INFORMATION SHEET FOR CIS STUDENTS

SPRING 2010   

Computer Lab Guidelines

Most CIS classes have some time scheduled in a computer lab.  Whether you are in a class where you have all or part of it regularly scheduled in a lab, or in CIS 1010 where you will spend some of your class meetings in the lab, please note the following guidelines regarding lab use:

·         Lab classrooms will be opened by faculty shortly before the class starting time. 

·         Students may not remain in the lab when class is over unless the instructor is present.  The instructor should ensure that students leave the room and the door is closed and locked when he/she leaves.

·         Food, drink, guests and receiving/making cell phone calls are not allowed in labs. Cell phone sound settings should be set to vibrate or turned off, to include the keypad.

·         Know how to preview output on the screen for the software you are using.  Ask your instructor, if necessary.  Print only when necessary, after making changes and corrections based on screen output. Help us save paper and money!

·         When you‘re finished working and preparing to leave the lab, save and close your file and exit the software you’re working in.  Do not shut down or turn off the computer.

·         If you have any problems with hardware or software in the lab classrooms, tell your instructor.  He/she will report them to the lab staff.

When you want to do computer work outside of class time, go to the open lab in Bladen Hall, Room 104, or to the labs in the Center for Advanced Technology (CAT), Rooms 101 and 201.  (See the lab hours on the reverse side of this sheet.)

Role of Lab Technicians

The technicians in the PGCC computer labs are there to assist students with the use of the computers and software.  That involves such help as how to turn on the computer, load a particular program and give its basic commands (such as saving and printing), and possible hardware problems.

Lab technicians are not to provide more than limited help in debugging, problem-solving and program development.  Additional assistance in the understanding of concepts and assignments is available from the course instructor and, for many courses, from the Tutoring Center located in Bladen Hall, Room 107.

CIS students are advised to allow sufficient time to develop and complete their projects.  They should read through their assignments and plan their projects or programs prior to getting on the computers.  Students are expected to refer to class notes, project specifications, help screens, and the course textbook for additional assistance.  Also, be sure to ask questions in class or during office hours if you do not understand something or want further explanation.

The Tutoring Center and the Writing Center

The Tutoring and Writing Centers, both located on the first floor of Bladen Hall, provide free assistance to PGCC students.  It is expected that there will be tutors available for at least CIS 1010 and 1130.  Call 301-322-0748 or go to Bladen Hall, Room 107, to check on specific tutoring schedules and make appointments. 

College Closings

If an emergency develops requiring school closing, the following radio stations will be asked to announce the closings:  WMAL, WPGC, WRC, WTOP, WAMU, WAVA, WASH, WHUR, WWMX, and WGAY.  The following TV stations will also be asked to announce the closing:  WRC (4), WTTG (5), WJLA (7), WUSA (9), and News Channel 8.  You may also call the college’s general number, 301-336-6000, where information about closings will be posted; in addition, information should be on the college’s website, and through Owl Alert.  Please note that the college will have its own announcement which is separate from that of the Prince George’s County Public Schools.

Open Computer Labs  and Printer Services

All computer-enabled and printer service areas are Quiet Learning-Centered environments. The Open Computer Labs are located on the first floor of Bladen Hall, Room 104, and on the first and second floors of  Center for Advanced Technology (formerly High Technology Center), Rooms 101 and 202, and are available for walk-in use.    Users are required to  read the “Acceptable Use Guidelines”. These guidelines are established to provide an environment conducive to learning. Violation of guidelines may result in denied access to college computing resources and may be subject to other penalties and disciplinary action. A printed copy of the guidelines can be obtained from the Bladen Hall 104 print area. Each print job is limited to 20 pages. Food, drink, children, guests and receiving/making cell phone calls are not allowed in labs.

Cell phone sound settings should be set to vibrate or turned off, to include the keypad. Users must begin closing all programs and log off user accounts 15 minutes prior to the close of business. Printers will be turned

off promptly. The systems may automatically restart or shutdown for close of business; therefore, users are encouraged to save their work and close all programs in a timely manner.

If there are any questions, please call 301-322-0999.

Lab hours are as follows:                               Center for Advanced Technology (formerly

Bladen Hall, room 104:                                              High Technology Center), rooms 101 and 201:

Mon.-Thurs.     8:00 a.m.-10:15 p.m.                           Mon.-Fri.      8 a.m.-10:15 p.m.

Fri.                   8 a.m.-5:00 p.m.                                  Sat.           9 a.m.-4:45 p.m.  (Lab 101 only)

Sat.                  9:00 a.m.-4:45 p.m.                            

Please note:  No printers in student study areas in CAT-102 and 202.

College Bookstore

The bookstore is located in Largo Student Center, room 116; its phone number is 301-322-0912.  Hours vary at beginning and end of the semester.  Please call or check website to confirm. (www.pgcc.edu/pgweb/pgdocs/bookstore.html).

**Possible snow make-up days

TIPS FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

  Take responsibility for your own learning!

  Attend all classes, including lab sessions.                                            

  Read the textbook prior to each class meeting.                                                     

  Ask questions and participate in class discussions.  See your instructor

      outside of class if you have other questions or concerns.                                                            

  Read assignments carefully; start projects right away.

  Look over class notes between classes.

  Get the name and phone number (or email address) of a classmate to contact if you miss class or have questions.

Updated 10/30/09