Introduction

This orientation will introduce you to the course content and expectations for BOT 118 online. You'll also have a chance to make sure everything is set up and ready to go.

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What to do for this assignment

1. Print this page and mark each item as you complete it. 
    
2. Enroll in the course. You enroll for this online course the same way you enroll in any other Cuyamaca College course. You will need to be enrolled in the course before you can access the course Blackboard site.

1. Buy the textbook. You can buy the book at the campus bookstore, or from another source.

1. Login to Blackboard. The first day of class is March 19, 2012. One day before class begins, those who have enrolled will be entered into the Blackboard system. If you enrolled successfully in the class, you should now be able to access the class. If you register for the class less than one week prior to class starting, you must contact me to be entered into the Blackboard system. If you want to add the class after the start date, you need to contact me for an add code.

1. How to login to Blackboard (available one day before class begins) 
   A. Go to http://gcccd.blackboard.com (click on this link or the Blackboard Login link in the web page navigation at the left side of this page)
   B. Click the Login button
   C. For Username enter your name as firstname.lastname (all lower case)
   D. For Password enter your birthday (mmddyy)
   E. If you cannot login successfully the first time, try it again. Your login information is the same as when you login to any computer on campus. If you still have trouble logging in, STOP and contact me (pat.newman@gcccd.edu). Do not panic, we'll get it fixed. Do not click the create an account button as this will only complicate matters and delay your first login.

1. Successful login! Now that you have logged in, welcome to the course. Read the Welcome announcement. This announcement contains helpful information on how the course works and where to start.

1. Update your personal information. I regularly send class announcements and email through Blackboard. It is very important you keep your email address current in order to receive these communications. Please login to WebAdvisor, click on STUDENTS, then UPDATE PERSONAL INFORMATION and list your preferred email address and the telephone number where I can reach you if needed. WebAdvisor updates BlackBoard nightly, so it's important to keep current information in WebAdvisor.

1. Print the syllabus. In the Blackboard course site, click on the Course Information button. Click on the syllabus link. Print the syllabus and keep it with your textbook. You may need to save the syllabus and then open it to print it. READ the whole syllabus (you will need to answer questions on the quiz). You can also download the syllabus from the instructor's website www.cuyamaca.edu/pat.newman

• Familiarize yourself with the course web site by clicking on all of the links (buttons) in the course navigation on the left side of the course website. There are also several links on the web pages that display. Browse through them thoroughly to familiarize yourself with the entire course website.
  
• Set up your myitlab account by following the instructions in Blackboard.
  
• Install Microsoft Office 2010 on your computer if you don't already have it. You can find purchasing information and free trial download information posted in the Help Discussion in Blackboard.
   
• Begin on the course assignments. Turn to the Assignments page in your syllabus and begin on the assignments in the order they are listed. You can turn in assignments early, but please submit an entire chapter at one time. See instructions for submitting assignments on page 3 of the syllabus.
  
• If you still have questions AFTER completing all of the items above, email me at pat.newman@gcccd.edu and tell me exactly what you need help with. Be very specific with your question. I will ask you if you completed the orientation items listed above. Include the COURSE AND SECTION NUMBERS in the Subject Line of your email, as email can get filtered as junk and this will help me to recognize your email message.

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Course textbook

The textbook is available in the Cuyamaca College Bookstore or online at www.whywaitforbooks.com.  You can also rent textbooks at www.chegg.com/

1. Required:
   1) Skills for Success with Integrated Projects: Getting Started, by Catherine Hain, Prentice Hall, 2011. Includes myitlab software access.  ISBN:  0132804271
   

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Advice from BOT online students

• Keep up with the class. The biggest problem online students have is gradually falling behind. You lose points when assignments are late, and you may be dropped from the class if you get behind. These classes are only 5-6 weeks in length and all work must be completed by the class end date. The Comprehensive Word 1-3 classes are scheduled in short blocks so that you can complete all three classes in a single semester, as requested by students.
• Schedule at least 10 hours per week to focus on the class. Some students may need more or less time, so you can make adjustments based on your skill level in Word.
• Don't wait until the last minute to start an assignment. If you run into a problem, it may take time to get help.
• Contact your instructor as soon as you begin to have problems or if you decide to drop.
• Check e-mail and online discussion several times a week.
• Have a back-up plan in case your computer crashes. You can always use the BOT Flex Lab during open hours.

Good luck and let's have fun!!!

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