You are taking an online class, and as such, it is a good idea to make sure you have the most current software available to make your educational experience a better one. Take time before the first day of class to make sure you are up-to-date with the software below. If you are unsure how to download and install software, you can refer to this basic guide from Learn The Net.
As you install programs and register at different sites, I recommend that you keep track of usernames and passwords. On your syllabus there will be a place to write down that information for class sites. Keep it simple... use the same username/password for all accounts, or come up with one or two variations that you can remember. I always recommend that you READ everything before simply clicking "I agree" to make sure you aren't installing unwanted programs or signing up for unwanted email messages.
Tip: Read through this list NOW and do NOT wait until the last minute to download software, get books, or try to rent the movie. Take time right away to make sure everything works so we will have time to help you solve any issues that arise. There will be no sympathy if you contact me at the last minute because you couldn't get something to work! A prepared student is a successful student!
A Thought About Learning
I believe in active learning, meaning that I know students get more out of a class when they can actually DO something instead of just READ about something. That can be a bit of a challenge in an online environment where so much of what we are exposed to involved reading something. I have structured this class in such a way that you will have many opportunities to apply and think about what you are reading.
Keep in mind that just reading about computers won’t teach you anything… this is a HANDS-ON class. You MUST apply what you are learning, try it out, spin it around, mess up a few times, and work out the kinks through trial and error if you really want to be proficient. Making mistakes is not only ok, it is expected. Working with classmates on assignments is encouraged. Going out and finding solutions and then sharing them with the class is something I want you to do. Don’t expect me to give you all the answers. Often times I will wait a little while to respond because I know a classmate will have the answer or that you will figure it out on your own. In that way, the learning becomes a much more powerful experience because it is YOURS. Don’t panic… take a deep breath, relax, and have fun. If you do the assignments, play well with others, and don’t give up, you’ll be fine.
Below are the tools you will need to make this a fun and interesting learning experience. If you have any questions about any of them, don't hesitate to contact me. I'm more than willing to help you work out the details... but it's up to YOU to let me know when you have a question!
Note: Links on this page will open in a new browser window. If you are using Firefox, you can right click the link and choose "open link in new tab" to stay in the same window.
Books & Software
Computer Concepts
(10th edition)
1423906101
This is the main textbook. We will be reading most of the chapters. The book comes with a CD that you will need to complete the lab assignments associated with each chapter. The CD also has the complete book included, with links to resources, quick checks, activities, and practice tests. If you purchase the book used, make sure you get the CD also. You will need it.
You can purchase the book from Amazon.com or the College Bookstore.
Note: If you have the 9th edition, be aware that there are several major changes in the 10th edition, including files on the textbook CD. I would recommend getting the 10th if possible.
Zen Computer
0684854104
This required book presents another way of looking at how you interact with computers on a daily basis. It is short, sweet, and easy to read (you could do it in an afternoon). The book is no longer available new anywhere, but you can get a used copy VERY cheap from Amazon or Half.com. I usually have a few copies sitting around my office and there is one on reserve at the college library.
Office Application Software
We will be learning about using word processing, presentation, spreadsheet, and database software. Most people have access to Microsoft Office (Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Access) and can use that for assignments. There are other alternatives, however, that you can use if you don't want to purchase Office. We will explore using Google Docs (http://docs.google.com) and the Open Office suite (http://www.openoffice.org). Google docs is a web-based word processing and spreadsheet application that you access through your web browser. Open Office is an open source program that you download and install on your computer. The important thing is that you are able to learn about word processing, presentation, spreadsheet and database software... the specific package you use is your choice.
Alice
Alice is an easy-to-use programming environment that will give you hands on programming experience in a fun and easy way. We will be using Alice for Chapter 11, but you should have it installed several weeks ahead of time so you can go through the tutorials. Alice is available from http://www.alice.org/ and is supported by research done at Carnegie Mellon University. Alice is about 112 MB to download, so if you are on a dial-up connection, you will want to find a friend with a broadband Internet connection or you can come to the college library. If you don't have access to a high-speed connection, contact me ASAP and I can send out a CD with the software.
Picasa
Picasa is a free photo-editing and cataloging program from Google. In our unit on digital media, you will be using this program to manipulate pictures you have taken and you will share a couple of those with the class. If you have access to Photoshop, Fireworks, Adobe Elements, or another higher end editing program, then you won't need Picassa. Microsoft Paint won't work however, so if that's all you have, please download Picassa.
gTalk
Part of our class involves learning to use synchronous tools (chat) as a way to collaborate and communicate with classmates and your instructor. We will have a couple of organized class chats and you will have the opportunity to work with your classmates and get help from your instructor through gTalk (Google Talk). You can use this through your gmail account or by installing the gTalk application to your computer.
I recommend that all students get an Google account so that we can all be on the same service during the semester. We will be using a variety of Google services throughout the semester, including Google Docs, Google Pages, and Google Talk. Once you have a Google account you can access all of those applications.
Pigin/Trillian
Pigin and Trillian are open-source programs that let you load different chat accounts into one interface (AIM, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo, etc.). You open one program and see all of your buddies no matter what system they are on. I use Gaim, Tom uses Trillian, and we both like them a lot. This is an optional program. You do not have to use it.
Browsers & Plugins
Firefox
http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/
My preferred browser. There are many extensions that allow you to customize Firefox to work like you want it to.
Internet Explorer
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/
Needed to access the SAM program that we will be using to learn about Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access. IE, Firefox, or any other browser may be used for accessing the class website.
Windows Media Player (.wmv)
For viewing videos, it comes with Windows XP. If you aren't able to access the movies, you may want to make sure you have the most current version from the Microsoft website.
Quicktime (.mov)
Also for viewing videos. Usually both .wmv and .mov formats are available. Available from Apple.com.
Acrobat Reader
Many of the class files are available in .pdf format for easier viewing. Get the latest version from the Adobe website.
Materials
Floppy Disk/
Flash Drive
The textbook CD labs require that you create a "Tracking Disk" that saves all of your scores. You will submit this tracking file through a web-based form linked to on the CD. You will be able to create your tracking file on your hard drive as an option, but if you will be using multiple computers (work, home, school), you will want to create the file on a floppy disk or flash drive that you can take with you.
Digital Camera/
Film Camera
We will be doing a chapter on Digital Media and as part of that, you will be asked to take a couple of pictures and learn how to use a program called Picassa to edit them. If you don't have access to a digital camera, you can purchase an inexpensive disposible camera and develop the film on CD at any place that develops file (Walmart, Costco, etc.). You don't have to wait until that chapter to do this... you can get started now!
Revolution OS
We will be taking a walk through a bit of computer history and looking a little deeper into what trends and influences are affecting us as computer users today. You will be asked to watch a movie called Revolution OS as part of this journey. There are several ways to access this movie.
Don't wait until the last minute to try and rent it (because everyone else will also)! How about getting together with some of your classmates for a movie night and popcorn?
Tip: Read through this list NOW and do NOT wait until the last minute to download software, get books, or try to rent the movie. Take time right away to make sure everything works so we will have time to help you solve any issues that arise. There will be no sympathy if you contact me at the last minute because you couldn't get something to work! A prepared student is a successful student!