Kicking off my twenty seventh year of teaching part-time in higher education, mostly at College of Southern Nevada (CSN), the most significant change this semester is this:
The Digital Literacy program has been disbanded and rolled under the Software program in the Computer Information Technology (CIT) Department.
Adapting to the aftermath of this change: (i) shortened the time window for my early outreach to the students before the semester officially began, (ii) delayed the drafting and publishing of this inaugural blog post, and (iii) gave me an opportunity help a new fellow adjunct faculty. As I walk through the coursework for the newcomer, my mind returns to the fundamentals :-)
All but two students who enrolled in IS101-3210, Fall 2025 before the semester began meeting with me via WebEx. Fifteen (15) students sent in their Bonus Quiz 1 – Syllabus. Earl, A'Marian, Andrew, Oliver, Audrey, Justin, and Andrea continuously fixed their BQ1 until they reached 100%, leaving a positive first impression on me. Nineteen (19) students attended the first classroom session yesterday morning. In less than a minute is the deadline for students to enroll in a class for the 16-week session.
As with previous semesters, our 16-week IS101 Introduction to Information Systems journey together will be marked by three phases:
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+++++Phase 1: Forming, Norming, Storming+++++
The first two or three weeks (grey section) are where students get their sea legs by setting up their accounts for organization and success, adapt/reacclimate to college schoolwork, and complete the essential skills for living online & computing concepts and common Microsoft Office skills.
The following several weeks (blue section) often elicit exclamations such as "I didn't know Microsoft Word can do this" and "So this is the way to do this properly".
Above average students continue their momentum from BQ1 and show up to the classroom early to challenge BQ2 through BQ6 and/or elevate their course grade at the end of the semester.
For almost all students, passing the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) MO-110 Word certification exam and earning their first digital literacy badge bring a sense of accomplishment and foreshadow future MOS Associates.
+++++Phase 2: Performing (Determined and Analytical)+++++
The next several weeks (green section) will force the cogs in their brain into overdrive, rotate students' thought process and perspective on their axis, and take students to the apex of IS101.
Microsoft Excel is often the most challenging software application for students as it is the least familiar compared to Word and PowerPoint. A pleasant surprise or rude awakening or both is/are instore for those believe they know Excel because they can use SUM or AVERAGE as CONCAT, TEXTJOIN, UNIQUE, COUNTIF, VLOOKUP/HLOOKUP, pivot tables, and others are introduced.
Majority of my signature lectures, demonstrations, and walkthroughs permeate this phase. One of my signature topic/skill contribute significantly to BQ7 through BQ11.
The middle phase culminates in the MO-210 Excel certification Capstone Assignment 1 (a.k.a. A6 Spreadsheet Analysis with Trailer). A6 will require students to pay attention to details as they apply what they learned in Chapter 5 Microsoft Excel, practice quality control for their own work output, and orient their perspectives when viewing and responding to a business scenario. Capstone Assignment 1 also makes up the base for BQ12 & BQ13 which can raise a student's course grade by half a letter grade.
+++++Phase 3: Performing (Creative)+++++
Capstone Assignment 2 kicks off the final and shortest phase (orange section) of the course. Chapter 6 Microsoft PowerPoint is the least taxing, most fun, and a wonderful way to conclude the required portion of the coursework. By this phase, all students would each have had his/her/their opportunity to do A3 Slideshow Presentation. MO-310 PowerPoint will give students the opportunity who passed the two earlier exams to become MOS Associates.
+++++Beyond IS101: Out-Performing (Actualizing)+++++
Above average students will create their own phase (black section) to go beyond what's required by outperforming/actualizing their digital literacy potentials by:
(a) Doing bonus assignments A8 Improved Slideshow Presentation, A9 Query Options and IF Statement, and A10 Workbook Investigation.
(b) Taking bonus quizzes BQ12 & BQ13 (taken together as a pair) BQ14, BQ15 and more impromptu bonus challenges.
(c) Challenging more MOS certification exams MO-400 Outlook, MO-500 Access, MO-111 Word Expert, and MO-211 Excel Expert. A select few stand out by earning the MOS Expert distinction. An even fewer stand out by hitting a MOS Homerun by passing ALL available seven (7) MOS certification exams.
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The Digital Literacy program may be no more but IS101 Introduction to Information Systems the course is still humming along.
The most meaningful change at the course level is that at least one artificial intelligence (AI) tool on the market has evolved to the point that it can immediately produce all the answers for the Fun with Functions workbook created by the then Digital Literacy program director Dr. Mark Taormino. Many IS101 faculty chose to continue to using the self-grading workbook this semester but my two signature capstone assignments easily fill the void. Let's see an AI tool do my capstone assignments!
Along the vein of ensuring human-talent doing the work instead of a human using AI tool(s) and passing the work off as his/her/their talent:
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This article & video arrested my attention back in 2018:
Artificial Intelligence: The Robots Are Now Hiring
See how new data-science tools are determining who gets hired, in this episode of Moving Upstream
By Hilke Schellmann and Jason Bellini of Wall Street Journal | September 20, 2018
https://www.wsj.com/articles/artificial-intelligence-the-robots-are-now-hiring-moving-upstream-1537435820 (10 min video)
A week before the Fall 2025 semester officially began, I came across this article also from WSJ:
AI is Forcing the Return of the In-Person Job Interview
More companies are returning to face-to-face meetings to counter cheating by candidates—and more ominous digital threats
By Ray A. Smith of Wall Street Journal | August 12, 2025
https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/ai-job-interview-virtual-in-person-305f9fd0 (1 min 46 audio clip)
It's one thing to use AI to help do one's work to show one's talent, but how about using AI to change one's appearance, digitally at least?
This video from two and half a year ago came to my attention earlier this year:
This viral TikTok filter is creating unrealistic beauty expectations
A new viral TikTok filter, which has been used more than 8.5 million times, is stirring conversation on whether it is creating unrealistic beauty expectations. NBC’s Valerie Castro got the un-filtered view from people on the streets of New York.
By Valerie Castro of NBC News | March 1, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S8bvFGWzd0 (5 min 20 sec video)
Two months ago, I laughed hard from this video: (it made me think and question everything)
AI Slop: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
John Oliver explains why you’ve been seeing more AI-generated content online, the harm it can do, and – sadly – why it is threatening his marriage. Do you hear us, cabbage Hulk? Stay the hell away from John’s cabbage wife.
By LastWeekTonight with John Oliver | June 22, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWpg1RmzAbc (29 min 4 sec video -- see note below)
Note: Video contains strong and adult language. If you are under the age of 18, ask your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) for permission. If you are unable or unwilling to ask for permission, then skip this video.
Earlier this month at the CSN Part-Time Faculty conference, I attended AI workshops by Dr. Mary Ann Hughes Butts of CSN's AI Task Force. I learned much. With her permission, I will use a small portion from her AI Red Flags presentation as a later lecture/demonstration/walkthrough in IS101-3210 on how to discern whether an image is natural or generated by AI. I hope my students will share their experience with the AI Task Force: https://news.csn.edu/share-your-a-i-experience/
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Technology can be used for good and bad.
Also from attending the Part-Time Faculty conference earlier this month, I learned that this semester, Fall 2025, student enrollment increased by 7% while we lost over $7 millions due to scams from the Spring 2025 semester.
CSN loses $7.4M in ‘Ghost Students’ scheme
An external audit showed CSN accumulated a debt of $7.43 million tied to the “ghost students” scheme. The debt included tuition, fees, and write-offs. CSN also had to pay back the U.S. Department of Education for the federal loans it awarded the fake students.
By: Joshua Peguero of 8 News Now | March 6, 2025
https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/csn-loses-7-4m-in-ghost-students-scheme/ (Half-page article)
Nevada is certain not alone in dealing with ghost students. As the federal-level agencies step up their efforts in combating this type of scam, one result is the later disbursement of financial aid.
How scammers are siphoning college financial aid with stolen student identities
Ali Rogin speaks with Fortune editor Amanda Gerut to learn more about this growing scam.
By PBS NewsHour | August 24, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ye4n2prdDQ (6 min 1 sec video)
The evening before Fall 2025 began, the State of Nevada suffered a cyber attack. The outage of systems at the state-level did affect operations at the county and city -levels.
Ransomware attack cripples Nevada services; officials confirm state data was taken
Nevada officials said at a Wednesday press conference in Carson City that the state became the target of a “sophisticated, ransomware-based” cyberattack detected early Sunday, prompting teams to isolate and take some systems offline to contain the threat.
By Jeffrey Meehan of Reno Gazette Journal | August 28, 2025
https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2025/08/28/nevada-ransomware-cripples-services/85859336007/ (1-page article)
This reminded me of another John Oliver video I saw from four years ago:
Ransomware: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
John Oliver discusses ransomware attacks, why they’re on the rise, and what can be done about them.
By LastWeekTonight with John Oliver | August 15, 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqD-ATqw3js (22 min 6 sec video -- see note below)
Note: Video contains strong and adult language. If you are under the age of 18, ask your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) for permission. If you are unable or unwilling to ask for permission, then skip this video.
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Alright, enough with the bad news from bad actors.
Students,
Looking ahead to our semester together, one key highlight is your opportunity to bolster your résumé by earning certifications from the company that makes the most commonly used business productivity software application suite.
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) in the Workforce
By Certiport, February 20, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI9olyets48 (3 min 19 sec video)
Here is a video I have used to kick off each semester for the past few years:
Neil deGrasse Tyson's Ultimate Advice for Students & Young People – HOW TO SUCCEED IN LIFE
By Motivation2Study, July 26, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Yv6r8Kl4bM (11 min 13 sec video)
Be sure to read the articles, listen to the audio clip, and watch the videos I included in this blog post ^_^
In your comment to this blog post, please share your thoughts on:
(A) At least one of the videos you watched from above.
(B) Your digital literacy level now -- for reflection at the end of the semester of your digital literacy level then.
(C) How would Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications benefit you? Do you have any ambition to pursue the expert-level MOS certifications (beyond the scope of IS101)?
(D) How will you achieve, succeed, and prosper in IS101-3210, Fall 2025 and beyond?
(a) Neil deGrasse Tyson’s Ultimate Advice for Students & Young People- How To Succeed In Life. This was a very powerful video. As someone who recently went through a change in mindset, this video brought up some deep emotions. There are so many children who never get a chance to reach their potential because their lives are a constant struggle. I was one of those children, and I spent many of my years feeling confused because I wasn’t following my moral compass. Neil spoke about his father and how his father wasn’t going to be told what he couldn’t do. That right there was missing from my life as a child. I had no hope, just emotions and frustrations. Let me be clear, I have no regrets or wish I could change things. I’m just blessed finally to be able to walk my own path like I was meant to.
ReplyDelete(b) I would say my digital literacy is average. Most of my digital literacy comes from exploring apps and other digital programs on my own. My knowledge comes from trial and error.
(c) Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications are very beneficial, especially in today’s job arena. There are tons of organizations that rely heavily on Microsoft Office to complete job tasks. I wouldn’t say ambition, but I do have a desire to pursue an expert level in Excel.
(d) I’ll continue to ensure I remain balanced in all areas of my life so that I can remain focused and stay motivated to learn.
(A) The NBC video By Valerie Castro on the viral Tik Tok filter brought back a memory of when this filter first became popular. I was one of the people that tried the filter and I could not believe how different I looked. It completely changed most of my features. At the time I just thought that it was funny but now as AI is getting better its scary to think that people can change their entire faces online or even use your face. In terms of what the video said about social media changing the perceptions of young girls. I think that social media can cause a lot of self doubt leading to many different mental health issues. Constant comparison to unattainable features is not good for a young girls mental health.
ReplyDelete(B) I think that my digital literacy is intermediate. I am proficient in most of the Microsoft tools, I can use various social media apps, tools like canva, and some gaming software.
(C) They could benefit as I use excel everyday but there are still some complicated features that I am not very good at using. Once I learn more and I have the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification I could work in the reporting team at my job. They rely heavily on being proficient in excel and other Microsoft Office tools.
(D) I will make sure to set aside time to complete all of my classwork on time. As well as balance all of my classes to make sure I succeed in all of them.
(A) I learned from the MOS video that anyone could benefit from knowing those skills. Director Sarah Glenn pointed out that the top 5 software skills that employers are looking for all Microsoft office products with Excel being the number one priority. She even provided a statistic that shows that there has been a 40% increase in job postings seeking Microsoft office skills.
ReplyDelete(B) My digital literacy level is average or at the most intermediate. I have no experience with Excel or certain Microsoft applications. I have some proficiency with Adobe programs and certain social medias.
(C) A MOS certificate would look great on my resume as it would differentiate me from other applicants and it would show companies that I am proficient in using Microsoft programs.
(D) I will achieve, succeed, and prosper in IS101-3210 Fall 2025 and beyond by staying on top of assignments, utilizing my instructor as a resource, and putting in the effort.
(A) I was enlightened of the significance and benefits Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) in the Workforce after watching the (MOS) video. I walked away with valuable insight of its importance in various work fields today. Something that resonated with me was that top employers are all looking for qualified Microsoft Office Specialist skillsets. Thus, making an individual who is abreast with (MOS) an asset to any company and even for personal use.
ReplyDelete(B) Currently, I would scale my digital literacy now is pretty decent, I can access most programs and software on my own. In my field of work, we utilize several applications and software programs several times a day. I am aware of most Microsoft applications. I create my own Google spreadsheets for my monthly expenses.
(C) Personally, Microsoft Office Specialist would behoove me both in my professional and personal life. I would gain what I would say is one of the high value universal skillsets in today's job market. I would also be able to cultivate those skillsets for my personal use of the (MOS) certification. Considering, I have an average level of Microsoft Office, it would behoove me to seek the expert-level certifications after completing IS101.
(D) I will achieve my goals in IS101-3210 by constantly staying focused during this semester. Ultimately, my end goal is completion of IS101-3210 with a passing score and understanding Microsoft Office applications. I intend to succeed by being an active and willing participant in my learning and coursework assignments. Lastly, I will prosper by maintaining a positive attitude and pushing myself to understand challenging concepts in (MOS). By completing all of my assignments while enjoying each chapter, assignment and appreciation for this course. Beyond that by using the skillsets and information learned from this course and applying them to future use in my professional and personal worlds. I will have walked away with valuable knowledge, understanding and completion of Microsoft Office.
(A.) I watched "How Scammers Are Siphoning College Financial Aid with Stolen Student Identities." I wanted to find out more information about the "ghost" students and how the scam works. I figured if it was happening in Nevada, it was happening everywhere. Although, I did not know that it was happening to community colleges but not 4-year universities. Learning that the unfortunate case of community colleges being susceptible because of the simple fact of how 2-year colleges exists to be a resource, makes you feel hopeless almost. It is crazy to me the lengths that scammers will go to get their money. I know my information is stolen out there, so I keep my credit locked at all times.
ReplyDelete(B.) I believe my digital literacy is better than it was before I took IS101. Reason being, I knew parts of a computer and a basic understanding on how they worked. As well as I now know things about email settings that I did not even attempt to know before. I already knew a lot about Microsoft Word because I have used it as early as 1st grade. Even with that fact, there were still new things about Microsoft Word I learned from this class. For an example, that you can test for compatibility of a document. However, I believe I still have more to learn from this class.
(C.) Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications would help me with future classes to have cleaner coursework when it comes to organization and using settings to enable things with my documents I have not before. As well as with educational benefits, I will be using computers in my career I am going for; I will be taking diagnostic images of people. By having the certifications, it would also help me stand out a little when I apply to jobs because they would not have to train me as extensively as the next person. The only ambition to go for the expert-level MOS certifications is the step up I could have when applying to jobs in the future.
(D.) I will succeed going forward in IS101 by being more on top of myself to complete coursework in a timely manner. Whether that be spending extra time on campus after classes or setting specific times to do coursework of IS101/other classes. When I say setting specific times, I mean that I specifically spend that time I set for myself to do only classwork and do not spend time doing anything else unless I am completely caught up.
(a) - I have watched the 'Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) in the workforce' video as towards it thoroughly walk through the programs and towards within businesses and how each and every individual within the business is able to articulate thoroughly within the workforce. As well as the factors that have been provided towards the statistics towards the qualifications and articulations of Microsoft Office software skills, resulting a 40% increase of job postings seeking throughout Microsoft Office skills.
ReplyDelete(b) - I would display my average skills toward being able to articulate throughout the tools and software within Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, etc. My literacy projects from all of my trials and tribulations throughout certain websites and applications that bat the eye from my depictions of curiosity.
(c) - I believe so that Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications to be quite beneficial within this era of time. Most likely because of in today's day and age, more and more jobs and employment opportunities rely and function within the internet, corporations, and other interlinked online businesses. So that being said, having these specific clarifications would be gateway or stepping stones towards those opportunities that could be given. My ambition to be able to go above and beyond towards being able to maintain and articulate the skills to be able to purse a much higher level from within the following software.
(d) - I will sustain and keep a balanced schedule that being towards all of my classes and to leave directory priorities towards having time for the day or having time in advanced in the future to really put in the time towards excelling within IS101 and as well as efficiently asking and utilizing the professor for any comments questions and concerns that I may have.
(A) Neil deGrasse Tyson’s Ultimate Advice for Students & Young People- How to Succeed in Life. It has shown its positivity and empowerment within the video to encourage others to succeed in life. I personally believe it’s rather an upbringing and positive video to encourage not just students or young people in life but for those who are already middle-aged or older individuals to be motivated as well.
ReplyDelete(B) I personally believe my digital literacy is within average range. Majority of my digital literacy comes from watching videos on programs, software’s and testing out different programs and mechanics.
(C) It will be beneficial to me since it would be a highlight of my ability in Microsoft Office when it comes to my job field and area of study. I do have ambition to pursue the expert level of MOS certifications it seems like a rather fun journey to take on.
(D) By keeping consistent with my progress in getting full points in each section of my assignments and keep trying to support and excel in time management and beyond college in general.
A: I watched the video about the ghost student scam. I didn't realize this was such a big issue nationally, not only in Nevada. It's unfortunate for the students who want to learn and can't enroll in classes because of ghost students.
ReplyDeleteB. My digital literacy has improved since classes started. I didn't realize how much you're able to do in outlook because I hardly use email to contact people, even at my job we communicate by phone number. But I know with more professional jobs it's essential to have an organized email inbox and the proper typing etiquette which I am learning.
C: I will benefit from MOS certifications by having the appropriate digital literacy for one of the most popular technology companies. Microsoft is globally used so its important to have these skills.
D: I will succeed in this class by asking for help if needed and completing all of the required assignments, I want to finish with an A.
I like the way you connect the program changes to your teaching journey and keep the focus on students success. One thing i like is the bonus quiz, with that you show the value of persistence and preparation.
ReplyDeleteA) i watched neil deGrasse. personally, it hit me kind of hard because he talks a lot about curiosity and not being afraid to ask questions. One point to bring out is how important is to be curious and that also is the key to success.
ReplyDeleteB) I can say that my digital literacy is okay at the moment, i would like to get better with excel by the end of the semester, which is the one i use the most.
C) MOS certification would help me A LOT, being very specific with excel that as i just said on B) is thr one i use the most. Having the certification would make me i believe a little more confident.
D)I know it has not been the best start for me but one thing im trying to do is to be on top of the assignments, aking questions at the end of the class and start using the resources i have.
( A ) After watching the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), my initial idea of why these skills are important was further emphasized because it's one of the largest growing requirements for job postings which is a point that was made throughout the video.
ReplyDelete( B ) My digital literacy is average at the moment. I understand intermediate functions used in Excel and other software such as Slides & Drive from Google and Canva.
( C ) An MOS certification would benefit me tremendously not only for the resume aspect but also as a strong skill in my degree within Marketing. It is something that I definitely want to acquire for my own benefit and I would love to gain the expert level of MOS later in the future.
( D ) My plan to succeed and prosper in IS101 is to never lose motivation. Although the work can stack up, I know that with the guidance of the professor and using the resources provided, succeeding in IS101 is 100% achievable.
A) I watched the video, a new viral TikTok filter, Valerie Castro. My thoughts are that the normalization of beauty filters where we are constantly witnessing people looking their "best" will likely lead to many young people feeling insecure and turning to the cosmetics industry to achieve the unachievable.
ReplyDeleteB) My digital literacy was not great when I started, but it has improved and is more intermediate now. I can work my way around Microsoft Word. I can create and use Microsoft PowerPoint and even decorate them well.
C) My MOS certificates will benefit me on my resume. Most jobs with positions related to computers/computer use require it or prefer it. If I apply for a job where I have to work with Microsoft Office, my chances of getting hired will improve. If I were to get higher MOS certification, it would be if my job, or a job I want, requires it.
D) I will achieve success by not getting too far behind. I will attempt to organize my to-do list. I will mark down times to do my work.
(A) After watching the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) in the Workforce video, I have to say that I agree with their statements and its one of the reasons that I would want to pursue the certification. The beginning was funny to me, because I can relate. I struggled at the beginning but I hope by the end I feel confident in what I have conquered.
ReplyDelete(B) My Digital literacy level is at the minimum, I know nothing above the basics. It started out very rough, but I am slowly but surely learning the ropes around it. I hope that by the end of this course my digital literacy is much better than it is now.
(C) The MOS certification can benefit me both inside and outside of school. For example, I would stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs that require the use of Microsoft Software or in school for a smoother and easier experience in projects or assignments. It would certainly be a huge accomplishment if I were able to pursue the expert-level MOS certifications.
(D) To achieve, succeed, and prosper in IS101-3210, I have to start with a good mindset and with lots of confidence. I will try my best to learn and adapt to the material.