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Welcome to CIS105 Online! |
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I'm glad you have decided to join us this semester as a distance learning student. Distance learning will require you to be self-motivated, and you may find that it takes more time and effort than a traditional face-to-face classroom (plan on 10-14 hours per week). I am here to help and guide you as much as possible. Since I never see you, I only assume the best unless you ask for help. I am happy to answer any questions you may have, but you have to ask. The best way to contact me is through e-mail. My turn-around time for e-mail is about 48 hours (except weekends/holidays), although I may often reply much faster than that. The time it takes me to return your message may depend on several things: I might want to research the answer, I might have several other messages to respond to, or the server might be down. Be patient, and I will respond as quickly as I can. (I would prefer you use the Blackboard Learning System email once class has started). If you have not already done so, one of the first things you should do is set up your MCC Portal email account. You will need an MCC email account in order to access you MCC Portal which is where you WebCT( Blackboard Learning System course) link will be located. (I will not be sending emails to your personal email address.) It's free and easy to do. To set up the account, go the following link: Create an MCC Account. You will have access to the course through your MCC portal page. You should see a WebCT link beginning Monday, Sept 2nd, 2008 on the left of your MCC portal page. (Use the same password you set up for your MCC email account). Don't forget, you will need access to the Internet, Windows XP and Microsoft Office 2007 Professional (includes Word 2007, Excel 2007, Access 2007, and PowerPoint 2007) for this course the application software comes bundle with the course textbooks (you will receive a 180 day full Office 2007application disk to go along with your textbook). If you do not have a computer at home or your computer cannot handle Office 2007, you can go to the MCC lab to do your lab assignments. You will also be using Visual Studio.NET 2008 for the Programming section of the course (but I recommend you use the MCC lab for this portion). If that is your plan, you must have a free MCC Student ID to enter the lab (and a reminder that no children/guests are allowed to accompany you). You can also download the 2008 express edition free at: http://www.microsoft.com/express/vb/. Department students in certain BPC/CIS courses may obtain MS Windows, MS Project, MS Visio, or Visual Studio.Net software through the school's MSDN Academic Alliance http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/dept/d07/promo_msdnaa.htmla t a minimal cost by paying for the distribution CD and shipping and handling. CD prices range from $9.99 - $26.70, and shipping options begin at $5.75. . The course is structured with due dates. If there is a two-week period where I do not hear from you at all you may be dropped from the course. Deadlines are firm and you are responsible for meeting them. Assignments will include reading, lab projects, discussion board online questions, quizzes, and online tests using WebCt (Blackboard Learning System) and Case Grader. Although the emphasis of the class is technical skills and concepts, many of the assignments you will complete promote skills which will help you to be effective in your present and future learning as well as in the community and business world. They include critical thinking, collaborative learning, ethics, interpersonal skills, civic engagement, and organization. Before class begins, check out the CIS 105 Course Info page and then Starting an Online class. If you have any questions, please contact me at angesurber@mail.mc.maricopa.edu or if you have technical issues contact tech support. If you are on campus, please feel free to stop in and say hello. My office hours are posted on my home page. Once the class begins you will see your WebCt link on your MCC portal page. LOGGING INTO CLASS USING WEBCT Once you have created your email account, you can begin class. We are using a course management tool called WebCT ( Blackboard Learning System course). This will hold all of the class content, Quizzes, homework, instructions, etc. To access WebCT: Option
1: 2. Log in using your MCC username and password. You created these when you created your MCC email account. 3. A list of courses that are available to you appear. 4. Pick the class by clicking on it. 5. You are now into your class and ready to begin. Option
2: 2. Go to and click WebCT Homepage Link 3. Type your username and password. 4. Pick the class by clicking on it. 5. You are now into your class and ready to begin.
Option 3: 1. Click on MyMCC. 2. Click on MyClasses. 3. Click on View Course Utilities next to the class you want to access. 4. Click on the WebCT link. 5. The course appears On Sept 2nd, 2008 go into WebCT ( Blackboard Learning System course) http://webct.mc.maricopa.edu and check out the Course Syllabus and Course Schedule located on your Course Home page. I'm looking forward to a fun and informative semester. I hope you are too!
Angeline Surber |
