Kilgore College Distance Education       

Online Orientation

ITNW 1308 (Spring 2009)

Course Name:  Implementing and Supporting Client Operating Systems

Welcome to class!

Hello and welcome to the online section of ITNW 1308 - Implementing and Supporting Client Operating Systems.  During the semester we will communicate with each other by means of e-mail, chapter assignments, on-line tests, and phone conversations.  You may also stop by my office during office hours.  I hope you enjoy this course and learn many useful tools and options of the Microsoft Windows Operating System.

How to logon:

This online course uses a web-based course management system called WebCT.  I highly recommend that you print the instructions for logging on if you have not used WebCT software before.

Your WebCT account will be set up for you during the first week of school automatically.  You do not need to create your own user id!!  Directions for accessing your WebCT account are available on the Resources page of this web site. 

On-Line course elements in WebCT:

When you log on to the course for the first time, from the homepage click the "Getting Started" icon, and then click "Read Me First".  Read the "Read Me First" page before doing anything else in the course.

Course Information

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This course introduces the student to the fundamental concepts of network client operating systems and operating environments.  Students will install and configure network clients; set up users, groups, policies, and profiles; configure hardware components and applications; set up and maintain a logon security and security for files and printers; implement dial up networking; and tune system performance. Hands-on exercises and assignments will give the student experience in interacting with a microcomputer via the client operating system.

TEXT: 

REQUIRED MATERIALS:  A computer using the Microsoft Windows XP Professional operating system.

GRADING CRITERIA:  The final average will be determined by the average of the 5 exams and the average of completed homework assignments.  Exams are 85% and homework assignments are 15% of the final average. The standard Kilgore College grading scale will be used. All final averages are rounded to the nearest whole number. All exams will be non‑cumulative.

TESTS:  Exams will consist of matching, true or false, and multiple choice questions based on the textbook chapters and chapter lecture notes. The student will be expected to be able to answer questions concerning the Windows XP operating system.

HOMEWORK & TESTS:  In homework assignments and exams, errors (either logical or typographical) will be penalized. Students are expected to work independently - any evidence of copied work from another student will be penalized severely.  Homework assignments should be completed before attempting the test over those chapters. Deadlines will be assigned for homework, and late assignments will not be accepted.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:  You will be required to complete one homework assignment (Chapter Review Questions) each week.  If you do not submit the chapter review questions answer sheet by Sunday evening, it will be counted as an absence for that week.  Students will be dropped from this course with a grade of F or W, or their final grade will be reduced when absences total more than three weeks.

MAKE-UP POLICY:  A test may be made up ONLY if missed due to an emergency (e.g., serious illness of the student requiring a doctor’s care, death in the student’s family) or a school-sponsored activity for students on a team (e.g., Rangerette performance, debate tournament).  A student missing a test MUST get in touch with the instructor immediately and must provide the instructor with documentation explaining the reason for the absence.  Failure to contact the instructor immediately may result in a reduction of the final average by 10% which is one letter grade.  Only one test may be made up during the semester.

COURSE POLICIES:  Since course content is accessed via the Internet, the student must have access to the Internet and e-mail.  To be successful in this course, the student must possess computer skills including email, basic word processing, and familiarity with the Internet.

ACADEMIC HONESTY:  Students are expected to uphold the Kilgore College Standard of Conduct relating to academic honesty.  Students assume full responsibility for the content and integrity of the work submitted.  A student will be guilty of violating the honor code if he: 

Any student violating the honor code may receive a failing grade in this course.  While student interaction is encouraged, each student is expected to develop his own solutions to assignments.  A student may not under any circumstances use or copy another’s work and represent it as his own.

The student should plan to spend 8 to 12 hours each week on this course.

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS:  Assignments are due on Sunday at midnight unless otherwise posted.  No late or incorrect assignments will be accepted.  You will e-mail the homework assignment to me via the course mail system using the provided standard answer sheet form.

Assignments are the review questions at the end of each chapter.  Each student will answer 20 and only 20 of the first 25 chapter review questions.  Answer those that you are most certain of your answers.  Do not answer more than 20 of the questions.

Assignments count 15% of the final average.  There are 15 total assignments.

To complete your orientation for this class:
Send an e-mail message to mkusheba@kilgore.edu
Subject:  Orientation complete
Body:  My name is <your name> and I have completed the online orientation for ITNW 1308.W1.  Choose as appropriate:  <I understand the policies and procedures for completing this course> or <I have the following question regarding the policies and procedures for completing this course: (question)>

If you need to complete an orientation for another web class, click here:   Web List

If you need to begin orientation for a telecourse, click here:   Telecourse Orientation

If you have completed the orientation for all of your distance education courses, please complete this short (4 question) survey:  Survey

If you need technical assistance after you complete orientation, you may call our distance education support line. It is operational for extended hours at the beginning of each semester.  Extended hours are Monday thru Thursday from 11am-7pm, Friday and Saturday from 8am until Noon.  Call 903.988.3704 or come by the Woodfin Center on the Kilgore Campus.  You can also send an email to:  techsupr@kilgore.edu.  Be sure to include a description of the problem you are having, your name, and the course you are having trouble with. If you have a general question about your course,  please contact your instructor.

Link to Kilgore College's WebCT server:  http://disted.kilgore.edu