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 copy of the pre-course survey at the bottom.

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.

Pre Course Survey

Instructions: Answer honestly.

Question 1 True/False I have excellent organizational skills.

Question 2 True/False I am a very-self directed learner.

Question 3 True/False I tend to get things done ahead of time rather than waiting to the last minute.

Question 4 True/False I can figure out written instructions very well on my own.

Question 5 True/False I prefer immediate feedback on assignments and get frustrated when I have to wait.

Question 6 True/False I like learning about new technologies; they don't intimidate me.

Question 7 True/False I am a very comfortable and skilled reader.

Question 8 True/False I like engaging in written communication.

Question 9 True/False I can find at least 10 to 15 hours a week to devote to each online course I may take. (Roughly 3+ hours per credit hour in addition to the time you would normally spend "in class" which will be online)

Question 10 True/False Coming to campus for class is very difficult because of current time commitments or lack of transportation.

Question 11 True/False My need for taking this online course is very high. In other words, if I don't take it now I will not be able to take it later.

Question 12 True/False I have frequent access to a computer and to the internet (both must be true).

Question 13 True/False I know how to turn my computer on, off, and reboot.

Question 14 True/False I know how to comfortably use a mouse.

Question 15 True/False I know how to create folders on the desktop and organize files.

Question 16 True/False I know how to find lost files on my hard drive.

Question 17 True/False I know how to create a new word processing document.

Question 18 True/False I know how to open, spell check and save a word processing document.

Question 19 True/False I know how to save files to the desktop.

Question 20 True/False I can use a URL (Universal Resource Locator) or web address.

Question 21 True/False I can use the Refresh or Reload button on my browser.

Question 22 True/False I can create and use bookmarks or favorites.

Question 23 True/False I can search the web using a search engine.

Question 24 True/False I can download and install programs or plugins.

Question 25 True/False I can send and receive e-mail.

Question 26 True/False I can attach a file to an outgoing e-mail message.

Question 27 True/False I can download documents, images or other files from the Internet.

Question 28 True/False I have Internet Explorer 5.0 or later, Netscape 6.x or later, or Safari on my computer.

Question 29 True/False I have a current word processing program on my computer (MS Word recommended).

Question 30 True/False My Internet access is via a 56K modem or better.

Question 31 True/False If I do not have adequate software and hardware, I am willing to obtain or locate it.

-- MollyIngram - 03 Jul 2005

-- MollyIngram - 03 Jul 2005