Orientation & Introduction to Information Systems 

Information System (IS)

My guess: A computer program that helps people do things and find information.

Actual meaning: An information system is a system that collects, stores, organizes, and shows information to people when they need it. A good example of this is Brightspace, since it keeps everything for class in one place.
Verified from: https://www.csuchico.edu/isec/what-is-an-information-system.shtml

Learning Management System (LMS)

My guess: A program that helps schools keep everything organized.

Actual meaning: A learning management system (LMS) is software that holds classes, assignments, grades, and messages all in one place. Brightspace is an LMS because it’s where we submit work, check grades, and communicate with instructors.

Verified from: https://www.educause.edu/focus-areas-and-initiatives/teaching-and-learning/learning-management-system

User Interface (UI)

My guess: Buttons, symbols, dots, checkmarks — basically anything you click on.

Actual meaning: The user interface is the part of a system that users see and interact with. This includes screens, menus, buttons, and icons that help you use a program or website.

Verified from: https://www.usability.gov/what-and-why/user-interface-design.html

Waffle (related to User Interfaces)

My guess: A screen with all the apps on a computer.

Actual meaning: The waffle icon is a grid of little squares that opens a menu showing more apps or tools. You usually click it to quickly switch between applications.

Verified from: https://www.usability.gov/how-to-and-tools/methods/navigation.html

Hamburger (related to User Interfaces)

My guess: A delicious sandwich… honestly had no clue.

Actual meaning: A hamburger menu is the three-line icon that opens a navigation menu when clicked. It’s used to save space on screens, especially on websites and mobile apps.

Verified from: https://www.usability.gov/how-to-and-tools/methods/navigation.html

CC (Carbon Copy)

My guess: Sends the same email to multiple people.

Actual meaning: CC stands for carbon copy and is used to send a copy of an email to other recipients so they can see the message, even if it’s not directly addressed to them.

Verified from: https://kb.iu.edu/d/aigm
(Indiana University Knowledge Base)

BCC (Blind Carbon Copy)

My guess: Like CC, but the other people don’t know who else got it.

Actual meaning: BCC stands for blind carbon copy. It sends the email to additional people without showing their email addresses to other recipients.

Verified from: https://kb.iu.edu/d/aigm

(Indiana University Knowledge Base)

Attachment

My guess: An addition to an email, like a photo or document.

Actual meaning: An attachment is an extra file that is sent along with an email, such as a document, image, or PDF.

Verified from: https://kb.iu.edu/d/aigm
(Indiana University Knowledge Base)

Signature File

My guess: An email ending that’s automatically added.

Actual meaning: An attachment is an extra file that is sent along with an email, such as a document, image, or PDF.

Verified from: https://kb.iu.edu/d/aigm
(Indiana University Knowledge Base)

Unit 0 felt like learning the rules of a new world before actually stepping into it. Instead of jumping straight into content, I learned how to set myself up to succeed. Organizing my notebook was my first small win—it showed me that structure creates clarity. When everything has a place, my brain doesn’t have to work overtime just to stay caught up.

Learning how to navigate Brightspace and register for SIMnet made me realize that school today runs on systems. If you don’t understand the systems, it doesn’t matter how motivated you are—you’ll struggle. Spending time clicking through tabs, assignments, and tools helped me feel more in control and less like I was guessing my way through the semester.

Sending professional emails was surprisingly impactful. I learned that an email is more than just words—it represents you. A clear subject line, a respectful greeting, and a thoughtful message can change how seriously you’re taken. This made me more aware of how I communicate, not just with teachers, but with anyone in a professional setting.

The conversations about digital communication showed me how easy it is for messages to be misread online. Without facial expressions or tone of voice, your words carry all the weight. Unit 0 taught me that success in this class starts with organization, awareness, and intentional communication. It wasn’t about content. It was about building the foundation to handle everything that comes next