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Welcome to CIS159 Internet Course! |
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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. GETTING STARTED: 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. Before class begins,
check out Starting an Online
class. If you have any questions, please contact me using the WebCT
mailbox or angesurber@mail.mc.maricopa.edu
(I would prefer you use the WebCT mailbox once class has started). If you
have Technical question, please contact Tech Support. You will have access to the course through your MCC portal page. You should see a WebCT link beginning Monday, August 24th, 2009 in the middle of your MCC portal page next to your course link. (Use the same password you set up for your MCC email account). SOFTWARE: Don't forget, you will need access
to the Internet, an operating systems such as Windows 2000, XP, or Vista and
the Visual Basic .Net 2008 software
for this course. The software in the
textbook only comes with a 90-day trial version which is not long enough for
our 16 week course. You will need to get the software free from the MSDN
Academic Alliance – this is a full version which does not expire. Due to the
type of assignments, you will need the full version and not just the Express
Edition. Please request your Visual
Basic .Net 2008 software through the school's MSDN Academic Alliance http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/dept/d07/promo_msdnaa.html
Please follow the instructions carefully for downloading the software and
give plenty of time for downloading the software as it can take quite a long
time to download. 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. BOOK: the book title is "Microsoft
Visual Basic 2008 for Windows, Mobile, Web, Office, and Database
Application" - Comprehensive. At the back of the book there are two ISBN
numbers: Another
option is to use Mesa's MCC 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). On Monday, August 24th, 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 |
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