BasicComputing

Before taking an online course make sure you know if you have the skills required to do well in the course. Normally, you will receive a pre-course survey before the class begins. You need to be extremely honest when you take that survey. If you cannot answer the majority of the questions with a true statement then you might want to think about taking the class at another time. There is a link to a pre-course survey at the bottom of this page.

The Information Systems course is the basic computer course that is offered through the School of Continuing Studies. If you haven't been in school for awhile or are just beginning your college career then you should take this course within your first semester.

Another course to consider is The Research Process, which is also offered in the School of Continuing Studies. The main goal of the course is to teach you how to write a research paper, but along the way you learn a lot more. Not only do they teach you how to use the library, they show you how to use the computer to find books in the library, show you how to use LexisNexis^?, and introduce you to the Learning Center.

The Online Learning and Teaching course can also teach you a number of valuable tools. I would suggest taking ISYS before you take this course though. In this class you are exposed to a number of resources for online learning that you can use in any course. The tools you acquire also make you feel more comfortable using the computer and the Internet.

Lastly, if you do take a total online course make sure you go through all of Blackboard for that course. Different professors use Blackboard differently. It is helpful for you to learn how Blackboard works and where files are located. In addition, many professors will provide detailed information on how to use Blackboard or other helpful resources. Make sure you take advantage of those. Taking this quiz is one last way to determine your readiness for online learning.

-- MollyIngram - 03 Jul 2005

-- SueMcGinnis - 07 Jul 2005