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The objectives of this course—class work and evaluations—will be measuring knowledge and skills for Excel 2010. You cannot use any other version of Excel for this course. MAC users see more information at the textbook/software button.

August 10, 2012

Welcome Cyberstudent:

You are currently registered for Excel Level I (OAT152) online. Although the class does not start until Monday, August 27,you need to becomeaware of a few things.

Make sure youhave the correct software and have purchased the correct textbook. More detailed information is available in BlackBoard at the Textbook/Software menu item. The ISBN is 9780132815383. The title of the textbook isGO! With Microsoft Excel 2010 Comprehensive. The textbook is bundled withMyItLabStudent Access Code Card for GO! Office 2010.The textbook is available at the Owens and Wilmington campuses.You may have another Delaware Tech campus order the textbook for you as well. Please have the textbook purchased so you can begin the class promptly. All assignments and assessments will be based on Excel 2010,therefore, you must have it installed on your computer. No other version is acceptable.

The majority of the course will be completed in myitlab. The myitlab program consists of online, performance-based assessment and outcome based training for Excel 2010. Detailed login instructions will be provided for you. In order to log in, you will need the Access Code (bundled with the textbook) and your myitlab course id which will be provided by your instructor. Internet Explorer 7, 8, or 9 must be used to run myitlab.

All of the web pages important to you as a Delaware Tech college student are located at the portal called, MyDTCC. Use either website address or (at this link you would then need to click on MyDTCC (located on the right side of the webpage). You should bookmark the MyDTCCwebsite address. You will need to use your DTCC username and password to login. The username and password needed to set up this account is provided on your registration form.For example, username may be jsmithand your password maybe 010169 (date of birth). If you have misplaced your registration form you can call the Open Computer Lab at 302-856-5400, Ext. 2400. This site will provide college wide, as well as, Owens specific information. Once you enter into MyDTCC you can access the sites discussed below without having to log into them individually.

  • My Courses (BlackBoard): All of your courses, including this online course, are located at the My Courses tab (Blackboard). Possibly, not all of your instructors will be using BlackBoard as part of the course. There is also a student help web site provided to acquaint you with Blackboard located at
  • Webmail Email System: All of the course information I send through email will go to your @dtcc address.
  • BannerWeb Student Record System: Current students can register for classes, get unofficial transcripts and check on financial aid status through Banner Web.

Additional course information will be released on Monday, August 27. More menu items (left side of the screen in the course at BlackBoard) will become available. It is imperative you take the time to readeverythingcarefully. All of the information remains on the course website and myitlabfor you to access at anytime, therefore, print out only those documents which you feel are necessary.The due dates for completing assignments and completing assessments must be strictly followed. Late assignments are not an option.

The successful online learner should:

  1. Possess self-motivation and self-disciplined study habits. Since the online environment lacks much of the structure present in the face-to-face classroom, you must exercise real commitment when adhering to deadlines.
  2. Log in regularly - usually several times per week.
  3. Plan to spend 10-12 hours per week on each 3-credit course.
  4. Be able to complete individual projects and submit electronic files.
  5. Use the myitlab, your internet provider or computer support for technical problems.
  6. Be proficient with time management: students often decide to take online courses because they do not have the time to attend class in person. But to be successful online, you must carve out time from family and work commitments to spend on your online coursework.
  7. Have access to a reliable, internet-connected computer with an operating system that supports standard web browsers and Microsoft Office applications.
  8. Have the ability to download and save files appropriately.
  9. Be able to communicate through writing: Moving from the face-to-face classroom to the online environment involves a transition from the spoken to the written word. Many online courses also require a great deal of reading in the course site.
  10. Online learning requires good social skills and "netiquette."
  11. Be able to accept the consequence of not earning credit due to lack of time management and not meeting due dates. If you choose to wait until the last day to complete work, you are taking chances of something happening that may prevent you from meeting the deadline. That is your choice.

I look forward to working with you. Step up to the challenge of learning the most popular spreadsheet tool used today. Take advantage of becoming proficient in using Excel so more employment opportunities will be available to you. Businesses are hiring those students who can proficiently use and apply the knowledge and skills taught in this course. Take advantage of it now!

If you have any questions, contact your instructor using the email address or phone number provided at the Instructor Information menu itemlocated at the course in BlackBoard.

Sincerely,

Instructor

Office Administration Technology