This course provides a working knowledge of MsExcel which will include designing a variety of worksheets, preparing graphs, working with database query, macro writing, and menu techniques. Emphasis is on the functional rather that the technical approach to understanding, using, and managing electronic spreadsheets.

Prerequisite:  ITE 115 (IST 117) or division approval.

If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

• Discuss electronic spreadsheet characteristics, capabilities, limitations, applications, and problems
• Create, save, retrieve, and update a spreadsheet.
• Use the full range of spreadsheet capabilities for data analysis.
• Create formats and call for reports from a spreadsheet file management system.
• Develop standard graphics presentations.
• Create and use keyboard macros.
• Apply "what if" techniques to simple analytic models.
• Interchange data with other application programs.

The required textbook for this course is:

• MicroSoft Excel 2003 Complete Concepts and Techniques by Shelly, Cashman, Quasney.
  

• Publisher's Web Site

Additional Materials:

The following materials are also required for this course:

• SAM 2003 Assessment (2.5). You will need this CD for taking online quizzes and exams. For instructions on how to install and use SAM 2003 see Syllabus/Online Quizzes and Exams Using SAM 2003.

  To run SAM 2003, your computer must meet the following system requirements:

  1. Internet Explorer Version 5.0 (or higher)
  2. A live Internet connection (a T1 or ISDN connection is strongly recommended; a 56K minimum connection is required)
  3. Pentium 350 MHz (or faster)
  4. 64 MB RAM
  5. 1.5 GB minimum hard disk space
  6. SVGA graphics (800 x 600/256-color or higher)

Additional Technologies:

• All students must have access to the internet.  You will need a web browser and email capabilities.  If you do not have access to an Internet Service Provider, you may use an internet account at the college which will require you to come on campus to use NVCC's internet connection.

• For information on how to order your textbooks, go to http://eli.nvcc.edu/books/
  

Using eBooks

Your course allows open-book exams.You will only be allowed to use a hard copy of the textbook at the Testing Centers. If the publisher offers an electronic version of the textbook (called an “eBook”), you will not be able to access it at the Testing Centers. Also, you will not be able to use the printouts of the electronic text or copies of the pages of a hard copy textbook at the Testing Centers. You will only be allowed to use a hard copy of the textbook. If you have purchased an eBook and wish to use a textbook during your open-book exam, we suggest that you check the NOVA libraries, and/or contact your instructor, to try to locate a hard copy you could borrow for the exam.

Your course grade will be determined by the introductory letter, 1 project and 4 exams, according to the following points:

There are 3 exams in this course. You are expected to take your examinations at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

Email:   LMcCullough@nvcc.edu
Phone:  (703) 323-3024 - Campus
            (703) 323-3347 - ELI

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard at http://learn.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.