Access
The first requirement for computer literacy is,
of course, access to computers. In the Learning
Resources Center, we have several points of computer contact
for students. Remind your students to
bring their student ID cards. Without the ID, they will
not be able to use the facility.
Computer-Assisted Instruction Labs I
and II (CAI 1 and 2) are Macintosh labs
with laser printers. Since they are primarily teaching labs, students
need to check the schedule posted daily for the "open"
lab hours available for drop-in use. Students should always bring
a floppy or zip disk to save their work.
In addition to the CAI labs, the Computer
Commons houses Macintosh and IBM compatible computers and
laser printers. These computers provide basic word processing
for schoolwork as well as access to the Internet for research.
Because we provide limited free printing in the
LRC, printing from the Internet is not allowed. When the labs
are full, individual use of the computers is limited to one hour.
Here again, students should bring a floppy or zip disk to save
work.
DSPS (Disabled Student Program and Services)
computer stations are available in both
the Library and the Computer Commons. These computers have a variety
of features and applications tailored to those with special needs.
Interested students need to be trained ahead of time by DSPS.
For more information call (805) 965-0581, ext. 2364 (Voice), or
805-962-4084 (TTY).
Instructional Applications for Computer Literacy
Students who use the LRC for computer access are
fortunate to have trained computer tutors to assist them with
basic questions and problems. We are currently in the process
of developing a series of short tutorials covering the most common
questions that come up on the Commons, most of which fall under
the heading of computer literacy. Once these are completed (end
of fall 2001 is the target date), students will be able to follow
up tutor input with guided-process instruction available on the
desktop of their computer station.
We also have a number of helpful instructional materials
currently online. The advantage for students is that these materials
are self-paced but augmented by tutorial assistance. Those
students who are least confident in their computer skills may
take instruction in a private and self-paced environment.
While tutors do not have time to offer in-depth instruction (this
is achieved in COMAP classes ... see below), they are able to
help students get "unstuck."
Students may refer to our self-paced instructional
material from our web site: http://lss.sbcc.net.
Once on our homepage, they can click on the Online
Orientation button. This instruction is very easy to process
and offers basic tips on using the internet: email, online basics
(e.g., basic navigational techniques), copying and pasting graphics
or text from the internet, bulletin boards, learning skills, a
glossary of key terms and contact people for questions.
Students' facility with computers is frequently
compromised by underdeveloped typing skills. For this we provide
a program called Type!, available on our local area network. Type!
is very popular and effective (old but still vital and extremely
reliable).
Courses for Computer Literacy
Refer students who desire or need more in-depth
instruction to the Computer Applications and Office Management
courses (COMAP) in the class schedule. Here students may take
full courses in such subject areas as internet and email, MS Windows,
Microsoft Word, etc.
Resources Available Online
In addition to the Online Orientation on our web
site (http://lss.sbcc.net),
students may also click the Links
button on the homepage or go directly to http://lss.sbcc.net/links/index.htm.
Here they will find short cuts to many of the most popular and
useful search engines and sites for academic work. Here too they
will find recommended sites from instructors pertaining to particular
academic disciplines.
There are many good online resources for computer
literacy. A good place to start is http://www.jegsworks.com/Lessons/sitemap.htm.
This is the URL (web address) for the site map for the site, which
is vast and contains more information than you probably want.
However, it is well organized for quick reference.
