ESYS-53 - Personal Computer Systems

Instructor: David Casini
Email Instructor:  dcasini@laspositascollege.edu

Instructional Website:  http://www.chabotcollege.edu/esys

Instructor phone: 510-723-6600

Course Description

Preparation for the CompTIA A+ Essentials certification exam. Basic computer hardware and operating systems, covering skills such as installation, building, upgrading, repairing, configuring, troubleshooting, optimizing, diagnosing and preventive maintenance, with additional elements of security and softskills. The Essentials Exam validates the basic skills needed by any entry-level service technician regardless of job environment.

Check the college catalog for CSU/UC transferability and to see if this course meets AA/AS degree requirements.

This class begins August 19th and ends October 7th

On-Campus Meetings

Students will meet on campus Wednesday evenings from 6:00-10:15 p.m., in Room 1616.  Additional instruction and work will occur online.

Optional On-Campus Orientations

You can attend an OPTIONAL, on-campus Orientation to Online Learning that provides Blackboard log in instructions and help, an overview of the Blackboard course management system, and tips on netiquette, time management, and study skills for the online student.  Attend any one of these sessions:

• Monday, August 17th, 5:30-6:30 p.m., in Room 1602

• Tuesday, August 18th, noon-1:00 p.m., in Room 1602

• Wednesday, August 19th, 4:00-5:00 p.m., in Room 1618

• Thursday, August 20th, noon-1:00 p.m., in Room 1602

• Saturday, August 22nd, 10:00-11:00 a.m., in Room 1602

• Monday, August 24th, 5:30-6:30 p.m., in Room 1602

Learn more about these orientations, which are NOT course-specific.

How This Class Operates

This is not a self-paced class; there are due dates throughout the semester that you are expected to meet, just like in a traditional, face-to-face class.

This course is a combination of online lessons and in-class hands-on lab activities. There are no prerequisites for this course, although the student will be expected to be familiar with using a computer to browse the web, send and receive email, and learn to use new applications.

Each student completing the course will receive a FREE (used) personal computer system that he/she has built and tested during the course.

For more information on the Electronic Systems Technology courses, please go to the ESYS website at http://www.chabotcollege.edu/esys

Students needing an add authorization to enroll should send an email to dcasini@chabotcollege.edu with "ESYS 53 add request" in the subject line.

Succeeding in an Online Course

Students who succeed in online courses tend to be independent, self-motivated learners with good computer skills. If you are a procrastinator who relies heavily on the instructor for motivation, or can't use a computer too well, you should probably consider enrolling in a face-to-face course instead.   Or, you might consider enrolling in our Introduction to Online Learning course (GNST-4910), which provides an overview of online learning and equips you to succeed in your first online class.

Don't enroll in this class if you believe the myth that learning online requires less effort than learning face-to-face. This course covers the same content and has similar activities as the face-to-face version of the course; only the method of delivery changes.

Blackboard

This course will use the Blackboard course management system as its virtual classroom. To learn how to log in to Blackboard, go to the How to Begin an Online Course page. Once you enroll, you will not be able to log in until the first day of class.  Students are expected to become familiar with the use and operation of Blackboard functions and are encouraged to attend an orientation session provided by the Distance Education program at Chabot College. In addition, the professor provides a general unit on "How to Navigate in Blackboard" for students to understand how to use the major features the professor employs.

Register for this course