Class Information

One of my students asked me a question about the core classes. And while it's not absolutely vital information, I think it's a great thing to discuss and expand on, and make sure other new students are aware of it. Depending on what classes you've signed up for in the coming semester, you may or may not be taking LIBR 202. This class will require you to create a database, and you will be doing so as part of a group. Don't panic! Read through this post and check through the pages I mention if you wish to get more information.

Back when I took 202, the database program we used was called DBTextWorks, and it was one that we had to install on our computer. Since then, it seems that the program has switched to WebData Pro, a web-based system. So, fellow students, you won't need to worry about installing a new program on your computer for class. If you want to get a head start and find out more about WebData Pro, you can start with the tutorials provided on the department website: http://slisapps.sjsu.edu/libr202/webdatapro/tutorial.html. This is also the page you'll need to go to in order to get technical support for any issues with WebData Pro (the technical support form is at the bottom of the list), so I recommend bookmarking the page just in case.

The student also asked about system requirements. You can check the requirements outlined by the school here. My student asked if all of the requirements on the page are actually necessary. Well, yes and no. The official policy is that yes, students do need to have a computer that fulfills all the requirements listed on this page. In my experience, some of the items can be fudged a little. For example, I have yet to come across a class where a CD/DVD drive was needed (although that's not to say they don't exist). And I don't know that you'll need the RAM noted on the page (slightly lower would still work). Things that you will for sure need: an Internet connection, speakers and a microphone for Collaborate sessions, a printer (if you're like me and like to print out articles to review or papers to edit and revise), and storage and back-up storage for all your course files. Most computers that you would buy now have everything and more than is listed on the system requirements. But don't feel like you have to go out and buy a new computer if you have one that's two years old or less. To give you some perspective, my three-year-old laptop can still handle everything flawlessly. So the requirements are not unreasonable.

I would also like to point out briefly the software requirements as well. Yes, Microsoft Office is a requirement. Yes, instructors will require submissions to be specific file types, so Microsoft Works will not--ahem--work. I know, it does mean more money that you have to spend on school costs; but you can use student loans to help since it is required for your academic program, and discounted pricing is available for students (see the Microsoft Office and Pricing page for more information).

And if you're wondering what kind of group work you'll have to do and what your weekly assignments might be, check the course syllabus. There are two things you'll want to keep in mind with syllabi: 1) Be sure you're looking at the syllabus for the section you have registered for because different sections can have different syllabi and 2) Keep in mind that the syllabus may not have every detail on it. You'll get all the details about everything on the first day of class, but if you really want to find out ahead of time you can always email your instructor and ask him/her if they can provide more information on what you can expect. You can check the course syllabus page for any classes you signed up for this semester, not just 202.

I hope this information helps! You can ask more questions about the classes here or contact me through D2L, email, or Bb IM.