CIS 50 Introduction to Computers, Data Processing, and Applications

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Welcome to CIS50 Introduction to Computers, Data Processing, and Applications

All course materials are open to students on the first day of class for the quarter, and students are expected to start work immediately. Please read the assignments carefully. There are many parts to the assignments for each module in this course. ALL parts must be completed by the published due date.

  • Read the Syllabus. The Syllabus for the course is online. NOTE: The assignment due dates are listed in the Syllabus. Please keep a copy for future reference.
  • Begin working on the assignments for this week. 1. Introductions and personal learning. For each topic there is an Assignments page. Click on the Assignment link in the main course page, and a list of all the assignment activities for the topic are displayed in a separate window.
  • Introduce yourself in the discussion forum. We have a busy schedule for the semester. I hope you enjoy it!


CIS50 - Getting started

Important links

  • Getting started with Catalyst (aka Moodle]



Advisory: English Writing 211 and Reading 211 (or Language Arts 211), or English as a Second Language 272 and 273.

Three hours lecture (36 hours total per quarter).

Computer information systems (IS) basic terms and concepts. Important IS trends. Using systems development to build information systems. Survey of functions and components of an information system including applications software, systems software, telecommunications, networks, the Internet and Web. Social and organization issues.


Open Textbooks - no textbook to buy. These are available online FREE. Just download the textbook in .pdf format

  • Information Systems (CC-BY) University of Georgia 2007 - comprehensive discussion of information systems and development methodologies
  • Optional - Tomorrow's Technology and You - this textbook has been used for several semesters. It is a pretty good resource if you like a print textbook and want a overview of many different topics related to information systems concepts and development. This textbook can be purchased used or new from the DeAnza bookstore.



1. Introductions and personal learning

Where do applications come from - smart phones, online banking, even games? All these are examples of Information Systems.

information, computing, systems, hardware, computers, networks, control, systems development process, project management, management systems, production control, anytime anywhere computing, technology advances and trends


2. Information and systems

What is information specifically? What kinds of systems are associated with information?

information - input, output, data, messages, transactions, databases, media - images, video, audio, file formats, web, cloud computing, social media, security, integrity, privacy, access, communications, messages, transactions, internet, scale, globalization, artificial intelligence [6, 9]
  • Assignments 2 Resource
  • Discussions 2 Forum
  • Web-Based Learning review Quiz
  • Handed-ness Choice
  • I think... 2 Assignment


3. Hardware - computers, peripherals and networks

Starting with things we can touch and see, there are a wide variety of objects - physical, mechanical, electronic, that are considered in the broad classification of "hardware".

hardware - basics (bits, bytes, MB, Gigs), history, mechanical calculators, tabulating machines, transistors, silicon, output devices, operating systems, open source - Linux, networks, telecommunication, server farms, blades [1, 2, 3, 8]
  • Assignment 3 Resource
  • Discussion 3 Forum
  • Research Process and Citing Sources Quiz
  • Birth order Choice
  • I Think... 3 Assignment


4. Control

Other components of information systems are the software and programming to transform the inputs into outputs, and to control the work of the hardware in the system. This includes everything from the 1's and 0's that are the basic building blocks of all digital systems to complex autonomous systems that do all the high precision calculations in the blink of an eye to get the Mars probe launched.

control - software, programming, databases, creative commons, user interface, programming languages, systems development methodologies, rapid development, project management, change management, risk analysis [4, 10]


5. Systems development process

Developing and information system from concept and requirements, through development, implementation and eventual retirement is a process - a series of steps and tasks with limitations on time, resources and cost.

systems development process - problem/opportunity, alternate solutions, cost-benefit analysis, maintenance, system end of life, IT careers - roles and responsibilities, job requirements, employment opportunities, paths of study, training, professional development, certification, accreditation
  • Assignments 5 Resource
  • Discussions 5 Forum
  • Chapter 5 review Quiz
  • MidTerm Student Evaluation Survey Choice
  • I think... 5 Assignment


6. Project management, research and collaboration

Having good ideas and identifying needs for an information system is a great start, but actually developing and delivering the system requires much more than programmers. Project management skills are essential, as are continuing research and collaboration.

projects - information systems lifecycle, engineering process, project management, research, analysis, design review, milestones, collaboration
  • Quiz
  • Collaboration and Group Projects Quiz
  • Snacks Choice
  • I think... 6 Assignment


  • Midterm Project - quiz (guided responses)


7. Management systems

As companies and organizations grow larger and expanded throughout the world, the information to manage customers, suppliers, employees and production as well as report to regulators grows in quantity and complexity. Today, several vendors offer integrated solutions that can be implemented to provide customized systems to manage entire organizations.

business - operations, management, administration, planning, transaction processing, decision support, sales and marketing, customer support, employee training, enterprise systems - SAP, SalesForce, Oracle, Banner, Blackboard - planning, implementation [5]


  • Assignments 7 Resource
  • Discussions 7 Forum
  • Final Project preparation Quiz
  • Broader Issues Quiz
  • Free Time Choice
  • I think... 7 Assignment


8. Production control

There are many business applications where no people are involved in the day-to-day operation of equipment and machinery. Autonomous computing, robotics, production control systems, utilities load balancing, even airplane auto-pilots - all are examples of systems that work alone in response to external conditions.

production - control systems, factory and warehouse automation, autonomous and remotely piloted vehicles - drones, spacecraft, robotics, self-aware machines, models, simulations
  • Assignments 8 Resource
  • Discussions 8 Forum
  • Brains are weird Choice
  • I Think... 8 Assignment


9. Anytime, anywhere

Introduced in just the last 20 years, mobile computing and the internet have both made anytime anywhere computing a reality. While there are disadvantages to being available all the time, there are many more benefits to access to information and services 24-by-7 (all the time). Being location-independent has enormous benefits as well for researchers, people with unusual hobbies, and acquiring scare or unique goods and services from anywhere on the planet.

anywhere anytime - mobile, presence, publishing, distribution, geo-locating, [source forge open source], [paypal commerce], security, off-shoring, games, entertainment, education, mobile learning, crime, cyber attacks
  • Assignments 9 Resource
  • Discussions 9 Forum
  • Ethics and Responsibilities - instructor graded Quiz
  • Video length Choice
  • Final Project progress Assignment
  • I think... 9 Assignment


10. Technology advances and trends

The need for Information Systems continues. Advances in technology open up opportunities for new applications, businesses and services. There have been some surprises - personal computers, the internet, multi-purpose mobile devices have replaced telephones, just to name a few. But wait, there's more...

technology advances and social trends - art and music, identity, privacy / public-ness, access / disabilities, environment, climate change, digital divide, wearable computing, second life virtual worlds, healthcare


11. Final projects

The Final Project is an opportunity to demonstrate the application of everything that you have learned in this class.


12. Peer reviews

  • Thanks and best wishes Forum
  • Collaboration Feedback 2 Assignment
  • I think... 11 Assignment
  • Peer Review and Feedback Forum


Extra Credit assignments

There are several Extra Credit assignments. These can be submitted throughout the quarter for additional points. Each extra credit can be submitted once for credit.

For extra credit points, you are required to do extra work. These submissions are in addition to other assignments, and should expand your knowledge of the course material through research and reporting. Extra credit assignments are optional.

Additional Extra Credit points are available for assignments that come up from time to time - course information review, special questionnaires, research project participation.

  • X. News Item Forum
  • X. Lectures and podcasts Forum - Suggest lectures and podcasts to include in the course. Post a link to the media, the topic and a brief note outlining how the lecture or podcast adds to the course.
  • X. Glossary Terms, Definitions, Other Forum - Post a word or term relating to information systems, and a definition. This should be something that is not "common knowledge" and will be of interest to others in the class.
  • X. Mobile learning Forum - Mobile learning (m-learning) - There is a lot of interest and many concerns about cell phones and if they have a positive role to play in education. Provide links and comments on articles about Mobile Learning, especial examples of actual use in teaching and learning.


Resources


Learn more...