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Several things you will want to consider when making the decision. 

COMPUTER ACCESS: Do you have access to a computer at home or work, or is it convenient for you to use the computer labs at school? You can use the computer labs on the second floor of Ruby Carson Hall on the Main Campus or you can use the computer labs in Richard Scrushy Hall (room 200, 204, and library) at the Scrushy Campus on Valleydale Road.

SOFTWARE ACCESS: Do you have access to a computer that has Microsoft Office 2000 Professional? If not, is it convenient for you to use the computer labs on campus? Or, do you have access to a similar version such as Microsoft Office 97 or 95? Or, do you have access to Microsoft Works. Although I do not mind if you use other software as long as you can do the same assisgnments. However you will need to come to the school lab to do some of the assignments which will require the use of some of the newer features only available in Microsoft Office 2000 Professional. All work in Access will need to be done in Access 2000.

Would it be frustrating to you to attempt to use software that will vary significantly from the textbook instructions? If so, you need to make sure you access to Microsoft Office 2000 Professional. If you have Microsoft Office 2000 (NOT Professional version), you can use your software for Word and Excel, but you'll need to use the school computers during our study of Access 2000. You'll need the Professional version if you want to do your Access 2000 assignments at home or work.

INTERNET ACCESS: Do you have access to an Internet connection at home or work? If not, is it convenient for you to use the computer labs on campus? Or, can you set up free Internet account to use at home? See FREE INTERNET ACCESS link on main page for a list of companies that offer free Internet access.

INTERNET EXPERIENCE: How much experience do you have on the Internet? Do you have an email account? Have you ever set up a FREE email account? Can you send and receive email? Have you ever sent or received email with attachments? Do you ever chat on the Internet? Have you ever typed in URLs such as www.something.com? Do you ever surf the net, clicking on links to navigate? If you do not have much Internet experience, you can learn it all in this class. However, you'll need to have a lot of available time during the semester to devote to the class and gain experience.

WORD PROCESSING EXPERIENCE: How much experience do you have writing letters, term papers, or other documents on the computer? Word processing experience in any program will be helpful. If you are new to the computer and have not ever written a document on the computer, you will need a friend to help you get started. Again, if you have a lot of available time during the semester to devote to learning the computer, you can do it - but it will take a LOT of time! 

INDEPENDENT WORKING: Do you work well independently without supervision? Are you self motivated? Can you discipline yourself to keep up with assignments and schedule your exams in a timely manner so that you will stay on schedule with the class? Since you will not be meeting in a classroom environment, you must be self motivated in order to keep up with the class and learn the material. 

ENJOY COMPUTERS: Do you really enjoy using the computer? Do you consider time spent on the computer as fun or frustrating? If you find the computer to be fun and exciting then you probably enjoy using the computer because you have a knack for it - which means you would probably enjoy taking CIS 146 via the Internet. If you do not have much computer experience and find the computer to be very frustrating every time you attempt to use it, you'd probably be wiser to take CIS 146 in regular classroom environment. 

These are just a few things that you will want to consider when making the decision about taking CIS 146 via the Internet. This is an introductory computer class. If you have computer experience, this may be the perfect option for you. If not, you still may have the drive and motivation to learn independently in this class. Keep in mind that I will be here to help you in every way I can. 

If after reading this information, if you feel uncomfortable attempting the class, you may want to consider taking a regularly scheduled class on campus. OR, just give me a call and we can talk about your specific situation. You can reach me by phone at (205) 520-5950. Click on the CONTACT ME link on the main page to get my current office hours, phone numbers, email addresses, etc.