I was thinking I could work both inside and outside of the lab.  I know you have all of the software we need in the lab, but what software will we be using and what is the best way to purchase this software for home use?
We will be using the following software for the fall 2007 semester.  Software may change from semester to semester.

Microsoft Office 2007, Professional Edition
Microsoft Windows XP Professional

One way to purchase this software for home use is through www.collegesoftware.org.  This is a special program which offers discounts on software purchases for students at MiraCosta College.  The current price for Microsoft Office 2007, Professional Edition is $84.98.

Please note that when registering with collegesoftware.org you will need to follow the "alternate registration" instructions, as MiraCosta College does not provide students with school email accounts at this time.  The alternate registration process requires that you either fax or email collegesoftware.org a copy of their registration form along with a copy of your Student ID as proof of enrollment at MiraCosta College.  Upon receipt of this information they will send you your username and password to the email address you provide so that you can login and order the software.  I will be happy to fax the registration form to collegesoftware.org for you, just ask me to do so during my office hours.  Once you receive your username and password and then login and order and pay for the software, you will generally receive the software by mail within three weeks. 

Students are not required to purchase the software to take any computer classes.  The labs on campus have this software available for student use.

I have an old version of the book and the software, will this work?
Students are required to have access to the current version of the book and software.  The MiraCosta Computer and Information Science Department's goal is make sure the skills and techniques you learn are on the cutting edge of what is currently being used outside of MiraCosta College.  Staying current with the most recent software, hardware, and textbooks ensures that you have the best chance to be successful when you need to apply what you have learned. 

What if I live out of the area and cannot attend orientation - can I make alternate arrangements?
Yes, for those students living out of the San Diego area, alternate online orientation arrangements can be made.  Please email me for instructions.

What classes are currently offered in the CIS Flexible Learning Program and will you be adding more classes?
Currently the following classes are offered:
CIS 102, Computer Literacy, 1/5 Units, Oceanside/San Elijo/Online
CIS 100, Introduction to Computer Applications, 3 Units, Oceanside/San Elijo/Online
CIS 105, Intermediate Computer Applications, 3 Units, Oceanside/San Elijo/Online
CIS 150, Introduction to Microsoft Word, 1.5 Units, Oceanside/San Elijo/Online
CIS 184, Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint, 1.5 Units, Oceanside/San Elijo/Online

There are plans to add more classes to the CIS Flexible Learning Program.  These classes are currently in development and I do not have a specific date for their addition at this time.  Please check with me for updates.

What topics are covered in each of your classes - what will I learn?
Click here for a current list of topics covered.  This link lists what you should expect to learn.

What is "Flexible Learning"?
Until about 1996 if a student wanted to take a class at MiraCosta College their options were limited to lecture style instruction.  Lecture classes are typically offered two days a week, with instruction occurring in the same room at the same time every week.  Studies have shown that of all students in higher education, those at the community college level have the greatest need for flexible scheduling options.  Students are typically juggling work, family, and school obligations all at once. 

Seeking a way to give these students more options, the college developed Open-Entry/Open-Exit classes to meet these students' needs for flexible scheduling.  Currently the college offers these types of classes in Computer and Information Science, Math, Business Office Technology, Spanish, and the Wellness Center.  All of these classes are lab-based, with flexible scheduling options being the primary goal.  "Open Entry" reflects the option students have to add these lab-based classes past traditional lecture and online deadlines - in most cases up to 70% of the way through the semester with instructor signature.

In the case of the CIS Flexible Learning Program, students may come to two campus locations (OC 4803A and SEC 106) to work and receive instruction, turn in assignments, attend mini-lectures, and take tests at one of two locations or online during over 60 open hours per week. Unlike online-only classes, CIS Flexible Learning classes represent a unique niche by offering students the flavor and experience of coming on campus, one-on-one instruction in the lab, the ability to enroll past traditional deadlines, and the option of working ahead of class deadlines to finish before the end of the semester.  In CIS Flexible Learning Program classes students are able to arrange their instruction (lab and/or lecture and/or online) based on their needs.

Why would I take an Flexible Learning class instead of a lecture or online-only class?
CIS Flexible Learning classes give students the ability to work and receive instruction, have assignments graded, attend mini-lectures, and take tests at one of two lab locations during over 60 open hours a week. Additionally, they give students the option of working online.  In essence, CIS Flexible Learning classes combine the best elements of the three primary instructional modalities (lab, lecture, online) and give you the most flexibility in scheduling your time. Most lecture classes meet during specific times, which is inconvenient for many working students.  Most online-only classes allow a student to work at home, but don't offer the personal interaction and level of assistance offered in the lab setting.  Additionally, neither format offers students the flexibility of working ahead of the course deadlines to finish everything before the end of the semester.  Many students find this compelling because it allows them to focus on their other classes as the semester ends.  Or, it allows them to plan around an event coming up that will put them away from MiraCosta during the semester. 

Are classes in the CIS Flexible Learning Program the same as a "self-paced" class?
In some ways, but there are test deadlines.  Students arrange their own hours and have control over pacing their work and assignments within a schedule of test deadlines.  These test deadlines are assigned during orientation and apply for the entire semester.  Students may work faster than their test deadlines, but not slower.  Students who miss a test deadline still may take their test late, but penalties described in the syllabus will apply.  Test deadlines are designed to help students finish their class before the end of the semester.  66% of students who start a CIS Flexible Learning Program class finish successfully.  This compares well with the MiraCosta College average of 65% for all classes.  If you are having trouble keeping up please contact me immediately to discuss your options.

How well will I get to know my classmates?
Students who choose to work in the labs each week at specific times tend to see the same students working at the same times.  Unlike lecture classes where talking during the lecture is generally prohibited, talking in the lab at reasonable voice levels is encouraged.  It is not uncommon to see students helping one another on assignments and getting to know each other as they share common experiences.  Additionally, those students attending mini-lectures have the benefit of group instruction.  Finally, students are encouraged to use the green "assistance requested" signs which sit on each computer table.  Placing one of these signs on top of your computer means you need an instructor to explain a concept or answer a question.  This type of one-on-one interaction facilitates students getting to know the different instructors and aides working in the lab.

I thought you were the instructor, why aren't you in both of the labs 60 hours a week for a total of 120 hours?
I am the instructor, but unfortunately I can not be everywhere at the same time.  This means that I have associate faculty who work for me to provide instruction during times when I can't be available.  In addition to myself, all of the associate faculty are Microsoft Certified and very knowledgeable in the steps required to complete each assignment.  I am available to students in the labs 15 hours per week.  During the remaining times when the lab is open, associate faculty and aides are available.  If you would like to meet with me personally, check my hours by clicking here.  I am also available by telephone and email.

Do you offer CIS Flexible Learning Program classes over the summer or during winter intersession?
Not at this time.

What are mini-lectures?
Mini-lectures are short 20 minute lectures that are designed to focus on a specific topic covered in the text.  With over 100 mini-lectures offered at different times in the lab throughout the semester, students have the chance to benefit from traditional stand-up delivery teaching and are able to ask questions in a group format with their classmates.  These mini-lectures are given in the lab, right along side of everything else that is going on.  Click here for the current schedule of mini-lectures.

How easy is it to talk with you personally to ask questions or get an update of my current grade in the class?
It is very easy to get in touch with me by one of the following three methods:

Coming to the lab during my hours: click here for a list of my hours.
Sending me an email at: sisachsen@miracosta.edu
Calling me at: 760-757-2121 x6392

Note that emailing me is the best way to receive a quick response.

What have students who have taken a CIS Flexible Learning Program class said about them?
Click here for some past student comments about the classes they have taken in the CIS Flexible Learning Program.

Will I be able to learn the material without traditional lectures?
Typically, yes.  Everything in the CIS Flexible Program is set up to help you succeed.  In addition to reading and doing the tutorials in the class text as your primary way of learning the material, you have access to the following resources: dedicated lab with instructors, mini-lectures, text and multimedia computer tutorials, online assignment instructions and one-to-one tutoring.  That said, this format is not for everyone.  Some learners need three hours of direct instructor lecture each week.  In these cases, the lecture format of this same class may be a better option.  Check with me for further information.

Do these classes look the same on my transcript as the lecture or online-only versions?
Yes, CIS Flexible Learning Program classes appear in the same way on your transcript as your other classes.  These classes cover the same material as their lecture and online-only counterparts.

What if I come to the lab and the instructor is helping another student?
Typically there is an aide who is also available to answer questions.  If the aide is unavailable you can put your green "assistance requested" sign on top of your computer.  The instructor or aide will help students in the order that they put their signs up.  Typically your wait will not be more than 5 minutes.

I am going to Prague in the Czech Republic and will miss the last 6 weeks of the semester, can I still take your class?
Yes, but please be sure to meet with me as soon as possible.  I will work with you to give you guidance on how to accelerate your schedule of assignments so that you are able to complete the class before the end of the semester.

What if I finish the class early, do I need to keep coming?
No.  Once you finish the class check in with me for confirmation of your final grade.  Once I have given you your final grade you are done with the class and do not need to come any more.  Your grade will be posted on your transcript at the end of the semester.

I just dropped History 110 and want to add your class, is this possible?
Most likely.  Please email me immediately to discuss your options.

How difficult is CIS 100?
CIS 100 is a transfer-level computer class.  A typical student starting at the beginning of the semester can expect to spend between 6-9 hours per week on the class.  It is not a class designed for computer beginners - this class is CIS 102.  If you are unsure which class to take, please make arrangements to meet with me during my lab hours.  I will assess your skills and advise you on which class will best meet your needs.  Typically, once a student has passed CIS 102 (or has equivalent skills), they are ready to take CIS 100.

How fast do I have to type to be successful in your class?
Typically 20 words-per-minute is the recommended typing speed.  If you have more time each week a slower typing speed may be possible.  Check with me for a typing speed assessment if you are unsure.

Can I work primarily or solely at home?
Yes.

Can I work in the lab if I am not a student in your class?
The Oceanside CIS Flexible Learning Program Computer Lab (4803A) is a dedicated lab - this means that only CIS Flexible Learning Program students may work in this lab.  Students needing general computer use may use the main computer lab in the Library and Information Hub.  The San Elijo CIS Flexible Learning Program Computer Lab (SEC 106)  is not a dedicated lab - it is currently shared with the general open lab.  Any student may work in this lab, however, there are four dedicated computers for CIS  Flexible Learning Program students and students have first priority for an open seat when there is a waiting list.

Is this class easier or harder than taking it in the lecture or online-only formats?
The content of the classes are the same.  Most students find that the Flexible Learning version of the classes are about the same difficulty as their lecture or online-only counterparts.

What hours can I work in the CIS Flexible Learning Program Labs?
Each semester the hours change slightly.  You may work in the labs on your assignments any time the labs are open. Check the sign posted outside of the lab door for specific hours. 

Generally speaking, the hours are roughly as follows:
Monday - Thursday: 8am-8pm
Friday: 10am-2pm
Saturday: 12:pm-4pm

Note that these are an example of the lab hours.  For orientation times, click here.

Can I bring my kids with me to the lab?
Unfortunately kids are not allowed in the computer labs on campus.  This is a MiraCosta College Board of Trustee's policy.

Is the CIS Flexible Learning Program Computer Lab crowded - will a computer be available?
The Oceanside CIS Flexible Learning Program Computer Lab (4803A) is a dedicated lab - there is generally always a computer available.  The lab naturally gets more busy near test deadlines.  Students are encouraged to plan ahead for these times and to check the mini-lecture topic list before coming in.  The San Elijo CIS Flexible Learning Program Computer Lab (SEC106) is not a dedicated lab - it is currently shared with the general open lab.  It is typically very busy - however, there are four dedicated computers for CIS  Flexible Learning Program students and students have first priority for an open seat when there is a waiting list.  For the lab hours, click here.