC’s Student Code of Conduct and the Code of Campus Affairs, Section 19.0. While working online, students are expected to exercise professionalism and etiquette conducive for providing a respectful learning environment without disruptions. A student’s inability to follow the rules of college classroom professionalism and etiquette is considered a violation of KCC’s Code of Conduct. A student’s enrollment in this course and acceptance of this syllabus indicates an agreement to comply with the classroom rules.
Refer to KCC’s Code of Campus Affairs, Section 19.0 for specific code of conduct policies.
COURSE CALENDAR
COSC-1513-W01
Introduction to Information Processing
SUMMER 2026
All assignments will be uploaded in Canvas. Pearson assignments are accessed through Canvas in the modules. Chapter and supplemental materials to be read along with weekly assignments and due dates will be posted in the modules in Canvas.
NOTE that the weeks begin on Monday and end on Sunday (except week 8*).
(TIA = Technology in Action textbook)
Week | Dates (Mon – Sun) | TIA Chapter(s) MSOffice Lesson | To Do | Notes |
1 | 6/1 – 6/7 | 1 File Management Windows | Syllabus Review Discussion Review Class Introductions MyLab Access completed Notes | Details will be provided in the Canvas modules relating to: -Correlating chapter(s) and supplemental material to be read -Homework assignments to be completed -Discussions to participate in -MSOffice projects to be completed -Quizzes -Final Exam |
2 | 6/8 – 6/14 | 2, 3 MSOffice Features | Notes | |
3 | 6/15 – 6/21 | 4, 5 Word | Notes | |
4 | 6/22 – 6/28 (midterm week) | 6 Excel | Notes Grades Check | |
5 | 6/29 – 7/5 (holiday weekend) | 7 Excel | Notes | |
Monday, 7/6 – Last day to withdraw with grade of “W” | ||||
6 | 7/6 – 7/12 | 8, 9 PowerPoint | Notes | |
7 | 7/13 – 7/19 | 11, 12 Access | Notes | |
8 | 7/20 – 7/23* (Thu) | 13 Internet | Notes Final Exam | |
*The last day of this course is Thursday, July 23, 2026 @ 11:59 p.m. No further assignments will be accepted after this final day of the course -- no exceptions.
*Withdrawal: When it is necessary to withdraw from a course or from the college, students may do so on or before the applicable withdrawal date for the particular semester to receive a grade of “W”. A Change of Schedule form (used to add or drop a course) is available in Student Services or see an advisor. The last day to voluntarily withdraw from this course this semester, Summer 2026, is Monday, July 6, 2026 in Student Services.
College Policies, Resources and Supports
For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide.
KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:
- Clubs and organizations
- Counseling and referral services
- Office of disability services
- Student complaint policy
- Transfer services
- Tutoring services, etc.
The materials on this course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course. Further information regarding KCC's copyright policy is available at https://kcc.libguides.com/copyright.
|Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.