Alabama

Department of
Postsecondary Education
Representing Alabamas Public Two-Year College System

CIS/DPT 149
Introduction to Computers
Plan of Instruction
Effective Date:

2005

Version Number: 2005-2

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is an introduction to computers and their impact on society. The course
covers the development of computers, their impact on society, as well as future
implications of development of computer and related communication technologies. This
course introduces programming and computer operating systems. Upon completion,
students will have basic knowledge of computer technology and will be able to perform
basic functions with a computer system. The course will help prepare students for the
IC3 certification.
CREDIT HOURS
Theory
Lab
Total

3 credit hours
0 credit hours
3 credit hours

NOTE: Theory credit hours are a 1:1 contact to credit ratio. Colleges may schedule lab hours as
manipulative (3:1 contact to credit hour ratio) or experimental (2:1 contact to credit hour ratio).

Alabama College System

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Introduction to Computers

CIS 149

PREREQUISITE COURSES
As required by college.
CO-REQUISITE COURSES
As required by college.
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES:

Execute computer programs

Explain concepts related to computer communication and networks.

Use the principles of data communications and networking standards.

Use the internet to obtain and communicate information.

Explain the impact of computers on various aspects of society.

INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS:
Cognitive: Comprehend foundational knowledge of computer systems.
Performance: Apply foundational knowledge of computer systems.
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES/OBJECTIVES
Unless otherwise indicated, evaluation of students attainment of cognitive and
performance objectives is based on knowledge gained from this course. During
performance evaluations, students will be provided necessary tools, equipment,
materials, specifications, and any other resources necessary to accomplish the task.
Specifications may be in the form of, but not limited to, manufacturers specifications,
technical orders, regulations, national and state codes, certification agencies, locally
developed lab assignments, or any combination of specifications.

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Introduction to Computers

CIS 149

MODULE A COMPUTER CONCEPTS

MODULE DESCRIPTION: During this module students comprehend basic concepts
related to operating computers. This module is a foundation for other modules in this
course.
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES
PERFORMACE OBJECTIVES
A1.0 Explain basic computer
A1.1 This module is measured cognitively.
concepts. (B)
KSA
ENABLING OBJECTIVES
Indicators
A1.1.1 Define computer terms
A
A1.1.2 Explain the historical development of computers
B
A1.1.3 Explain the evolving impact of computers on society
B
A1.1.4 Explain the importance of computer literacy
B
A1.1.5 Describe categories of computers and their uses
B
A1.1.6 Identify types of computer users
A
A1.1.7 Identify common programming languages
A
A1.1.8 Differentiate between common programming languages
B
MODULE A OUTLINE

The historical development of computers and their evolving impact

on society

Categories of computers and their uses

Common programming languages

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Introduction to Computers

CIS 149

MODULE B COMPUTER COMPONENTS AND SOFTWARE

MODULE DESCRIPTION: This module provides students with basic information on the
use of various computer components and software.
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES
STUDENT PERFORMACE OBJECTIVES
B1.0 Use computers to accomplish
B1.1 Use various types of computer
specified tasks. (B/3b)
components and software to accomplish
specified tasks.
KSA
ENABLING OBJECTIVES
Indicators
B1.1.1 Explain the purpose and function of common computer
B
components.
B1.1.2 Describe procedures for safely starting and terminating computer
b
activity.
B1.1.3 Describe common features of specified computer operating
a
systems.
B1.1.4 Describe the attributes and function of various types of software.
B
B1.1.5 Differentiate between storage and memory.
B
B1.1.6 Describe the function and purpose of various types of storage
B
media and storage devices.
MODULE B OUTLINE

Computer components

Software

Input and output devices

Storage

Operating systems and utility programs

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Introduction to Computers

CIS 149

MODULE C COMPUTER COMMUNICATION AND NETWORKS

MODULE DESCRIPTION: This module provides students with an introduction to how
computers communicate with various devices through networks.
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES
PERFORMACE OBJECTIVES
C1.0 Explain concepts related to
C1.1 This competency is measured cognitively.
computer communication and
networks. (B)
KSA
ENABLING OBJECTIVES
Indicators
C1.1.1 Define terms associated with computer communication and
A
networks.
C1.1.2 Explain the implications of the impact of computers and related
B
communication technologies on society.
C1.1.3 Explain the purpose of a network.
B
C1.1.4 Identify the components required for successful communications.
a
C1.1.5 Describe commonly used communication devices.
B
C1.1.6 Explain communications applications.
B
C1.1.7 List advantages of using a network.
A
C1.1.8 Differentiate between a local area network and a wide area
B
network.
C1.1.9 Describe various communications technologies.
B
C1.1.10 Describe uses of internets and extranets.
B
C1.1.11 Explain the telephone network.
B
C1.1.12 Describe various physical and wireless transmission media.
B
MODULE C OUTLINE

Sending and receiving devices

Types of networks

Internets and extranets

Telephone networks

Communication devices

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Introduction to Computers

CIS 149

MODULE D THE INTERNET AND THE WORLD WIDE WEB

PROFESSIONAL
STUDENT PERFORMACE OBJECTIVES
COMPETENCIES
D1.0 Use the internet to obtain
D1.1 Use various applications to perform
and communicate
various functions through the internet.
information. (3b)
KSA
ENABLING OBJECTIVES/KEY INDICATORS
Indicators
D1.1.1 Define terms associated with the Internet and the World Wide
A
Web
B
D1.1.2 Explain the uses of the Internet and the World Wide Web
B
D1.1.3 Explain how a user can be a Web publisher
B
D1.1.4 Explain how the Internet works
b
D1.1.5 Explain ways to access the Internet
B
D1.1.6 Describe various types of Web pages
B
D1.1.7 Explain how Web pages use graphics, animation, audio,
video, and virtual reality
a
D1.1.8 Identify the tools required for Web publishing
B
D1.1.9 Identify software products available for Web applications
A
D1.1.10 Identify the rules of netiquette.
MODULE D OUTLINE

Uses of the Internet and the World Wide Web

How the Internet works

Searching the Web

Web casting

Web publishing

Communicating through the Web

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Introduction to Computers

CIS 149

MODULE E COMPUTERS AND SOCIETY

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES
E1.0 Explain the impact of computers
on various aspects of society.
(B/c)

STUDENT PERFORMACE OBJECTIVES

E1.1 This competency is measured
cognitively.

ENABLING OBJECTIVES
E1.1.1
E1.1.2
E1.1.3
E1.1.4
E1.1.5
E1.1.6
E1.1.7
E1.1.8
E1.1.9
E1.1.10
E1.1.11
E1.1.12
E1.1.13
E1.1.14
E1.1.15
E1.1.16
E1.1.17
E1.1.18
E1.1.19
E1.1.20
E1.1.21
E1.1.22
E1.1.23
E1.1.24
E1.1.25

Define terms associated with E-commerce

Describe the uses of electronic commerce (e-commerce)
Explain the impact of e-commerce on global society
Differentiate between various e-commerce models
Identify various e-commerce revenue streams
Identify e-commerce market sectors
Explain issues associated with building an electronic storefront
Explain the impact of computers on daily living
Explain how computers are used in the home
Describe how computers change interactions with various
segments of our society.
Describe the digital divide
Describe ways virtual reality, intelligent agents, and robots are
being used in daily life
Describe health-related disorders and injuries due to computer use
Explain how to prevent health-related disorders and injuries due to
computer use Explain how to design a workspace ergonomically
Identify symptoms of computer addiction
Explain green computing
Explain ethical issues surrounding computer use
Explain types of security risks associated with computer use.
Describe techniques to ensure personal privacy while operating
computers.
Explain how common types of viruses affect computers.
Explain how to prevent viruses from infecting a computer.
Describe computer encryption.
Explain the importance of backing up computer information.
Describe various careers found in the computer industry.
Differentiate between various levels and types of computer
certifications.

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KSA
Indic
ator
s
A
B
B
B
A
A
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
b
B
b
B
c
B
B

Introduction to Computers

CIS 149

MODULE E OUTLINE

E-Commerce

Home, work, and ethical issues

Security and Privacy

Computer careers and certification

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Introduction to Computers

CIS 149

ENABLING OBJECTIVES TABLE OF SPECIFICATIONS

The table below identifies the percentage of cognitive objectives for each module.
Instructors should develop sufficient numbers of test items at the appropriate
level of evaluation.

Module A
Module B
Module C
Module D
Module E

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Facts/
Nomenclature

Principles/
Procedures

Analysis/
Operating
Principles

Evaluation/
Complete
Theory

A/a
38%
17%
25%
30%
12%

B/b
62%
83%
75%
70%
84%

C/c
0
0
0
0
4%

D/d
0
0
0
0
0

Introduction to Computers

CIS 149

Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes (KSA) Indicators

Value
Performance
Ability

4
3
2

Affective

Knowledge

Knowledge of
Skills

1
d
c

Key Word(s)
Highly
Proficient
Proficient
Partially
Proficient
Limited
Proficiency
Complete
Theory
Operating
Principles

Procedures

Nomenclature

Evaluation

Analysis

Principles

Facts

*5

Characterization
by Value

*4

Organization

*3

Valuing

*2

Responding

*1

Receiving

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Definition
Performs competency quickly and accurately. Instructs others how to do the
competency.
Performs all parts of the competency. Needs only a spot check of completed
work.
Performs most parts of the competency. Needs help only on hardest parts.
Performs simple parts of the competency. Needs to be told or shown how to
do most of the competency.
Predicts, isolates, and resolves problems about the competency.
Identifies why and when the competency must be done and why each step is
needed.
Determines step-by-step procedures for doing the competency.
Names parts, tools, and simple facts about the competency.
Evaluates conditions and makes proper decisions about the subject.
Analyzes facts and principles and draws conclusions about the subject.
Identifies relationship of basic facts and states general principles about the
subject.
Identifies basic facts and terms about the subject.
Acting consistently with the new value.
Integrating a new value into one's general set of values, giving it some ranking
among one's general priorities.
Showing some definite involvement or commitment.
Showing some new behaviors as a result of experience.
Being aware of or attending to something in the environment.

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Introduction to Computers

CIS 149

Alpha Scale Values - Any item with an upper case letter (A, B, C, D) by itself is taught as general information on a topic. This information may be related to the
competency or encompass multiple competencies. Examples might include mathematical computations or knowledge of principles such as Ohms Law.
A lower case letter indicates a level of Knowledge of Skills." Individuals are taught information pertaining to performing a competency . These may be indicated
alone or in conjunction with a numerical scale value. A lower case letter by itself indicates the individual is not required to perform the task-just know about the task.
(example: Can state or explain procedures for doing a task).
Numerical Scale Values - The numbers reflect the levels the individual will be able to perform a competency. Number values are always accompanied by lower
case letters (i.e. 1a, 2b, 3c...etc.) in order to specify the level of knowledge of skills associated with the competency.
Example: An individual with a competency with a scale indicator of 3b has received training of knowledge of skills whereby he or she can determine the correct
procedures and perform with limited supervision; only requiring evaluation of the finished product or procedure.
Asterisk items indicate desired affective domain levels and are used to indicate the desired level for a given competency. They may be used independently or with
other indicators (i.e. 1a-*1, 2c-*3). If used with another indicator, separate with a hyphen.
NOTE: Codes indicate terminal values.

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