Course Details, Technical Requirements, And Course Structure

Course Details, Technical Requirements, and Course Structure for BCIS 1305

BCIS 1305 is a fully online course that utilizes Blackboard Learn 9 for course delivery. The course includes multiple components such as quizzes, lab assignments, and exams, with specific policies regarding deadlines, grading, and technical requirements. Students must have internet-capable computers with Microsoft Office 2010 or 2013 installed, and are responsible for ensuring proper functionality of Blackboard and Microsoft Office software. The course emphasizes academic integrity, requiring all work to be original and in students’ own words.

Students are expected to spend at least four hours daily on coursework, reviewing the weekly schedule posted on Blackboard, which provides detailed instructions for assignments and quizzes. Quizzes are multiple-choice, automatically graded, with two attempts allowed, and are based on a supplied question bank. Lab assignments require manual grading and must be uploaded by the deadline for grading to occur promptly. Late submissions are not accepted. The final grade is composed of quiz scores (25%), lab assignment grades (35%), and a final exam (20%), which includes a comprehensive lab component.

The course schedule is flexible, allowing early submission of work if desired. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Blackboard tutorials and technical support resources to resolve any access or functionality issues. Regular participation, timely submission, and adherence to policies are essential for success in this online course.

Paper For Above instruction

Online education has grown significantly in recent years, transforming the traditional classroom into a flexible, accessible learning environment. The BCIS 1305 course exemplifies this shift, offering a comprehensive virtual learning experience designed to develop students’ understanding of computer systems and applications through a structured, self-paced approach. This paper provides a detailed overview of the course structure, technical requirements, policies, and strategies for success, emphasizing the importance of organization and discipline in online learning.

Course Structure and Content

BCIS 1305 is a 100% online course that relies heavily on the Blackboard Learn 9 platform for content delivery, assessments, and communication. The course spans approximately five months, from January to May, and includes weekly modules that detail specific assignments, quizzes, and projects. Students are expected to review the weekly schedule at the beginning of each week, plan their workload accordingly, and submit work before deadlines. The course comprises three major components: quizzes, lab assignments, and final exams.

Quizzes constitute 25% of the final grade and are designed to assess students’ understanding of the theoretical aspects of information systems principles covered in the textbook "Fundamentals of Information Systems." These quizzes are multiple-choice, open-book, with 10 questions each, and allow two attempts to improve scores. The highest score is retained for grading, encouraging students to retake quizzes if desired. The quizzes are automatically graded and available immediately after submission, guiding students on their progress throughout the course.

Lab assignments, accounting for 35% of the overall grade, are practical exercises that require completing tasks using Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. Instructions for each lab are provided, along with necessary data files. These assignments must be uploaded by the specified deadline, and late submissions are not accepted. Because manual grading is involved, feedback is provided within 1-2 days, emphasizing the importance of timeliness for student success.

The final component involves two exams— a mid-term covering Chapters 1-5, and a comprehensive final covering Chapters 6-9, together accounting for 20% of the grade. Both exams include multiple-choice questions, allow two attempts, and are automatically graded, with the higher score used in grade calculations. The final lab exam integrates projects completed throughout the semester, encouraging students to demonstrate proficiency across multiple applications.

Technical Requirements and Support

Students need a reliable computer with internet access capable of running Blackboard Learn 9 and Microsoft Office 2010 or 2013. Although options exist for Mac users, limitations may arise, especially with Access and PowerPoint functionalities. Students are responsible for ensuring their software is compatible and may use college lab computers if necessary. Support resources include Blackboard tutorials, technical help desks, and instructor contact via Blackboard messaging.

Participation and Academic Policies

Active participation is crucial in an online environment to ensure steady progress. Students are advised to allocate around four hours daily for coursework, review assignments early, and submit work promptly. Academic honesty is strictly enforced, requiring original work; plagiarism or copying will result in penalties. The course has a strict policy against late work and makeup exams, emphasizing the need for careful planning and adherence to deadlines.

Strategies for Success

Effective management of online courses combines disciplined scheduling, familiarity with technological tools, and proactive communication. Students should utilize all available resources, including Blackboard orientation, tutorials, and technical support, to troubleshoot issues promptly. Engaging actively with the weekly schedule, planning ahead for assessments, and reviewing feedback will help students achieve high academic standards and maximize their learning experience.

Conclusion

BCIS 1305 exemplifies modern online education’s flexibility, requiring students to be organized, self-motivated, and technologically proficient. By understanding the course’s structure, adhering to policies, and leveraging available resources, students can successfully navigate this comprehensive curriculum, develop essential computer skills, and attain their educational goals efficiently. This course not only imparts vital technical knowledge but also fosters important skills such as time management, self-discipline, and independent learning, which are invaluable in today’s digital world.

References

  • Stair, R., & Reynolds, G. (2019). Fundamentals of Information Systems (7th ed.). Cengage Learning.
  • Shaffer, E. (2013). New Perspectives on Microsoft Office 2013 Brief. Cengage Learning.
  • Microsoft Office Official Website. (2023). Office software and system requirements. https://www.microsoft.com
  • Blackboard Inc. (2023). Blackboard Learn 9 System Requirements and Support. https://help.blackboard.com
  • Collin College. (2014). BCIS 1305 Course Syllabus and Policies. https://www.collin.edu
  • Schmidt, S. W., & Borst, P. (2020). Best practices for online course management. Journal of Online Learning, 15(2), 45-60.
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  • Garrison, D.R., & Vaughan, N.D. (2013). Blended Learning in Higher Education. Jossey-Bass.
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