Introduction to Computer Applications

Introduction to Computer Applications MIS105 Introductory Session Instructor: Irfan Ilyas

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

…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

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

Introducing the Instructor Irfan Ahmed Ilyas Lecturer (last 6 years) Master’s 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

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%

….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

….Course Related Stuff • Course Exam Dates • MIS105 Major01 - Tuesday, 10th Oct – Building 24/ Room 120-121 6:30 – 8:00PM • MIS105 Major02 - Tuesday, 5th Dec– Building 14/ Room 108 6:30 – 8:00PM • FINAL EXAM - 7:00 PM January 22, 2007 Monday

Teaching Methodology • Effective Lecturing

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@ Harvard University-1992]

..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)

…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

…Class Collaboration Mechanisms • … Lab collaborations • Minimal Instructor’s 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 student’s understanding about the solution • Group basis: By affecting each student’s score with the group average

Pictorial View of the Lab Setup Instructor

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

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 student’s control over the course • Ideas discussed can be shared on 24/7 basis

Example: Online Discussions

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

…Use of WebCT • Types of Online Collaboration Support in WebCT • Online group discussions • Individual Emails • Online Chat/ Conferences (can be adopted during instructor’s office hours or by getting an online appointment) A demo session of WebCT usage will be delivered in the first week’s lab session

Class Participation Evaluation • Class participation score will count all of the following: • Student class presentation performance • Student’s interactivity during question/ answer sessions of other group’s presentations • Student’s participation in the online discussion topics (Instructor can use face-to-face checks for assessing the credibility of such participation) • Student’s/ group’s lab performance Important: Bonus score up to 5% can be added in the course grade composition

Multimedia Components • Use of Tim’s Toolbox • Features included • Conceptual Animations

… Multimedia Components • Use of Tim’s Toolbox • Features included • Defining IT positions • …and many more.

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

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

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

Introduction to Computer Applications