CIS1 Task #1: Using the Online Classroom

40 Points Due date: September 7. Ends September 21.

Read Chapter 1 "Introduction to the World of Computers" in Understanding Computers. A PowerPoint presentation for the chapter can be seen at: Chapter 1 PowerPoint

If you don't have the textbook yet, you can still complete the assignment using the information in the PowerPoint slides and by searching the Internet.

In this assignment you will:

Log in to Etudes and click the link for Tasks, Tests and Surveys. Click Task 1 and begin the assignment. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the assignment and quiz. Once you Submit, there is no way to go back and change it. If you realize you have made an error you need to email me about it. You may complete the parts of the assignment in any order. You can enter and exit as you wish.

Part 1: Discussion and Private Messages 8 points

1. Introduction Discussion 5 points

  1. Click the Discussion and Private Messages button on the left side of the page.
  2. Click the link for the Module 1 Introduce Yourself topic.
  3. Read my post and a few others, then click New Topic
  4. Write a paragraph about yourself. Read over your post carefully for errors and spell check. Remember that everyone in the class will see your message after you post it. Don't post anything that is too personal, and no profanity please. You are not required to attach a photo. Click the Submit button when you are finished.
  5. In a separate paragraph, describe your experience with online courses. If this is your first online course, say so and then describe any concerns or questions you have about it.
  6. Read another student's introduction and Reply to it. Note down the name of the student you are replying to, you need it to turn in.

2. Private Messages 3 points

  1. From the Discussion and Private Messages area, click the Private Messages link. A Private Message can only be read by the person you send it to.
  2. Click the Newpm button.
  3. Make sure the To user box has my name selected.
  4. Type Module 1 in the Subject box.
  5. In the Message body, give me an email address and phone number to use to contact you outside the Etudes classroom.
  6. Submit the message.
  7. I will reply to the message. When I do, reply to my answer.

Part 2: Study Questions 22 points
Start a document in Word, WordPad or Notepad. Answer the questions below and number each answer.

1. (2 points) Complete the survey at http://www.cod.edu/dept/CIL/CIL_Surv.htm. Answer the following questions:

a. Based on the results, what is your greatest strength for online learning?

b. What is your greatest weakness? "None" is not an acceptable answer.

2. (2 points) Read Rule 1 at http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html . Describe the drawbacks of communication by online discussion and how can you overcome them.

3. (3 points) Go to http://etudesproject.org/gateway/server_info.html and look at the requirements for software and hardware. Use the information to answer the following questions:

a. How much memory should your PC have?

b. What browser software can be used with Etudes?

c. What should your configuration be for Javascript, cookies and pop-up windows for Etudes?

4. (3 points) Go into our Etudes classroom and click Resources. Click StudentGuide.pdf to open the Etudes User Guide. Find the answers to the following questions in the guide. You can search for text by clicking typing it in the box in the toolbar at the top of the document. Use the Find Next or Previous buttons to move to occurrences of the text.

a. What does the Jiffy Lube icon do?

b. What does Mark for Review do in an assignment?

c. Assignments will be flexible order. What does that mean?

5. (2 points) List the four primary operations of a computer. For each of these, list 2 devices.

6. (2 points) List the 6 categories of computers.

7. (3 points) Go to www.google.com and search for information about a supercomputer.

a. What is the URL? Copy and paste the URL by clicking in the address bar to highlight it, then pressing Ctrl+C from the keyboard. Switch back to your word document and press Ctrl+V.

b. What is the name of the supercomputer and where is it located?

c. Give a brief description of what kinds of problems the supercomputer is being used for.

8. (3 points) Search for a tablet PC for sale on the Internet.

a. Give the manufacturer's name and model number

b. Price

c. Copy and paste the URL pointing to the description.

9. (2 points) Go to http://login.course.com/login/login.cfm?targeturl=&appId= and create an account to use the online companion for the Understanding Computers textbook. Log in and go to the materials for Chapter 1..

a. What software must be installed on your computer to run the Student Labs? Did you have it?

b. Describe 2 things found on this site that would be helpful for you to use while studying.

Save the document as with your answers as Task1. Turn in the assignment file by clicking Tasks, Tests and Surveys in Etudes and going to Task 1, Part 2. Upload the Task1 document.

Part 3 Quiz

Complete a 10 question multiple choice quiz in Etudes Task 1 covering the syllabus.