1. What are the data files?
2. What are the tutorials/lab modules?
3. Where do I find the homework assignments?
4. What are the Course Packets?
5. Are there any sample exams available?
6. What software are we to use?
7. I am thinking about buying a computer. What should I look for?
8. How do I check my homework grades and pick up graded homework?
9. I did not receive credit for an assignment. What should I do?
10. May I turn my homework in late even for partial credit?

1. What are the data files?[ top ]

They are the files done within the applications that you will need to use in order to do the Tutorials/Lab Modules and Homework for Windows, Excel, Access and PowerPoint. The first time you will need any of them will be when you do the Windows Homework. The Windows files and Excel files for the second (supplementary) Excel assignment will need to be downloaded from the class Web site. The files needed for all Tutorials, Excel Homework 1, PowerPoint Homework and Access Homework are on one of the CDs that came with your text books. To use the files from your CD you will need to first save the file on your own storage device (perhaps under a different name) before it can be modified. This is because the files on the CD are read-only in order to protect their integrity.

2. What are the tutorials/lab modules? [ top ]

They are tutorials that you will do to help you learn the software. The Tutorials for Excel, Access and PowerPoint are found in separate books that came shrink-wrapped together when you purchased your books. You will do these modules on the computer to gain hands-on practice with the software. You should definitely do them even if you feel you are already familiar with the software. You will use the data files described above to perform many of these tutorials.

3. Where do I find the homework assignments?[ top ]

The Windows, Internet/E-Mail, and Hyperlink assignment along with one Excel homework assignment are posted on the Web site under the Homework link. The other Excel assignment along with the Access and PowerPoint homework assignments consist of selected exercises at the end of the tutorials. They are listed on the syllabus that you received on the first day of class. For example, if on your syllabus it says to do Excel Lab 1, Ex. 2, this means at the end of Excel Tutorial 1 in the O'Leary Excel book, you are to do Exercise 2 to be turned in for homework. These are not the multiple choice or matching exercises but are usually listed under the heading "Hands- on Practice Exercises" or "On Your Own" at the end of the tutorials. You will do the assigned exercises and turn in a hard (paper) copy in class on the day the assignment is due. Please retain your disk in case of any discrepancies or grade recording errors.

4. What are the Course Packets? [ top ]

They are the class notes for the software demonstrations to be purchased at the GSB Copy Center. I know that it is very difficult to follow along when someone is demonstrating on the computer and you (as the student) do not have a computer in front of you as the demonstration is delivered. The course packets will assist you in following the in-class lectures and demonstrations on the software. Circle items (icons/menus/commands) that are demonstrated and go back to them on your own later as you work on the computer. Write notes in the margins, as much of what is said in class during the demonstration may not be written out in the packet. Students who come to class and use the packets to follow the lecture and then go back over the packets and any notes they took on them later while on the computer report that these packets are extremely helpful. Please use them.

5. Are there any sample exams available? [ top ]

Yes, they are contained in the 6th course packet that you purchased at the GSB Copy Center. They are not available from this Web site. On the class day before the exam, part of the class period will be devoted to review for the exam.

6. What software are we to use? [ top ]

We will be using Microsoft Office XP Professional or Premium. It includes (at a minimum) Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint. You may use Windows 95, 98, NT4.0, 2000 or XP. Windows 2000 is installed in the Business School Computer Labs. You may purchase software at Campus Computers on 21st Street (behind Gregory Gym) at an extremely reduced price by showing your UT ID.

7. I am thinking about buying a computer. What should I look for? [ top ]

There is a hand-out entitled "Twelve Step Program to Relieving Computer Purchase Anxiety" on this Web site under Hand-outs. It will give you a good idea about what to look for as you purchase your new computer.

8. How do I check my homework grades and pick up graded homework? [ top ]

Homework grades will be posted on the Web. It will be returned in class or it may be picked up from the TA.

9. I did not receive credit for an assignment. What should I do? [ top ]

Communicate this to your TA immediately. You may do so either during his office hours or via e-mail. You will need to either produce the disk with your homework file on it so that the TA can check the creation date of your file to verify that you did the homework before the due date or you may go through the box of graded homework to see if your homework was graded but simply not recorded properly. I will be more than happy to help you with the assignment itself but the grading of the homework is the TA's responsibility. Please handle all issues associated with homework grade discrepancies with the TA within two weeks from the date the assignment is graded. I will announce in class when the assignments are graded. Please do not wait until the end of the semester to resolve these issues as the TA is likely to be unwilling to do so at that late date. We apologize in advance for any grading or recording errors that we may make and will work with you to resolve them promptly once you bring them to our attention.

10. May I turn my homework in late even for partial credit? [ top ]

Please see the document entitled "Policy on Attendance, Homework and Exams" under the "Handouts" link on this Web site.

[ top ]