Computer Knowledge and Requirements

As a student in a hybrid course, you will need to have a computer with Internet access. It is recommended this access be home-based. Although there are a number computer labs, Internet Cafés and kiosks available for SMC students, being able to access sites and course information at home lends itself better to the process. The Fred L. Mathews Library Web site provides access to numerous online research resources. Some computer skills you should be familiar with are:

• The operating system on your computer whether it is Windows 98, 2000, XP or Macintosh
• The basics of opening, saving and sending files
• The basic concepts of file management on a computer
• Use of a Web browser such as Netscape or Internet Explorer
• Use of the SMC Wired portal, calendar and e-mail

SMC Wired

SMC Wired is a portal that you can use to stay in touch with your instructor and other class members. This web platform gives all students and staff the ability to check e-mail, view online course material and announcements, access personal and course calendars and explore the Internet from any computer with Internet access.

All students enrolled in an SMC course are given an SMC Wired account automatically. Your SMC Wired username and password are provided to you on the letter of acceptance you receive from Southwestern Michigan College when you apply for admissions. Please refer to that letter or check with the information center in the College Services Building at the Dowagiac campus or in the main office at the Niles Area Campus to obtain your account information.

Netiquette for Online Classes

What is Netiquette?

“Netiquette” is the term used to describe rules of courtesy in using electronic communication. These rules are intended to help use the medium effectively and considerately. The ideas below are intended to help with electronic class discussion.

• Remember that you are addressing a group. Even though you don’t see them, they will be reading. This means several things:
  • Don’t say things that you wouldn't say publicly.
  • Don’t address comments to individuals unless you want all to know.
  • Don’t share confidential information.
  • Read your message before you send it.
• Time is important to electronic communication users and long messages tie up modems, lab workstation use, and disk space. To keep messages short:
  • Include in your reply only that part of a previous message that is relevant.
  • Use the subject line to identify what the message is about.
  • Keep the length of your message reasonable. Use attachments for long citations.
  • Keep to the topic rather than introducing side issues or irrelevant postings.
  • Use individual e-mail for messages to individuals rather than tying up the group list.
• Access your electronic mail regularly and read through all the messages that have been posted before you reply.
• Because electronic communication does not show smiles and frowns, (other than the graphic kind), humor and sarcasm might be misunderstood. Use these carefully and employ good word choices so that your meaning comes through clearly.
• Avoid sending unkind messages.
• Aim for clarity and readability in your text. Paragraph often, avoid using only capital letters, and stay away from character symbols.
• Although electronic communication can be very informal, use good language, be clear in your message and spell check often.
• Put your name at the end of your message so that readers do not have to search through the header to determine the author. SMC Wired has a signature function which is available under Options that will automatically attach your name and whatever information you want to list.
• If something goes wrong with your e-mail address, deal with this quickly so not to inconvenience others.