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Frequently Asked Questions 

  1. What is Computer Keyboarding Online and how do I get started?

  2. How can I communicate with my instructor?

  3. What is an online class?

  4. Will I be successful in an online class?

  5. Do I need my own computer and software, and if so, what kind?

  6. Do I need Microsoft Word to take this course and when will I need it?

  7. What supplies do I need?

  8. What is the difference between Computer Keyboarding 1 and 2?

  9. How do I enroll and how much does it cost?

  10. May I enroll late, and what are the deadlines to add and drop?

  11. Must I take Computer Keyboarding 1 before Computer Keyboarding 2?

  12. Will I need to come to LACC to complete any part of this course?  

  13. What do former students say about this course?

  14. How do I get technical help with the GDP software?

  15. How do I delete files from a floppy disk or my hard drive?

  16. Where can I find a list of corrections for the textbook and software?

  17. How do I uninstall GDP?

  18. Can use GDP to work in two different locations?

  19. I'm an out-of-town student. Can I still take Computer Keyboarding Online?

1. What is Computer Keyboarding Online and how do I get started?

View "Orientation to Keyboarding Online"

This presentation will help you get started and answer questions you might have. You are required to watch it either at home or in our labs.

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To view "Orientation to Keyboarding Online," click here. This PowerPoint presentation may take a few minutes to start. But once it starts, it plays quickly. Read each slide and the information in the note pane below it.

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After you view this, go to the Getting Started page and follow all the steps to begin this course.

2. How can I communicate with my instructor?

E-mail morimocs@lacitycollege.edu  
Voice Mail  323-953-4000, Ext. 2902. Leave a voice mail message. It will be e-mailed to me immediately or call during office hours to speak to me in person.
Office Hours Da Vinci Hall, Room 207C, Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m and 2:30-3:30 p.m., Fridays 1-2 p.m.; E-office hours in Etudes will be announced at the orientation meeting. E-mail messages are checked frequently and responded to in a timely manner. For your convenience, it's best to make an appointment for in-person office hours so that we won't miss each other.
Teaching Schedule
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CAOT 1, Computer Keyboarding 1; Da Vinci Hall 204; 9-2:20, F

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CAOT 1, Computer Keyboarding 1 Online

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CAOT 84, Word 2007 Online

Address Computer Applications and Office Technologies Department
Los Angeles City College
855 N. Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90029

3. What is an online class? 

This course is delivered to you electronically via this Web site, e-mail, and special keyboarding course software (GDP). If you have your own computer, you can complete your work at your convenience anytime, day or night as long as you follow deadlines. If you don't have your own computer, you can use the computers in the Computer Applications and Office Technologies labs in Da Vinci Hall 202, 203, 204, and 205 during open lab hours or in the All-College Computer Lab. You will be required to come on campus about five times during the semester for testing.

Do you believe any of the "10 Myths About Online Education" you see listed below?  If so, click a video or text hyperlink below so that you will be realistic about what to expect in an online course.

Note: Special thanks go to Cathryn Smith, a professor in English and Philosophy at Monroe Community College for giving me permission to use these video links.

10 Myths About Online Education

Myth 1 – I can work anytime, anywhere, no deadlines. Video Text
Myth 2 – I can cram all my work into one session. Video Text
Myth 3 – Online courses are easier credits—you don't work as hard. Video Text
Myth 4 – Online courses don't have any dates you have to follow. Video Text
Myth 5 – If my computer breaks, it's OK if I turn in my work late. Video Text
Myth 6 – The college will provide me with a computer. Video Text
Myth 7 – I don't know much about computers, so I'll learn as I go. Video Text
Myth 8 – I can remain anonymous because I don't see anyone. Video Text
Myth 9 – I can procrastinate—it doesn't matter when I do my work. Video Text
Myth 10 – I won't get personal attention from my professor. Video Text

4. Will I be successful in an online class?

If you can answer "yes" to all of these questions, you have an excellent chance at being successful in an online class. Click here to take a quick test "Are You Likely to Succeed in an Online Course."

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Do you know how you learn best, and is your learning style compatible with an online course? Click here to take a longer test to identify your learning style.

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Are you a self-starter and disciplined enough to stay on schedule, read and answer your e-mail, and communicate with me on a regular basis?

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Do you have the technical skills listed below? Click here to complete the Technical Skills Tutorial.

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Do you have the appropriate hardware and software at home or at work? If not, can you come on campus to use one of the computers in the Computer Applications and Office Technologies labs in Da Vinci Hall 203 and 205 (or DH 202 and 204) during open lab hours or in the All-College Computer Lab. (Note: If you are working in the ACCL, use the password gdpcaot to launch GDP from the ACCL menu.)

If you believe one or more of of The 10 Myths About Online Education and have unrealistic expectations about online courses, you are NOT likely to complete Computer Keyboarding Online successfully. The most common reasons for students NOT completing the course are:
 

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Discipline: They didn't set a firm, regular schedule to complete class assignments and stick to it.

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Time Management: They thought online courses required less time and were easier than a traditional course. Therefore, they couldn't manage family, work, and the class simultaneously.

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Computer Skills: They lacked basic computer skills.

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Learning Style: They needed to work face-to-face with a teacher to learn.

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Finances: They didn't have enough money for books or software.

5. Do I need my own computer and software, and if so, what kind?

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If you want to take Computer Keyboarding Online from your home or office, you must have the hardware and software listed below. 
  

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If you don't have a computer, you can take the class on campus using the computers in the Computer Applications and Office Technologies labs in Da Vinci Hall 203, 205, 202, or 204 during open lab hours or in the All-College Computer Lab.
  
Note: Open lab hours are tentative and can be changed at any time due to staffing, equipment, etc. If you choose to take this class by working on campus, it is your responsibility to work around the available lab hours. 
 

System Requirements: Your computer must meet these minimum specifications:

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PC with a Pentium II or higher CPU, provided that they meet the other requirements below. (GDP software is not compatible with a Mac.)

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16 Mb RAM for Windows 98 systems; 32 Mb RAM for Windows NT, 2000, and Me systems; 128 Mb RAM required for Windows XP systems (64 Mb may be sufficient)

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Hard disk drive.

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CD-ROM drive (8X or faster) to install the program.

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Graphics adapter-sVGA or higher; 800 x 600, True Color (24-bit or 32-bit) or High Color (16-bit) modes.

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sVGA color monitor.

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Modem or some type of reliable Internet connection. A cable modem or DSL is recommended but not required.  

Software: You must have the software listed here installed on your computer.

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GDP Home Version Software for Gregg College Keyboarding & Document Processing for Windows, 10th Edition, Lessons 1-120, For Home Use. This software (hereafter known as GDP) is included with the textbook.

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Microsoft Word 2007 for document processing. Click here for details.

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Microsoft Windows 98, Me, NT 4.0, 2000, or XP. The specific releases are Windows 98, Second Edition, Service Pack 1.0; Windows NT Workstation 4.0, Service Pack 6.0; Windows 2000 Professional, Service Pack 2.0; Windows XP, Service Pack 2.0

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Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or Netscape Navigator 7.0.

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An e-mail account is required. Click here to see how to get free e-mail.

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An updated virus software program. Click here for information on virus software.

6. Do I need Microsoft Word 2007 to take this course and when will I need it?

Yes—you will either need to have Word 2007 on your home computer or complete your documents at a second location (work, for example) that has Word 2007 and GDP. Both Word 2007 and the GDP program must be installed on the same computer.  You will need it when you begin typing practice exercises and documents when you reach Lesson 21.

"Orientation to Word Processing" will help you understand how and when you will need Word. To view "Orientation to Word Processing" click here. This PowerPoint presentation may take a few minutes to start. If you want to print this presentation, right-click the desired link and choose Print Target.

If you don't have Word 2007 at home:

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Microsoft offers free 60-day Office Standard Edition 2007 Trial Software that includes Word 2007. Trial versions contain all the functionality of the regular version, but can only be used for a limited time. After the trial expires, the software goes into reduced functionality mode. You continue to view and print files, but you cannot modify existing files or create and save new ones. Click here for details and download. If you don't have a broadband Internet connection, click here to order a free CD. When the trial version ends, you should qualify for the Office Student and Teacher Edition 2007 at a reduced price. click here for details.
 

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Go to the Foundation for California Community Colleges at http://www.journeyed.com/homeSelect.asp?SKW=FCCCHOME, which sells a variety of software packages greatly discounted for students.

Note: When you enroll in any class at LACC, you are automatically assigned an e-mail account, which you will need to order your software. Click here for information on your LACC academic e-mail account.
 

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You could also complete your skillbuilding from home, come to our labs at LACC during open lab hours; launch GDP in a CAOT lab; log-on using the same name, e-mail address, and password you used at home; complete the Word documents; and use Upload to upload your work to me. To take your new work back with you to your second location, use Export, save the file to a disk, move to your second location, and use Import to import your work to the second location.
 

bullet It is your sole responsibility to be prepared to take and pass all tests based on Word 2007! If you decide to use Word 2003, you will be held solely responsible for adjusting to any differences. Please be forewarned that there are significanct differences in the desktop appearance of Word 2007.  If you decide to use Word 2003, from the GDP menu, click Options, Settings. From the Settings dialog box, under Word Processor, check Use Microsoft Word 2003. The path in the Path for Microsoft Word box will change automatically and should point to the directory where Word 2003 was installed. If you installed Word 2003 to a different place other than the default location, you must click Browse and find the file WINWORD.EXE yourself. Click Save and re-launch GDP (exit GDP and open GDP again).
 
   
  Word 2007 Settings. You must have Word installed to do any practice exercises or Word documents. If you see the message at the left, click Options, Settings; under Word Processor, click the button for your Word version; click Save. If you installed Word 2007 elsewhere, click Browse and find WINWORD.EXE. If you have another version, click the appropriate button.

If you still have trouble, call the software hotline for technical support at 800-331-5094 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. If you don't have Word, you need to buy it and install it (see FAQ 6 for help on this) or, in the alternative, come to our CAOT labs and work on your documents there during open lab hours.

7. What supplies do I need?

Click here to see what supplies you need.

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Any LACC faculty or staff members who enroll in Computer Keyboarding Online are eligible to receive full reimbursement for both tuition and books. Forms are available in the President's office for a portion of the reimbursement. The remaining fees will be reimbursed through Staff Development. Contact Staff Development for details.

8. What is the difference between Computer Keyboarding 1 and 2?

Computer Keyboarding 1 Online is a full-semester, 3-unit course delivered online via the Internet, e-mail, and special course software. You will learn to type by touch and will also learn the basic features of Word 2007 in order to produce mailable documents such as letters, tables, reports, and memos.

Computer Keyboarding 2 is a full-semester, 3-unit course delivered traditionally on campus. To enter the course, you should have the ability to type 30 w.p.m. If you are successful, your minimum speed at end of course should be 40 w.p.m. accurately by touch. You will build keyboarding speed and accuracy; and you will produce mailable advanced letters, tables, reports, memos, and desktop published documents using Microsoft Word 2007.

If you do not type at all or do not type by touch, you should enroll in CAOT 1. If you type 20 w.p.m. and want only to improve speed and accuracy, you may enroll in CAOT 9, Computer Keyboarding Improvement, which has no document processing. Students who type accurately at 30 w.p.m. may enroll in CAOT 2, Computer Keyboarding 2.

9. How do I enroll and how much does it cost?

There are several convenient ways to enroll—telephone registration (STEP—Student Telephone Enrollment Program), online, or in person. Go to the LACC home page at http://www.lacitycollege.edu/ and click on links for how to enroll or click here.

LACC charges low enrollment fees. Fees change, so check with Admissions for fees for California residents. Foreign students with F-1 visas or out-of-state students pay additional non-resident fees.

Any LACC faculty or staff members who enroll in Computer Keyboarding Online are eligible to receive full reimbursement for both tuition and books. Forms are available in the President's office for a portion of the reimbursement. The remaining fees will be reimbursed through Staff Development. Contact Staff Development for details.

10. May I enroll late, and what are the deadlines to add and drop?

You may add after the first day of class with my approval as long as you are willing to put in extra time to stay on schedule with the lessons and tests as assigned. 

Drop Policy, LACC Schedule of Classes: "It is the student's responsibility to drop a class no longer being attended. Failure to drop a class in a timely manner may result in a "W" or an "F" on your academic record." "The student agrees to be familiar with the information in the college catalog and schedule of classes, and know and observe all policies and procedures related to the program of study being pursued."

Note: It is your responsibility to verify all dates with Admissions as they are subject to change!

Fall Semester 2008
Important Add/Drop/Withdrawal Dates

bulletFirst Day of Class is Tuesday, September 2.
bulletLast Day to Add is Saturday, September 12.
bulletLast Day to Drop Without "W" is Friday, September 26 or via STEP, Sunday, September 28.
bulletLast Day to file for Credit/No Credit is Friday, September 26.
bulletLast Day to Drop With "W" is Wednesday, November 19 or via STEP, Sunday, November 23.
 

Note: All students who receive federal financial aid and totally withdraw from all classes will have to repay some of the federal funds received prior to withdrawal. Contact the Financial Aid Office for details.  

11. Must I take Computer Keyboarding 1 before Computer Keyboarding 2?

No. If you can type at least 30 wpm with accuracy and are experienced in operating a computer, you may go on to Computer Keyboarding 2. It is, however, highly recommended that you take Computer Keyboarding 1 before Computer Keyboarding 2 in order to learn the basics of formatting letters, tables, reports, and memos using Word 2007.

12. Will I need to come to LACC to complete any part of this course? 

You will be required to come to campus for an orientation meeting during the first week of the semester, a technique check, and testing (3-4 times) and must work your schedule around your instructor's available hours and those of the CAOT instructional assistants. (Out-of-town students will need to make arrangements for a proctor to supervise all exams. Click here to see the Student/Proctor Agreement Form for details.) 

Orientation: We will meet on campus for a mandatory in-person orientation session during the first or second week of the semester; check the Schedule of Classes for the specific date.  I normally send a reminder email with details when you submit the Questionnaire.  If you wish to preview a part of the presentation, click here to view "Orientation to Keyboarding Online."

Technique Check: You will need to see me in person to take a test called a technique check about Week 3 of the semester.

Testing: You will also need to come three times beginning about Week 8 and the final week of the semester for testing on campus with one of the Instructional Assistants or your instructor.  See the Assignments pages for details. E-mail or call one of these instructional assistants to schedule a testing appointment Monday through Friday:
 

bulletLinda Motonaga, caotdept@yahoo.com, 323-953-4000, Ext. 2906, , DH 204, M-F, 7:30-4 p.m.
bulletDavid Janvelyan, janveld@lacitycollege.edu, 323-953-4000, Ext. 2913, M-Th, 4-7:30 p.m.
bulletDavid Coleman, davidccaot@aol.com, 323-953-4000, Ext. 2908, DH 202, 203, or 205, M-F, 7:30-4 p.m.

13. What do former students say about this course?

I want to thank you for your help and support throughout the semester and for teaching a wonderful class. I hated the embarrassment that not being able to type by touch used to cause for me. Now I can do it and feel SO much better about myself. Also, I got a chance to learn some neat shortcuts on Word and learn new features that have made me more efficient at work and when doing my homework. Thank you very much!! I would highly recommend your course to everyone. The time put in was completely worth it.

Thank you for wonderful class. I really enjoyed it. Since I learned how to type, my life got better because I can spend half of the time [I used to] on my homework and have a beautiful typed paper to hand in.

I am interested in enrolling in your beginning keyboarding class . . . I realize I am a few days behind everyone that started earlier this week, but I am willing to work extra hard to make up anything I have missed . . . I am a flight attendant . . . working on my bachelor's and it is challenging for me to find classes that I am interested in that also work with my active schedule.

I thought taking an online course would be an easy way for me to get back into the groove of going to school without being overwhelmed by the actual classroom setting. I feel that I got more out of this class because I was able to have the one-on-one contact with you. If there was a problem or question, you were very quick at responding, which helped a lot. Thank you for making this new transition a smooth one.

I have successfully loaded the software and also printed the assignment sheet. I have been navigating through the program and played [the] tennis [game] too . . . For now I want to work on this week's goals . . . Thank you, this is really fun for me.

This was one of the most practical courses that I have ever taken. It builds confidence, speed, and eye hand coordination. I am amazed at my speed. Before I could only type 15 wpm. Now it's almost 40. This course has taken me from writing a report from days to just hours. It was really nice to have a teacher like Ms. [Zimmerly] who was always ready to answer my questions at any time. Thank you.

I feel that this course really helped me overcome my lack of keyboard confidence. I can now type without looking at the keys.

Thanks for your time and energy in teaching this class. I really enjoyed the class and it [fit] my schedule perfectly. [If an online course had not been available, I would not [have been] able to [take a keyboarding course]. Thanks again.

Thank you so much for making my first semester in college so enjoyable.

Thank you for your help. You were always there to help me when a problem arose. It was a very interesting and helpful course. I gained a lot from this course which
I will always use.

Thank you for teaching me. I really enjoyed this class. I used to work with a computer for a long time, but I realized that I had a bad habit using incorrect fingers through this class. Now I can type with correct fingers. Again, thank you for supporting me. I'm looking forward to seeing you in another class.

Taking this class was one of my best choices this year. I learned a lot. Thank you. It's sad to know that such a terrific online class [Keyboarding 2 Online] is cancelled due to budget cuts.

I really enjoyed this class. I was comfortable about doing work smoothly because I could get [a] response quickly from you. Even though I couldn't meet you like [in] a regular class, I could feel you were here and supporting me. I could finish this course without any inconvenience . . . Thank you.

Here are some common misconceptions from former students about Computer Keyboarding Online:

I had taken a distance education class before so I knew what to expect. An online course is not an easy extra credit course. It demands more self-discipline and time than regular on-campus classes. There is more contact with the professor, [and it is] easier to ask questions. Feedback [is] quick. However, one thing I didn't expect much from is the Keyboarding Talk and I was wrong. It was a good way of knowing who my classmates were and how they were doing and what they think and know about this course. I didn't feel like I was alone.

The biggest misconception [I had] about taking an online course was the kind of help I thought I would be receiving when I needed immediate assistance on a particular assignment. I thought that I would not get that help or assistance in a timely manner, but with the help of [Professor] Zimmerly, I did.

I think the [biggest] misconception is that [students don't] learn enough from an online course. I think not. I did learn a lot and received plenty of help when I asked for it.

I thought it was just typing, but it's more than that. It's not just learning the keyboard but all the documents and language skills that you need to process.

I learned more than keyboarding. Definitely know your computer basics. I remember it was one of the things mentioned in the orientation in class. Be ready to work at a fast pace and don't lag behind and try to play catch-up.

My advice is to be prepared to work on a daily basis. This class has a lot of assignments.

I think that the book, the lessons, the pace, the information was very well paced. Directions were always clear. If you had questions or problems, you were given help. It was a comprehensive and very important class for anyone who has a computer and lives in this world today—basic but important. There was a lot of flexibility in taking the tests which was very important with my work schedule.

Keyboarding is very important in every occupation. The textbook has clear directions, and the reference manual is very helpful. Personally, the Language Arts lessons help me to improve my English.

My biggest misconception was the amount of time it would require. I had no idea how long it would take to do it all. Pace yourself. Make time for the course and do not leave all the work to do at the last minute. It is a lot of work and if you do not have the time or the patience, don't bother.

Here is some advice from former students about Computer Keyboarding Online:

The most important thing is to stay on schedule. Once you're behind, it's hard to catch up and then you end up giving up . . .  [Also,] distribute your time evenly throughout the week. I could [see] a big difference in typing skill improvement when I [jammed] all the skillbuilding into one day [instead of taking] several days to practice.

First, [you] must be serious about the course, and if [you] work well without supervision, this course is great. If [you] need [constant guidance] and to be pushed to work, this course isn't for [you]. Also, if you're very busy and unable to find a class [that fits your] schedule, an online course is perfect. I am a night owl so this was great for me. I could work late late hours and at my own pace.

Here are some general comments about online courses:

I learned something about myself with this online course. It was convenient [and I could] work at my own pace. I learned to be more organized and to motivate myself to work. We need more courses offered online. There are so many students who are working or are parents and [have a scheduling conflict]. [An] online course [is always] available to the busy student [so that] they can keep up with their requirements.

14. How do I get technical help with the GDP software?

If you need technical support, contact the software hotline at  800-331-5094 (new number) from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Their e-mail address is techsup@mcgraw-hill.com. For basic information or answers to frequently asked questions, visit their Web site at www.epgtech.com.

15. How do I delete files from a floppy disk or my hard drive?

bulletIf you are storing your work on a floppy disk and you are getting warnings that the disk is becoming full, it is time to delete some files from your data disk.

To delete files, do this:

  1. Click File, Delete Files. In the Delete Files window, you will see the names and sizes of your files. 

  1. Click the Delete Language Arts and Skillbuilding Files check box to delete all language arts and skillbuilding files, which are stored within the *.DRP files.
  2. Click the Delete Word Processing Files check box to select and delete all the Word files. Each Word document is stored in a separate *.DOC file, and these Word files take up the most space on your disk. If you want to save any Word files, hold down the Ctrl key while you click on selected file name to deselect it.
  3. Click the Delete button to delete the selected file(s).
  4. In the Confirm dialog box, click Yes to confirm each file deletion individually or click Yes to All to delete all files at once. Click No to save the selected file from being deleted. Click Cancel to save all selected files and return to the Delete Files dialog box. Then click Cancel again to exit this function.

Note: When Delete Files is used, just your text is deleted. Scores for deleted text files will be retained on your Summary Report, but you will not be able to get Detailed Reports for deleted files. In the Student Portfolio, the * preceding the Date column is removed for all deleted exercises.

 

17. How do I uninstall GDP?

You will need to delete all files and directories created by GDP. Assuming you installed it with the default directories, here is what you do:

  1. Open Windows Explorer—right-click the Windows Start button, and click Explore.

  2. Browse to the C:\GDPHome directory (or the directory where you installed GDP), right-click the directory and click Delete.

  3. To delete the data files also, browse to the C:\GDPData directory (or the directory where you store your student data), right-click the directory and click Delete.

If you want to delete any shortcuts or the program group, do this:

  1. On the Windows desktop, delete any shortcut you might have copied here. Right-click the shortcut and click Delete.

  2. Click the Windows Start button, Programs; right-click Irwin Keyboarding and click Delete.

18. Can I use GDP to work from two different locations?

Yes. Click here to view a presentation with complete steps and screen shots.

19. I'm an out-of-town student. Can I still take Computer Keyboarding Online?

Here is what you can do to take Computer Keyboarding Online at a distance:

  1. You must first apply for admission before you can add any class. Click here to complete the application online.
     

  2. After you complete the online application, mail or FAX the signature page to City College.
     

  3. Click here for information on how to enroll.
     

  4. Next, you must find a proctor who is a keyboarding instructor at any community college near you to supervise all exams and administer a technique check. Click here to see the Student/Proctor Agreement Form for details. 
     

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IMWS | Student Web Site | Student Upload | CAOT | LACC  | CAOT 1 Online | CAOT 112, Web Page Design

 

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This Web site and its entire contents are © 2007 [Arlene Zimmerly] and may not be reproduced in any form without prior written permission. All rights reserved. Best viewed in Microsoft Internet Explorer, 1024 x 768 resolution. Revised September 03, 2008.

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Thank you to Professor Arlene Zimmerly who has graciously allowed the use of this Web site by Mrs. Morimoto and her students beginning Fall 2007.