Community College of RI

Computer Studies Department

Introduction to Computers 
Link for Distance Learning Support :  http://www.ccri.edu/distance/

WELCOME TO Introduction to COMPUTERS!

My name is Professor Karen Allen.  I will be the professor for this online Internet course. The URL for the course web site is   http://webct.ccri.edu/webct/public/home.pl

 

 MY CONTACT INFORMATION:

Professor: Karen Allen

Room 2148, Warwick

Email: kallen@ccri.edu

Office Hours:    By appointment.

Phone: 401-825-2155

Online Chat in WebCT: By appointment

 

 

 

REQUIRED Books and Materials - THE BOOK BUNDLE
IN THE BOOKSTORE ON ANY OF THE CCRI Campuses:

 

GO! Technology in Action, 6th Edition, by Alan Evans, Kendall Martin, Mary Anne Poatsy; Prentice Hall, 2009.

Skills for Success with Microsoft Office 2007, by Kris Townsend, Prentice Hall, 2009.

MyITLab folder. It contains the Access Code you will use to create your MyITLab account. Please do not create your account until you receive instructions from me.

 

The books are available at the CCRI bookstore. They all come "bundled" into a single package. You need them NOW. The price of the bundle is $89.50 in the bookstore.

 

 Required Software and Materials   

  • Windows XP or Windows Vista
  • MSOffice 2007
  • Headphones or Speakers for audio material
  • Thumbdrive  or another  storage device ( your hard drive is fine if you are doing all of the work on one machine).

 

SOFTWARE:

We are using Windows Vista, Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Office 2007 Professional (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access). The computer you are using should have all of these installed. Office 2007 is new and very different from Office 2003. You MUST have access to Office 2007 Professional. If you don't have it at home, here are your options:

  • All the CCRI computer labs have this installed and you are welcome to use the labs on any of the CCRI campuses.
  • **BEST DEAL: Microsoft has something called the "Ultimate Steal" on Office 2007. All you need is to be a registered student at a college and you are eligible. The cost is $59.95. Here is the link:
    http://www.microsoft.com/student/discounts/theultimatesteal-us/default.aspx
  • CCRI bookstore has this software for about $99. It is the student version.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Q: What do I need to have to get going with this ONLINE course:

 

A:  You will need a COMPUTER, LIVE INTERNET CONNECTION:

 

The computers at CCRI are all set up for you to use. If you a planning to use your own, here are some specifications:

1.      IBM PC Compatible. MAC won't work.

2.      Pentium III 500 MHz or higher.

3.      256 MB RAM

4.      Hard Disk Space: 2.5 GB

5.      One of the following Operating Systems must be installed:

·         Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2

·         Windows XP Professional Edition with Service Pack 2

·         Windows Vista.

6.      Live Internet connection

·         Internet Explorer 7.0. Firefox is not a supported browser for WebCT or MyITLab. If you access the Internet through AOL or another provider, be sure to minimize that window and go to WebCT through Internet Explorer.

 

 

Q:Where can I get the books?


A: All  books are available at the CCRI Warwick campus bookstore. or shop  online at http://www.ccri.edu/bookstore

A Note for AOL subscribers: You will have to start up AOL, then minimize the AOL window and open Internet  Explorer in order to use WebCT.  

 

Q: Can I test out of this class?


A: There is not a Challenge or Clep exam, however there is a way to go through the course at an accelerated pace. There is a link to “how this works” in our WEBCT course.  (TEST OUT link in the WebCT Navigation Pane).

 

Q: Do I for sure have to have the book?


A: YES!!  The best way to get access to MyITLab is the access code included in your book bundle. There is only “one time use” per code.  Used books do not come with a code.  You may purchase the code as a standalone product on the publisher website for $65. A NEW book bundle in the bookstore which includes the MYITLAB access code is $89.50. In addition, required assignments will be given from the books. Bottom line: you must purchase the books.

 

 

 

 

 

Q: What should I do BEFORE THE CLass STARTS  ?   

 

 A: Before the class start date, the first assignment is to be sure to have the correct software and hardware requirements as outlined in the email. You should login to WebCT as soon as possible to become familiar with our online environment.

When you have successfully logged into WEBCT you should familiarize yourself with the environment by going to the Homepage and then clicking on each of the links on the NAVIGATION PANE (menu on the left hand side of the window ). Be sure to read the homepage thoroughly. It has information, news, course updates and much more.

 

Q: HOW WILL I BE GRADED? 

 

A:  GRADING -  ALL QUIZZES  40% , EXAMS 40%,  pROJECTS 20%

Exams can be taken only one time. All exams are timed.

Quizzes may be taken multiple times (I will take your highest grade.)

 

Q: What am I expected to do Each week?

 

A: You are expected to:

·         READ the SYLLABUS

·         Check the Date on the Syllabus and the corresponding lessons under the “lessons Column”

·         Link to the THINGS to DO LIST for the appropriate lesson

·         Read and do the specific lessons for that week.

·         Upload all assignments, finish all quizzes and readings etc, by the following week
( Sunday evenings at 11 PM)

  1. Do all the activities in the lesson that may include using MYITLAB readings, projects, quizzes, exams or extra credit projects.
  2. Use the Bulletin board to post questions and get course information.
  3. Use course assignment tool to submit assignment files for grading
  4. You should check the WebCT HOMEPAGE, email and the course Bulletin Board   for messages, as I will post class questions, chat time dates, due dates  and times for the quiz and exam there.
  5. USE THE THINGS TO DO LIST as your weekly checklist of assignments.     

  

Q: Will there be a Class Meeting ON CAMPUS?

 

A: There will be no class meetings on campus, however  if you need help logging onto WebCT, I will set up an appointment with you to get you logged in. You can email me at kallen@ccri.edu.

 

Q: What is WEBCT?

 

A: WebCT is the course management system that will be used as our “virtual classroom”.
At this web site, you will be able to create login to the site with your WebCT ID and password, You will then self register into my ONLINE course section.  

 

To Self Register into WEBCT:

 Link to the following site to get  the instructions you will need to self register yourself into WEBCT. You may want to print the instructions. The link is:

http://it.ccri.edu/Documentation/webct_students/handout.shtml

OR Link to Supporting documentation to help with other WEBCT functions.

http://it.ccri.edu/Documentation/webct/webct_documentation.shtml 

 

You must follow the instructions to:

1.      Log in to WEBCT

2.      Add a course to your account

a.       Course to ADD is COMI-1100-600: Introduction to Computers (Allen- Online)

 

Having trouble SIGNING UP for WEBCT ?

Call the CCRI  HELPDESK at 825 - 1112

 

 

The course you should register  for is :

COMI-1100-600: Introduction to Computers (Allen- Online)

 

Note: There are many sections of this class running. Be sure to self register in the one specified!!

Distance Learning Support Site is here:

http://www.ccri.edu/distance/