By Danilynn Welniak/reporter
Two types of people exist in the world: those who are afraid of technology and those who know that technology is the ultimate direction society is heading, the coordinator of the center for academic success told South Campus students Jan. 30.
Chris Carcerano taught students how to be successful in their classes using CampusCruiser through his interactive seminar sponsored by the center for academic success, he also emphasized how to be a successful person outside of college by using the Internet.
“Education is becoming more technologically oriented,” he said. “We are making students learn about [CampusCruiser] on top of their course content.”
CampusCruiser is the mainstream communication device for TCC students and faculty. Students who struggle with CampusCruiser tend to struggle in their classes, Carcerano said.
The e-mail network of CampusCruiser was a recurring topic. Every student needs to know the e-mail system and be able to use all aspects of it. Students have the ability to own two TCC addresses, through distance learning and CampusCruiser, while professors who teach distance learning classes have three.
It is important to know which address your professor prefers to be contacted on, and it is important to designate these addresses for the sole purpose of school and important e-mails, Carcerano said.
CampusCruiser allows successful communication between professors and students and students with their peers. Furthermore, to make this communication easier, the system is customizable to provide the specific needs of each student. Students can save important files, quickly access a Google search, get directions off MapQuest, see the local weather and organize their classes and grades — all on their personal CampusCruiser home page.
“Eventually, you will be able to link to any individual Web site you want from your CampusCruiser home page,” he said.
Carcerano explained the importance of keeping a distinction between one’s electronic persona and personal persona.
“Your electronic persona will tell more about you than any interview or face-to-face conversation,” he said. “Job interviewers and four-year universities will access your electronic persona through social networking sites.”
CaSoundra Brown, a South Campus student, said she had nothing but praises for Carcerano and his seminar.
“I’m not real strong with the computer setup, but this class helped me to feel more comfortable communicating with and understanding my professors,” she said. “Chris is so awesome in communicating every detail, and I appreciate that he will stop the class in order to help someone.”
