ONLINE COMPUTER SKILLS TEST
This skills test must be completed by February 17 at 11:00 p.m.
This document provides instructions for a skills test which must be taken by all students enrolled in the online classes of Jacquelyn Hams, Assistant Professor of Earth Science at Los Angeles Valley College. The purpose of the skills test is to determine if you have the necessary computer and skills to succeed in the online course. If you are taking an online class you should have an intermediate to advanced working knowledge of your computer. This means that you should know how to disable pop-up blockers, firewalls (when necessary), and know how to allow sites to be accessed by the internet, and configure your browser settings. Also, students must be able to read and follow precise directions as posted on the website and illustrated on the syllabus. The focus of an online class is to deliver course content in an alternative format – not teach computer skills.
If you are struggling to complete the skills test or do not understand the instructions or computer terminology, please drop the online class and add one of the traditional classes offered in the Earth Science Department during the year.
In addition to intermediate to advanced computer skills, you will need the following to complete the skills test and participate in the class. Make sure that you configure your computer with the appropriate software and browser required in the ETUDESng gateway instructions.
· Word software program used in ETUDESng
· Software for editing and reducing the pixel size of photos (For example, Photoshop)
· Internet service provider (cable or DSL are recommended). If you plan to use a dial-up connection, be aware that the online course contains a lot of graphic images which take a long time to load if you are not using a high speed connection. You may have a problem with the online quizzes as well. Make sure you disable call waiting features if you are using a dial-up connection when taking the online quizzes.
· Digital camera or other type camera and scanner. You will have to post pictures online and reduce the size of the photos to 130 x130 pixels. It is mandatory that you have a working knowledge of how to reduce the pixel size in photos.
· Microsoft Paint or other labeling or annotating software.
The skills test consists of the following numbered parts, all of which must be successfully completed by the deadline. The points received on the skills test will be included in the overall course grade.
1. The following link contains LAVC password login information
http://www.lavc.edu/Distance/etudes_login_tips.htm
Log on to the ETUDES ng gateway using the link below and select your online course.
http://etudes-ng.fhda.edu/portal
Follow the instructions provided in the ETUDES ng gateway under “System Requirements” to adjust your browser and enable Java. Without correct browser settings, you will not be able to see the grade for quizzes and other ETUDES ng features.
2. Log on to the course site, navigate to the Home Page and read the Computer and Connectivity requirements and other Announcements.
3. Read the Student User Guide which was prepared to familiarize students with ETUDES ng. The Student User Guide is located in the modules menu. Refer to the student user guide when you need additional assistance throughout the course.
4. Post a link to a movie you enjoyed about geology. Go to “Discussion and Private Messages,” “Favorite Geology Movie.” Test the link to make sure it is active.
5. Complete the Skills Assignments under the Assignment Menu.
6. Visit the chat room. Please list your name in the box and select “Add Message.” Please note that all student postings, names, dates and times are automatically saved in the chat room.
7. Read the course syllabus and take the Syllabus Quiz. Select “Tests and Quizzes”, “Syllabus Quiz.”
8. Send a short word document to the instructor as an attachment in the “Discussions & Private Messages” menu under “Guidelines and Expectations”. Follow the instructions provided by the instructor. Make sure that the file name does not contain spaces or characters. The instructor has posted a blank document as an example.
Please drop this course if you have not successfully completed all of the skills test items by the deadline. It is mandatory that students master these skills so that the work can be downloaded properly for grading, and the class proceeds smoothly. Online courses are demanding, and only those students with intermediate to advanced computer skills should take this course.
If you are joining the class, welcome and please proceed with the skills test.
Jacquelyn Hams, Instructor