Seward County Community College/Area Technical School
Course Syllabus

1. TITLE OF COURSE: AG1203 - Computer Applications in Agriculture
2. COURSE DESCRIPTION: Three hours lecture.  The course is introduction in the use of the personal computer for agriculture production and agribusiness.  The student will learn the fundamentals of the personal computer operations and be exposed to word processing, spreadsheet functions, Internet and Power Point applications.  The student will learn how to apply these operations towards agriculture and agricultural related businesses. For each unit of credit, a minimum of three hours per week with one of the hours for class and two hours for studying/preparation outside of class is expected.
3. PROGRAM AND/OR DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT: The agriculture program at Seward County Community College provides opportunities to further each student’s knowledge and apply specific methods and techniques to the management and performance of agricultural operations.  
4. TEXTBOOK AND MATERIALS:
   • No Text Required. Instructor will provide materials when needed
5. SCCC/ATS OUTCOMES: Students who successfully complete this course will demonstrate the ability to do the following SCCC/ATS Institutional Outcomes.
   • Outcome #1 Read with comprehension, be critical of what they read, and apply knowledge gained to real life situations.
   • Outcome #2 Communicate their ideas clearly and proficiently in writing, appropriately adjusting content and arrangement for varying audiences, purposes, and situations
   • Outcome #4 Demonstrate mathematical skills using a variety of techniques and technologies.
   • Outcome #5 Demonstrate the ability to think critically by gathering facts, generating insights, analyzing data, and evaluating information.
   • Outcome #6 Exhibit skills in information and technological literacy
6. COURSE OUTCOMES:
   • To develop knowledge of spreadsheets and apply that knowledge to common agriculture and agribusiness functions.
   • To develop knowledge of databases and apply that knowledge to common agriculture and agribusiness functions.
   • Develop an understanding of proper letter writing formats utilizing word processing software.
   • Understand how the Internet plays an important information role in modern agriculture. 
   • Learn time saving options from the Internet such as ordering parts from local implement dealers.
   • Acquire a basic knowledge of Power Point presentations.
7. COURSE COMPETENCIES:
8. COURSE OUTLINE:
   • Spreadsheet Applications
     • Basic functions    
     • Breakeven spreadsheet for Feeder and Stocker cattle
     • Balance Sheets
     • Cash Flow Statements
     • Commercial software available
   • Database Applications
     • Cowherd Production records
     • Sorting applications for Agribusiness Including data from past Block and Bridle pig sales. 
   • Word Processing
     • Acceptable letter formats
     • Creating personalized letterhead
   • Internet Applications
     • Common search techniques
     • Creating folders for book marked items.
     • Building a personalized Yola Website.
   • Power Point Applications
     • Basics of Power Point
     • Developing a Power Point Presentation
9. INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS:
   • Lecture / Discussion
   • Student prepared presentations
   • Guest Speakers
   • Students will use Google Docs and Presentations
   • Students will communicate with instructor on Gmail and Google communication.
10. INSTRUCTIONAL AND RESOURCE MATERIALS:
    • KSU Farm Management Marketing Handbook
    • Markets and market information from but not limited to the following Internet sites: Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago Mercantile, Kansas City Board of Trade, Winter Livestock Auctions, Garden City Coop, Cattle Fax.
    • Utilizing tutorials for each computer application
    • Business Management in Agriculture Problems.  From KSU Farm Management Association
    • Evans, Martin, Poatsy, Technology in Action Complete, 4th ed., Prentice Hall
    • Gaskin, GO! With Microsoft Office 2007, Introductory, 1st ed., Prentice Hall
    • The student will be required to provide blank diskettes as needed to save course work
11. METHODS OF ASSESSMENT: Methods of assessing the general course outcomes and the specific course competencies include tests, daily work, Term paper, class attendance, and participation.
    • SCCC/ATS Outcome #1 will be assessed and measured by class and individual assignments involving breakevens etc.
    • SCCC/ATS Outcome #2 will be assessed and measured by student classroom presentations, and participation.
    • SCCC/ATS Outcome #4 will be assessed and measured by the daily work involving many financial functions covered in class.
    • SCCC/ATS Outcome #5 will be assessed and measured by the responses given to data produced from financial statements and other data evaluated in the course.
    • SCCC/ATS Outcome #6 will be assessed and measured by computer assignments due.
12. ADA STATEMENT
    • If you believe that you are entitled to special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Dean of Student Services at 620-417-1016 or visit the office located in the Hobble Academic Building.    
    
    
    Revised 07/14