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Syllabus--Elementary Keyboarding

Syllabus--Elementary Keyboarding

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Print this Syllabus--you will need it to log into your course when the course begins. At the END of this syllabus, there are step-by-step instructions for logging on to your on-line course (distance learning course). All registered students must access the on-line course and do the EMAIL ASSIGNMENT BY THURSDAY of the first week of school. After printing the syllabus, use the BACK BUTTON to return to the Orientation to complete the REQUIRED Student Information Form if you are completing the Course Orientation. When you have completed the Orientation, read this Syllabus for ESSENTIAL information about this course.

CAOS 70AA (on-line version), 1.5 units
Elementary Keyboarding

INSTRUCTOR:

Linda West. I am a full-time instructor in the Computer Applications and Office Systems Department where I have developed many of the web courses that are offered in our department. The best way to contact me is through the following e-mail account.

Office Hours: TBA By Appointment
Days/Time: TBA By Appointment
Phone/Voicemail: 408 864-8754 (e-mailing me is preferred)
Fax Number: 408 778-5868
Office Location: ATC 203
E-mail: caos70aa@yahoo.com

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is uses a special software package to teach you proper techniques for keying letters, numbers and symbols. In addition, you will learn proper spacing, punctuation, and proofreaders' marks. When you complete this course, you will be able to key at a rate of no less than 19 words per minute on a three-minute timing. This is an on-line course, therefore, students must have access to a PC using Windows 2000 or Windows XP, an individual e-mail account, and access to the World Wide Web.

PREREQUISITES

Ability to use a mouse and to insert a CD into a CD ROM drive. Ability to select items from the Start Menu. Ability to use a web brower such as Internet Explores or Netscape. If you cannot do this, I suggest you enroll in the the self paced version of this course (CAOS 70AA-55) so you can get help from the lab staff.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURES (For Students NOT Yet Registered Or Wait Listed)

If you are registering BEFORE classes begin (recommended), you can apply and register using the internet at http://www.deanza.fhda.edu/. Select "Apply and Register" on the menu bar at the top of the page. Then you should take the On-Line orientation--much of it can be skipped. (Online Orientation may be found at: http://distance.deanza.fhda.edu/.

If you are registering AFTER classes have begun and the class is still open WITH NO WAIT LIST, E-MAIL me giving me your name to receive a registration approval number that will allow you to add using the internet. Once you have this number, take the On-Line Orientation--much of it can be skipped; (Online Orientation may be found at: http://distance.deanza.fhda.edu/). E-mail me when you have added the class.

If you are on the WAIT LIST: E-mail me at the above e-mail address on THURSDAY of the first week of school, and I will let you know if there are any no-shows. If there is room in the class, I will send you a registration # to register for the course on-line. I suggest that you take the On-Line Orientation--much of it can be skipped; (Online Orientation may be found at: http://distance.deanza.fhda.edu/). The first assignment in the course for week 1 is pretty short so you should have no problem catching up if you're accepted into the class late.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

  • Complete the Online Orientation and submit the Student Information Form by THURSDAY of the first week of school. (Online Orientation may be found at: http://distance.deanza.fhda.edu/.
  • You must enter your on-line course BY THURSDAY of the first week of school and do the first E-MAIL ASSIGNMENT. If you have problems getting into the course, e-mail me before THURSDAY. If you have problems accessing the on-line orientation, please contact the following person and let him know: TechHelp@dadistance.fhda.edu or at 408 864-8969 (M-Thurs 8:30-7:00) Friday until noon. Please e-mail if you still have problems.
  • Be prepared to spend 3 hours per week or less using and studying course materials to complete the course. It is ESSENTIAL that you enter your on-line course each week to obtain your Assignment for that week!

REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS

Purchase the following BEFORE CLASS BEGINS at the De Anza College Bookstore:[Phone: 408-864-8701 http://distance.deanza.fhda.edu/Bookstore.html]. If the bookstore is out of textbooks for the on-line course, the same book is used in the self-paced CAOS 70AA-55 and CAOS 173-55. If you get your textbook late, don't worry about it. The first assignment in the course is pretty short. Also, the textbook can be checked out for 24 hours at the reserved checkbook area of the library.

  1. Van Huss, College Keyboarding, 17 ed.; South-Western Publishing (with CD-ROM Program for Keyboarding Pro 5 (ISBN 13-978-0-538-73035-8 or 10:0-538-73035-8).
  2. To purchase ONLY the CD-ROM Program for Keyboarding Pro 5 if you already have a textbook or if you have an ebook: ISBN 10-0538730668, ISBN- 13 978-0-538-730662 (on the actual disk the ISBN is 13-978-0-538-97533-9 or 10-0-538-97533-4

If you have another version of the software, you must contact me at caos70aa@yahoo.com to make sure I can read your files.

Important: DO NOT USE THE CD ROM UNTIL YOU READ THE INSTRUCTIONS IN ASSIGNMENT 1 OF YOUR ON-LINE COURSE.

COMPUTER/SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

Hardware requirements: This class is for PC users only--not Macintosh. You will need access to an IBM OR IBM compatible computer. Students will find instructions on the class web site for installing the Keyboarding Pro Software used in this class.

Email: It is required that you have access to a computer that provides you with your own e-mail address and with which you can send and receive daily e-mail.

Web Access/Browsers: You must have a computer which allows you to browse the World Wide Web. Supported Opperating Systems: Catalyst is built in the Moodle platform, which requires you to use Windows 98, NT 4.0, ME, 2K, XP, Mac OS X, or Linux (with a window manager that supports the Firefox browser). Please note that older versions of Windows may be less secure than newer ones, due to older encryption technology used.

Supported Web Browsers: The Firefox Web Browser is recommended for both platforms. Go online and download a free version of http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/. Please note that some users have reported problems with Internet Explorer, and both Opera and Safari may not show the built-in html editor. Go to https://catalyst.deanza.edu for latest updated system requirements for your on-line course. Click on Technical Requirements. You cannot use AOL browser. You may use AOL to log-on, however, use Firefox. You will need to have Java Enabled and Cache to Reload. If you are using a FIREWALL, you might have trouble getting into the course.

IMPORTANT DATES

See De Anza Academic and Administrative Calendar for Drop Dates, Holidays, Refund Dates, etc.

WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS/SUBMITTING ASSIGNMENTS

This course uses a tool called CATALYST. All course assignments, instructions, quizzes, and course deadlines will be available to you on-line in your CATALYST on-line course. In addition, in your CATALYST on-line course, you will be told how to use and install the software (CD ROM) that you have purchased. Directions for accessing your CATALYST on-line course are listed at the end of this syllabus. DO NOT USE THE CD ROM THAT YOU PURCHASED OR THE TEXTBOOK UNTIL YOU HAVE READ INSTRUCTIONS IN YOUR ON LINE COURSE. You won't have to come to campus for anything. When you enter your CATALYST on-line course, you will see a list of assignment pages with step-by-step directions on how to complete each assignment in your CD ROM. You will also be taking quizzes periodically in your WEBCT on-line course and also be told how to submit assignments. It is ESSENTIAL that you enter your on-line course each week to obtain your Assignment for that week! The course has been designed so that if you successfully complete the weekly assignments, you will succeed! We will communicate with one another through the class bulletin board and periodically through e-mail during the week. I take weekends off so we won't be communicating with one another during the weekends!

EXAM SCORES/FINAL GRADES

Quizzes and verification of assignments submitted will be posted in your CATALYST on-line course in the Grades section. This is a pass/no pass course. No letter grades will be issued. To complete this course,

  • Successfully complete ALL assignments and quizzes in your CATALYST on line course WITH 70%. Quizzes will be taken in your CATALYST on-line course.

  • You will be required to submit a Summary Report of your work periodically. You will be told when and how to do this in your on-line course. To pass, all work (Summary Reports) must be turned in on time and be correct.

  • Students must attain a keyboarding speed of 19 words per minute on a three-minute writing by Lesson 30. You must also attain a score on 70% or better on the Final Exame in the course or you won't pass the course.

You may access final grades through the STAR system (408-777-9394 or 650-917-0509) or through the Internet: (http://www.fhda.edu/DA_Grades.html).

POLICY ON CHEATING:

Students who submit the work of others as their own or cheat on exams or other assignments will receive a failing grade in the course and will be reported to college authorities.

TECHNOLOGY HELP DESK FOR REGISTERED STUDENTS

There are several ways to obtain help with the technology aspects of your course. When contacting support personnel, please identify the Distance Learning Center course you are enrolled in and the instructor's name.

Click Contact Us on the CATALYST WEB SITE (https://catalyst.deanza.edu) - with problems accessing your course or CATALYST problems. Also, 95% Answers to 95% of all questions can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.) pages in the CATALYST web site.

Information@dadistance.fhda.edu - for general questions about the Distance Learning Center.

For questions about how to use specific software that is used only in your course, consult your syllabus or contact your instructor for specific help.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR ENTERING (LOGGING ON) TO YOUR ON-LINE CATALYST COURSE

Once you have enrolled in the course and have taken the On-Line Orientation, you should able to access the course. Access will ONLY be available on the day the class officially begins to officially enrolled online students--sometimes there is a delay of 2-3 days so keep on trying. If you added a course on or after the start date, there may be a 3-business day delay from the time your college admissions officially enrolls you and you can enter the course. If you are already pre-registered in the course, your USER NAME and INITIAL PASSWORD will already be set up. Be sure to purchase the course materials as you will need them to complete Assignment 1 in the course!

TROUBLESHOOTING HELP: If you have trouble accessing the course or logging on, there is a link at the bottom of the CATALYST home page where you can contact Technical Support. Please do not contact me as I probably won't be able to help you.

LOG ON TO YOUR ON LINE COURSE by doing the following:
  1. Open your browser. (Firefox) If you don't have Firefox, download it: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

  2. Choose File, Open (page) and type in: https://catalyst.deanza.edu This is the link to your on-line class. (Or you can click on the above link.) BOOKMARK THIS PAGE.

  3. NOTE: I highly suggest that you click on the FIRST TIME link on the CATALYST home page before logging into the course. It will provide you with an interative tutorial on the following subjects:

    • Module 1: How to Login
    • Module 2: Password & Profile
    • Module 3: Navigating in Catalyst

  4. In the dialog box that appears at the top of the screen, type in your User Name that consists of the following

    5. Your De Anza College Student ID (NOT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR "99" NUMBER)

  5. Press the Tab key to go to the Password section of the dialog box.

  6. Type in Your Birthday in this format: MMDDYYYY (Two digit month, followed by two digit day, followed by FOUR digit year; no slashes or spaces.) for the password. Click LOG IN if necessary.
    Note: If you have trouble logging in, there is a link at the bottom of the page to contact technical support. Do not contact me as I probably won't be able to help and will refer you to technical support. If they do not respond, then let me know, and I will check with them.

  7. Click on CAOS 70AA Keyboarding.

  8. Read the Homepage information.

  9. Follow the directions for Assignment 1 in the course and begin working on your course. You are required to complete Assignment 1 for the first week of school. Feel free to print the Assignment 1 page.

 Updated Friday, July 3, 2009 at 7:24:08 PM by Linda West - westlinda@deanza.edu
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