Distance Learning Class Critical Information

BAS/CPT-103-N1 Microcomputer Applications

Dear Online Student: Summer 2013

Welcome! You are enrolled in BAS/CPT 103: Microcomputer Applications at St. Charles Community College for the summer semester. This course will introduce you to computer use through the Microsoft Office applications using Office 2010 using PCs (you will not be able to complete the coursework using a Mac). After this class, you should be able to create flyers and letters, develop financial spreadsheets, create effective presentations, design a database, and query information contained in it to place in reports.

This section is offered online; this gives you time and place flexibility. It does require self-discipline on your part to do the required work without having scheduled classes. The objectives and assignments for this section are the same as its on campus counterparts. Just a reminder: This course will move at twice the pace of a fall or spring semester class; the requirements are all the same, but there is only half of the time in the semester. Be sure your schedule allows you the time to complete all work on time, since no late work is accepted for credit. Assignments are available ahead of time to allow you to finish tasks early if your schedule requires. Deadlines for assignments occur every 2-4 days, depending on the assignment. Keyboarding skills are needed to be successful in this class. If you cannot touch type, you may want to consider taking a class in keyboarding before this one.

We will use the Internet and Moodle for most of our interaction and all assignments, so you must have a computer able to access the Internet and have your Moodle login information by the first day of class. You will also need access to Microsoft Office 2010 Professional (again – PC-based only).  The computer labs (TECH 116 in the Technology building and ACE Center in the Social Sciences Building)  have the necessary software and hardware to complete this course. The software is available for sale at the SCC bookstore at a dramatic discount over retail, but purchasing it is not required as long as you have access to Office 2010 to complete your work.

You MUST be able to take your tests on campus at the scheduled times. You will have a choice of one of the two times available for each test, but you will be required to choose your time in advance so we do not exceed room capacity. You will be contacted about this shortly after the course begins.

You will have access to the course the week before it begins. It is your responsibility to review the website and course requirements immediately to be sure the schedule can work with yours. If not, it may be best for you to drop the class while you can still get a refund (see dates for full/partial refunds on the college website). The course officially begins on Monday, June 4; starting work any time after that date may cause you to get significantly behind very quickly. The first deadline for assignments is June 6, and NO LATE WORK IS ACCEPTED.

You will need the textbook, your Moodle password, and access to the Office 2010 software by the start of classes to stay on schedule. You may get the text for the class from the bookstore either in person, by telephone, or online via at www.stchas.edu/bookstore. Bookstore hours are listed on the website. I look forward to working with you.

Please click on the link below and take the quiz to learn how well you are suited for online education.

http://stchas.smartermeasure.com

Sincerely,

Andrea Compton
Associate Professor, BAS Program
acompton@stchas.edu