HINT: In this course, all underlined words or phrases are links to another page or site.

How do I get started?

Begin by completing the following assignments:

You will first need to read and complete the Interactive Syllabus. This syllabus will familiarize you with what is expected in this class and what you can expect of me. Your completed syllabus is worth five points toward your Week One class participation grade.

Please take a few minutes and go to our class discussion board. Post an introductory message about yourself. Read some of the postings of your fellow students. We can all get to know a little about each other this way. This assignment is worth five points toward your Week One class participation grade.

Read the class homepage and make sure to click on the following links and read the information provided:

About Your Instructor: A little bit of background information about me, as well as my teaching philosophy.

Course Schedule: An outline of the topics we will be discussing each week.

Proctor Form: Complete this form so I will know where you plan to take your final exam.

Discussion Questions: This is a list of the questions we will be using for our class discussions.

Grading Sheet: Designed to help you keep track of when your assignments are due, your points for each assignment and your ongoing grade. This is where you will find the assignments due each week and the assignment due dates.

Grading Criteria: *Important* This is the criteria I will use when grading assignments. This information will help you know what to expect when completing your assignments. No surprises that way.

Netiquette: Click here to learn the rules of Netiquette that you are expected to follow in this class. These rules especially apply to our class discussion board and any emails you sent me. Failing to follow proper Netiquette can result in a grade of "F" in the class so make sure you are familiar with these guidelines.

Is this a self-paced course?

Business Math is an Internet-based course. Please do not think of this course as being self-paced. There are definite deadlines to be completed each week. Each week you are required to post to the discussion board, complete homework practice tests, and complete quizzes. When you turn in an assignment late you will receive a ten percent deduction in points. The point deduction is designed to encourage you to complete all assignments on time so you don’t get behind. Please see your grade sheet to determine which assignments are due each week and each week’s due date. Anyone not completing the course by the end of the semester will not be given any extensions. You must be disciplined to take this course and manage your time well.

How will I know what assignments to complete each week?

I have provided two tools to help you with this. Tool one: there is a lesson guide on each week's lesson start page. This guide is a step-by-step document to help you work through each lesson. If you follow this guide, you will not miss any important information and/or assignments. I recommend following this guide each week. There is also a tip sheet on each lesson start page. This sheet contains tips to help you through the assignments. Tool Two: There is a link to the grade sheet on our class homepage. This grade sheet has the assignments broken down by week and the due date for each week. You can also record your grade for each assignment on this sheet.

Will I be able to interact with other students?

Each week I will provide you with discussion questions on our class discussion board. You are required to post an answer to each question and then post a meaningful reply to two of your fellow students. This interaction with your fellow students should help you get to know each other and learn from each other as well.

Where do I go for testing?

Chapter quizzes are open-book and you will be able to take these on your own. You will take these quizzes via Barstow College’s online quiz program. You will also be taking Exams One and Two this way. Exam Three will need to be proctored. You have three choices:

1. Take your final exam at the Barstow College Computer Commons during the hours they are open. See the Computer Commons schedule on our class homepage.

2. Take your final exam at the Barstow College Office in Fort Irwin.

3. If you cannot take your exam at any of the above locations, you will need to find an instructor-approved proctor and site. An approved proctor can include a librarian or education officer. An approved site can include a library or an education center. The approved site will need access to the Internet. No exceptions can be made to this Barstow College policy. The final exam will NOT be sent to anyone other than the approved proctor. If proctor arrangements need to be made they must be completed by the end of the second week of class. If you need a proctor click the proctor form button on our class homepage and complete the proctor form. No textbook or notes may be used for the final exam.

How much time will this course take?

Treat this course like any other traditional class. You need time to read, complete the assignments, and complete your exams. You should probably expect to spend from 12 to 15 hours per week on this course. This estimated time will vary from week-to-week.

Helpful Hints

I have provided several tools to help this course run smoothly for you. Please take a few minutes to print and/or read the following items. Keep them handy so you can refer to them when needed. This is where a three ring binder will prove helpful.

If this is your first online course go to the Orientation Area and complete the orientation quiz.

Please complete the Proctor Form so I will know where you plan to take your final exam. Follow the instructions on the form when completing it.

What Makes a Successful Online Student? - This is an excellent article designed to help online students be successful. I highly recommend you visit this web site no matter how many online classes you have taken.

Copy and Paste - Instructions on how to copy and paste into the discussion board and online forms.

Online Tutoring - Use this link to enroll in online tutoring. Make sure you list Introduction to Business as one of the courses you are enrolled in.

Below are a few additional items you need to read. They will help you understand what is required in this course.

Homework Practice Tests: These practice tests are designed to help you practice what you learn before taking the actual chapter quizzes. You will receive credit for each question you complete.

Discussion Board: You are required to post to the class discussions each week. Your post must be during the week the discussion is assigned. Keep an eye on your due dates. You will not receive credit for postings not completed by their due date since the discussions count as your class attendance grade.

Quizzes: The passwords for all our class quizzes can be found on each week's Lesson Guide.

Exams: I have opted to give you three exams rather than a Midterm and Final. In a class such as Business Math, students tend to find this less stressful. You will be able to use your book for all exams. Each question on the Exams is worth two points. Exams One and Two have 50 questions/problems and Exam Three will have 75 questions/problems. Exam Three will be taken as a Final Exam, so you will be required to have a proctor for it. The Exams *must* be taken in the week they are assigned.

Questions: If you have a question concerning this class, please send me an email with the phrase BADM 51 – Question in the subject line. Doing this will help ensure your questions are not blocked by my spam detector.

Reading Assignments: You will need to read both my online lectures and the assigned chapters in your textbook to successfully complete this course. The assignments and exams will be based on both.

Late Assignments: All late assignments will receive a ten percent reduction in grade.

Computer Labs: Please free to use the Barstow College Computer Labs if needed. See the Computer Lab Schedule for the hours the lab is opened.

Office Hour:

Since this is an online course, I do expect most communication to be done online. You have three options when you have a question.

1. Email me. I will respond within 24 hours except on Sundays and Holidays.

2. Post your question on the Ask Mrs. Loudon thread on our discussion board.

3. Text me using the number listed below.

If neither of the above options meets your current need, you may call me during the time listed below:

Monday thru Saturday from 3 pm to 5 pm PST

Subject lines: Please use the appropriate subject line when submitting an assignment. I will include this subject line in any assignment that requires one.

My Concluding Remarks

Please keep in mind that it can be easy to get behind in an online course. Hence, it is important that you do not put off getting started. I am looking forward to spending the following nine weeks with you in our virtual classroom. Please feel free to email me with any questions or concerns. I am available for you and want to do my part to assist you in successfully completing this course.

Mrs. Rivera-Loudon