CIS 71C - Skills Improvement
Instructor: Victoria Austin
Email Instructor
Course Description
Development of keyboarding skill for those students who have learned the location of the keys on the keyboard by touch and are ready to increase speed. The keyboarding software analyzes participants' typing technique and suggests practice that will help to type faster. Skill progress is measured by keying text within specified time limits.
(Note: This course is the third module in a sequential series of beginning keyboarding instruction. Students should know the location of the keys on the keyboard before attempting this course. A typing speed of at least 25 gwam is also important to completing this course successfully.) Strongly recommended: Computer Information Systems 71B competency.
To take this class, you must have daily access to a computer with an Internet connection, an email account, and experience using a web browser. You will also need to update your email address in CLASS-Web when you register.
Course materials and software must be purchased from the college bookstore to begin.
Check the college catalog for CSU/UC transferability and to see if this course meets AA/AS degree requirements.
This class begins Jan 22 and ends May 30.
On-Campus Meetings
There are no on-campus meetings.
How This Class Operates
This is not a self-paced class; there are due dates throughout the semester that you are expected to meet, just like in a traditional, face-to-face class. This course teaches proper keyboarding technique and improves speed and accuracy through typing exercises. Expect to spend 2-3 hours a week working at the computer completing assignments.
Class Activities
Assignments for each week:
- Complete a lesson each week on the keyboarding CD program for practice and understanding proper keyboarding technique
- Print and submit summary reports of completed lessons
Additional assignments:
- Timed assessments to show improvement throughout the class
- Complete handouts to show understanding of grammar rules and keyboarding technique
- Timed assessment to demonstrate student’s typing speed. The goal for this class is to type at least 30 wpm for 5 minutes with no errors.
- Final paper
Class Project
Weekly lessons and exercises are assigned for students to practice and improve keyboarding. Three or four handouts are assigned to assess student’s understanding of grammar rules. Technique checks are submitted throughout the semester to assess proper body and hand position. Two or three official timing assessments are required during the semester. A final paper provides an opportunity to research a topic to help students understand how good keyboarding technique is necessary in a career field of their choice.
How Students are Graded
Weekly Keyboarding Lessons (25%)
Technique Checks (10%)
Handouts (10%)
Research Project (20%)
Timing Assessments (35%)
Succeeding in an Online Course
Students who succeed in online courses tend to be independent, self-motivated learners with good computer skills. If you are a procrastinator who relies heavily on the instructor for motivation, can't use a computer too well, have taken less than 21 units of college credit in your lifetime, and/or have a grade-point-average under 2.0, you should probably consider enrolling in a face-to-face course instead.
Also, don't enroll in this class if you believe the myth that learning online requires less effort than learning face-to-face. This course covers the same content and has similar activities as the face-to-face version of the course; only the method of delivery changes.
LPC offers a tutorial called "Succeeding in an online course" that will not only tell you if you are a good fit for online learning, but it also offers many strategies -- among other pertinent information -- that will help you succeed online. Please complete the tutorial.
Blackboard
This course will use the Blackboard course management system as its virtual classroom. To learn how to log in to Blackboard, go to the Blackboard Login Procedures page. Once you enroll, you will not be able to log in until the first day of class.