You are at:

Jim Janossy Teaches CSC-200 (Survey of Computing)

My colleague Jim Janossy teaches CSC-200 (Survey of Computing) this summer, and this is an excellent class for incoming students who need to brush up on their computer skills.

Here is a description of the course in Jim’s words:

Knowing how to use a computer (Mac or PC) well and creatively is a crucial skill for success in college. Most courses now assume some degree of ability to use computers—but in actuality the level of computer skills among incoming freshmen varies considerably. Here’s a way to help overcome that, as well as help students who may benefit from a head start with college.

CSC-200 is nominally titled “Survey of Computing” but would more aptly be named “Contemporary Computing.” In this online course, which satisfies a Liberal Studies Program science requirement, students learn essential computer concepts and usage and acquire capable free tools and skills that can contribute to success in their subsequent college work:

  • how to download and use OpenOffice, the capable, reliable, free and fully legal alternative to expensive Microsoft Office available for both Macs and PCs
  • how to capably use word processing for academic writing, including the insertion of footnotes/endnotes, images, charts, pagination and document-building as .pdf’s
  • how to use a computer to digitally record and edit sound (such as lectures) using free Audacity software, and load it to a portable sound player to conveniently listen to it
  • how to collect and present data relevant to decision making in chart form to foster and substantiate analysis, in the context of evaluating purchasing choices in laptop and tablet computers (which can aid in their practical preparation for college!)
  • how to create and edit digital images and video using common modern devices such as smart cell phones and iPods, and editing images and video with legally free software
  • an understanding and appreciation of computer ethics and safe, legal downloading
  • how to access, navigate, and use Desire2Learn (although the course does not require it).

CSC-200 can complement the efforts of student instructors in Discover and Explore Chicago courses by “priming” incoming students with an exposure to DePaul and D2L—a factor with which I’m intimately connected since I have taught those courses for several years!

The only text required for CSC-200 is an inexpensive ($23) published workbook I authored especially for this course. This is possible because I leverage the resources of the web and make use of the DePaul Library “Books 24x7” free student online resource for software reference materials—automatically making students aware of the library and its database resources!

CSC-200 is offered in the upcoming 10-week summer term as registration #41941. I teach it with a “mentoring” pedagogy: each student receives individual attention and is able to revise, “perfect” and resubmit work based on my feedback. It’s a positive and enriching experience for students and can help prepare incoming freshmen for success at DePaul! I’m suggesting that you consider it in your advising efforts. Questions? Visit
http://cc2e.me/200 or call me at +1 (331) 431-1067
Comments
 You are at: