CS101: Computing Technology and You
CS101: Computing Technology and You

Course Description

Lecture, 2 hours; Laboratory, 2 hours. 3 units. Introduction to the concepts, techniques, uses, applications, and terminology of computers, computing, programming, artificial intelligence, and networking. Emphasis is on the possibilities and limitations of computers and computing in a wide range of personal, commercial, and societal activities. Recommended for all students. Fulfills Area General Education Area E: Lifelong Learning and Self-Development requirement (3 units) .

Course Goals and Student Learning Objectives

General Education Learning Outcomes (GELO)

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Identify, interpret, and apply methods, intellectual approaches, and fundamental concepts from disciplines within the social sciences, natural and physical sciences, arts, and humanities. (Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Knowledge)
• Apply knowledge, skills, and multiple perspectives in new situations to analyze and formulate solutions to complex problems with confidence and creativity. (Creative Problem Solving)
• Attain and apply knowledge of social power and difference in relations between self, other people, and social structures locally and nationally while honoring contributions of people of different identities. (Diverse Cultural Competencies)
• Interactively formulate questions for research by gathering diverse types of information; identifying gaps, correlations, and contradictions; and using sources ethically toward a creative, informed synthesis of ideas. (Information Literacy)
• Drawing on the past and present, develop knowledge and skills that promote active citizenship, with the capacity to deliberate, act, and lead in a democratic society. (Civic Responsibility)

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate familiarity with concepts and theories of science and technology.
• Articulate the interconnected and ever-changing relationships among the natural, physical, and technological sciences.
• Critically assess the social and ethical implications of science and technology in their daily lives.
• Apply problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in collaborative contexts.
• Utilize technology in pursuit of intellectual growth and efficacious human interaction.
• Explore and research applications of computers and computing in their daily lives.

Course Content Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Articulate how unconscious bias affects society and can affect individuals.
• Determine the accuracy and reliability of informational sources found online.
• Apply the Scientific Method to determine if a thesis is valid or not.
• Decipher group dynamics and their effect on problem-solving efforts in daily life.
• Implement individual and group problem-solving strategies.
• Design basic algorithms for computer programs.
• Code basic web pages.
• Demonstrate familiarity with major events in computer history and apply their lessons to current and future technological and social developments.
• Explain the impacts of computers and artificial intelligence on individuals and on society; proactively decide how they would like computers and artificial intelligence to be incorporated into their future.
• Learn how computers, computer networks, and the Internet work so as to better utilize them in their lives and to the improvement of society.
• Implement computer security concepts to keep devices and information secure.
• Efficiently use Microsoft Office applications.