Course Information

Requirements

Learning Outcomes

Learning Tracks

Grading

Description

WebReady is a self-paced class based on competency, which will give you credit for what you already know about using the Web, as well as offer you the opportunity to learn more about finding, understanding and using information!

• You can take WebReady (Lessons1-7) for credit or use the entire web site as a free resource.
• You can register at anytime during the semester before or after you complete the lessons.
• It is independent (not a part) of the Multimedia course series at the College of San Mateo. 

Web Competency Lessons 1- 7 ( 1-unit course)
As you proceed through these lessons, you will apply computer, browser, email program, text and graphic application skills to communicate and transfer information via the Web.  The course is designed to allow you to proceed at your own pace.

Experienced Web users can skim the materials and go directly to the final assignments demonstrating existing skills by submitting the six web projects.

Information Literacy Resources (four-module resource - not for credit)
In addition, you will find four resource modules to help with the research process: selecting a focused topic, applying fair-use ethics, researching your topic using library resources and researching your topic using Internet resources. In the process, you will be guided to a wealth of information and some amazing tools and services.

Requirements

To do the assignments online, you will need to:

To do the assignments online, you will need:

Students will:

• Read what  courses called "online" may mean when choosing a prospective course.
• Assess whether basic hardware and software is in place to participate in online study.
• Select a web application or paper method to set course study schedule.
• Set up a course folder and optionally a mail filter to manage course correspondence. 
• Consider personal learning style preferences and determine what adjustments need to be made for the online environment.
• Find resources, if necessary, to deal with technical and access barriers. 
• Understand the importance of supplying feedback to the instructor.
• Take the Pre Test to assess knowledge gaps about basic Internet operations.

Customizing Your Browser

Students will be introduced to the variety of browser preferences that can be set and will learn the benefits of using the full features of their browsers.

• Examine the functions of a browser.
• Update browser version and make an alternate browser ready.
• Run a browser check for operational features: cookies, java, sound, text-size, etc.
• Customize browser settings; optimize its functionality for personal use.
• Identify your browser toolbars and buttons; associate the icons with their functions.

Searching the Internet

Students will be introduced Internet history and current best practices for finding information on the Internet and evaluating authority of the their sources.

• Read a concise history of the development and the developers of the Internet and how it works.
• Analyze a URL to understand how its parts designate a web address.
• Read about search engines; how they work and how they differ.
• Read about search methods: subject vs keyword searches.
• Read about Boolean logic applied to Internet searches.
• Perform an advanced search using Boolean logic or "advanced search" techniques.
• Read about librarian recommended search strategies.
• Examine criteria for evaluating the authority (qualifications for writing) of a web page.
• Apply learned search techniques to do an Internet research, locate and submit results to instructor.

Receiving and Sending Email

Students will be introduced to the basics of sending and receiving email and understanding how a browser, an email account, an email client (program) are involved in sending email messages; practicing their use

• Read about options for connecting to the Internet (including option to use campus resource centers.)
• Read about and describe options for email accounts; (i.e. how web mail and email clients differ; IMAP v. POP3)
• Examine how an email message is routed through the Internet using a service provider, an email server and routers.
• Configure your email client (if one is being used.)
• Read about two kinds of web forms that allow you to email messages.
• Demonstrate your ability to send a web page form on either a client-side or server-side form.
• Demonstrate your ability to send an email message using either client-based or web-based mail. ..

Receiving and Submitting Attachments

Students will be introduced to various file types that maintain formatting while being transferred over the web. 

• Read about common file types and for what use they are best suited.
• Identify issues related to email attachments and strategies to deal with them.
• Read about file naming and what "illegal characters" are; use a study-quiz.
• Set email application preferences for attachments.
• Locate attachment buttons and options in your email client.
• Demonstrate ability to
  • receive an email with three attached files. .
  • open files, compare formatting and modify a document. .
  • attach a document file to an email message and return it to the instructor.

 

Compressing and Decompressing Files

Students will be introduced to the advantages of compressing large text and graphic files for rapid and secure transmission on the web

• Read about advantages of decompressing and compressing text and graphic files for transfer on the web.
• Read about the common compression schemes being used.
• Locate a compression application on computer or download and install one.
• Read about graphic compression file types and when it is appropriate to use each type.
• Find out how compression works.
• Read about and try out a variety of free optimizers for media on the Web.
• Download a compressed file from a web page link and decompress it.
• Optimize the graphic and return the files as a compressed attachment.
• Demonstrate ability to compress a folder and send it as an attachment.

Using Acrobat Reader to Read PDF Files

Students will be introduced to the advantages of using PDF files and will use the Acrobat reader to open and compare three documents using: links, forms, notes, stickies and comments.

• Read and understand advantages for using the PDF file format.
• Locate, update or install an application to read files in the PDF format.
• Use Acrobat Reader to open examples of PDFs that include comments, forms and links, comments.
• Explore options on Acrobat Reader toolbar.
• Use Acrobat Reader to respond to questions about the application's capabilities.

Students will be introduced to using discussion boards to participate in academic interactions and exchanges

• Read about various programs for collaborating online and their academic uses.
• Read about the practical and academic uses for forums.
• Review discussion dynamics and techniques for keeping a discussion moving.
• Read how to use the WebAccess forum tools.
• Demonstrate ability to log into a forum (WebAccess course forum).
• Demonstrate ability to reply to a message and post a message sharing information including a URL and image.

Upon completion of this course, a student will have:

1. Select and employ strategies for scheduling time, managing technical barriers and adapting online environment to learning-style preferences.
2. Explore, select and use optimal browser settings for both efficiency and personal viewing requirements.
3. Read general Internet history; read and demonstrate current best practices for finding information on the Internet and evaluating authority of sources.
4. Identify various email types: client-based, web-based email, POP and IMAP; demonstrate ability to send and receive email; describe the process in which a browser, an email account, an email client (program) send and receive email messages.
5. Read about and assess best file types for transferring text and images via the web. Demonstrate ability to receive, manipulate and send a doc file as an attachment to an email message.
6. Read about, assess best compression type for transferring text and images via the web. Demonstrate ability to receive, manipulate and send a doc file and compressed graphic as an attachment to email.
7. Identify circumstances for using PDF files; demonstrate ability to use Acrobat Reader.
8. Read and assess common collaboration programs and their uses; demonstrate ability to use a discussion board both technically and socially.
9. Evaluate whether pursuing course study online is suitable for personal learning style and preferences.

Research Using Ethics

Students will be introduced to copyright laws, avoiding plagiarism and using MLA citation standards:

• discriminate between fair use and illegal us
  
• determine whether any borrowed portion of an essay is "fair use" or needs permission
  
• adopt strategies to avoid plagiarizing other people's work .
  
• use MLA standard citation in-text and in the final bibliography

Learning Tracks

Your skill level will determine how fast you can progress through the course.

 
Advanced

DEFINITION:  Know how to use a browser, can send and receive email and attachments, can compress and decompress files, can use plug-ins such as Acrobat, can interact on discussion boards and in chat rooms

WEBREADY RECOMMENDATION: If you are advanced, you will probably be able to do this lesson in one sitting. After checking your knowledge against the lesson objectives (posted on the main page of each lesson) advance to the lesson assignment and demonstrate your skill.

Intermediate

DEFINITION:  Know how to send email, use a browser and search the Internet. Can use plug-ins that are part of the browser and can communicate in chat rooms

WEBREADY RECOMMENDATION:  If you are intermediate, you may find a couple of the links useful to fill in the gaps. Skim through the text and find what you don't know. The study-quizzes will help you check for knowledge gaps and the resource links will offer detailed information for "inquiring minds who want to know". Then ,advance to the lesson assignment and demonstrate your skill.

DEFINITION:  Know how to turn on computer, find files on the computer's desktop, send and receive email (but without attachments or compressions)

WEBREADY RECOMMENDATION:  If you are just becoming comfortable working online, block out an hour of time to spend on each lesson. Find a quiet place where you will not have interruptions. Spend some time reading the text and clicking on the resources links.

Before you take this class you will need to learn some basics such as

- how to turn on and shut down your computer properly
   (See your computer's operating instructions.)

- how to use your operating system (Windows or Mac OS 9.0)

• use a mouse - click,double click, drag (right click - PC),
• use the finder menu bar (Start Menu), pull down menus, dialog boxes
• resize a window, move a window, activate a window, collapse a window,
• open a program, use its tool bar, create a folder, save a file into the folder, search for lost files on the hard disk
• organize and find files within files on the hard drive http://www.duke.edu/%7Edhewitt/tutorials/explorer/explor.html

- how to use your word processor. (Microsoft Word).
   Check your college's course catalog for classes.