BOT 107 Online Orientation

Introduction

Instructor Contact:  Mark.Pressnall@gcccd.edu

This orientation will introduce you to the course content and expectations for BOT 107 On-line. 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.

What to do for this assignment

• Print this page and mark each item as you complete it. 
   
• Enroll in the course. You enroll for this online course the same way you enroll in any other Grossmont College course. You will need to be enrolled in the course before you can access the course Blackboard site.
• Buy the textbook. You can buy the book at the campus bookstore, or from another source. (See below for more details about the required course materials.)
• Login to Blackboard.  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.
• How to login to Blackboard  
  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 firstnamelastname (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 (mark.pressnall@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. The first time you login to the course (or anytime you change e-mail address), click on the Tools button, select Personal Information, and update the e-mail address that you prefer to use for this class. When I send class e-mail announcements, it will go to the e-mail address in your profile. Save any changes.
• Read the syllabus. In the Blackboard course site, click on the Course Information button. Click on the syllabus link. You may wish to save the syllabus and then open it to print it.
• 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.

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Course textbook and software

The textbook is available at the Grossmont College Bookstore.

• Required:
   

  Procedures & Theory for Administrative Professionals, 5th edition, Fulton-Calkins and Stulz, South-Western Publishing Company, ISBN: 0-538-72740-3

  Copyright© 2004
   
• Access to a computer with the following requirements:
  • Internet access:  Internet Explorer 6.0
  • Word Processor

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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.
• 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.
• 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.

Congratulations you are ready to earn your first points in the class. Be sure to mention that you have read this orientation page in your e-mail to me. mark.pressnall@gcccd.edu 

Aloha!!!

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