Welcome to IS 1003! This course is designed to provide you with fundamental computer skills that will be useful to you no matter what path you follow. Because of the technical nature of the class, there are some things you need to take care of right away.

First, buy the textbook. This is the first semester where we are going to cover Microsoft Office 2007, so unfortunately there will probably not be any used books available. We use the text heavily during class, and you can use it for a reference for the rest of your academic career as you write papers, make spreadsheets, and so on. Show bookstore personnel your schedule with the zap number (which will be either 1682 or 1719) to make sure you get the right book.

Next, read the syllabus. The syllabus is on Blackboard (more on that later), and on my web page, which you can access without having an NSU Net account set up. You can get to my web page by going to the NSU home page (http://www.nsuok.edu/) and left clicking on - Academics – Faculty Web Pages – F – Clifford Finnegan – Syllabus. (It’s easier than it sounds.)

Then fill out and turn in the PERSONAL INFORMATION form that says you have read and understood it. This form has blanks so you can fill in personal information. This is for your instructor’s eyes only and will not be shared with others. These forms will be distributed on or before the second day of class. They should be filled out and given to the instructor by the third class meeting.

As you read the syllabus, you will see that you need to have your NSU user ID and password in hand and functional right away. The syllabus also tells you how to get that information. There will be an assignment the first week that will require the use of your access to NSU network system.

You will also need access to Blackboard, NSU’s online instructional system. As an NSU Net student user, you can access Blackboard from any location with access to the World Wide Web. To start out in Blackboard, go to the NSU home page, http://www.nsuok.edu/, click on Hot Links, click on Blackboard, and follow the instructions. Remember the part about changing your password. With the generic password, someone could log in as you and possibly damage your work. Blackboard is the place to look for assignments, announcements, grades, and other information to help you succeed in this course.