Units: 1

Dear Student,

Welcome to distance education at Cuesta College! My name is Marilyne Cleeves, and I will be your instructor in the upcoming online version of Introduction to Beginning Keyboarding (CAOA 162). This letter is to inform you of some important details prior to the commencement of the online class. Please read this page carefully!!

Class Requirements

• Textbooks are shrink wrapped and have a code printed under the CD.  The code can be used only once to get in the Internet class. If you have obtained a textbook from a friend or another source, you will need to purchase an online access code from www.EllsworthPublishing.com.

The publisher has recently setup the software so it can be used entirely online without the textbook.  The price of the textbook with the online access code included is ($39.99)

• Llink to online access code screen based version ($27.00)
• Link to Book with access code ($39.99)

If you purchase a used book, make sure you DO NOT pay over $12.99 for a used book. You will still need the online access code for a used book.

All of the lessons are on the Internet and your progress will be recorded to my online grade book. We will be communicating regularily.

If you have a limited or unstable internet connection, we will need to make other arrangements.

Computer Requirements

The following requirements are necessary for this class:

The online software is designed to work with any internet browser with Sun Java plugin support (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Mozilla, Safari, Netscape, Opera ...).
Windows systems need the Java plugin. If you do not already have it (check your control panel for the Java plugin), the plugin can be downloaded for free fom http://www.Java.com.

Mac OS X already has the plugin built into the operating system. No additional plugins are needed. Sorry Mac OS 6-9, no current plugin is available.

Windows 98/2000/XP/Vista/Win7 easily use the plugin mentioned above: http://www.Java.com

Minimum screen resolution: 800x600 book based or 1024x768 for screen-based

1. In the address bar of your browser type www.java.com
2. Under “Java Software Free Download:, click on_Verify Installation_
3. Click the Verify Installation Button
4. If you have the Java plug-in, it will say:
5. “Congratulations, you have the latest version of Java!”  If you DO NOT have it, it will prompt you to install it. http://java.com/en/download/

Meetings

Thursday, June 20 (6 PM)

We'll have one class meeting worth 10 grade points. This meeting will be in room 4111 and will include an important orientation.

There will be a second optional meeting for the exit timing. If you are able to complete a 3 minute timing with a net rate of 45 WPM, you will be eligible for an official certificate signed by me and the president of the college. In extreme emergencies, we will have alternative testing available on the Cuesta College campus. I will give you more info on this when we meet for the orientation.

First Assignment

This course is based on the online assessment program created by the publisher. You will be given diagnostic tests to meet your individual needs. I will be monitoring your progress and giving you consistent grade progress reports. All coursework will be designed for the individual typist. I will be determining your skill level and your goal during our first meeting.

If you have any further questions prior to the first day of class, please feel free to e-mail me. Otherwise, I will look forward to meeting you on
our scheduled meeting date.

Sincerely,

Marilyne Cleeves

mcleeves@cuesta.edu 

Moodle

This course is taught using Moodle. Students will have access to their Moodle class the Friday before the semester begins. This is a Web-based tool used to facilitate teaching an online class. This platform provides the framework for the CAOA 269 class including PowerPoint presentations, student data files, the tools to receive and send course materials, and a grade book. Using the communication tools, you can communicate using e-mail, and you can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion board or in chat rooms.

Moodle is an acronym for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment. Moodle is also a verb that describes the process of lazily meandering through something and doing things as it occurs to you to do.

The attached handout will explain the procedures for your first login to Moodle
Moodle Guidelines for Students