Course Syllabus

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The Practicality of Using Microsoft Excel to Manage Personal Finances - PME 101  

Instructor:                   Karen J. Doniere   

Phone:                         (910) 228 - 8821

Email:                          kdoniere@gmail.com 

Skype Office Hourse: By appointment only.

Skype Name:               karen.doniere

 

General Education Competencies will incorporate many of the following:

Understanding concepts and application

Written and oral communication

Basic computer use

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Course Description

This 4-hour course provides a basic introduction to Microsoft Excel concepts and usage. Emphasis is placed on creating spreadsheets, understanding functions and formulas, and creating a simple 1-page personal budget.

 Course Learning Objectives

  • Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to utilize a basic working knowledge of how to use Microsoft Excel.
  • Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to illustrate how to use functions and formulas in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
  • Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to apply what they have learned to format a spreadsheet to make it appealing.
  • Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate how to create and format a pie chart.
  • Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to engage classmates in appropriate online discussions.
  • Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to recall and translate in detail how to apply formatting features to a spreadsheet or pie chart.

Prerequisites

Previous knowledge of how to use a desktop or laptop computer.

 

Required Materials

Instructor handouts and Excel tutorial, website tutorials, and YouTube videos.

Exams

One assessment will be administered and will consist of two sections. The first section will be a mixture of multiple choice, true/false, and fill in the blank questions. Whereas the second section of the exam will enable students to demonstrate knowledge and application of the learned concepts.

 The objectives of the final assessment are:

  • to determine what you've learned about using Excel.
  • to allow you demonstrate creating a simple budget spreadsheet and corresponding pie chart.
  • to gauge your level of comfort and/or awareness oabut completing tasks in Excel.

Assessment grading is based on:

  • the attractiveness and neatness of the budget and pie chart.
  • accurate use of formulas such as autosum.
  • monetary amounts entered and formatted correctly.
  • correct number of expenses listed as directed.

Grading Scale

A:        92 – 100

B:        84 – 91

C:        76 – 83

D:        68 – 75

F:         0 – 67

 

Four hour course 

Part One

Students will learn to:

  • Create, organize, and format spreadsheets.
  • Insert formulas and functions.
  • Create and format charts and graphs.
  • Icebreaker exercise - 20 points.
  • DQ - 5 points.

Part Two

Students will learn to:

  • Create a 1-page budgeting spreadsheet.
  • Create 1-page corresponding graph.
  • Course reflection/evaluation due.
  • Interview due.
  • DQ - 5 points.
  • Completed spreadsheet - 200 points.
                                

Primary Performance Expectations

Student expectations consist of self-directed and prompt completion of assignments and projects, participation in class activities, time management. You can expect to work an additional 1 to 1 ½ hours outside of class for spreadsheet practice and to gather personal financial records to create the final spreadsheet. 

 Course Reflection Interview

Upon completion of the final assessment and course reflection survey, please call or email me to schedule a time to do an interview via phone or Skype to discuss what you’ve learned in this course, what you hope to accomplish with the information you’ve learned, if your perception and comfort level about using Microsoft Excel has changed, and to receive feedback on your final assessment and budget.

 Academic Honesty

As a lifelong learner, I require all students to practice academic honesty in the completion of all assigned work. Anyone involved in cheating WILL receive a grade of 0 on the assignment.

Students with Special Needs

Students with disabilities or needing reasonable accommodations in this course (such as extended testing time), must make the instructor aware of such needs and provide additional medical documentation as soon as possible. Meet with me to discuss creating a mutually agreeable arrangement based on the recommendation of the documentation.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance for the entire class period is strongly suggested in order to grasp new concepts and apply learned concepts. It is necessary to participate in the online discussions.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this syllabus, was to the best knowledge of the instructor, considered correct and complete when distributed for use at the beginning of the semester. However, this syllabus should not be considered a contract between the instructor and the student. The instructor reserves the right to make changes in course content or instructional strategies without notice or obligation.


 

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due