IT Essentials - Instructor Overview
"The computer ate my homework"Sound familiar? Incoming students arrive adept at social technology (like e-mail and IM), but are less prepared to use the vast array of technology resources available through UD to help them succeed in the classroom and handle the care and feeding of their UD notebook wisely (and legally!)
IT Essentials (ITE) , a brief series of UD-specific technology training modules available through WebCT, can help our students master the basics of computer care, Lotus Notes, and network use (including computing ethics). But we need your help!
Consider requiring completion of IT Essentials by your first-year students for class credit. It will take almost *no* work on your part (see below) and the payoff for our students will be substantial. And hopefully you'll be fielding fewer computer questions too!
See full description and objectives (PDF) >>
How do I sign my students up?
1) All first-year students are automatically enrolled in ITE via their "Introduction to the University" course, so you need only to direct your students to it. If you'd like for us to track and regularly report students' grades back to you, email training@notes.udayton.edu with your course/section number(s) and your desired "complete by" date.
2) Download directions you can give your students (including our contact info -- not yours! -- in case they have trouble). We can visit your class to introduce ITE, too, if you'd like.
View or Download IT Essentials Sample Syllabus (PDF) >>
3) Periodically throughout the semester (and after your indicated "complete by" date) we'll send you a report of students' grades for your required ITE modules (or login to http://webct.udayton.edu to check student progress on your own at any time).
What topics does ITE cover? Do I have to require all three?
IT Essentials is comprised of:
1) Computing Basics: Hardware and operating system basics
2) Internet + Maintenance: Computer maintenance and internet/security basics
3) Computing @ UD: Computing ethics, Lotus Notes, UD computing environment and accounts
Of course, we think all three are worthwhile, but you're certainly welcome to require one, two, or all three. Students can also get training on key software applications (like Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint) through our IT Training department (more information is available at http://training.udayton.edu).
See the FAQ for additional information (PDF) >>
Thanks in advance for your support. Feel free to contact us at training@notes.udayton.edu or 229-2137 if you have questions.
