Computers cost money!! The laptops and library computers are extremely expensive! Do not eat or drink while using the laptops (not that you should be doing that in class anyway!) Carry the laptops with two hands. Keep the laptop flat on your desk. Use common sense and treat the laptops like they were your own personal property. Using the laptops is a PRIVILEGE. If you are careless with the property, your laptop privilege will be revoked and all in-class work done online will have to be done on your own time.

When using classroom computers, you need to remember that you are in the classroom.  The internet filter is there for a reason: please do not attempt to get past blocked websites while in my class.  When computers are being used in class, you need to use your time wisely. Stay off of other websites. Failure to follow these rules will result in a loss of privileges.

Believe it or not, not everything that is on the internet is true! ((I know, it’s shocking!))  Wikipedia is not considered an academic internet resource. This is because you or I could edit it, adding whatever we want.  When searching for an answer on the internet, check more than one website to ensure the information is valid.  You can not believe everything you read online. Use common sense when online.

Words become permanent when you put them online. They do not float away. Your name is attached to what you write and can always come back to haunt you. ((This is important, especially in your personal internet use)) When working in class, everything you do online is being tracked and can be monitored and reported. So don’t do something stupid online because you think it’s funny… I assure you, you will regret it.

During this course, we will be talking to each other online and leaving feedback for one another. You are expected to be respectful in class, both online and face-to-face. Once again, everything you write online identifies you and can be seen by others. Use common sense!

Thanks to the internet, we now have millions of websites to access for information and reference. However, taking any information off of the internet and copying and pasting it without giving credit is PLAGIARISM. Plagiarism is a serious offense! In college, it often can result in expulsion. Taking others ideas and using them as your own is wrong and will not be tolerated in class. If you are caught plagiarizing, you will receive a zero on the assignment and will be written up for academic dishonesty. Also, you will lose your credibility and my trust. Use common sense!

When working on a computer, there is always the risk that you will lose your work. Tips:  Save, Save, Save!!!!!! Save often and always.  Bring a jump drive. That way, you can do your work at home as well and you have a backup.  Even for little assignments, open a Word document and save it immediately.  Print so you have a hard copy just in case.

Technology is a fantastic tool and will be used often during this course. Together, we can ensure that we have a successful experience with technology. Remember to use common sense, keep the value of technology in mind, fact-check information online, watch what you say online, be respectful to peers online, and never use any work by another author as your own. Happy clicking!