Distance Learning IS

During our online class, we were given the opportunity to learn about concepts in abstract through our textbook, and then apply what we learned to real life applications. Furthermore, this courses format was made possible by the many systems and technologies described within our text. Often, the course format itself, and the technologies that supported it, provided real life reinforcement of the abstract concepts presented within our text.

In chapter one, we were given an overview of the use of information systems in organizations. Clearly, information systems are also very important within distance learning as well, as we all quickly learned how to use our online course portal, Moodle, read the professors task blog, and set up our blogs. In chapter two, we learned about hardware and software, which also played a vital role in our completion of this online course. Not only was it imperative for us to have the proper hardware (computer, mouse, keyboard, internet hookup, etc.), but we also needed specific software in order to preform needed operations (such as a specific operating system and browser).

In addition, in chapter three of the textbook, we learned about database systems and business intelligence. Using Zoho Reports to create an online database, we learned both about databases, and cloud computing. Zoho allows the user shared storage space, and access the features of software via a website, using their browsers. These types of services can be described as SaaS or "Software as a Service". In addition, we experimented with SQL queries and learned how to extract and manipulate data from a large database utilizing the sample databases provided by Zoho Reports.

In the following chapters, we learned about concepts such as e-commerce, m-commerce, artificial intelligence, DSS, KMS, MIS, Cloud Computing, Web 2.0, Inranets, Extranets, and telecommunications. As we continued through the class, I became more aware of how these concepts were represented in things I had previously taken for granted, such as Email, facebook, Luminis, online music services, blogger, and moodle. Email was a large part of our course, as Moodle could be set to send an email whenever one of our discussion posts was responded to. Furthermore, the Blogger and Zoho sites were integral to our course. Furthermore, specific features such as moodle messaging, discussion forums, and more allowed us to communicate effectively with our professor and peers. Even TPS and e-commerce (Transaction Processing Systems) were utilized in our class, as many of us paid for our tuition online with a credit card, and bought our books online as well.

Overall, I enjoyed this class, and felt that what I learned in these three weeks will truly prove to be useful in the years to come. Even though this class was far from my normal discipline (I am a history major) I still benefited from the information and concepts presented within this course. In an increasingly globalized world, where technology plays a huge part in almost any occupation, I now realize that an understanding of information technologies is absolutely vital.

T3.10 and T3.11

In order to create my spreadsheet, I re-created my old spreadsheet (as I could not import the table into Zoho Sheets) and first added the Interest Rate column and labeled it. Next I added a Future Cost column, in which I used a multiplication formula, then dragged down and selected the entire column in order to apply the same formula to the whole column. Next, I used the information in my new Future Cost column to help create another new column, Future Profit, which I created by implementing a formula subtracting cells from the sales column, from the corresponding cell in the Future Cost column. For all formulas I needed to use absolute references ($) for these formulas to work correctly. Finally, I saved my changes and made the view public, and finally experimented with interest rate changes by changing the amount in my Interest Rate cell, which automatically changed values in the rest of my columns. For example, I raised the interest rate to 1.08, which raised future costs, and thus lowered future profits, as would be expected.

T3.10

I had absolutely no problems, the video was great help as were the textbook pages! I originally had a few problems, but after proofreading and a little trial and error, I managed to solve my few slight issues. Here they are:

1. SELECT "Cost", "Region", "Product", "Customer Name" FROM "Sales" WHERE "Customer Name" = 'Mathew Reese'

http://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?OBJID=216137000000008019&STANDALONE=true&ZDB_THEME_NAME=blue&DATATYPESYMBOL=false&REMTOOLBAR=true

2. SELECT "Region", "Profit", "Customer Name", "Product", "Date" FROM "Sales" WHERE "Product" = 'Art Supplies'

http://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?OBJID=216137000000008121&STANDALONE=true&ZDB_THEME_NAME=blue&DATATYPESYMBOL=false&REMTOOLBAR=true

3. SELECT "Customer Name" "Cost", "Product", "Date", "Region" FROM "Sales" WHERE "Product Category" = 'Grocery'

http://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?OBJID=216137000000008231&STANDALONE=true&ZDB_THEME_NAME=blue&DATATYPESYMBOL=false&REMTOOLBAR=true

T3.9

MISs, an acronym for Management Information Systems, are designed to support decision making, and differ from other information systems because in addition to being an information system in themselves, they also monitor the actions of many other information systems within the company (1). MISs are composed of people, equipment, and procedures used to gather and analyze data, eventually creating reports that are valuable to decision makers (1). MISs can be used by a variety of individuals including management accountants within the internal control group that can use such information to develop business strategies or cost a product (1). Furthermore, it is important to realize that MISs differ from other Information systems because they support decision making (1).

Management Information Systems, as a result of their assistance to informed decision making, can be extremely valuable to a company's attempt to gain a competitive advantage (2). When MISs are used strategically, market specific products can be created that raise the cost of market entry for possible competitors and thus give the company using the MIS a competitive advantage (2). Furthermore, a MIS can be used in situations where companies are experiencing “Price Wars”, in order to completely change the basis of competition (2). For example, if customer data collected by the MIS suggests product changes that could make a product more useful, cost effective, or appealing to the customer, the competition can switch from that of price to that of differentiation (2). In addition, companies can further “lock into business” and “switching costs” can be increased, as a result of the electronic connections or bonds formed between the company, customers, and suppliers by MISs (2).

As a result, careers in the field of Management Information Systems are a wise decision, as MIS personnel are in great need. In addition, because of this need the average salary of MIS workers has skyrocketed. This only makes sense, as if you have a product in high demand, and more buyers than products, the value, and thus price, of a product naturally increases. The Bureau of Labor statistics estimates that individuals with careers in the MIS field enjoy an average annual salary of over $100,000 dollars (3). Directly leaving college, a graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Management Information Systems can even expect to make almost $52,000 in an entry level position (3). Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics also expects that job opportunities within the field will experience an above average increase through 2016 (3).


1.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Management_information_system

2.

http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/small/Mail-Op/Management-Information-Systems-MIS.html

3.

http://degreedirectory.org/articles/Management_Information_Systems_MIS_What_Are_Popular_Careers_in_Management_Information_Systems.html

T3.3 - Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing allows the computer and internet user to go beyond the capabilities of their own machine, and utilize shared storage space and other resources made available by cloud computing (1). Creating a website hosted on a larger server is made possible by cloud computing, as are web based email servers like yahoo, hotmail, and gmail (1). In addition, social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace, and even Moodle, and made possible by cloud computing. Essentially, cloud computing allows the capabilities of IT to be expanded without mass changes to the hardware already in use or main infrastructure (2). However, "Cloud Computing" can be a vague and general term, and it is important to address the many forms of cloud computing in use today (2).

There are many forms and aspects of cloud computing, such as SaaS, Utility Computing, Web Services in the Cloud, Platform, MSP (Management Service Providers), Service Commerce Platforms, and Integration Programs (2). In the interest of space and time, within this post I will only address the form of cloud computing called SaaS. SaaS offers one application to thousands of users through their browser, and can be seen in many online applications that also have downloadable "desktop apps" such as Zoho Office and Google Apps (2). SaaS is short for "Software as a Service", and is especially useful to businesses because it allows the software to be accessed remotely via a browsers, which is often cheaper than buying and installing software on all their computers, and also does not require additional hardware (3). An example of SaaS would be Salesforce.com, a website that offers a one-site solution for sales workers (4).

This site takes advantage of the many benefits that cloud computing offers, and functions as a one site interface to control a variety of important programs used by sales personnel (4). For example, the site features a large amount of storage within which salesmen and women can store contacts and details on their various accounts (4). The site also features a content library in which to store presentations, a partner interface in which workers can collaborate, and an email service and storage interface (4). The site even contains a mapping function to help salespeople drive to sales calls, and also has a mobile equivalent so that all the functions of the normal website can be accessed on a mobile phone (4). This website and its function demonstrates that cloud computing can be valuable to specific types of workers, as well as businesses in general, and the general public in the forms of social networking sites, photo storage, email services, and more.

1.http://www.examiner.com/social-media-in-allentown/cloud-computing-facebook-for-business
2.http://www.infoworld.com/d/cloud-computing/what-cloud-computing-really-means-031
3. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/SaaS.html
4. http://www.salesforce.com/crm/sales-force-automation/

T3.4 - E-Business

The term E-Business was first used by IBM in 1997, and refers to businesses that conduct their operations over the internet in many aspects of the value chain (1). E-Business uses email, e-commerce, intranets, extranets, internet based applications such as shopping carts, and more in order to make business transactions faster, easier, and more convenient (1). E-Commerce refers to internet based businesses, business conducted over the internet using "internet based applications" such as email or shopping carts, and business transactions that are conducted online electronically (2) . These transactions can range from the exchange of goods between businesses and customers, to exchange funds from one business to another, or exchange of data from one business to another (2).

The internet can play a role in almost every aspect of the E-Business Value chain. For example, supplies and raw materials can be purchased online with the click of a mouse, tracked using online shipping trackers such as UPSs online "Quantum View Tracking Service" specifically designed for businesses (3). Online applications can also be used to manage storage organization, as well as production information, systems, and productivity measures. For example, I use an online portal via the Ramapo College Website to enter my hours into a time sheet for work, eliminating the necessity for another worker to input information on a physical time sheet or card. Outbound logistics, similar to inbound logistics, can benefit from the use of services such as "Quantum View" which, in addition to allowing companies to track incoming packages, allows a company to provide shipment notification, and tracking reports to their customers with ease and convenience (3). In addition, the marketing and sales section of the value chain can be addressed successfully using online tools, such as appealing websites, ads in google search side bars, and more invasive forms of advertizing such as pop-up ads and emailed coupons, etc. Most popular stores now feature online interfaces that both allow customers to preview products before purchase in a store, or purchase them completely online. Furthermore, the internet is becoming increasingly useful for the last element of the value chain, customer service.

For example, as early as 1998, Charles Schwab & Co. began utilizing internet based software similar to that used by call centers to monitor, organize, and track its customer service chat sessions (4). Later that year, IBM began marketing a new software system, "SameTime", designed to provide real time customer service to customers in need entirely online (4). Furthermore, as years passed and internet use has become more and more widespread, customer service has begun to utilize instant messaging in particular. For example, on sites such as the University of Wisconsin's DoIT Tech Store, you can "chat" or "instant messgae" and agent for free, at any time, for purchasing advice, or help with any technical problems that may arise with your newly purchased software or hardware (5). Similarly, many colleges feature "chats" with admissions officers to answer questions and appeal to students considering their institution. Even Ramapo College's Potter Library features a similar "customer service" type of application, in that students can, at almost any time during reference hours, and for free, ask questions of a librarian online using "Meebo Chat" and receive almost instant answers (6).

In this way, and many others, E-business is an important part of my, and other students lives. I have personally used meebo chat to ask the reference librarians important questions, have asked admissions officers at various colleges questions using chat features, and have requested tech help using online services. Furthermore, I frequently use sites such as www.amazon.com and expedia.com to purchase gifts and airline tickets. E-Business not only allowed me to book a flight to Kansas for the holidays to see my family in a matter of minutes, but it also allowed me to order them presents with "One Click" (an amazon feature) and free shipping with a free trial of Amazon Prime, track their shipment, and receive these gifts at Ramapo just before leaving (7). I even was able to book my long term parking at Newark Airport online thanks to E-business. Clearly, E-Business is changing the way we do business, and creating a convenient (and eco-friendly, as trips to the mall and specialty stores can be avoided), cost-friendly, and efficient means for commerce to be carried out in a changing and increasingly globalized world.

1. http://searchcio.techtarget.com/definition/e-business
2. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/E/electronic_commerce.html
3. http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/tracking/quantumview/index.html
4. http://www.informationweek.com/684/84iucus.htm;jsessionid=LVBUZS4BX3UDBQE1GHPSKHWATMY32JVN
5. http://www.informationweek.com/684/84iucus.htm;jsessionid=LVBUZS4BX3UDBQE1GHPSKHWATMY32JVN
6. http://ww2.ramapo.edu/library/index2.aspx?id=19462
7. http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?ie=UTF8&nodeId=468480

T3.7

Though I do not have a phone that supports any applications (stone-age, 10-key flip phone), I use some of these applications on my netbook, and found some others that seemed particularly interesting and useful.

1.

Picassa: Post and share photos and albums for free, easily send groups of photos to printing services such as Snapfish, etc.

2.

Google Docs: This application is useful to open and edit many various types of files across almost all operating systems, mobility!

3.

Rhapsody: Requires a monthly subscription fee, but downloads are unlimited and this service is quite wonderful for those who like to vary their music and whose tastes change frequently.

4.

Google Calender: Useful for creating calenders, syncing them to gmail, publishing to the web, and sharing with coworkers, family, and friends.

5.

FedEx: Allows the user to track packages, and receive up to date information on both sent and received packages.

6.

Roambi: A mobile dashboard that allows you import information for sharing and viewing from software programs such as Microsoft PowerPoint.

7.

Bloomberg Mobile: Delivers financial information and analyzes financial information on or mobile device to support decision making.

8.

Doomi: A simple, free, and easy search-able to do list application.

9.

Iqueue: Allows the user to organize their Netflix account and Dvd Queue via their Iphone or other mobile device.

10.

Jsotr Mobile: Access the JSTOR Scholarly article database from your mobile phone!

I found the last particularly interesting as I know many students at Ramapo use JSTOR for assignments and essays, and the potter library does have a subscription to the database, allowing all students access with their Ramapo ID regardless of location.

Zoho Reports Assignment

T2.5

Databases are designed to contain important information that can be used for a variety of purposes. Databases and Database Management System come in a staggering variety, from flat file, to single and multiple users. Similarly, databases and DBMS can vary greatly in cost. Some databases are designed specifically for the personal user, while others are desired for businesses and organizations. For example, Bento 3 software for Iphones and Ipads features many types of file storage and organization (including media such as photos, as well as documents and spreadsheets), calender organization features, and contacts and address storage (1). Additionally, Bento 3 can be used to track daily diet and exercise progress, store recipes and shopping lists, plan special events, catalog inventory, and even keep track of project progress and deadlines (1).

Yet another useful personal database is Treepad, a low cost database system for personal organizational use (2). Treepad is much more basic than Bento 3, and is designed for windows systems as opposed to Mac (2). In addition, according to the Treepad website, this database software allows the user to, “enjoy better access, organization and control over all your data, notes, bills, projects, clients, addresses, letters, speeches, research, collections, classroom notes, Web pages, links, bibliographic listings, and whatever else your creativity enables you to entrust TreePad with, for good organization, easy access, and safe storage.” (2) In addition, tree pad can be installed on a flash drive and used as a method to organize stored files on the external drive itself. (2)

Finally, the Mac Filemaker Pro software is a database specifically designed for small businesses (3). The Filemaker software allows employees to easily share files, publish files to the web, create to-do lists, create reports and inventories, and keep track of invoices, events, and contacts (3). A program such as this could be used to support both mobile operations (it can be used with iphones) and office work (3). The Filemaker Pro software allows users to organize all important information and files in one place, and share as they please with co-workers (3).



1.

http://www.filemaker.com/products/bento/
2.

http://www.treepad.com/
3.

http://www.filemaker.com/products/filemaker-pro/?homepage=fmp_overview

Zoho Spreadsheet

T2.3 - Hardware and Software

Hardware such as mobile phones, specificallywith  their new large screens, allow users to read email, search the web, and preform online tasks that would normally be limited to the office. For example, I am able to record my hours onto a time sheet for work online, on my cell phone, regardless of where I am. Mobile devices like large screen PDAs and cell phones allow workers to record hours, answer work related emails, and preform other duties while out of the office. A real world example of the use of this hardware can easily be found taking any form of public transportation into New York City in the morning. Many businessmen and women choose to get a head start on their days work using their PDAs and cell phones while riding to work.

Furthermore, software such as Windows Mobile is featured on Dell, HP, Motorola, Palm, and Apple devices, as well as other smartphones and PDAs. (1) Windows mobile can be used with both touch screens, and standard devices, and allows for normal cellular capabilities, as well as internet based activities. In addition, Windows mobile features handwriting recognition and secure internet connection capabilities. Furthermore, Windows Mobile supports many useful business “Apps”. For example, the mDigger application allows the user to choose what format in which they will receive information from commonly updated sites such as blogs actomatically (RSS). Furthermore, apps such as PIM Backup can be used to back up important information, data, and documents stored on a mobile device. (2) Windows Mobile and its supported applications could all help to mobilize the information systems of a small company by allowing employees to use their mobile phones for many of the things that can be done on a laptop or office computer.

Yet another mobile operating system that has become extremely popular lately is the Android Operating system, created by Linux, Google, and the Open Handset Alliance. (3) Interestingly, the Andorid operating system features a web browsing systems (a combination of Webkit and Google Chrome) that scored a 93/100 on the ACID3 test. Furthermore, this operating system features file sharing capabilities, hands free capabilities, and contact sharing. (4) Many of these features would be useful in mobilizing the information systems of a small company. Not only would the companies online systems be available on the mobile device, but employees could also send and receive files and reports, use their mobile device while driving or engaging in any other activity that would require hands free communication, and share contacts amongst themselves.

1. http://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/mobile_OS.asp
2. http://www.cio.com/article/195800/Seven_Fantastic_Free_Windows_Mobile_Apps
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_%28operating_system%29
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_%28operating_system%29

T1.3

T1.3 – Discussion Question #3 (pg. 50)

3. You have decided to open an internet site to buy and sell used music CDs to other students. Describe the value chain for your new business.

The Value Chain for my new CD business would start with Upstream Management. Initially, the Value Chain would begin with the purchase and acquisition of Raw Materials. In this case, the raw materials needed would be used music CDs. These could be acquired from a variety of sources. Next, I would need to find a way to transport the raw materials (CDs) to my warehouse or storage facility (inbound logistics). Shipping methods could include crate transportation, U.S. Mail, truck transportation, and more. The last step in Upstream management would be to store my raw materials, CDs, in a building or warehouse, and organize them appropriately. The production stage of my Value Chain has already been accomplished by a manufacturing company, that created the CDs initially. Finally, the Downstream Management portion of my company would include finding and locating the CDs purchased in my warehouse (finished product storage), shipping the CDs to their purchaser/final destination (outbound logistics), and marketing and sales - to process and facilitate transactions, promote business, and advertise. Finally, the last element of Downstream Management, customer support, would be the final element of my value chain, and would serve to address any problems that arose for my customers after the purchase of their used CDs. At any stage in the value chain, Information systems could be employed to increase efficiency, quality, and cost effectiveness, thus increasing the “value” of goods as perceived by the customer.

T1.4

Information Systems Task T1.4

According to the Wikipedia article “Systems Theory”, systems theory can be defined as “an interdisciplinary theory about the nature of complex systems in nature, society, and science, and is a framework by which one can investigate and/or describe any group of objects that work together to produce some result.” (1) I agree with this definition and find it especially interesting because it emphasizes the point that systems theory not only applies to business and production, but many other aspects of the world we live in. Therefore, even for students like myself, who are not business majors but are taking this class either to fulfill an elective requirement or simply gain credit, can still apply the theories learned in the class to their own fields of study. In addition, applying systems theory to other disciplines can help students unfamiliar with business related concepts understand systems theory in contexts with which they are familiar.

Systems theory explains that individual parts can work together to form a whole that can achieve a goal or result more quickly and efficiently than parts working individually. Systems can be found in almost every area of study. However, in our course, Information Systems and their value to business and production operations are obviously emphasized. Information systems, according to both our course text and Wikipedia, are usually composed of a combination of “people, procedures, data, software, and hardware.” (2) In the Wikipedia article, “Information Systems (Discipline)”, the authors define information systems as being “implemented within an organization for the purpose of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of that organization.” (3) The authors go on to state that “Capabilities of the information system and characteristics of the organization, its work systems, its people, and its development and implementation methodologies together determine the extent to which that purpose is achieved.” (4) Thus, an information system can be useful in many stages of the “Value Chain”, from Upstream Management, such as inbound logistics and transportation, raw materials purchase, and raw materials storage, to production, and to Downstream Management, such as finished product storage, customer service, marketing, and deliveries and outbound logistics.

In different stages of the Value Chain, and different companies with varying needs, goals, and purposes, there are information systems specifically designed to improve efficiency and efficacy. In order to meet the needs of each element of the value chain, and various companies, there are many different types of information systems. For example, within the field of Information systems there are TPSs, DSSs, EISs, MISs, and OASs - also known as Transaction Processing Systems, Decision Support Systems, Expert Information Systems, Management Information Systems, and Office Automation Systems. (5) Each system has unique features, applications, and values within businesses.

Take for example, Transaction Processing Systems, or TPSs . Transaction Processing Systems have been employed since the 1970s and serve to organize several different sub-operations in order to preform transaction, such as buying an Ipod, with speed and convenience. (6) Transaction Processing systems coordinate several individual accounting operations (crediting the sellers account, and debiting the buyers personal banking account, for example) in order to complete a translation that will either succeed, or fail if one or more element in the systems fails or experiences an error. (7) Returning to the example of buying an Ipod, we can apply this example and information system to both the purchasing of the item, and its production. In the production of the Ipod itself, Transaction Processing Systems could have been used when Apple purchased it's land or buildings, paid bills such as utility bills, employee salary expenses, and other accounts payable, and bought equipment, raw materials, and other supplies. On the other hand, Transaction Processing Systems can also be used in the purchase of the materials created, in this case, an Apple Ipod. The customer could use a variety of methods, such as online purchase, or credit or debit card swipe in store, to automatically subtract funds from their personal banking account, and add that amount to Apple's account. Thus, TPSs can be used to increase efficiency in both Upstream, and Downstream management, and also affect production as a result of the necessity of purchased raw materials, buildings, land, equipment, employee salaries, and utilities to arrive at this element (Production) of the Value Chain.

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_theory
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_systems_%28discipline%29
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_systems_%28discipline%29
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_systems_%28discipline%29
5. http://www.bettscomputers.com/fivetypesofinformationsystems.htm
6. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-transaction-processing.htm
7. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-transaction-processing.htm
   
   Reply to another students work:
   
   

   I really liked how you compared value chaining and systems theory to the study of the human body and how individual organs work together to maintain homeostasis. This comparison helped me to better understand Information Systems by applying the same theory to another discipline entirely.

   
   
   

W1P1

       According to our textbook, the “Value Chain” of a manufacturing company includes the purchasing of raw materials, inbound logistics, warehouse and storage, production, finished product storage, outbound logistics, marketing and sales, and customer service (Stair 26). The first three elements of the value chain - raw materials, inbound logistics, and warehouse and storage - are considered to be in the “upstream management” category (Stair 26). The last four elements - finished product storage, outbound logistics, marketing and sales, and customer service – are considered to be a part of “downstream management”(Stair 26). All of these elements of the “Value chain” can be aided and made more efficient and productive by the strategic use of information systems.

       For example, a MIS could be useful in several stages of the Value chain. MISs help to increase efficiency in everyday operations, and are composed of people, procedures, software, databases, and information providing devices (Stair 19). MISs most often support marketing, production, and finance divisions of a company, and are linked through a common database that contains data from the TPS, or transaction processing system, defined in our book as “an organized collection of people, procedures, software, databases, and devices used to record completed business transactions (Stair 436, 19). In the “Upstream Management” potion of the Value Chain, MISs could be used to provide reports that could be used to improve the efficiency of inbound logistics and transportation, and assist with inventory of raw materials and storage organization. Furthermore, MISs can assist in gathering and reporting data regarding process control systems in the production of goods, and provide decision-makers with reports that allow them to make efficient and informed decisions. Finally, MISs can assist downstream management by producing reports and summaries regarding the storage, shipping, distribution, sales, and customer service that allow management to increase efficiency and provide information for the making of logical decisions.

About Me:

1. What is your major?

My major is in History, with a minor in Anthropology

2. What operating system do you have on your computer?

I have Vista on my computer.

3. Do you have a right to upgrade the software on your computer?

Yes, I believe so.

4. What Internet and computer related courses have you already taken and what are your usual activities on the Internet (Facebook, email, chats, etc.)?

At the Community College I previously attended, I took a course called "Internet Literacy". I also use facebook, gmail, moodle, and sometimes skype on a regular basis.

5. Have you taken online courses before?

Yes, many. I took a full summer of online courses at Ramapo this summer, and most of my courses this semester have had an online component. In addition, at the community college where I got my associates degree, I complete about half of my coursework online.

6. Do you have MS Office on your computer? If yes, which version?

Unfortunately, no. My computer only came with a trial version of MS office, and so I downloaded openoffice (shareware, I believe?) which has the capability to save in various file formats included MS word.

7. Add anything you want about your computer-related interests, skills, job projects, etc. that might help the instructor and students understand your computer/Internet skills and interests better.

My computer related interests are limited to practical functions, such as email and networking, but I would also be interested in learning about advertising over the world wide web and creating simple web pages/publically viewable calenders.

NOTE: There were approximately 15 replies to this post, which can be accessed on the moodle class page.