Introduction

This orientation will introduce you to the course content and expectations for BOT 201 Advanced Keyboarding & Document Processing Online. You'll also have a chance to make sure everything is set up and ready to go. While you work through this orientation, jot down any questions you might have and post them to our course HELP Discussion Board. I recommend that you print this page, and check each item off as you complete it.

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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.
3. If you want to add the class after the start date, you need to contact the instructor for an authorization add code.

• Buy the textbook and install the software. You can buy the book at the campus bookstore, or from another source. You will need it on the first day of class. This course teaches advanced keyboarding and document processing using either Microsoft Word 2007 or 2010. If you already have either Word 2007 or 2010 on your computer, you're ready. If you don't have Word, there are options to download a trial version or purchase an it at an educational discount. (See below for more details about the required course materials and software.)
  

• Login to Blackboard. 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 the instructor for an authorization add code.

• 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.

• 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. 

• 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.

• 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). The syllabus is also available on 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.

• Install Word 2010 software. You will need Word 2010 installed. You can download a free 60-day trial from Microsoft or purchase it at an educational discount (software purchasing information). Word 2007 is no longer available for purchase, but you may use it if you already own it. Older versions of Word will not work for this course.

• 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. See instructions for submitting assignments by clicking "How to Upload your keyboarding assignments" link on the Course Information page in the class website. The due dates for each assignment are listed in 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 and software

The textbook is available in the Cuyamaca College Bookstore or online at www.whywaitforbooks.com.

• Required:
  College Keyboarding & Document Processing, Lessons 121-180, 10th edition
  by Scott Ober, Jack E. Johnson, & Arlene Zimmerly. ISBN-13: 978-0-0-7296343-3
• Also required, Microsoft Word 2007 or 2010, which is part of Office 2007 or 2010. (Software purchasing information). 
• Access to a PC/Windows computer with the following requirements:
  • Computer/Processor:  500-MHz or higher
  • Memory:  256 MB of RAM or higher
  • Hard disk:  2 GB of available hard-disk space
  • Monitor:  800 x 600 minimum monitor resolution; 1024 x 768 recommended
  • DVD drive
  • Operating system:  Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or later
  • Internet access:  Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher
  • Sorry, no Macintosh as the Office program is very different on a Mac.

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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. This class is 16 weeks in length and all work must be completed by the class end date.
• Schedule at least 5-7 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.
• Don't wait until the last minute to start an assignment. If you run into a problem, it may take time to get help, especially for technical issues.
• 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.

Good luck and let's have fun!!!

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