Student Resources

 

Computer Information and Office Systems

 

The Computer Information and Office System (CIOS) program provides career education leading to a Certificate, or an Associate of Applied Science degree. It also offers nontranscripted departmental certificates of completion and job enrichment courses. The CIOS program will provide the student the opportunity to develop the skills and qualities required to succeed in a world of technology and rapid change.

 

CIOS Web-based Classes

This information is to guide you to the main steps to get started in your class. There are two types of web-based classes:

 

Skill Center Classes

All CIOS Skill Center classes are self-paced. You may work at your own pace through the semester, but must complete course work by posted deadlines: Instructors are available during Skill Center hours by email or telephone.  See the current course schedule for hours.

 

NOTE:  Skill Center classes will be using MS Office 2007 and the Vista Operating System.

 

Class Sections PY_ or P8_ Web-based, individualized course
• Works similarly to a Skill Center class but participate via the Web
• Work at own pace
• Requires self-discipline and initiative
• Attend Orientation for CIOS Distance Ed or contact instructor via email for orientation
• May add other Web-based, individualized courses through the semester open-entry deadline
• Requires equipment, software, and computer skills as indicated
• Requires READI testing

To be successful in these classes you should be comfortable with these items:

• basic file management

• simple word processing

• be able to use email

• navigate to a web address.

• download data files

• submit completed assignments in Blackboard

Instructor-Led Classes

Instructor-led classes are not self-paced. The structure of these classes will vary with the instructor and content. They may have scheduled classes via the web or weekly assignments. Please contact the instructor directly for information on the class.

 

Class Sections PX_ Web-based, instructor-led CIOS class
• Participate via the Web
• Weekly deadlines for assignments and activities
• Requires self-discipline and initiative
• Attend Orientation for CIOS Distance Ed or contact instructor via email for orientation
• Follows same registration deadlines as regular full-semester classes
• Requires equipment, software, and computer skills as indicated
• Requires READI testing

 

#1 Blackboard

These courses are web-based. That means that course content, assignments, grades, and supplementary information are available to you in a secure location that can be accessed using your browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape, Safari, etc.) in an application called Blackboard.

 

To get started in your class, please follow these steps:

1. Go to http://www.matsu.alaska.edu
2. Click on the Blackboard link to access the login screen
   (or go directly to http://technology.uaa.alaska.edu/blackboard/)
3. Login using these instructions
4. Click on the link to your course
5. Click the Syllabus link and print the document for your reference
6. Click the Getting Started link, review the information, and complete the Orientation

 

#2 UAA Student Email

All email contact for this class will use your UAA student account. The link to your UAA student email is http://webmail.uaa.alaska.edu/  . The username and password will be the same as Blackboard. Once in your UAA email, you can use the Settings area to forward your mail to another address if you wish to do so. You are responsible for checking your student email account on a weekly basis through the semester.

 

#3 Textbooks and Software

All of the classes have a required textbook that must be ordered online. For information on how to order your text book please go to http://www.matsu.alaska.edu/campusResources/campusCache/.

 

If you are in an application class, you must have the application software to complete the course. Please refer to the syllabus for the correct version. If you need to purchase software, check the UAA Bookstore Tech Zone or the vendor for pricing.

 

#4 Final Exam

All final exams must be proctored. If you live outside of the Mat-Su area, please complete and send the proctor form available in your course.

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CIOS SKILL CENTER ORIENTATION

Computer Information and Office Systems (CIOS) Skill Center programs prepare students for career entry or advancement. They also offer skill preparation for personal use. Courses meet the needs of beginning, experienced, or re-entry office workers: secretaries, file clerks, receptionists, typists, word/information processors, and office supervisors. All courses are 100 level or above. Each semester numerous one- or three-credit courses are offered in the CIOS Skill Center. Courses are offered in an open entry/open exit environment and are taught using an individualized approach. The Skill Center is staffed by two full-time faculty members, Gloria Hensel and Brenda Forsythe, assisted by several student lab aides. The Skill Center is open a minimum of 30 hours per week, mornings/afternoons (M-F), and evenings (M-R). Hours are posted, and a printed copy is available in the Skill Center. The actual number of hours required to complete each course varies with the individual. Student achievement level, prior experience, and availability of time to work are important details. Be sure to consider these factors as you schedule your work. Following University policy, CHILDREN ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE SKILL CENTER. Chat line talk and non-educational use of the Internet are prohibited. CHEATING POLICY: For these classes, it is permissible to assist classmates in general discussions of computing techniques. General advice and interaction are encouraged. Each person, however, must develop his/her own solutions to the assigned projects, assignments, and tasks. A student MAY NOT use or copy (by any means) another's work (or portions of it) and represent it as his/her own. If you need help on an assignment, contact your Instructor or a Teaching Assistant.   For successful completion of Skill Center classes: 1. Don't be afraid to ask questions. We are here to help. 2.  Ask for a syllabus for each class you are taking in the Skill Center. 3. Purchase at least one 3½" disk for storage of your computer assignments. 4. Sign in and sign out each time you come into work. (The sign-in sheet is located above the phone at the wide door between the "office area" and the classroom.) 5. Follow your syllabus. Submit complete units as outlined. AND, please be patient when waiting for your graded work to be returned to you. We try to return corrected copies as quickly as possible, but there can be delaying circumstances. 6. Put your reference initials on all documents. This ensures that your grades are correctly recorded. Please include the assignment number with your references initials: urs/L, M, R, T, or F--Letter, Memo, Report, Table or Form) and its corresponding number. ("urs" means "your reference signature.") 7. Edit your work. When submitting edited work, always turn in the old document and original grade sheet with the corrected version. 8. File your work to be corrected in the appropriate tray. You will see several black, labeled trays on the wall to your right as you enter the Skill Center. There is a tray for each of the classes. 9. Please pick up your graded work regularly. You will find it in your personal folder in one of the larger lateral files located in the office area. 10. Avoid having food and drink too close to your computer. Please put food or drink on one of the tables away from the computers. 11. Leave your work area neat. If it is necessary for you to be away from your area for an extended period of time, save your document, exit the program, and return to Windows. We hope you enjoy your time in the CIOS Skill Center. If there is anything we are able to do to help you, please let us know. We're glad you're here!   ► Click here to see a sample of a CIOS Orientation.

 

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Contact Information

Please contact us at cios@matsu.alaska.edu or 907-745-9763 if you have any additional questions.

 

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