ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

3 Credits

Catalog Description

Students will learn to use personal computer productivity tools to analyze data, work with others in conducting analyses, develop conclusions and effectively communicate results. Students will utilize spreadsheet tools to analyze data and will be challenged to evaluate data from multiple perspectives in order to develop conclusions supported by their analysis. Students will use word processing tools to integrate text and graphical information that clearly and concisely communicates their conclusions. While an important part of the course is learning to use the software tools, the emphasis of the course is learning to use these tools to solve problems and communicate results. Credit not awarded for both CSE 243 and CSE 148.

Prerequisites

None.

Learning Outcomes

• Computer Software Objective: Use computer productivity software to analyze data, develop recommendations and communicate my analyses and recommendations effectively.
  • Students can use appropriate computer tools (e.g., spreadsheet software) to solve problems of a quantitative nature.
  • Student can draw reasonable conclusions and make appropriate recommendations from analysis of data using computer productivity tools (e.g. spreadsheets, charts & graphs, etc.).
  • Students can use appropriate tools (e.g., components of word processing and spreadsheets) to present conclusions of their analyses and recommendations in effective ways, including the use of graphics and formatted text. Students can make appropriate choice among various graph (chart) types to convey information accurately and convincingly.
  • Students can manage and organize files and folders on their PC and utilize network storage.
  • Students can evaluate similar tools (e.g. Excel and Google Sheets) and articulate when each would be most suitable for use.
• Critical Thinking Objective: Demonstrate the capability to think critically by working with problems to conduct analyses, by developing solutions to problems and by making specific recommendations based on my analyses.
  • The student can break a problem into components and identify the information (data) needed to summarize and analyze the problem.
  • The student can identify and apply an appropriate computer tools and related techniques to adequately analyze and communicate the results of analysis to a specified audience.
• Written Communication – Develop a number of different types of written communications including documents that clearly and succinctly state a recommendation or conclusion based on analyses conducted and documents that integrate graphics, images and other elements in order to achieve a specific communication objective.
  • The student is able to develop a variety of different types of written communication that integrate text, graphics, images and other elements.
  • The student is able to succinctly state findings and/or conclusions based on analyses they have conducted and is able to communicate those findings through written communication.
• Quantitative Literacy– Use various analytical methods and tools to perform numerical/quantitative analysis, to develop solutions and recommendations based on this analysis and to use various methods (e.g. tabular and graphical) to represent numerical information.
  • The student can identify the quantitative aspects of a problem or situation and interpret numerical displays.
  • The student can apply quantitative methods to situations and communicate ideas with numeric information using multiple forms of representation (words, charts, graphs, etc.).
• Problem Solving–Use multiple methods and technology tools to organize data and to analyze problems in order to develop recommendations or solutions to the problems posed.
  • Students can use multiple strategies and software tools to organize and analyze data.
  • The student can use multiple strategies and software tools to develop recommendations and conclusions based on analyses they have completed.

Required Topics

(approximate weeks allocated)

• Introduction to using computers at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú (1)
• Organizing and managing files and folders on your computer and utilizing "cloud" storage (1)
• Communications using Word Processing (3)
  • fundamental word processing skills 
  • integrating text and graphics in communication 
  • creating and organizing complex documents collaborating and sharing documents
• Creating presentations (1)
  • Creating presentations
  • Reviewing and critiquing the work of others
• Analysis using spreadsheets (8)
  • fundamental spreadsheet skills
  • creating and using charts and graphs
  • designing and using spreadsheets to solve problems
  • using spreadsheets to analyze alternatives
  • using spreadsheets and probability in creating simulations