To: Information Systems Evaluation (CIS 675) Students
From: Roxanne Hiltz
Date: January 2006

I am happy to have this opportunity to welcome you to an ACCESS NJIT section of the course.
Our class Webboard is now open ( as of December 20) , and you will find the syllabus and a request to introduce yourself, posted there so you can easily find it during the semester.

This course will be taught via a combination of the "Virtual Classroom" on the WebBoard conferencing system and CD roms of lectures, which we were recently updated. By Virtual Classroom, I mean that our discussions and homework will be done together online; it is essential that you obtain an account if you do not already have one. Please sign into the conference by Tuesday January 17, at the very latest, and begin participating there.

Here is how to obtain an account: Go to http://webboard.njit.edu
Students can generate accounts by themselves from this link. Scoll to CIS675-Hiltz if you already have a webboard account, and click on it to enter the first conference. If you are new to webboard, scan right to the Account column, and click "Need." Your login and password will be confirmed via an email message to the address you supply. (You need to then log in and use it within 24 hours, or it will expire.)

To use this system and to visit some web pages we will be using, you will need a PC running a web browser, an email account (which you can get separately from NJIT if you do not already have one), a modem, and an Internet Service Provider to access NJIT through the Internet.

The first day of "class" will be Tuesday January 17, but the class conference will be up at least a week before this if you can get an early start. You should be able to figure out how to use the system from the online help.

I am scheduling an optional but encouraged "synchronous chat" session to be on "live" with whomever in the class wants to join us to talk about the course, get to know each other, exchange what we have figured out about how to use WebBoard, etc. This will be on Tuesday December 17 from about 8 to 9 pm (Eastern Standard TimeWe'll see if there is enough interest to repeat this optional synchronous get-together again later in the semester.

Once the course begins, you will be expected to logon at least three times a week, and preferably more often; this is just like "attending class" regularly, only you pick the times each week to participate! I may see you a few times during this course: for the midterm, and the second exam (if you take an on campus proctored exam; if you make other arrangements, I may not see you at all) . However, from the first day of the class on, I will be available to you online on a pretty much daily basis.

If you are going to need a proctor rather than being able to attend the face to face proctored exam, please file a form very early in the semester, through the DL web site.
If for some reason you wish to talk to me rather than send a message, my office is Information Technologies building, 4104 Infotech, corner of Central and Lock. See the office hours on the syllabus, or look at my calendar and email me for possible appointments on other days or times shown there as 'on campus and available for appointments" but not yet taken. (http://calendar.yahoo.com/roxanne_hiltz); I am usually on campus and available by appointment on Wednesdays, as well as Monday evenings. The telephone number is 973-596-3388. However, I am seldom in my office except during scheduled office hours- please use email (Hiltz@njit.edu) .

All of the required readings are included on the syllabus. There will be an assignment every week or two which will be done online; the exact details and due dates will generally be posted at least a week ahead of time. Be sure to order your book and CD roms ( or download streaming video) and gather your readings from digital library sources, well ahead of time.

ACTION SUMMARY
1. Make sure you have all the hardware and software you need to access the WebBoard system, and a working email account.
2. Obtain a Webboard account and access the welcome conference and introduce yourself there.
3. Try to participate in the synchronous chat-orientation sessions, Tuesday January 17 8 pm, especially if you have not used webboard before.
4. Download and print digital readings from the DL or course web site (on my home page:- http://is.njit.edu/Hiltz) , get the Powerpoint plus audio lectures on CD rom or by downloading, fill out proctor nomination form for DL if you cannot take your exams on an NJIT campus site. (usually, anybody who lives or works within 50 miles is expected to take an on campus exam).

If you take care of all these logistics before the class begins, everything should run smoothly. It is important to get a good start and not fall behind. Best wishes for an enjoyable semester! I look forward to "seeing" you online.

Starr Roxanne Hiltz, Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor,
Computer and Information Science