MRK333 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
WEEK ONE: May 6-10, 2002
GREETINGS
In this first week, we need to get to know one another and the tools
you will be using to gain expertise in presentations. As you are doubtless
aware, the World Wide Web has become an important business and marketing
tool. Although, you will not be concentrating on the Web for some weeks,
I recommend that you start investigating it as soon as possible. It's an
exciting place to explore and do research for this and other classes you
are taking. If you haven't read the Subject Outline
or looked at the Course Schedule
on the Course Main Page, then I strongly suggest you do so soon.
NOTE: The Course Schedule tells you
what assignments and projects are due and when they are due. No excuses
for work being late!
This course requires a lot of work and if you plan ahead for your projects,
you won't get into a difficult situation. Also, I really encourage you
to ask questions when things are not clear to you - you can always ask
me for assistance. This subject requires working with computer technology.
Systems are not always reliable and it is part of the course to learn how
to solve problems when they arise. There are two team projects - and it
is expected that you will work with others on these projects so you can
start thinking about that too - each team is made up of 3 - 4 people. It's
not always easy to coordinate team work so try to make the best choices
where teammates are concerned.
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RECOMMENDED READING
I have recommended books for the course. This is NOT required reading
however, many students in the past have appreciated having books for reference
especially when it comes to developing web pages. However, I believe
you will do better to go to Indigo or Chapters or Book City and browse.
Find books that are written in a style that is easy for you to understand.
Just note that books in Sale Centers are often concerning versions of programs
no longer in use (for example Office 97 instead of Office 2000). The following
are text books that could be helpful for the course.
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PowerPoint 2000/98 for Windows and Macintosh, a Visual Quickstart Guide
by Rebecca Bridges Altman, Peachpit Press,Designing, ISBN - 0201354411
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Web SItes by Joel Sklar, Thomson Nelson Learning, 2001, ISBN - 0-619-01821-6
-
Multimedia Concepts by James E. Shuman, Thomson Nelson Learning, 2001,
ISBN 0-619-01765-1
I would also encourage you to find helpful web documents on the internet
(print them out). In fact, it is a good idea to print out the weekly material
you will be finding linked from the course home page.
You will find Resources
for many topics from the links given on the main page of the course.
You may not need a book if you use the help section of the program itself.
You may find another book you like better - there are many available at
various bookstores. Whatever you decide is your responsibility - I do suggest
that you look over the assignment schedule for the semester and THINK
AHEAD!
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GETTING STARTED
In our first week of classes we will have:
-
a review of the Subject Outline for the course
-
a review of e-mail (sending messages on the internet)
-
a brief tour of Network Services at Seneca (Telnet, FTP, Netscape)
-
a visit to your class page in the BlackBoard program (MySeneca page)
-
a get acquainted activity to do with your new classmates
-
a review of your first assignment which is due before WEEK TWO class
-
The
Best ADVICE: Read what former students suggest for you who
are taking the course this term.
Think carefully about what you would like to accomplish. Working with computers
can be extremely time consuming and work intensive. There is a great demand
for the computers here at Seneca so you will need to plan your time with
that in mind. Remember, you will need to work additional hours either at
home or in the computer commons to complete your projects and assignments.
I think you'll discover that it is quite rewarding to see your accomplishments.
It's never too soon to get ideas for the projects you will be developing
- the Power Point presentations and web pages. Get in the habit of carrying
your logs and diskettes with you for EVERY class and work session
in the commons.
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GOOD HABITS
A reminder to observe good computer habits and to avoid stress:
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Sit an arm's length away from the monitor
-
Rest your eyes regularly by looking away from the screen
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Take frequent stretch breaks
-
Be aware of posture
-
Avoid repetitive motion injury by varying the ways in which you work with
the keyboard and mouse
-
If possible, have both keyboard and mouse even with or lower than your
elbows.
TIP: You can save this page to diskette and/or print it out.
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FIRST ASSIGNMENT
I'm excited about the course and the great times we are sure to have.
I look forward to knowing each of you better. SO - let's get started!!!
This assignment counts as part of your grade. (5 points) It is due
by midnight the day before we meet our next class. Late assignments will
receive partial credit only. Please read these instructions carefully.
-
PART 1. You will need to use your log in
name and password given to you in class in order to do this assignment.
You will go to the Class Page in BlackBoard then to Communication and the
Discussion Area and the Forum called WEEK ONE: Introductions
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IN CLASS ACTIVITY
-
Go to Home
on the Info Range
-
Take the SURVEY that is linked from the top of the page. When you
fill in the two text boxes, put your name and section and date you submitted
the survey - otherwise I won't know who to give credit to for this part
of the assignment. Submit this survey online.
-
Click on the picture of Sagebrush Selia (that's me)
-
Read TIPS in this first module
-
Read the LOG This was my first class on the internet. It was very
confusing and it helped me a lot to record what was happening. In your
log, in addition to noting the e-mail messages you send and receive and
your work on the projects, you may want to record your feelings as well.
-
Look at the other modules in Home on the Info Range. You will find a number
of helpful sites for beginners and resources that can benefit you.
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Sign the GUESTBOOK leaving a brief comment about the site for the
creators (the guestbook is linked from the Main Page or from the first
module - Sagebrush Selia).
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QUESTIONS?
Whenever you have questions outside of class time, please contact me.
When you write to me please
put Question/Name/Section in the SUBJECT line of the
message.
NOTE: The following link may not work from the labs at Seneca
but will work from off campus computers.
send an e-mail message
to Selia Karsten - Selia.Karsten@senecac.on.ca
WEEK ONE - May 6-10, 2002
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