All of the sections of COMS 103 are entirely online. Computer Literacy and Applications via World Wide Web is a four credit course (designed for students with little or no prior computer experience). It focuses on two parts of modern computing - computer literacy and computer applications.
Since it is an entirely online class, you will learn everything mentioned above in Canvas. You do not need to come to the lab. Every Monday I will post lecture material, simulation programs, a quiz, and a summary of your online activities in Canvas. It is your responsibility to check this information via Canvas every week to explore the material.
Students do not need to attend any face to face classes or labs during the semester. The online format allows students to work on their own time and at their own pace in learning the subject contents anytime, anywhere. The streaming lectures will be posted within Canvas each week for students to learn the course materials. In addition, we produced detailed step-by-step videos to show students how to do the hands-on projects for each week’s homework. Students can view these lectures and videos online 24 hours a day, 7 days per week in the comfort of their home. It can save your time and increase your learning effectiveness.
If you don't have access to Office (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint Software) on your computer, you can use the labs on campus that have Office installed, or you may contact your TA for information about how to access the virtual lab (remote desktop connection) from your home computer.
Your familiarization with Canvas is very important in navigating smoothly and effectively in this e-class. If you have any questions regarding contents and assignments, you can get help by e-mailing your group TA or instructor, or attend our virtual help desks (Students are not required to attend the help desks.) We care about our students' learning very much and strive to provide the best services to all of students. We respond to all of emails within 24 hours.
In the past seventeen years, students always commented that they liked the availability to work at their own pace in this entirely online course. They enjoyed the class very much and learned a lot about computer literacy, cutting-edge technologies, and various computer programs (WORD, EXCEL, PowerPoint and ACCESS) from the class that will be beneficial for their future career.
Instructor: Dr. Shu-Hui (Susan) Chang
Associate Teaching Professor
Director, Distance Education
Computer Science Department
Iowa state University