OST 1007--Access I CBT

1 credit
0 hour lecture, 3 lab
Syllabus updated: January 2003

Questions concerning course? Phone/Email lead instructor: Janice Rowland, 865-694-6487, jrowland@pstcc.edu

Catalog Course Description:

Introduction to basic database features of Microsoft Access. Skills to create databases and tables, enter and update data display, print records, create forms, restructure data bases, use forms and subforms, use charts, create reports and sub-reports are developed. The course is created specifically to meet the Microsoft Office User Specialist Program guidelines. It is delivered through Computer Based Training (SmartForce) materials; some basic computer-use knowledge is required.

Entry-level Standards:

Basic knowledge of a personal computer and its operation

Prerequisite:

OST 1100--Keyboarding I or equivalent

Textbooks and Other Supplies

• License for SAM XP testing software. You will purchase the SAM XP testing license ONCE and will use it for Word CBT, Excel CBT, PowerPoint CBT, and Access CBT. These are the MOUS courses that require SAM XP application tests. The license is good as long as you are a student at PSTCC and take courses that require this testing.
  The ISBN Number for the license is 0-6191-1991-8.
  IMPORTANT NOTE: You will get a SAM ID when you purchase the software in the bookstore. It has your registration number on it. KEEP THIS ID IN A SAFE PLACE--YOU WILL NEED IT FOR LOGGING IN WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR FIRST SAM TEST. If you lose the number, you will have to purchase another license.
• Microsoft Access 2002--Comprehensive Concepts and Techniques by Shelly, Cashman, Pratt, published Course Technology, 2002, ISBN 0-7895-6282-0. This book will also be used in OST 1008-- Access II CBT.

I.    Unit/Topic/Basis (Tentative Schedule)

(See Where Do I Begin? section at the end of this syllabus for detailed instructions on accessing tutorials, textbook assignments, and testing structure.)

• Week 1 Introduction to Access 2002--SmartForce Tutorials
  Download the SmartForce player to your home computer if you have not yet done so. Begin the SmartForce tutorials on Introduction to Access 2002 taking online tests with tutorials. Download and install files necessary to complete textbook projects.
• Week 2 Continue work on Introduction to Access 2002--SmartForce Tutorials and complete Project 1 (in textbook)
  Continue Introduction to Access 2002 SmartForce tutorials, taking online tests with tutorials. Introducing databases; starting Access 2002; using databases; creating databases; Help; creating tables; entering and changing data; using a form to view data; creating a simple report.
• Week 3 Complete Introduction to Access 2002--SmartForce Tutorials and Project 2 (in textbook)
  Complete Introduction to Access 2002 SmartForce tutorials, taking online tests with tutorials. Querying a database using the select query window; creating a new query; entering criteria and using compound criteria; sorting data in a query; joining a table; using calculated fields in a query.
• Week 4 Introduction to Access 2002--Testing
  Complete online SmartForce theory tests over Introduction to Access 2002. Take SAM application test in the Testing Center over Projects 1 and 2.
• Week 5 Intermediate Access 2002--SmartForce Tutorials and Project 3 (in textbook)
  Work on SmartForce online tutorials over Intermediate Access 2002 and complete the online tests with tutorials; adding, changing, and deleting records in a table; changing a structure of a database; creating validation rules; specifying referential integrity; using subdatasheets; ordering records on multiple fields; creating and using indexes.
• Week 6 Continue work on Intermediate Access 2002--SmartForce Tutorials and complete Web Feature (in textbook)
  Continue Intermediate Access 2002 SmartForce tutorials, taking online tests with tutorials. Creating, previewing, and using the data access page to publish databases to the Internet.
• Week 7 Complete Intermediate Access 2002--SmartForce Tutorials and Project 4 (in textbook)
  Continue Intermediate Access 2002 SmartForce tutorials, taking online tests with tutorials. Reports, forms, and combo boxes; report creation; grouping in a report; considerations and review of report design; designing, creating, and using custom forms.
• Week 8 Intermediate Access 2002--Testing
  Complete online SmartForce theory tests over Intermediate Access. Take SAM application test in the Testing Center over Projects 3, 4 and Web Feature.

II.    Course Objectives. (Program Goal reference in Roman numerals)

1. Demonstrate basic fundamentals of Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Access, and personal computer concepts. (I, III, VI, XI)
2. Understand the basic terminology and concepts of database management. (III, IV, XI)
3. Create and maintain a database and using queries, sort, indexes, forms, subforms, reports, and Web pages on the database. (I, III, V, IX)
4. Demonstrate proficiency using realistic database applications and strength ability to proofread, explore associated database concepts, and use decision-making skills. (I, VIII, IX, X, XI)

III.    Instructional Processes. (General Education Outcome underlined)

1. Use technology to promote the objectives of this course; specifically, the Windows operating system, the Internet, email, and database management. Technological Literacy Outcome
2. Use WebCT email to communicate problems, questions, and issues to instructor. Communications Outcome
3. Using a personal computer, browser software, and the Internet, read and respond to tutorials on how to use the application packages presented in this course to gain user proficiency. Technological Literacy Outcome and Problem Solving and Decision Making Outcome
4. Use the skills and applications taught in the SmartForce tutorials in actual work required in exercises that simulate real-world applications. Transitional Strategy
5. Download applications from the Web and install the applications on the student's personal computer to complete research activities required in exercises. Active Learning Strategy

IV.    Expectations of Student Performance. (Course Objective in parentheses)
         Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Use Internet resources. (A)
2. Use correspondence tool: WebCT email. (A)
3. Copy and download files and programs. (A)
4. Understand keyboard shortcut notations. (A)
5. Start an application program in Windows 98, or 2000. (A,C)
6. Identify the components of the Access screen. (A)
7. Format a disk. (A)
8. Backup files, disks, and databases. (A)
9. Identify and utilize the Windows Explorer. (A)
10. Copy, delete, and move files. (A)
11. Understand database structure. (A,B)
12. Start Access 2002. (A,B)
13. Use databases. (A,B)
14. Create databases. (A,B)
15. Use the Help feature of the software. (A,B)
16. Create tables. (A,B)
17. Define relationships. (A,B)
18. Enter and change data. (A,B)
19. Insert a new field. (B,C,D)
20. Sort and search for records. (B,C,D)
21. Work with indexes. (B,C,D)
22. Filter records. (B,C,D)
23. Create queries using design view. (B,C,D)
24. Enter selection criteria. (B,C,D)
25. Join tables and build relationships between tables. (B,C,D)
26. Work with forms. (B,C,D)
27. Create forms. (B,C,D)
28. Create a form using AutoForm. (B,C,D)
29. Create a subform. (B,C,D)
30. Build a custom form. (B,C,D)
31. Get more control from forms. (B,C,D)
32. Format forms. (B,C,D)
33. Use reports. (B,C,D)
34. Grouping in reports. (B,C,D)
35. Create an autoformat. (B,C,D)
36. Create sub-reports. (B,C,D)
37. Print a report. (B,C,D)
38. Publish database tables to the Internet. (B,C,D)
39. Create, preview, and use data access pages. (B,C,D)

V.    Evaluation

1. 90% Tests:
   Two types of tests will be given in this course for grade determination:
   (1) short-answer tests administered through the SmartForce tutorial software (taken over the Web) and
   (2) SAM application tests over the textbook material (taken in the Testing Center). The grades on these tests will be averaged to determine 90 percent of the course grade.

   Number of tests:
   

   1. Two SmartForce tutorial tests delivered over Web
      • Introduction to Access 2002
      • Intermediate Access 2002
   2. Two SAM application tests over textbook material taken in the Testing Center
      • Projects 1 and 2
      • Projects 3, 4, and Web Feature

2. Laboratory expectations--not applicable
3. Field work--not applicable
4. 10% Other Evaluation Methods
           5%--Active involvement in WebCT email communication with instructor and successful download of necessary files and programs for coursework
           5%--Successful completion and grade on WebCT Site Quiz

        Grading Scale:

The final grade will be determined by averaging the scores on the SmartForce and textbook tests (90 percent) and on the above mentioned other evaluation methods (10 percent) according to these standards:

A       93-100
B+     90-92
B       85-89
C+     80-84
C       75-79
D       70-74
F       69 and below

VI.    Policies:

1. Students must have a valid PSTCC ID to be presented on demand to gain access to PSTCC facilities.
2. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. Students guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, are immediately responsible to the instructor of the class. In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions which may be imposed through the regular Pellissippi State procedures as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign an F or a zero for the exercise or examination or to assign an F in the course. (Reference, PSTCC Catalog)

Where do I begin?

1. Once you have your supplies and hardware/software setup, you should go to http://www.pstcc.edu/ets/dist_learn/online.html
2. Click on the Log into MyWebCT button, and login to "MyWebCT".
3. Enter your username and password to login.
4. Click on OST 1007WW1 Access I CBT and click on the Course Information icon on the course home page.
5. Scroll down and choose the icon labeled Class Map and Due Dates, choose Map for Access I and print out the Class Map. This document will guide you through the course and will give it some order. It contains a list of the SmartForce tutorials you will use, the textbook pages for exercises and review to complete, and a listing of what tests you need to take and when to take them.

Resources that will be used:

• Personal computer using the Internet to deliver the course. You will need your own Internet Service Provider for access to the Internet.
• SmartForce Computer Based Training (CBT) online courseware. You will need to download the SmartForce Player to your computer to view the courseware.
• Project Files for use with your textbook. These can be downloaded free via the World Wide Web at http://www.scsite.com
• Applications software. You will need to have the following software packages installed on your computer to complete the course:
  • Windows 98 or higher
  • An Internet browser. Netscape or Internet Explorer (browser software--free to students). You must download the full version of Netscape or Internet Explorer. Netscape Navigator version 4.76 or 6.2.1 (versions 4.78, 4.79 not recommended). Internet Explorer (IE) version 5.0 or higher (version 5.5 Service Pack 1 is not supported). If you use AOL for Web access, you will need the AOL version 7.0. WebCT does not support AOL's built-in browser below version 7 or WebTV. See Minimum System Requirements for WebCT for more information.
  • Microsoft Office XP Professional
  • SmartForce Player (download free to play SmartForce tutorials and tests)

Technology requirements:

Hardware Pentium III recommended 166 Mhz processing speed or greater 56K modem for dialup access (cable modem or DSL highly desirable) 3.5" floppy drive 64Mb RAM memory plus an additional 8Mb for each Office program running simultaneously 217Mb disk space for downloading of student files for Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access Microsoft mouse compatible Super VGA display mode (800 x 600) or higher-resolution with 256 colors

Software Internet Service Provider (ISP). You will need to pay for this service. This is independent of PSTCC. This local provider (ISP) will provide you access to the Internet and will cost between $10-$20/month. Netscape or Internet Explorer (browser software--free to students.) You must download it from the WWW or get it through your ISP. You must download the full version of Netscape 4.76 or 6.2.1 or Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher. (See above for complete information on browsers.) Microsoft Office XP Professional You must purchase this if it did not come with your computer. Windows 98 or higher SmartForce Player (You must download this after you are registered in the course and have it installed on your hard drive in order to play the SmartForce tutorials and take the SmartForce online tests.) This is a free download.

Course structure:

OST 1007 and OST 1008 (Access I-II) provide you the opportunity to learn skills required for the Microsoft Office User Specialist Certification Exam for Access 2002 . Your text and the SmartForce tutorials are Microsoft-approved courseware that matches the proficiency guidelines developed by Microsoft for the certification exam. In addition, these one-hour courses can be combined to meet the requirements for Pellissippi State certificates.

This course is delivered as an online course over the World Wide Web (WWW). Assignments will consist of

• reading textbook assignments.
• completing textbook and online assignments.
• completing online SmartForce theory tests (true-false/multiple-choice tests).
• completing SAM application tests
  NOTE: The SAM application tests must be taken in the Pellissippi State Testing Center.

Readings, text exercises, and SmartForce tutorials must be completed prior to taking the tests.

You have 15 weeks to complete this course, but you may be able to complete in less time. Due dates for completion of units will be enforced, since procrastination is a sure way to compromise your success in an independently paced learning experience such as this.

As a registered student, you can use the open computer labs at Pellissippi State.

NOTE: You must have or must purchase Windows 98 or higher and Microsoft's Office XP Professional software for this course. Netscape Navigator or MS Internet Explorer and the SmartForce Player are free and can be downloaded from the Internet. Students will need to arrange for their own Internet Service Provider (ISP).