Syllabus for Vista Certification
Exam 77-600: Class CIT 198B (Version 1)
Summer Semester 2009
Class: CIT 198B: (D81) ST: Vista Certification Exam 77-600 #________
· Time: Distant Education (8 June 2009 -31 Jul7 2009)
· Classroom: Distant Education
· Angel Access: http://www.csn.edu/pages/2212.asp, or click link on the csn.edu home page under OnLine Campus
· Instructor Web Stie: http://sites.csn.edu/salpern/vista03/vista03.html
· Instructor: Steve Alpern, MCSE/MCSA (NT4.0, 2000, 2003 ), CNA/CNE, Network +, A+
· Contact Information:
· Email: stephen.alpern@csn.edu To be used ONLY if the Angel Course Mail System is unavailable.
· Telephone: 651-4624
· Office: Room 2535 New Technology Building, Cheyenne Campus
· Available: Students can make appointments by calling or email with instructor.
II. Textbooks/Supplies Required:
· Microsoft Official Academic Course (MOAC) Windows Vista Exam 77-600
John Wiley and Sons Publishers, ISBN -13-978-0-47006956-1
III. Course Objectives:
· This is an 8 week summer Distant Education course with the primary purpose of teaching students how to use the power of Windows Vista to be more productive, more collaborative, and more efficient in the Vista operating system. The new Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) credential is a globally recognized standard that validates skills with the 2007 Microsoft Office system as well as with the Windows Vista operating system. The objective of this course is to prepare the student as a Microsoft Application Specialist (MCAS) with the skills necessary to complete and pass the MCAS Examination Program for the Windows Vista operating system.
· Successful candidates on completion of this course will be especially effective at protecting, optimizing, and troubleshooting their own computers as well as company computers. They will also be highly effective in managing mobile and remote computing; managing software, disks, and devices; managing files and folders; collaborating; and customizing their Windows Vista experience.
· When a student passes Exam 77-600 Windows Vista for the Business Worker, the student will have completed the requirements for the following certification: Microsoft Certified Application Specialist: Windows Vista
Week 1: (8 June)
o Lesson 1: Getting Started
o Lesson 2: Working with Files and Folders
Week 2: (15 June):
o Lesson 3: Organizing Files and Folders
o Lesson 4: Customizing Windows Explorer
Week 3: (22 June)
o Lesson 5: Working with Multimedia Files
o Lesson 6: Searching for Files and Folders
Week 4: (29 June)
o Lesson 7: Personalizing the Windows Vista Workspace
o Lesson 8: Getting Help and Support
o Midterm Chapters 1-8
Week 5: (6 July)
o Lesson 9: Managing System Resources
o Lesson 10: Managing Software
Week 6: (13 July)
o Lesson 11: Monitoring the Windows Vista Environment
o Lesson 12: Managing Windows Internet Explorer
Week 7: (20 July)
o Lesson 13: Managing Network Connections
o Lesson 14: Collaborating with Others
Week 8: (27 July)
o Lesson 15: Customizing Your Computer Environment
o Final Exam Chapters 1-15
· Overview:
· Students should read the text material, review video presentations as a supplement to the text materials, and study other Web site materials that might be posted or recommended in Angel in accordance with the suggested schedule above. On the other hand, maximum flexibility is provided to the student. For example, at the end of Week 2, students should have completed Chapter 1-4, understand the theory as presented, and practice as many of the configurations as possible, but because of other student commitments, these assignments can be completed at the discretion of the student. The one hard core stipulation in this flexibility is that all the exams must be completed not later than 31 July 2009. So students should plan their study with this final date in mind.
· Students will use the Angel Course Mail System, and this will become one of the major methods of student-instructor communications. It will be important for students to understand Angel functions. All examinations will be administered via Angel.
· Random Practice Exams based on the MOAC textbook are posted on Angel. Most exams normally consist of a database of 50-55 questions which are based on each of the Lessons in the textbook; however, only 40 questions will generally be presented when the practice exam is opened. This is the nature of the Random Exam. The more times that you take the exam, the greater your chances of seeing all of the questions. There are other practice exams posted which are part of the Microsoft Certification Exam 70-620. (More advanced). These are much more difficult exams, and students are encouraged to try some, although they are not a requirement for the course. All of these Practice Exams will be available to students during the course and for an unlimited number of times to take. These exams are NOT part of the core exams, and therefore are non-graded. The exams will be a good indication of student comprehension of the materials presented in class as well as during reading assignments. While these exams are not graded, the questions will serve as instructional points, review material and form the basis of the Midterm and Final exams. Students are encouraged to take these practice exams frequently. In addition, these random exams will assist the student to certify for Exam 77-600 Windows Vista
· There will two major core examinations in the course: a Midterm and a Final Exam.
· Angel will host all video instructional presentations prepared by instructor. Video’s for the course will be linked to the textbook icon as noted in Angel. These Video presentations will supplement and enhance student comprehension of the major concepts provided in the textbook. Once a video presentation is available on Angel, it will remain available to students at all times during the duration of the course via Angel connections. There are other video presentations available to supplement further understanding and deeper concepts. Once again, these are not requirements for the course, but can enhance student knowledge of Vista
· At the end of each lesson or combination of lessons, there will be a bonus exam. Each bonus exam will be worth from approximately 1-3 points for an approximate total maximum point value of 30 bonus points. This point value and the number of these bonus exams might change at the discretion of the instructor. These exams are important to you as they are considered "bonus" exams and will add points to students' final total exam scores. In other words, the points you receive from bonus exams are over and above the core exam points. For example, if a student were to have a core exam total point score of 170, then the student grade would be a B. But if the student also had 10 bonus points, it would push the point total to 180 which would be equivalent to an A
· Students who certify successfully with 77-600 will be awarded with an additional grade bump. Hence if a student's final point total is 162 (equivalent to a B) and the student passes the 77-600 certification, the student grade will be bumped to an A. Any certifications submitted for the grade bump must be sent to the instructor not later than 5 August 2009. (A copy of the certification passing grade is acceptable). So, you must plan ahead if you intend to take the certification exam. There is no exception to this policy.
· The instructor reserves the right to change the course syllabus, schedule and polices. It is the student’s responsibility to check email often for any changes that might be posted.
· Grading Scale: Grading is based on a point scale equal to 200 points as follows:
· A: 180-200+
· B: 160-179
· C: 140-159
· D: 120-139
· F: <120
**Note: Successful 77-600 Vista Certification adds one grade level
· Point Distribution: Points are determined based on following criteria:
· Core Test #1: Midterm 90 points
· Core Test #2: Final 110 points
· Total Exam Points: 200 points
· Bonus Points: 15 - 30 points
VI. Attendance:
There is no attendance in Distant Education. You should follow the schedule of reading assignments and maintain your contact with the instructor for up to date information as the course proceeds. Your contact points are via email within Angel. You are encouraged to check your email often. College enrollment assumes maturity, seriousness of purpose, and self-discipline for meeting the responsibilities associated with this course. Hence it is your responsibility to completely fulfill the course requirements as noted in this syllabus. However, there is an understanding that a student could be ill or have another emergency, which precludes completing the reading assignments. You should advise the instructor of such circumstances.
· There will be two core examinations in this course. The Midterm covers Chapters 1-8 and the Final Exam covers Chapters 1-15. Both exams will be posted in Angel and are available at anytime once posted. No passwords are required, but you can only take these exams one time. So you need to have read all material, and worked on your practice exams prior to taking any of the core exams. Total test scores will determine your course grade. Keep in mind that the bonus exams can add points to your score. As noted above, a computer problem will not be an excuse. You must give yourself flexibility, so that if you do have a computer problem you have a backup and can get to a campus location. With proper planning, there should not be any instance where you miss any of the exams that are posted.
If you wish to audit or withdraw from this course, you should contact Admissions and Records. Instructor will not withdraw any student. It is the responsibility of the student to submit all required documents to Admissions and Records according to the time guidelines found in the CSN Schedule of Classes Summer 2009. If you do not audit or withdraw from this class according to the guidelines set forth by CSN, you will receive a grade based on the point distribution above. If you go beyond the deadline for withdrawal as dictated by Admissions and Records without having advised Admissions, or made some arrangements with the instructor, you are in the course for a grade. Be sure the check with Admissions and Records if you decide on either a withdrawal or a change in status to audit. Any student who stops attending, but does not officially withdraw from the course, will receive an F.
IX. Additional Information:
· Safety:
At the sound of a fire alarm, everyone is required to exit the building immediately. Take your important personal property with you. Students must not move, disconnect or open computers. Remain outside the building until told that it is safe to re-enter the building.
· Students with Disabilities:
If you have a documented disability that may require assistance, you will need to contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) for coordination of your academic accommodations. The DRC is located in Student Services on each campus. For Cheyenne, the number is 651-4045 or at Charleston 651-5089. For any student interested in earning some extra cash, you can stop by the DRC, and fill out a job interest card. DRC office hires students as note takers, proctors, scribes and research assistants as needed.
· Student Resources
Four (4) hours of free tutoring per each one (1) credit hour is available to each student. Contact Tutorial Services at 651-4232 at Cheyenne Campus to arrange for free tutorial service if needed. In addition, Computer Lab instructors are available at each campus. Use them, as they are an excellent source for additional help.