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Welcome to CIS159
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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.
If you have not already done so, one of the first things you
should do is set up your MCC Portal email account. (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, August 25th, 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 2000 or XP, and Visual Basic .Net 2008 for this course (the software should come with the textbook). If you purchase a used book you can go to Microsoft site http://www.microsoft.com/express/vb/ and download the express 2008 edition free. You should be able to do all your assignments using the Express 2008 edition.
Another option is to use MCC's multi-purpose lab to do your work.
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 purchase the Visual Basic .Net 2005 software through the school's MSDN
Academic Alliance
http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/dept/d07/promo_msdnaa.html . Department
students in certain BPC/CIS courses may obtain MS Windows, MS Project, MS
Visio, or Visual Studio.Net at 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 begins Monday, August 25th, 2008. On Monday, August 25th, 2008, go into WebCT and check out the Course Syllabus and Course Schedule located on your WebCT Course Tools. (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
The Course schedule has detail information regarding deadlines, PowerPoint
lectures, and
assignments with links. If you are on campus, please feel free to stop in and say hello. I'm looking
forward to a fun and informative semester. I hope you are too!
Angeline Surber |
