CIS Faculty - Business & Information
Systems Department  

Welcome to CIS133DA Online!

Log into CIS133DA Course Here

I'm glad you have decided to join us this semester as a distance learning student. Distance learning will require you to be self-motivated, and you may find that it takes more time and effort than a traditional face-to-face classroom (plan on 10-14 hours per week). I am here to help and guide you as much as possible. Since I never see you, I only assume the best unless you ask for help. I am happy to answer any questions you may have, but you have to ask.

The best way to contact me is through e-mail. My turn-around time for e-mail is about 48 hours (except weekends/holidays), although I may often reply much faster than that. The time it takes me to return your message may depend on several things: I might want to research the answer, I might have several other messages to respond to, or the server might be down. Be patient, and I will respond as quickly as I can.

If you have not already done so, one of the first things you should do is set up your MCC Portal email account. This email account will be our primary means of communication before the course (I will not be sending emails to your personal email address.)  It's free and easy to do. To set up the account, go the following link:  Create an MCC Account. (Note: Once the course begins, we will use the email within the course management system -- WebCT/email).  

You will have access to the course through WebCT beginning Tuesday, January 18 (or Monday, January 31 late-start). (Use the same password you set up for your MCC email account). Don't forget, you will need access to the Internet, and Notepad. You can also use the MCC lab for any portion.  If that is your plan, you must have a free MCC Student ID to enter the lab (and a reminder that no children/guests are allowed to accompany you).

The course is structured to take sixteen weeks (plus the final). If there is a two-week period where I do not hear from you at all you will be dropped from the course. Deadlines are firm (Mondays at 11pm, Arizona time), and you are responsible for meeting them. Assignments will include reading, projects, lecture questions, presentations, labs, online discussions, a group exercise, quizzes, and online tests.

Although the emphasis of the class is technical skills and concepts, many of the assignments you will complete promote skills which will help you to be effective in your present and future learning as well as in the community and business world. They include critical thinking, team work through collaborative learning, ethics, interpersonal skills, civic engagement, and organization.

Before class begins, check out the CIS 133DA Course Info page, and don't forget to take the Distance Learning Quiz to ensure this is the learning method for you.  If you have any questions, please contact me at debdt83701@mesacc.edu . Once your course begins, you should use the WebCT course mail to contact me.

If you are on campus, please feel free to stop in and say hello.  My office hours will be posted on my home page.

The course beginsTuesday, January 18 (or Monday, January 31 late-start), and I will email you before that time (if you have an MCC Email Account). I'm looking forward to a fun and informative semester. I hope you are too!

Deb Fells
MCC CIS Faculty, Business and Information Systerms Department