COURSE SYLLABUS
CGS 1060 INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Term: Fall 20131 Ref: 370068
08/27/2012 - 11/18/2012
Hybrid—Face-to-Face & Blackboard
Instructor: Roger A. Miller
Credit Hours: 3 Credit
Meeting days/times: Wed 5:30-7:15pm
Location: Kent Campus, Room: C0200
Blackboard: http://bb.FSCJ.edu/
Office/Office Hours: Virtual
Telephone: (904) 230-0502
Email: Through BB Classroom only
Security Ph#: (904) 766-6608
The program manager for this course is: Vickie Johns
Contact information: 904-381-3526 or vjohns@fscj.edu
Important Dates:
 Last day to withdraw with 100% refund:
9/04/2012
 Last day to withdraw with a “W” and no failing grade:
10/18/2012
 Labor Day Sep 03, Monday (College closed)
 Veteran’s Day Nov 11-12, Sunday & Monday (College closed)
Communication: Once a student joins and enters the Blackboard course, e-mail communication must be
through Blackboard’s internal email system. The instructor will make a concerted effort to respond to all e-mail
within a 24-48-hour period except on holidays. If it is an emergency, please put “Emergency response needed”
in the subject line of the e-mail.
Required Text:
Discovering Computers, Living in a Digital World 2011, Shelly/Vermaat, Complete
ISBN-13: 978-1-4390-7926-3
ISBN-10: 1-4390-7926-9
Microsoft Office 2010, Essential
Shelly/Cashman/Vermaat
ISBN-13: 978-0-538-74870-4
ISBN-10: 0-538-74870-2
Textbooks may be purchased at a campus bookstore or online at
http://www.efollet.com.
Additional Materials:
 Students must download and install or have access to the MS Office Professional
suite of software, which includes at minimum MS Word, Excel, Access &
PowerPoint
 Students must bring a flash drive (also called a thumb drive or USB drive) to each
class
 Students must bring a set of computer headphones to each class
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Any other materials needed for the course will be distributed by the instructor through Blackboard and/or
downloaded and installed from the internet.
Hybrid Course Information: This hybrid class is delivered face to face and via FSCJ’s Blackboard account. You
can access Blackboard through your Connections account or by going to http://bb9.fscj.edu. Students can
participate in the course only through the use of Blackboard and by attending required class meetings.
Course Description: This course is intended for individuals with little previous computing experience, and
includes the history of computers, a survey of how computers are used today, the basic components of
computers and computer terminology and laboratory experiences using application software. A study of
information systems and computer careers completes the course. Additional lab time may be required in order
to complete application assignments.
Course Objectives:
After completing the course students should be able to perform the following:
 Describe the historical development of computers.
 Use computer terminology to describe various aspects of computers including hardware, software,
internal numbering systems, processors, data storage devices and media, I/O devices, data
communications, and computer peripherals.
 Complete projects to demonstrate familiarity with applications software including word processing,
spreadsheet, database, and business graphics.
 Describe the systems development life cycle.
 Identify career opportunities in the computer profession.
 Identify legal and ethical issues affecting the use of computers.
Instructional Materials:
 Text: Discovering Computers 2011 & MSOffice 2010 Essential
 PowerPoint multimedia slide presentations of chapter objectives
 Discovering the Internet companion Web Site http://login.cengage.com
o Quizzes & Learning Games exercises, games, and activities help you solidify your
understanding of chapter content.
o The Exercises links connect you to the Web sites featured in the
step-by-step, hands-on learning activities in each chapter.
o The Beyond the Book link provides more information on issues presented throughout the
text.
o The Features link connects you to additional information via the World Wide Web.
Instructional Methods:
Instructional methods will include one or more of the following: Required reading, Computer Based
Training (CBT) labs, MS Office lab assignments, PowerPoint presentations, group/team assignments,
online games, chapter exercises, quizzes, practice tests & exams.
Assignments: Assignments are found in Blackboard by clicking on the “Assignments” icon on the course’s
homepage. Assignments are related to chapter information covered. Students can expect that all of their
coursework must be completed using Blackboard. The due dates for the assignments are found on the course
schedule below and will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time of the due date. If any assignment
is submitted late, students will receive a grade of zero without exception.
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Cooperative Learning Group/Team Projects:
The following assignments will be completed in teams/groups:
 Heavy Hitters of the computer world
 Remaining assignments will be determined as class progresses
Students will be divided into teams for group project assignments and will remain with that team for the
duration of the course. Each team member will have a specific role to play on all projects: 1)
organizer/coordinator, 2) monitor/checker and 3) recorder/discussion board poster. These roles are
described in more detail on the Discussion Board under Group Project.
Example Project: Students will choose one of the prominent and notable contributors to the world of
computers and explore their contribution-answering questions . Each group/team member will present
the answers to the rest of the class. The team will agree on a final submission and the
recorder/discussion board poster will submit the finalized assignment to the instructor for grading. Each
student must participate in the presentation of their team assignment.
Mastery Learning Assessments & Exams: Exams/Quizzes will be conducted entirely online and are
made available during the week of the module. They can be accessed by clicking on the “Course
Content” tab on the left-hand column of any page.
 Chapter Quizzes can be taken up to three times to achieve mastery. The grade you earn and that
which is entered in your grade-book will be from the score of your last attempt. Once started a
Chapter Quiz must be completed it in one sitting and the “submit” button selected for it to be
counted.
 Comprehensive Exams cover information you learned in the previous 3 chapters. You have only one
attempt to take them and they too must be completed and “submitted” in one sitting.
 *Exams/Quiz Grades: will be graded by the Blackboard software immediately after they are
submitted.
Kinesthetic Exercises (Learning Games & CBT Labs):
 Students will complete one Crossword Puzzle Challenge game each chapter in order to reinforce
chapter readings and important terminology associated with chapter objectives. These entertaining
learning games are located on the Cengage companion Web site. Video screen cast instructions are
available with the first Crossword to walk students through completion & submission.
 Students will complete at least one Computer Based Training (CBT) online Student Edition Lab
assignment for each chapter covered. These labs should not be confused with the MS Office “In the
Lab” assignments found in the MS Office 2007 text. The CBT exercises require students to
read/observe and practice, with hands-on computer use, assigned topics accessible from the
Cengage companion Web site. A detailed video instruction for completing the CBT exercises is
located in the Blackboard course under “Course Information.”
Guidelines for Student Success:
As a member of this course, you must be self-motivated to complete the work when due and have the
capabilities to submit all assignments to the instructor via Blackboard. These assignments must be
completed on your own or with assigned groups/teams. You must follow instructions on the website
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and be able to manage your time for successfully completing the course. See
http://www.FSCJ.org/disclaimer.html.
Expected Incoming Student Competency:
 Good time management skills and ability to work alone.
 Ability to read and comprehend written instruction and a willingness to follow those instructions.
 Willingness to collaborate with fellow students on group/team assignments.
Student Outcomes:
 Explain history of computer literacy
 Demonstrate the numbering system
 Explain trends in Hardware & Software systems.
 Explore issues of Privacy
 Demonstrate basic use of software applications
 Demonstrate research capabilities of the Internet.
 Describe & explain the steps in the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
 Describe Internet, Intranet, and Extranet.
 Create Folders-explain file management-organize files.
 Explain the components of an information system.
Course Topics: *Will be covered in the order they appear in the text*
I.
Computers: Past and Present
A. History
B. Computers in Business and Industry
C. Computers and Society
II.
Computer Functions
A. Numbering System
B. The Processor
C. Storage Devices
D. Input/Output Devices
E. Interfaces
III.
Application Software Concepts
A. Windows
B. Electronic Spread Sheets
C. Word Processors
D. Data Base Managers
IV.
Operating Systems
A. Personal Computer Operating Systems
B. Other Operating Systems
V.
Data Communications
A. LANS
B. WANS
C. The Internet
VI.
Computers and People
A. Programming
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VII.
B. Ergonomics
C. Ethics
D. Buying a PC
Laboratory Exercises
A. Windows
B. Presentation
C. Word Processing
D. Spread Sheets
E. Data Base Manager
Course Policies:
 Late Work or Missed Tests: No late assignments will be accepted. Exams/Quizzes must be taken as
scheduled in the syllabus unless prior arrangements have been made with instructor approval. All
exams are timed. Do not start and stop any test. Complete each test in one sitting. Not completing
the test on time results in a grade of zero. A grade of zero will be entered for any late work.
 Technological difficulties including being “dropped offline” are the students’ responsibility. If you feel
you have an unreliable internet connection, it is highly recommended that you take tests at one of our
campus learning center computers.
 Students with Disabilities: Any student in this course who has a disability that prevents the fullest
expression of abilities should contact the instructor as soon as possible.
 Late assignments, make-up work, and missed examinations are treated as follows:
a. A grade of zero will apply. I will consider extensions sought before due dates have come and
gone in emergencies. You can contact me through Blackboard email (primary), at the above email address or by leaving a voicemail for me on my phone. OTHERWISE, THERE ARE NO
EXCEPTIONS MADE OR GIVEN TO THIS POLICY.
b. Students are responsible for any announced assignment changes.
CGS 1060 Assignment Schedule:
This course covers 15 chapters of required text over a 12-week term. Please take note of Announcements
on the Blackboard Home Page each time you enter the course. Each module requires students to: Read the
assigned chapter and view chapter PowerPoint presentations. In addition, the following assignments must
be completed:
DATE
Orient Module
8/27 - 9/4
TOPIC
Orientation/Introductions
Class Mtg:
8/29/12
Module 1
8/27 - 9/4
Class Mtg:
8/29/12
Module 2
9/5 – 9/11
Ch. 1 Intro to Computers
Ch. 2 The Internet & World
Wide Web
ASSIGNMENTS
Due Date/Time
-Email the Instructor
-Complete “New Student Survey”
-Introduction Discussion
-CBT Lab: Installing & Uninstalling Software
-CBT Lab: Managing Files & Folders
-View “Timeline 2011” online presentation
-CBT Lab: Word Processing
-Complete “Crossword Puzzle” Challenge
-Start Windows 7 Lab
-Ch 1 Mastery Quiz
9/4/12 11:59pm
-Complete “Crossword Puzzle” Challenge
- CBT Lab: Getting the Most out of Internet
-Ch 2 MASTERY Quiz
9/11/12 11:59pm
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9/4/12 11:59pm
Class Mtg:
9/05/12
Module 3
9/12– 9/18
Class: Heavy hitters of the computer world
Ch. 3 Application Software
Class Mtg:
9/12/12
Module 4
9/19 – 9/25
Class Mtg:
9/19/12
Module 5
9/26 - 10/2
Class Mtg:
9/26/12
Module 6
9/26 - 10/2
Class Mtg:
9/26/12
Ch. 4 The Components of the
System Unit
Module 7
10/3 – 10/9
Class Mtg:
10/3/12
Module 8
10/10 - 10/16
Class Mtg:
10/10/12
Ch. 7 Storage
Module 9
10/17 - 10/23
Class Mtg:
10/17/12
Ch 9. Communications &
Networks
Module 10
10/24 – 10/30
Class Mtg:
10/24/12
Ch. 10 Database
Management
Module 11
10/31 - 11/6
Class Mtg:
10/31/12
Ch. 11 Computer Security &
Safety
Module 12
10/31 - 11/6
Ch. 12 Information System
Development
Ch. 5 Input
Ch. 6 Output
Ch. 8 Operating Systems &
Utility Programs
-Spreadsheets CBT lab
-Complete “Crossword Puzzle” Challenge.
-Complete Windows 7 Lab
-Start Word Lab
-Ch 3 MASTERY Quiz
-Ch 1-3 Exam
Class: TBA
-Understanding the Motherboard CBT lab
-Complete “Crossword Puzzle” Challenge.
-Ch 4 MASTERY Quiz
Class: TBA
-Using Input Devices CBT lab
-Complete “Crossword Puzzle” Challenge.
-Ch 5 MASTERY Quiz
Class: TBA
-Peripheral Devices CBT lab
-Presentation Software CBT lab
-Complete “Crossword Puzzle” Challenge
-Complete Word Lab
-Start Excel Lab
-Start “Timeline 2011” Discussion
-Ch 6 MASTERY Quiz
-Ch 4-6 Exam
Class: TBA
-Maintaining a Hard Drive CBT lab
-Complete “Crossword Puzzle” Challenge.
-Ch 7 MASTERY Quiz
Class: TBA
-Using Windows CBT lab
-Backing Up Your Computer CBT lab
-Complete “Crossword Puzzle” Challenge
-Ch 8 MASTERY Quiz
Class: TBA
-Networking Basics CBT lab
-Complete “Crossword Puzzle” Challenge
-Complete Excel Lab
-“Timeline 2011” team discussions posted
-Ch 9 MASTERY Quiz
-Ch 7-9 Exam
Class: TBA
-Databases CBT lab
-Complete “Crossword Puzzle” Challenge
-Start PowerPoint Lab
-Ch 10 MASTERY Quiz
Class: TBA
-Protecting Your Privacy Online CBT lab
-Keeping Your Computer Virus Free CBT lab
-Complete “Crossword Puzzle” Challenge
-Ch 11 MASTERY Quiz
Class: TBA
-Computer Ethics CBT lab
-Complete “Crossword Puzzle” Challenge
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9/18/12 11:59pm
9/25/12 11:59pm
10/2/12 11:59pm
10/2/12 11:59pm
10/9/11 11:59pm
10/16/11 11:59pm
10/23/11 11:59pm
10/30/12 11:59pm
11/6/12 11:59pm
11/6/12 11:59pm
Class Mtg:
10/31/12
Module 13
11/7 - 11/13
Class Mtg:
11/7/12
Module 14
11/7 – 11/13
Class Mtg:
11/7/12
Module 15
11/14– 11/17
Class Mtg:
11/14/12
Ch. 13 Programming
Languages & Program
Development
11/14 – 11/18
Grading and admin
Ch. 14 Enterprise Computing
Ch. 15 Computer Careers &
Certification
** Schedule is subject to change.
MS Office Lab Assignments:
DATE
Office Labs/Discussions
-Complete PowerPoint Lab
-Start Access Lab
-Ch 12 MASTERY Quiz
-Ch 10-12 Exam
Class: TBA
-Visual Programming CBT lab
-Complete “Crossword Puzzle” Challenge
-Ch 13 MASTERY Quiz
Class: TBA
-E-Commerce CBT lab
-Complete “Crossword Puzzle” Challenge
-Ch 14 MASTERY Quiz
Class: TBA
-Careers & Tech: Getting Ahead CBT lab
-Complete “Crossword Puzzle” Challenge
-Complete Access Lab
-Ch 15 MASTERY Quiz
-Ch 13-15 Exam
Class: TBA
-Complete Instructor/Course Assessment
11/13/12 11:59pm
11/13/12 11:59pm
11/17/12 11:59pm
** Assignments are subject to change.
ASSIGNMENTS
Due Date/Time
8/27 – 9/18
Windows 7 Lab
Pg: OFF 78
-Submit Win 7 Lab
9/18/12 11:59pm
9/12 – 10/2
MS Word Lab Pg WD 58-60
-Submit MS Word Lab
10/2/12 11:59pm
9/26 - 10/23
MS Excel Lab Pg EX 54
Changing values in a
worksheet
MS PowerPoint
Combine/enhance P-points
created in class
MS Access Lab Pg AC 64
Adding a caption, creating a
query…
-Submit MS Excel Lab
10/23/12 11:59pm
-Submit MS PowerPoint Lab
11/6/12 11:59pm
-Submit MS Access Lab
11/17/12 11:59pm
10/24 – 11/6
10/31 – 11/17
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Assignment Scoring/Grading:
Assignments
Total
Qty of Points
% of
Points
Assign Possible
Grade
Poss
Email Inst
1
0
0
New Student Survey
1
0
0
Class Participation
1
49
49
5%
Class Assignments
7
10
70
7%
MS Office Labs
4
10
40
4%
Chapter Quizzes
15
20
300
30%
5
25
125
13%
CBT Labs
19
14
266
27%
Crossword Puzzles
Total # of
Assignments:
Total Points Possible:
15
10
150
15%
Comprehensive Exams
68
100%
1000
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Grading Scale:
Points
Possible
900 – 1000
Ltr Grade
A
800 – 899
B
700 – 799
C
600 – 699
D
less than 600
F
FN, and I Grade:
FN Grade: This grade is failure for nonattendance. Students who do not attend during the first week of
class will be dropped entirely from the course. Students who fail to remain active in the course by completing at
least 60% of assignments as they become due, and who do not withdraw, may also be given the FN grade.
I Grade: The “I” grade is not given in this course. The “I” (incomplete) grade is given to students at the
discretion of the instructor when the student has completed at least 75% of the course with an overall course
grade of “C” or better. The student will be assigned a specified time limit for completion of the course. If
coursework has not been completed, the results will be an automatic “F.
Computer Requirements: Each computer running Blackboard should meet the following minimum system
requirements:
Requirements
Details

PC
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
Network






Software and Disk
Storage

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Audio & Video
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Processor: Intel Pentium 4 or higher processor required; Intel Centrino
or an equivalent multi-core processor recommended
Memory: 512 MB RAM required; 1 GB RAM recommended
Operating Systems: Windows XP SP3 32- or 64-bit, Vista SP1 32- or 64bit, or Win 7 32- or 64-bit; Macintosh OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard
Web Browsers: Internet Explorer 7 or 8, 32-bit versions only; Firefox 3.6
for Windows; Safari 4.0 for Macintosh OS X
Graphics: SVGA
Resolution: Minimum recommended 1024x768
Color: 32-bit
Video Memory: 64 MB minimum; 128 MB recommended
Video Card: Modern DirectX compatible
Internet connection: 56K modem minimum; broadband connection
(cable, DLS, T1, or ISDN) recommended. Persistent connection required.
Web Browsers: 4 MB
Adobe Flash Player 10 recommended; versions 9.0.115.0 or higher have
been tested and are supported
Adobe Reader 8 minimum; 9 recommended: 22.4 MB
Microsoft Office 2010 Professional for Windows. Please refer to your
Microsoft documentation for current disk storage requirements.
Setting Up Your PC:
Necessary Software
You will need the following software on your PC:
1. The Adobe Flash Player is required. Click on the link or go to http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ and follow
the installation prompts.
2. To complete projects you will need Microsoft Office 2010 Professional for Windows, specifically Access,
Excel, PowerPoint and Word. Go to http://office.microsoft.com/enus/products/FX100487411033.aspx?pid=CL100571081033&ofcresset=1 to purchase and download
Microsoft Office for Windows. Note: Microsoft Office 2010 for Windows and 2008 for Macintosh cannot be
used.
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3. You will need the Adobe Reader software on your machine. Go to http://get.adobe.com/reader/ to
download the Adobe Reader.
Important Note
If you are using a computer lab PC, you should always ask the lab administrator before installing any
software.Attendance/Participation/Time Management:
Attendance and participation are not the same. The minimum requirements are different, and attendance is
tracked by online administration while your participation is tracked by your instructor.
Active participation is a very important part of the FSCJ learning experience! Knowledge and communication
are power in the business world. Each of you has a unique perspective; sharing this knowledge will help all
learn. Each of you is entitled to dignity and respect – even if your views are different from another’s
individual view. I define substantive participation as using class time or assigned discussion boards to read,
analyze and respond to questions and issues your fellow students and I will raise/post. You do not necessarily
have to be correct in your assertions however your participation must be thoughtful and substantive.
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Participants are expected to be actively involved in the learning experience. Each student should desire to
learn, participate, and proactively contribute to the learning of others during each discussion and exercise.
Students are required to participate in class or online discussions. The discussions are an opportunity for
students to demonstrate their understanding of the assignments for the class. See the rubric provided below
to compare your discussion comments with the grading criteria I will use for them.
You are responsible for obtaining assignment instructions and notes from the syllabus, fellow students
and/or the class website.
CLASS PARTICIPATION (DISCUSSION BOARDS): Class participation is a part of your course grade. You
participate by taking active part in Blackboard discussion board sessions. Discussion Boards will always be
posted in advance of or the first day of each scheduled module (for approximately 7 days each) and are due
when specified in the assignment schedule or at module end.
You are required to post at least three meaningful sentences to each issue presented by the Instructor and
your classmates for each DISCUSSION BOARD question.
The quality of your comments will have an impact on your grades. You are welcomed and invited to post as
many meaningful comments as you like and encouraged to participate in chat room sessions with fellow
students using the “Cyber-Café”.
Online access: Use your FSCJ account name and password (if you don’t have one, get one immediately) to
access the course. It is available via Artemis or by going to http://bb.FSCJ.edu/ and entering your name and
password. Click on this course. I will post announcements, the syllabus, assignments, a Discussion Board to ask
me questions as well as other important info in the “Course Information” link.
FSCJ E-Mail, User Name and Password
Every student will have an FSCJ e-mail account and must use this account for all course correspondence. If you
do not have a FSCJ e-mail account, go to http://www.FSCJ.edu, then click on “Artemis - Online Student Services”
in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Then follow the directions.
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If you already have an FSCJ e-mail account, simply log in to Artemis with your student user id. If you don't
remember your password, you will be able to reset it. If you don't remember your password, you will be able to
reset it.
Once you have a student user id and password, you will be able to log on to Artemis (where you will find links to
Blackboard as well as links to your e-mail account) using this student user id. If you go directly to Blackboard
(http://bb.FSCJ.edu), you will still log in with this Artemis student user id.
Single sign-on: Your student user id and password will be the same for Artemis and Blackboard. Changing of
passwords will be done through Artemis and will be global in effect-- that is, once you change your password it
will change for all of your services.
All students must have a FSCJ e-mail address to access the course. As a distance learning student, please
remember to only use your FSCJ email account to communicate with your instructor.
Student Evaluation: SIR (student survey of faculty provided by FSCJ) administered toward end of term.
Academic Dishonesty/Honor Code: FSCJ and this department operate under an honor code that mandates
professional decorum. If you have any questions about the honor code or its contents, please consult the FSCJ
website or your advisor. Your adherence to the honor code is expected and any violation could jeopardize your
final grade in this course. You are permitted to consult with study partners regarding class notes. Your formal
assignments, however, shall be the product of your own efforts and analysis.
Learning Center: Florida State College Learning Centers offer friendly, skilled, individualized student tutoring on
a drop-in basis. Subjects tutored at no charge to currently enrolled students vary on each campus and include –
but are not limited to – English, math, science, foreign language, adult studies, accounting, and business. In
addition to one-on-one tutoring from both professional and peer tutors, students may pursue self-paced
instruction through a variety of learning tools including video, audio, and computer tutorials, and print resources
such as subject-specific review sheets and handouts.
Computers with Internet access and English, math, science and foreign language tutorials and exercises are
available for currently enrolled students. An Internet-based tutorial program covering basic reading, math,
English and science is accessible at no charge by simple registration at the Learning Center.
Practice tests and learning/study materials are offered to assist students preparing to take the College Level
Academic Skills Test (CLAST). Specialized programs for students in pre-college math, pre-college English and ESL
courses are offered. Workshops are taught each term to assist students with study skills and material covered in
specific courses.
Refer to http://www.fscj.edu/current/learningcenter/for more details and assistance.
Disability Statement: Florida Community College offers a wide range of educational support services to students
with disabilities. All educational accommodations are provided through the Auxiliary Aids Program with the
Office of Services for Students with Disabilities, Department of Student Success. The College delivers services to
students with disabilities following guidelines established by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and
the Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990.
The following services can be provided upon receipt of supporting documentation: Notetaker, Tutor, Reader,
Scribe, Interpreter, Testing Accommodations, Adaptive Equipment/Software, Enlarged or Brailed Instruction
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Material, Course Substitution/CLAST Waiver, and Voter Registration. The Students with Disabilities office contact
on your campus.
Other Relevant Links:
Technical Specifications http://www.distancelearning.org/dlhandbook.html
Technical Support http://www.distancelearning.org/helpdesk/index.html
Distance learning http://www.distancelearning.org/
Student Resources/Services http://www.FSCJ.edu/resources/index.html
Library http://www.FSCJ.edu/library/
Blackboard http://bb.FSCJ.edu
Efollett http://www.efollett.com
FSCJ Disclaimer http://www.FSCJ.edu/disclaimer/index.html
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