Based on class suggestions we make the following changes in class structure (edit 4/13/05 1:00pm):
We were not able to accommodate all suggestions but did make as many changes as possible within the goals of the class.  Thanks for your suggestions.

I  Change the times alloted to class tasks to allow for discussion of homework and starting homework

     A. 30 minutes--Start quiz at beginning of class (S1 9:30, S2 12:30)
(a)  Class members start vocabulary quiz. When finished start the computer quiz which will be on Transfer or on the Ramon's web page if Transfer is down.
(b)  All students print their computer quiz after 30 minutes.  No quiz can be printed late. (Ramon picks up quizzes from the printer)

     B. 30 minutes (S1 10:00, S2 1:00)
          (a)  Ramon chooses class members to answer/demonstrate the computer quiz questions
          (b)  Ramon discusses the homework and gives hints or demos about difficult parts

     D.  20 minutes (S1 10:30, S2 1:30)--until end of class
           (a) Class works in groups start their homework assignment--instructor visits each group and answers questions about the homework
           (b) Class members print their homework for the last class during this time. 
               Make sure names are on each page of homework as a header (Word), a cell (Excel), First slide (Power point), etc.

II Office hours:  To have help available for the most students for each assignment we have the following:
MW 3:30 - 4:30 Rolando available in Library basement study room
F 8:00 - 2:00 Ramon available at help desk main user room in library
If you are not able to see the instructional staff during those times, email them to arrange another time.

III  Grades:
A. We are trying to print homework and quizzes so that they can be handed back within 1 week.   Papers will be placed on the table by the door to be picked up when leaving class.  If you have questions about your homework or quiz grade please ask after class or during Ramon's office hours so that class time can be focused on things that are important for the whole class.

B. Our goal is to have everyone become competent computer users and be familiar with the major applications they may need in their current and future classes as well as their career.  Most important is the development of skills that facilitate the ability to solve problems and figure out new applications they may need in the future. We cannot get more units for the class but we can modify the grading system.
Current grading system
(a) Attendance counts 1 1/2 point each day (2 excused)
(b) Homework counts 1 1/2 points each (late 1 class looses 1/2 point)
(b) The average for Quizzes, Midterm and Final  is curved
        15% A (90-95)
        35% B (82--88)
        35% C (72- 78)
        15%  D (62-68)
Class grade is determined by subtracting lost points from attendance and homework from the quiz, Mt and Final average

Example:
               Quiz average                 70
                Midterm                       80
                Final                             90

Missed classes 3                    -1 1/2
Homework(Late or incomplete)    -3
                   CLASS GRADE   75.5   B

 Proposed grading system
(a) Attendance counts 2 points each day (2 excused)
(b) Homework counts 2 points each (late 1 class looses 1 point)
(b) The average for Quizzes, Midterm and Final  is curved
          5% A (90-95)
        10% A-
        35% B+ (82--88)
        35% B (72- 78)
        10% B- (62-68)
          5% C+ (90-95)
Class grade is determined by subtracting lost points from attendance and homework from the quiz, Mt and Final average

Example:
               Quiz average                 80
                Midterm                       85
                Final                             90

Missed classes 3                           -2
Homework(Late or incomplete)     -3
                   CLASS GRADE         80 B