Introduction to Database Management, Access 2007

CAOA 264   CRN 70780 – Fall 2010

A MANDATORY on-campus orientation for this class is scheduled on Saturday,
August 21, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. - 12 p.m. in Room 4111, SLO campus. 

You MUST ATTEND THIS MEETING in order to retain your seat in the online course.

Welcome to distance education at Cuesta College!

Instructor:                  Leila Chambers                                    Email:  LCHAMBER@CUESTA.EDU  Monday through Friday

Office:                        SLO Campus, Room 4310, Business Education Building

Telephone:                 (805) 546-3100, ext. 2723  Monday through Friday     Office Hours:             Listed on current syllabus

Course Overview:  This course introduces the specialist and expert skill levels of database management using Access 2007. The course provides hands-on experience using software for database management in business office applications. Analyzing, identifying, and applying the principles needed to effectively utilize a database will be demonstrated, practiced, and learned by the student. Transfer: CSU

Please be prepared to spend 8 - 12 hours per week on coursework for this class. Are you wondering how successful you may be at a distance education course? Take the Self-Assessment Survey at http://library.cuesta.edu/distance/survey.htm

This course is taught using Blackboard CE8.  Students will have access to the Blackboard class the Friday before the semester begins. This is a Web-based tool used to facilitate teaching an online class. This platform provides the framework for the CAOA 264 class including PowerPoint presentations, student data files, the tools to receive and send course materials, and a grade book. Using the communication tools, you can communicate using e-mail, and you can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion board or in chat rooms.

The required software for this course includes  Microsoft Office 2007 Professional Suite (includes Access, Excel, & Word), Microsoft Windows 7, Vista, XP (SP2), Me, OR 2000; Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or higher; Java Runtime Environment; an email account. If you purchase a NEW textbook from the Cuesta Bookstore, an Office 2007 CD 180-day trial is included. See below for purchase options.

Minimum Computer Requirements:

·  Intel® Pentium® III / 500 MHz processor (or equivalent AMD processor) ·  at least 512 MB RAM -- 2 GB hard disk space  ·  Sound  Card

·  Reliable DSL or Cable (not dial-up modem) Internet Connection    · Speakers or Headset

You must have access to a computer, an email account, and a reliable Internet connection. You must have a backup plan in case your internet provider or computer goes down. All of your assignments and tests will be sent to me via Blackboard. It is essential that you understand the basic concepts of email; web navigation; computer security including firewalls, cookies, trusted sites; and online communication to succeed in this course.

Required Text & Materials:

Microsoft Access 2007, Levels 1 & 2, Benchmark Series, with Student CD. Nita Rutkosky and Denise Seguin, Paradigm Publishing, 2008.  -- ISBN 978-0-76383-004-5          Flash or Thumb Drive (bring to the Mandatory Orientation)

IMPORTANT! If you would like to purchase your own copy of the Office 2007 Professional Suite, here are some options: Software—Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office 2007 Professional Suite (includes Excel, Word, & Access) may be purchased at a discount through www.ultimatesteal.com, www.journeyed.com, http://collegesoftware.org/ . The Open Computer Labs on the SLO and NC campuses will have Office 2007.  The Office 2007 user interface is completely different from Office 2003. You will have an extremely difficult time completing the assignments using Office 2003 or any earlier version.

Textbook Purchasing--Electronic versions of textbooks, rental textbooks, and used textbooks may be found at the following sites:

www.cheapbooks.com, www.ichapters.com, www.chegg.com or www.coursesmart.com as well as www.amazon.com.

First week assignment and instructions:  Please check your MyCuesta email account the Friday before the semester begins for  important class information and additional first week assignments before the mandatory orientation.  Purchase the course materials and bring them with you to the MANDATORY on-campus orientation.

Please confirm that the information you provided to Cuesta College when you registered is current, especially your phone number, address, and an up-to-date email address. Most of you should have received a Cuesta email address. If you have not, please contact Admissions and Records.

The course syllabus contains the schedule for all homework, chapter assignments, and test dates. The syllabus will be available on the Blackboard site at the beginning of the semester. The Blackboard address to access the CAOA 264 class and login instructions will be provided at the beginning of the semester (login to Blackboard not available until the Friday before the semester starts) and at the mandatory class session.

School Policy:  Each student is required to follow all school guidelines and comply with all school deadlines including personal responsibility for adding and/or dropping this class. Each student is responsible for obtaining updates or changes to the syllabus and/or assignments for the course.

If you have any additional questions prior to the first day of class, please feel free to e-mail me. I look forward to meeting and working with you!

Leila Chambers