CAS 72A - Elementary Computer Keyboarding I

Instructor: Anne Brichacek
Email Instructor abrichacek@chabotcollege.edu

Instructor phone: 510-723-6600

Course Description

Self-paced basic introduction to the computer keyboard for developing correct keyboarding skills.

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

This class begins January 20th and ends May 13th

Optional On-Campus Orientations

There are no required on-campus meetings for this class. 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:

• Tuesday, January 20th, noon-1:00 p.m. in Room 1618

• Tuesday, January 20th, 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Room 1618

• Wednesday, January 21st, 4:00-5:00 p.m. in Room 1620

• Thursday, January 22nd, noon-1:00 p.m. in Room 1618

• Saturday, January 24th, 10:00-11:00 a.m. in Room 1618

• Monday, January 26th, 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Room 1618

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

How This Class Operates

This course will be delivered in an online environment; there will be no meetings on campus. Course duration is only eight weeks, therefore it will be fast-paced. There is no pre-requisite for the course; however, some experience using a computer and a browser is preferred. In addition to the requirements for instruction in Blackboard, students will need to have access to Microsoft Word (2003 or 2007) in order to send lesson and timing reports and a USB drive to save them. They will also need to have access to Microsoft PowerPoint; if not, then they must install a PowerPoint viewer. A link to this software is provided.

Textbook Information

Students need to buy a textbook and additional software* which they must install on their home or office computer. Both items may be purchased in the Chabot College bookstore. The textbook and software are available as a cost-saving bundle ISBN: 978-03-24671537. They can also be purchased as separate items. The required textbook is VanHuss, Forde, Woo; Keyboarding and Formatting lessons 1-60; Southwestern. ISBN: 978-0-538-72976-5. The required software is Keyboarding Pro 5 ISBN: 978-0-538-73066-2 (You must go to the Customer Service Desk to purchase the software). The software also used for CAS 72B Keyboarding II (textbook required), CAS 72C Keyboarding III, and CAS 72J Ten-Key.

*This software is available for pc users only; it is not compatible with Macs.

How Students are Graded

Assignments consist of keyboarding drills, exercises and timed writings. For some exercises, the text that is used for the drills appears on the software program (for example, Build Skill); for others, the text is to be found in the textbook (Timed Writings and Textbook Keying). Assignments should be sent as suggested in the schedule. Students who do not follow it are not penalized; students can finish well before the end of the class if they desire to do so. However, ALL assignments must be caught up and current up to and including week 7. The date set for the final examination is firm – no exceptions. If a student wishes to withdraw, he or she must take the initiative to do so. He or she will not be dropped automatically. There will be no Incomplete (I) grade. Students may take this class two times for credit.

The course goal is to improve the initial speed by 10% or better without sacrificing accuracy. A student who reaches a speed of 25wpm with three errors or less on a 2- minute timed writing (final exam) will receive a Proficiency Certificate.

Go to http://clpccd.blackboard.com on the first day of class to login and begin work. Announcements about dates and times for optional orientation or chat sessions will be posted on the Announcements page. For more information about the class, how to enroll, get an add number, or to obtain a syllabus, please email abrichacek@chabotcollege.edu

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