Would you like to take an online course, but cannot afford to purchase a computer and/or the required software? Or, perhaps you have the computer and/or the software, but you simply need help with your online assignments.
The Business and Information Technologies Division has a solution for you!
What is the Computer Flex Center?
In January 2003, the Computer Flex Center first opened its doors to students in computer applications and office systems courses.
The Computer Flex Center, CFC, has three main goals.
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To provide a flexible alternative delivery system—open-entry (OE) enrollment through the first four weeks of classes during the fall and spring semesters.
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To allow a physical location with needed hardware and software where students go to complete their open-entry course(s).
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To offer assistance to students with the help of a “live” flex center staff person.
In addition to providing the technology and live assistance, the Computer Flex Center, CFC, also provides a flexible enrollment option. You may enroll in CFC courses through the first 4 weeks of the semester. However, you must complete all your work by the end of the current semester.
Class assignments, activities, discussions, quizzes, and tests are provided in the Blackboard course management software platform. You will be assigned an “instructor of record” for each of your courses. Your instructor will grade your assignments and answer any of your questions. Additionally, you can visit the CFC to have CFC staff, who are also instructors, assist you.
Since each of the courses is offered online, students can work on assignments off-campus as it fits their schedules. Most courses have a weekly schedule for students to follow; however, the format is flexible in that they could complete all 16 weeks during one or two weeks of the semester if the instructor makes all the content available--this is an option for any online course I teach.
Assignments are simply placed in the Digital Drop Box of their specific course and graded by the instructors-of-record. Final course grades are assigned at the end of the semester and are posted to the student's Web Advisor account--not mailed home!
Where is the Computer Flex Center Located?
The Computer Flex Center is located in Logan 1140, on the main campus.
The phone number is 217.786.9102.
When is the Computer Flex Center Open?
The CFC provides a "live" person able to assist you with your CFC courses from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday when the college is in session. Additionally, there are lots of workstations for you to use.
The Computer Flex Center has one full-time coordinator, Joey Rees, and a staff of four or five part-time instructors who assist in answering the questions of CFC walk-in students and of those working off-campus who call in or email. Additionally, there are classroom teachers who manage the flex center courses and serve as the instructor-of-record.
During hours of operation, a CFC instructor can be reached by telephone at 217.786.9102.
Please remember, the CFC instructors are not there to provide you with step-by-step assistance. You must take responsibility for your own learning and make honest attempts to do the work on your own. The CFC instructors can help you when you get stuck on a particular item.
How Do I Enroll in a Computer Flex Center Course?
Visit the nearest LLCC campus and go to Registion to enroll in an open-entry Computer Flex Center course. Registration on our main campus on Shepherd Road is located at the front of Menard Hall on the first floor.
While at Registration, be sure to purchase your copy of Office 2007 and the operating system, should you need it for your classes. Any LLCC student can purchase one copy each of Office 2007 and the operating system for a substantially-discounted rate.
Save the registration form and bring it to your orientation session because it contains information that will be used during the orientation session.
Once you have registered for the course, you can purchase your textbooks from the LLCC Bookstore, located in the lower level of Menard Hall. Be sure to bring your book(s) and materials with you to your orientation session.
What is the Computer Flex Center Orientation Session?
Students in my classes are required to visit the CFC a minimum of one time each semester for an orientation session--whether or not you have taken previous CFC classes with me.
During the orientation session, students are provided with a “Getting Started” sheet that provides a quick overview of course requirements—including directions for accessing software and Web sites requiring passwords.
Be sure you know where to find: 1) your syllabus, 2) your software for the course, 3) required files for the assignments, and 4) assignment sheets before you leave your orientation session.
In Christie's classes, there is homework during the first week.
You will receive a letter in the mail from the CFC advising you of the orientation schedule prior to the start of the semester. There are specific times for the orientation sessions held during the first two weeks of the semester...please visit during the orientation scheduled for your class.
Students are also given an overview of the variety of services provided by the center.
Please make the most of your orientation session. Arrive on time. Your orientation will be held in Logan Hall 1140...located on the south side of the main campus.
Please bring your registration form, your textbook(s), any software and materials provided with your textbook, etc.
Also, bring a 3-ring binder with dividers so you can begin getting organized for your class. You'll want to have a spot in the front for your syllabus that you can reference on a weekly basis to know what assignments are due.
It's also suggested for Christie's classes that you create tabs in your 3-ring binder according to the links shown at the left of the course once you are in your Blackboard course (i.e. Syllabus and More, Getting Started Documents, Assignments/Homework, etc.).
It is important for you to know where to look for items for your course.
What CFC Classes Can I Take?
Do you like to use the computer and to work independently? Are you self-motivated, organized, good at meeting deadlines, and able to read and to follow directions on your own? If so, you may want to consider taking any of the Computer Flex Center courses.
For a complete listing of Computer Flex Center courses, please visit http://www.llcc.edu/bstc/ComputerFlexCenter/tabid/3429/Default.aspx.
For additional information on the COS and CAS applications courses please contact Mrs. Christie Hovey at christie.hovey@llcc.edu (office phone 217.786.4943). You may also visit her Web site at www.llcc.edu/chovey to view current and/or past syllabi.
Other full-time instructors teaching courses through the Computer Flex Center include:
Additionally, if you are interested in taking a proficiency exam in any of these courses, please see the college catalog for more information on proficiency exams prior to contacting the instructor regarding the respective courses.
If you enjoy taking classes through our Computer Flex Center, you may also want to check out our complete listing of online courses offered through the Business and Technologies Division.