CS160 - Microcomputer Software

Welcome to the CS 160 Course Weblog

2009-12-09T23:30:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the CS 160: Microcomputer Software Course Weblog. This site will serve as a repository for course information, including course slides, assignments and resources.

Please send me an email if you have any suggestions regarding the weblog.

CS 160 Final Exam Instructions

2009-12-09T15:26:00.001-08:00

For the Final Exam I would like you to do some research on Google's new "Living Stories" site. You will be posting your research on your class weblog as specified in 'Part 2' of this post.

- Part 1 ---------------------------------------------------------
First, you should watch the video below:

- Part 2 ---------------------------------------------------------

Follow the video above to youtube (by clicking on the bottom right corner) and copy the embed code.
Next, go to your weblog and paste the embed code into a 'New Post'.
After pasting the embed code, click the 'Save Now' button at the bottom of your new post so you can finish editing it later.

- Part 3 ---------------------------------------------------------

Go to http://livingstories.googlelabs.com.
Find and explore a "Living Story" that interests you.
Read the following two articles on Google's Living Story project on the Google's Official Blog and Blogoscoped.
After reviewing your chosen story and reading the articles above, re-open your saved blog post containing the Google Living Stories video and discuss the items below:

How is the Google Living Stories approach different than other news sources?
Do you think this approach to stories will help to reduce bias in the news? Why or Why Not?
What features would you like to see added to Google's project?

After answering the questions above, publish your post on your class weblog and send me an email with your blog link.

Please complete and publish your post by 12:30 PM, Wednesday, December 16, 2009.

Class Cancelled - Wednesday, December 9, 2009

2009-12-09T07:38:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Right now SVSU is closed until Noon today due to inclimate weather.

I don't know if they will change this to the entire day or not, but If you are planning on driving in to come to class at Noon -- Don't.

I will post all of the details about the Final Exam and how to prepare for it on our class weblog. I will send you another message when the materials are online.

If you have any questions on anything or need help finishing up your screencast or blog project, please send me an email, and I will try to help you that way, or we can schedule a time to meet in the STC.

Drive safely and keep warm!

-Nicole

Reminders

2009-12-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Fall semester is quickly drawing to a close and on that note I have several reminders for you regarding project deadlines and the like..

Weblog Projects - I will be looking for you to put the finishing touches on your weblogs which you have been posting your research assignments on throughout the semester. We will be presenting them in class Monday, December 7, 2009. Your completed Weblog is due the day of the final exam, December 16, 2009.

Screencasts - Your Screencasting Project is also due the day of the final exam, December 16, 2009.

The Final Exam - Note that our final exam is scheduled for Wednesday, December 16, 2009 from 10:30 am - 12:20 pm.

Access Chapter 3

2009-11-30T08:33:00.000-08:00

Today we will look at Access Chapter , which begins on page AC 138.

Your assignment in conjunction with this chapter is to complete the tutorial as it is outlined on pages AC 138- AC 193.

Please use VSpace to upload your completed assignment. You will find a link for the assignment under the Assignments button on the left hand side of the VSpace site.

This assignment is due Monday, December 7, 2009.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving...

2009-11-23T08:15:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I would like you to research Online Black Friday events. Where are they, how do they work (i.e. hours and other terms), which ones have the best stuff.

The person with the biggest list or best items wins! (as voted on by the class : )

In addition to educating the class on these events, I would like you to research online versus in-store shopping. Post the pros and/or cons of each, and feel free to take a side and argue for one versus the other. Are you one of the many that will fight their way through Walmart and many other stores in the wee hours of the morning November 27th? Or, do you plan to surf the sales via the Net, or neither of the above?

Post your list and your research and thoughts on online versus in-store shopping, Black Friday, and mob sale events on your blog by December 2, 2009.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! -Nicole

Add 37 Pieces of 'Flair' to your blog

2009-11-18T08:25:00.001-08:00

It's time to add some pizazz to your weblogs. Let's dress them up for the Holiday Season. Put up a Christmas tree, a joke, a video, add an About Section or change up the template.

Let's have some fun with them. This is a no pressure, take-a-break, kind of assignment. You guys have earned it. : )

I really would like to see more descriptive or creative titles for your blogs and some kind of "About" section or "Profile" come out of this assignment though, ..and I will be dedicating some points in the overall grading of the Weblog Project to creativity and blog customization.

Posting your screencasts to your blog..

2009-11-16T08:17:00.000-08:00

Today we will talk about how to post your screen cast projects to your weblog.

If you are using Jing, they have put together video on Embedding Jing Content on webpages and/or weblogs using the Screencast.com account that is created when you install Jing.

If you are not using Jing, I would recommend uploading your video to YouTube and embedding the YouTube video in a post on your blog.

If you have trouble with this project at any point remember that you can come see me in the Student Technology Center and get some assistance.

My hours in the Student Technology Center are as follows:

Monday - 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Tuesday - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday - 1:30 - 8:00 PM
Thursday - 9:30 AM - 12 Noon
Friday - 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

-Nicole

A Look at the advantages of Cloud Computing..

2009-11-11T05:30:00.000-08:00

The Read Write Web has published some interesting articles on apps and services that are taking advantage of the "cloud" to provide users with new and improved functionality and collaboration.

Yesterday, they posted an article highlighting indicee, an online application that saves you time on monthly reporting tasks. Recently, they have also looked at:

Take a look at these services, as well as the video below for indicee, and report your thoughts on your blog. Link the services as you discuss them. And here's your challenge: Find at least two other web apps or services that are employing similar strategies, link to them and summarize their usefulness as a wrap up to your blog post. Your response should be posted by Wednesday, November 18, 2009.

Access Chapter 2: Querying a Database

2009-11-09T08:06:00.000-08:00

Hola! Today we will look at how to query a database in Microsoft Access Chapter 2, which begins on page AC 74.

Your assignment in conjunction with this chapter is to complete the tutorial as it is outlined on pages AC 77 - AC 126.

Please use VSpace to upload your completed assignment. You will find a link for the assignment under the Assignments button on the left hand side of the VSpace site.

This assignment is due Monday, November 16, 2009.

Social Bookmarking

2009-11-04T08:01:00.000-08:00

Watch the "Social Bookmarking in Plain English" video, explore three social bookmarking sites, and post the answers to the questions below on your blog.

What is Social Bookmarking?
Who is using social bookmarking services?
How does it work?
Why is it significant?
Where is it going?
How can it be used by teachers and students?
What are the downsides?
What are the benefits (compared with traditional bookmarking methods)?
List 3 popular Social Bookmarking sites that you have explored and tell us which one is your top pick.

This assignment should be posted to your blog by Monday, November 9, 2009. Please send me an email with a link to your post when you have added this assignment to your blog.

Class Cancelled - Monday, November 2, 2009

2009-11-02T05:28:00.000-08:00

There will be no class today, Monday, November 2, 2009. I apologize, I am not feeling well, and I am having trouble talking. My voice is very raspy due to a sore throat and cough.

I hope to be back on Wednesday, November 4th.

-Nicole

Happy Halloween!!

2009-10-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

Post your costume on your blog for an easy 10 points.

Best costume as chosen by the class earns an extra 5 points extra credit!

Link to Chicken Costume, in case you want to be a chicken too...

Participation is optional. Points would be applied as extra credit to your blog project.

Access Chapter 1: Creating and Using a Database

2009-10-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

Greetings! (<- Add creepy Halloween Voice here)

Today we will be learning about Microsoft Access, beginning with Chapter 1 on page AC 2.

Your assignment in conjunction with this chapter is to complete the tutorial as it is outlined on pages AC 3 - AC 61. This assignment is due in class, Wednesday, November 4, 2009.

Preparing for your Screen Cast Part II

2009-10-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

Today in class we will continue preparing for our screen casting experience. There are many things to take into consideration when preparing for a screen casting session that may not be obvious. Please read this article on Screencasting featured on Mahalo.com and create a "To do:" list to help you prepare for your recording session. Specifically, think about:

Where will you record your screen cast?

Which software program will you use? Will you need to install it on the system before recording or is it already configured?

If you are planning to record your own voice will you be bringing your own headset or is one available where you plan to record?

Will you need to make other adjustments to the system you will be recording on, such as freeing the desktop of clutter, installing other programs, testing your headset..?

The article should help you identify issues that you will need to plan for, use it as a guide to create your "To do" List. Please outline your "To do" List on your blog with a brief summary describing your screencasting project, topic and next steps by Wednesday, October 28, 2009.

Word Chapter 3: Creating a Cover Letter and a Resume

2009-10-19T07:48:00.001-07:00

Today we will work through Word Chapter 3 which begins on page WD 146. This chapter will guide you through creating a cover letter and resume in word and wrap up by stepping you through printing envelopes and using Microsoft Word's Envelopes and Labels feature.

Your assignment is to complete resume and cover letter project outlined on pages WD 146 - 204. Please customize the information you include on the resume and cover letter. Use your name, your address and your experience, education, objectives and skills in place of what is provided in the text. Also, feel free to change the job you are applying for to fit with your interests and goals.

Your resume and cover letter are due in class, Monday, October 26, 2009.

Create a Script for your Upcoming Screencast

2009-10-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, and in your spare time, I would also like you to create a script for your upcoming Screencasting Assignment.

There are two ways you could approach this assignment. We will be using Jing to transform our PowerPoint presentations into 5 minute screencasts. The challenges we will face in completing this project relate mainly to preparing a plan of attack and organizing our content to fit within the 5 minute time constraint. The goal of this assignment is to help us organize our thoughts, words and content into a "plan" that we can use when we begin recording our screen casts next week.

If you plan to add audio to your screencast and talk through your slides as if you were presenting your PowerPoint to the class, I recommend going through your slides and writing out the exact words you will say. This will become your script. You should rehearse your script by doing a dry run of the presentation and get a feel for how it fits with your slides and test the timing of your presentation.

If you plan to annotate your presentation (use additional text boxes, arrows, diagrams, etc) rather than add voice to your screencast, your script should outline what text and or other items you will add to each slide. This will help you develop a specific plan to follow when we begin our screencast recordings.

I would like to begin testing the screen casting software with our PowerPoint presentations next Wednesday, so it is important that you prepare a draft of your script by that time. Please submit your Script Draft by Wednesday, October 21, 2009.

Word Chapter 2: Creating a Research Paper

2009-10-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

Today we will cover Creating a Research Paper in Word Chapter 2. Your assignment in conjunction with this chapter is Apply Your Knowledge on pages WD 133 - 135. This assignment is due Monday, October 19, 2009.

Word Chapter 1: Creating and Editing a Word Document

2009-10-12T08:21:00.000-07:00

Ok, as promised it is the middle of the semester and it is time for that hiatus from complicated, intensive homework. So this week we will be focusing on Word. We will start with Word Chapter 1 on page WD 1, extending through WD 62.

Your assignment in conjunction with this chapter is Apply Your Knowledge on pages WD63 - WD64. This assignment is due in class, Wednesday, October 14, 2009.

Excel Chapter 3: What-If Analysis,Charting, and Workingwith Large Worksheets

2009-10-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

Today we will be covering Excel Chapter 3.

Your assignment in conjunction with this chapter is Excel Tutorial 3 beginning on EX 167 - 227. This assignment is due Wednesday, October 7, 2009.

Interesting stats for social and traditional media..

2009-09-30T08:36:00.000-07:00

Job Opportunity: Technology Assistant

2009-09-28T08:56:00.001-07:00

The Student Technology Center has an opening for a Technology Assistant.

Accepting resumes until Sunday, October 4, 2009.

Read full Job Description
Apply online at the Cardinal Career Network

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access and Publisher.
Comfortable with accessing and utilizing SVSU systems, such as VMail, VSpace, and the M-drive.
Knowledge and experience working with Windows XP.
Must be able to communicate clearly and succinctly in both oral and written form.
Must be able to work with minimal supervision.
Must have flexible work schedule which may include evenings, weekends and holidays.
Enrolled in SVSU classes as a regular graduate or undergraduate student (excludes guest students)
Fall and Winter: at least part-time each semester
Spring / Summer: at least part-time total or be pre-registered for at least part-time for the upcoming Fall semester
Complete an SVSU Student Technology Center Tutor Application.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience installing and configuring various software applications.
Experience with Adobe applications including Acrobat Professional, Dreamweaver, PhotoShop, InDesign, Illustrator, Flash and Fireworks.
Programming or web development experience.
Experience with Video Creation and Production.
Experience with computer hardware installation.
Experience configuring Windows XP and Vista.
Experience with MAC operating systems.

Excel Chapter 2: Formulas, Functions, Formatting & Web Queries

2009-09-28T01:30:00.000-07:00

Today we will continue with Excel Chapter 2. Specifically, I would like you to work through the chapter 2 tutorial in class which begins on EX 82 and ends on EX 143.

In addition to the chapter tutorial, please complete the Apply Your Knowledge exercises on pages EX 145 - 146. Both assignments are due next Monday, October 5th.

Excel Chapter 1: Creating a Worksheet and an Embedded Chart

2009-09-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

Today we will begin to explore Excel. We will work through the first chapter of Excel in your text in class today. This assignment will be due at the beginning of class, Wednesday, September 23rd.

We will save Word for later in the semester when we are all feeling stressed and need a hiatus.

PowerPoint Chapter 3 Web Feature

2009-09-16T08:15:00.000-07:00

Today we will review the integration and web feature of PowerPoint named "Creating Web Pages Using PowerPoint". Your assignment in conjunction with this chapter is to complete the "Creating Web Pages Using PowerPoint" section in your text starting on page PPT 146 and ending on PPT 157. This assignment will be due in class next Monday, September 21, 2009.

I will also be talking with you about the topic of screen casting and how that is changing the way many presentations are approached. I am contemplating adding this as a component of your PowerPoint project in an attempt to add interest to the project and afford you the opportunity to gain hands on experience with screen casting.

For your second research project, I would like you to research screen casting. I would like you to look for tutorials and research on the subject as well as sites, services and software programs that are useful in producing screen casts. I would like you to find 3 articles that discuss how screen casts are being used today and/or provide tutorials on the subject. I would also like you to try 3 screen casting services and report back on the experience. Your research should be posted to your student weblogs with links to the articles and sites that you have found. This assignment will be due in class next Wednesday, September 23, 2009.

PowerPoint Chapter 2

2009-09-14T08:12:00.000-07:00

Your assignment for today is to review PowerPoint Chapter 2 in your Office 2007 text and then complete the "In the Lab" assignment on page PPT 136.

The assignment asks you to import an inner ear diagram from the Microsoft Clip Organizer and label it according to figure 2-68 in your text. Please create your PowerPoint slide to match the slide shown on the bottom of PPT 136 as closely as possible.

The "In the lab" assignment is due in class, Wednesday, September 16, 2009.

PowerPoint Chapter 1

2009-09-09T08:19:00.000-07:00

Today we will discuss some of our findings from the "Office Alternatives" assignment.

We will also explore Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 and complete our first PowerPoint tutorial.

Your assignment, the first PowerPoint Tutorial, is covered in your Office 2007 text on pages PPT 1 - PPT 64. (The PowerPoint section of the book is towards the back of the book, and is marked by a yellow sidebars and headers.)

Office Alternatives

2009-08-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

Today we set up a personal blog in class. For your first assignment I would like you to research alternatives to "Office".

To complete this assignment please create a post and list 5 alternatives to Microsoft Office. For each item in your list please:

Give us the name of the product.
Describe the alternative, and why you thought it was interesting/different.
Link to the website where you found the alternative product or information about it.

I encourage you to search for online alternatives and see what you can find. An example of this would be Google Docs, but their are many others worth exploring as well.

Once you have completed the assignment please email me the link to your weblog so I can share it with the class. This assignment is due in class, Wednesday, September 9th.