CAS 72M - Introduction to Computing

Instructor: Anne Brichacek
Email Instructor abrichacek@chabotcollege.edu

Instructor phone: 510-723-6600

Course Description

Introduction to computing concepts through the use of videos, animations, and hands-on activities

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

This class begins March 16th and ends May 15th (late start)

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

If you're taking a late start Spring class, you can also attend one of these sessions:

• Saturday, February 21st, 10:00-11:00 a.m. in Room 1618

• Monday, February 23rd, 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Room 1618

• Tuesday, February 24th, noon-1:00 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. Students must have a CD-ROM drive, headphones or speakers, and a USB drive to save their work. 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

The required textbook is The Practical PC, Fifth Edition, Parsons and Oja, Course Technology, 2008. ISBN 978-1-4239-2511-8. It includes a multimedia Book-on-CD with the entire contents of the printed book, interactive step-by-step animations, pop-up definitions and skills test. Note: If you’re buying a used book, please be sure that it includes the CD-ROM.

How Students are Graded

The course encompasses 18 chapters. A typical week may cover up to three chapters. Assignments are interactive, that is, the student completes them by reading the textbook, then using the CD-ROM program to complete exercises and quizzes. The results are stored on a tracking disk (USB) that the student has created which are then submitted in Blackboard. A score of 70% or better is needed on each quiz to earn credit for the chapter. 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.

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