Unit One is all about getting used to the course, the book and distance learning. This lecture is kept to an absolute minimum. I know you may be feeling a bit over whelmed trying to get organized for this course. don't panic. I am here to help you either through email, phone or face to face support in one of the computer labs.

If you've read the syllabus you know that your final grade is based on completing assignments from the textbook using Microsoft Word, submitting timed writings you take using MicroPace Pro, and your performance on six quizzes and assessment documents.

For this unit concentrate on completing and submitting the assignments for Lessons 26 - 28. I will post instructions for taking the quiz on Wednesday of this first week.

As the syllabus indicates must read and comprehend the material in the beginning of the book. Start on page vii. The graphics on this page show you how to use the book. This sounds like a simple task, after all you've been reading books for a long time, but please study this page. The textbook is laid out to help you learn, but only if you understand what's going on!

This first page show you how to find the all important Drills and Application that you will save on your computer and then upload to Ednet.

Pages ix through xiii explain basic computer terminology. I assume you have read and understand these concepts. If you are confused by this section please contact me immediately.

The File Management pages beginning on page xiii and ending of page xv contain crucial information on  managing the files you will create using Microsoft Word and MicroPace Pro. Using the directions provided on these pages I suggest you create a folder called OFF120 Internet, in the My Computer area of your hard drive. In your new OFF 120 Internet folder, create a subfolder for each of the six course units. Save all your files to these subfolders. You will have a much easier time submitting your work if all the files for one unit are in one place.

After you set up a folder system for your documents you will begin with Lesson 26. The first 25 lessons teach basic keyboarding skills and are not part of this course. Lesson 26 starts on page 71. You are responsible for all the content presented in the textbook. I will not cover all the concepts in these lectures.

Lesson 26 covers basics like starting Word, entering text, using the menu bar and the toolbars, saving documents and printing documents. Even if you are familiar with these tasks please read this lesson.

Lesson 27 covers editing and formatting text. For this class formatting is broken into three categories:

1. Character Formatting - controlling the appearance of letters and numbers. Making characters bold or italic for example.
2. Paragraph Formatting - controlling the appearance and function of paragraphs. Controlling line spacing and indents is considered paragraph formatting.
3. Page Formatting - controlling the appearance and function of entire pages. Margins are an example of page formatting.

As you work through the lessons try and keep these categories in mind. They will help you find the tools you are looking for as the documents you create get more complicated.

Lesson 28 covers introduces the first type of business document you will study - the interoffice memo!

The interoffice memo is the first document you will need format correctly throughout this course. Pay attention to "To Format a Memo" section of page 88. You are required to produce memos using these formatting standards for the remainder of the course.

Now I know not all businesses use these standards, however, every company you work for will have consistent standards. You must learn to follow a standard and produce consistent documents. For this course those standards are shown on page 88.

For example remember to start your first line 2" from the top of the page. How can you tell you are starting 2" from the top of the page? The following shows the status bar at the bottom of the Word screen. 2.1" from the top margin is correct for beginning memos and letters.

OK folks, I've lecture far too much for the first Unit. In the future I will be adding to the info and techniques your textbook presents, providing you with hints and clarification. Don't skip reading the lectures. They will save you time in the long run.

Good luck on the first set of assignments. Again, please let me know if you have questions or concerns.

Lydia

Send mail to l.slater@rvc.cc.il.us with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2004 Lydia Slater Instructor Rock Valley College
Last modified: 10/06/04