<p>Foundations: Computer Applications (CALS 085) has been developed over the past 40 years to prepare College of Agriculture and Life Science (CALS) students like you with a solid foundation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) knowledge and skill. The purpose of this course is to enable the effective use of current and future software applications, during your time as a CALS student and beyond. In addition to learning the core ICT curriculum, you will also be learning about the (a) formatting of academic papers and (b) structure of the university, college, and departments, which is called the “CALS Curriculum: Understanding Academia at the College Level for First-Year and Transfer Students.” There is both a lecture and a lab component to this course.</p> <p>Each lecture will be comprised of six parts. First, any administrative matters will be addressed. Next, we will cover the core ICT topic for that week. Third, we will focus on some aspect of formatting papers for publication. Forth, we will learn about and discuss some aspects of the CALS curriculum. Fifth, there will be a lecture assignment, focused on the topics covered during the lecture module. Finally, sixth, there will be a quiz that focuses on the topics covered during the lecture, including but not limited to the ICT, formatting, and the CALS curriculum.</p> <p>The lab sessions will be linked to topics that were introduced in the lecture. Labs will be held online using Blackboard. Each lab will begin with an introduction and overview of tasks. Next, you will be provided with step-by-step instructions for each new task. Finally, you will receive an assignment for that week.</p> <p>Blackboard will be used as the website for this course, both for lecture and lab. Course materials, such as readings and videos, will be made available through this site. PowerPoint slides will not be made available, because the slides are only a small part of any presentation and may lead to confusion and missed information. Grades will be made available to you through Blackboard.</p> <p>Overall, I’m excited to be working with you this semester. Each of you comes into this course with a different level of ICT knowledge and skill, but it is my goal that you finish this course with a better understanding of these topics and new abilities.</p>