Technical Support
If you experience computer difficulties this semester, you are responsible for utilizing the SCS tech support to solve your own technical problems. Your instructor will not be able to help you with computer or Blackboard issues you experience. You will find more information in the online course under course content Unit 0.
Access the SCS helpdesk by visiting http://www.scs.edu/helpdesk.
You may also contact them by phone at 901-416-7300 or 1-800-362-2127, ext. 7300.
Frequently Asked Questions
SAM 2010 came with my textbook. Is that the same thing as Office 2010?
Office 2010 and Windows 7 are required for this course. Office 2010 is NOT the same thing as SAM 2010.
SAM 2010 is software that came with your textbook and can assist you with learning office 2010 in a simulated environment. Also SAM 2010 will be used to assign projects and to test your knowledge of Office 2010 and general computer concepts. Most of the training, projects and exams for this course will be delivered using the SAM2010 website.
How can I tell which version of Windows I have?
On your computer click on the "start" button on the lower left side of the screen. Then click Control Panel, then click System. Incidentally this is where you can also find out what kind of processor you have, the speed and how much RAM you have.
The syllabus says I must use Windows 7 but I have Windows Vista on my computer. Is that okay?
In this course we teach a specific operating system (Windows 7) and a specific version of Microsoft Office (2010). We require students to use that specific software because of the textbook selection and to have standardization across campuses and course sections. Otherwise there would be no way to manage or teach the endless numbers of combinations of types of computers, operating systems and software that students are using.
If you don't have access to Windows 7, instructions in the syllabus explain how to use the SCS virtual lab. You may also use any of the on-campus computers for that unit as they all have Windows 7 installed on them.
I do not mind if you use a computer with Windows Vista to access the online course, but you will need to understand that there will be some differences between what you experience / see in Vista as compared to what the textbooks and training show in Windows 7. It will be your responsibility to navigate the differences. You will be able to install Office 2010 on a Windows Vista or Windows 7 machine.
Why can't I use a Macintosh for this class?
This is an introduction to computer course where we teach a specific operating system and specific version of the Microsoft office software. When we decided to offer this class online, we decided to mandate that students use the same version of windows and office that we would be teaching in a classroom environment on campus. This is because of the textbook selection and our necessity to have standardization of what we are teaching across campuses and course sections.
If you were taking a different online class through SCS, it may not be an issue what type of computer you have or what software you have on it. But because you are electing to take a computer application class online, we had to require all students to have the same software, or otherwise there would be no way to manage all the endless numbers of possibilities of combinations of types of computers, operating systems and software that students are using and it would be impossible to cover all those variations adequately in an online class.
Technically, you probably could work on a Macintosh if you log into the SCS virtual lab and completed all your assignments using Office 2010 in the virtual lab (please see "SCS Virtual Lab" on the course home page"). I cannot say if there would be unforeseen issues with access to blackboard or SAM.
Where do I find my assignments and what work is required?
For your convenience I’ve included a "due dates" quick guide in the syllabus. But this should NOT be used in place of viewing the entire unit content. It's merely a quick guide to help you stay on track.
Go to the COURSE CONTENT link on the left side of the course website and click COURSE MATERIALS & ASSIGNMENTS and then begin working on the Units in order, beginning with "UNIT 0: THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASS". You will notice that every Unit under COURES MATERIALS & ASSIGNMENT contains the same four content folders (see image below). You need to work through each of the four content folders by the unit deadline. When you have completed all items in a folder, you can click on the round button next to "Mark Reviewed" to keep track of your progress.
Why do I have to write summaries and papers in a computer class?
There are many reasons and I'll just list a few:
(1) It's commonly understood that a variety of methods of evaluation (assessment) of a student is preferable. It wouldn't be an accurate gauge of your learning to ONLY base your grade on tests or ONLY on assignments.
(2) There is a lot of research that suggests that although many students know how to find information on the Internet, they don't always know how to distinguish good information from bad information. Students need to learn how to evaluate and assimilate information and then construct meaning and be able to convey their ideas to others. I'm a strong believer that colleges should require students to THINK!
(3) The competencies of this course include doing web research and also learning how to utilize a word processor. Writing papers are the perfect opportunity for both!
(4) This course has both an applications (hands-on) portion and a concepts portion (how do computers and technology relate to and influence the world around me). Since you have chosen to take an online class, much of your communication with me will be done in written form as opposed to speaking face-to-face or presenting information in verbal form. Your written summaries are your explanation to me and your proof that you did your work for the "concepts" portion of this course.
Where can I see my grades?
Under the grades tab on the student menu
Is there extra credit work I can do to raise my grade?
No