Welcome to UNIT 1 of Academic Strategies for the Business Professional! Professor Judy Kelly

1. Welcome to UNIT 1 of Academic Strategies for the Business Professional!Professor Judy Kelly

2. Congratulations on your decision to return to school!

3. Congratulations! • You have made a decision that will change your life forever. • Your family will be proud and new opportunities will abound. • Your job at this point is to acclimate to the virtual learning environment, to learn the class procedures and to set up a workable study routine. • My goal is to help you with all of the above tasks.

4. Before we start…… • Let’s take a few minutes to get to know each other. Although you will be posting your introductions on the Discussion Board today and tomorrow (hopefully), I would like you to also post a brief introduction here too. • You will discover that although there is a great amount of diversity amongst the class (in terms of age, life experience, and length of time out of school), that there is also a huge bond of similarity in terms of motivation and drive.

5. Introductions • Please let us know where you are from • How long you have been out of school? • What your major is • What obstacles you perceive are ahead of you • Something interesting about yourself

6. Instructor Information • Judy Kelly, M.Sc., M.Ed. • Preferred Title: Professor Kelly • I hold a B.Sc. in Sociology from the London School of Economics, London, England; and an M.Sc. in Industrial Relations ( also from the London School of Economics); and an M. Ed. In Curriculum & Instruction from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. • I am entering my seventh year of teaching online here at Kaplan University • Teaching online is more than a job to me—it’s a passion and an ongoing professional quest for excellence!

7. Background Information for Success

8. Difference between class and seminar • Your scheduled seminar is a live one hour session once a week with your instructor and students in the class where you discuss that week’s unit. The day and time of the weekly seminar is listed under the course title. • Your class is where you will find your assignments and course information. You will have access to your classes 24/7 beginning the first day of the term. You do not have to wait until your seminar to find out your assignments. Your assignments are listed in the class under the appropriate unit.

9. Print out your class syllabus. • Read it carefully, and keep it handy. • Course Policies • Instructor Contact • Office hours • Grading Information • Seminar Time You can access the class syllabus in your classroom on the left hand navigation bar under Course Home or in the Doc Sharing section of the classroom.

10. Remember Kaplan’s Attendance Policy! It is required that you log in on at least 3 different days of each academic week.You will be withdrawn from class if you don’t log in for 21 consecutive days.

11. Who you should contact for: • Course registration, degree plan, attendance problems, emergencies: Ask/tell a First Term Support Advisor. Tel: 866-522-7747 (Toll Free) You will be assigned an Academic Advisor after your first term who will assist with these tasks. • Questions about anything related to a course: assignments, grading, attendance, late work, emergenciesContact your Instructor viaemail, AIM during office hours, phone if # is posted • Logging into KU Site, Courses, Seminars, or Email: Technical Support/Help, Call 866.522.7747 or Email techsupport@kaplan.edu • Tuition, payments, loans, $$$: Financial Services or Your Financial Aid Advisor 866-458-2008

12. Resources Math and Writing Center– Comprehensive help in math and writing, including live tutors, offline help, math modules and essay feedback Career Resources– Career guidance, resume and cover letter writing tips, job search support, and more My Community page– Up-to-date school news, stories and interviews Campus Tour–A short presentation that will help you get comfortable with the online learning process (you can replay the Campus Tour at any time)

13. AIM – AOL Instant Messenger http://dashboard.aim.com/aim

14. ACADEMIC STRATEGIES BASICS:

15. Academic Strategies Overview • This course will focus on important skills that will help you to succeed in all of your Kaplan courses. These skills include: • Communication, Time Management, Stress Management, Study Skills, Learning Styles, Reading & Note-taking Strategies, Effective Writing, Career Planning and Research and even Critical Thinking!

16. Basic Information • Classes are 10 weeks in length • the last week does not have a seminar and it is more for reflection and to say good-bye and exchange emails if desired. • Each week comprises 1 unit. • Week 1=Unit 1 • Units begin every Wednesday and end on the following Tuesday.

17. Basic Information • Each Unit will include the following: • Seminar • Discussion • Homework / Written Assignment • Reading • Some Units will also include a quiz and interactive exercises.

18. Seminar Information • Seminars for this course are optional and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! • You do not earn points for attending, nor do you lose points for not attending. However, I encourage you to attend as many LIVE sessions as possible. • Many of my students tell me that the live Seminars are one of the most valuable components of the course—see what you think!!

19. Why attend the seminars? • We will be discussing and expanding on the readings. • Seminars add to your understanding of the weekly material. • In addition, it is a time when we can interact with each other. • Seminars are relaxing and informative!

20. Key Point: Communication • Use the course Email tab • Email me directly at jkelly@kaplan.edu • Post in the “Virtual Office" area (located in Course Home) • Use AIM (jdk6000) • Call or text me directly at 561-386-8487 during Office Hours • Arrange a Skype meeting (judy.kelly7)

21. Key Points: Announcements • I will post at least 3 announcements per week. • I will be posting important updates and relevant information in the announcements. These messages will also be emailed to you. • Check the announcements area (located in Course Home) each time you log into the course.

22. Discussion Board • The Discussion Board is considered the HEART of the class and is where a huge amount of your learning will take place--it is worth 45% of your total course grade! The Discussion Board is like the classroom where we share experiences and discuss our ideas about the topics of the week. 45% = 450 points out of a total of 1000!!! WOW!

23. Discussion Board Requirements • POST #1:Respond thoughtfully and thoroughly to the main discussion question (aim for approximately 100 words 7-10 sentences).  Carefully address ALL items listed in the main discussion question. • POSTS #2 & #3:Return on at least two separate days to review and comment thoughtfully on your classmates’ postings and your instructor’s comments.  Plan to post a minimum of 2 additional comments (aim for approximately 40-50 words each). • These are minimum guidelines. I encourage you to go beyond the minimum as we move forward in the course.

24. Discussion Board Requirements • A minimum of three posts per discussion question: one initial response and two replies to your classmates. • Posting on a minimum of three different days, for example: Wednesday, Friday, and Monday • The first post must be made by Saturday, and of course, sooner is better. • In the absence of extenuating circumstances, no credit will be given for any late discussion posts.

25. Quality Counts! • Please make sure to carefully PROOFREAD each posting.  • Read each entry out loud to check for clarity and completeness.  • SHOW us that you are putting serious thought and effort into each posting.

26. Syllabus Your Course Syllabus holds information about: • Grading Scale • Grading Rubrics (for Assignments and Discussions) • Course Policies • Naming conventions for work you turn in • Acceptable Extenuating Circumstances • Early Discussion & Project Submission Policies • Professor’s Grading Timetable • Online Communication Guidelines • Important Participation Guidelines • Kaplan University Policies

27. Key Point: Extra Credit Policy • Extra credit is not offered in Kaplan University School of Business courses. Therefore, I recommend that you plan to turn in your work on time to avoid late penalties, to avoid stress, and to get the most from the learning resources.

28. Key Point: The Grade book • This is where you should go every week to check on your progress. Remember you need to know where you stand at all times. Keep your eyes wide open; monitor your grades. Contact me if you see any discrepancies! • I will provide feedback to you each week. Remember, we are a team!

29. Key Point: Course Assignments • Make sure to carefully follow all guidelines listed for each assignment. Use the required Templates! Carefully proofread and Spell Check your written work. Quality counts!! • IMPORTANT: There is a grading rubric for the assignments included in the syllabus. Please make sure to carefully review the rubric at the beginning of the course. I highly recommend that you print it. The rubric outlines exactly what you must do in order to earn maximum points on your weekly homework assignments.

30. Assignments continued • The Drop Box is where you drop your assignments. Please do not email your assignments to me. • Your work must be submitted to the Drop Box in Microsoft Word format. • In order to be considered for a top grade for the assignments each week, you will need to follow the directions in the Unit as well as the guidelines in the Project rubric that is located in the syllabus. • Also, the work should be submitted in a timely manner (e.g., by the end of the Academic week).

31. KU Late Work Policy • Without Extenuating Circumstances: • Up to one week (1-7 calendar days) late 20% deduction in points • After one week (8-14 calendar days) late 30% deduction in points • No work will be accepted more than two (2) weeks after the  due date.

32. KU Late Work Policy • Please note that evaluation of extenuating circumstances is at the instructor’s discretion and documentation may be required for verification of the extenuating circumstance. Examples of extenuating circumstances may include personal/family member hospitalization, death in the family, weather/environmental evacuation due to fire/hurricane, or active military assignment where internet connectivity is unavailable for a limited time period. • Computer-related issues and internet connectivity issues are not considered extenuating circumstances.

33. ACADEMIC SUCCESS TIPS

34. Successful Student Attributes Successful students exhibit a combination of attitudes and behaviors as well as intellectual capacity. Successful students: 1) . . . are responsible and active. Successful students get involved in their studies, accept responsibility for their own education, and are active participants in it! 2) . . . have educational goals. Successful students have legitimate goals and are motivated by what they represent in terms of career aspirations and life's desires.

35. Successful Student continued Successful students: 3) . . . ask questions. Successful students ask questions to provide the quickest route between ignorance and knowledge. 4) . . . learn that a student and a professor make a team. Be a team player! 5). . . . take good notes. Successful students take notes that are understandable and organized, and review them often.

36. Successful Student continued Successful students: 6) . . . understand that actions affect learning. Successful students know their personal behavior affects their feelings and emotions which in turn can affect learning. Therefore, think positively and plan ahead like an academic pro. 7) . . . talk about what they're learning. Successful students get to know the material well enough that they can put it into words. We encourage you to share what you are learning with those close to you. 8) . . . don't cram to complete assignments. Successful students know that short, concentrated study and work efforts are more efficient & rewarding than last minute marathons.

37. More Tips…. • Use an electronic planner, such as Outlook or the calendar on your cell phone • Prioritize academic work & other responsibilities on a continual basis • Develop alternative study places free from distractions to maximize concentration • Review course material regularly(Forgetting is greatest within 24 hours without review)

38. Peer Interaction • Reach out to other students • Form study groups and get study buddies • Exchange email addresses and AIM screen names with your classmates • Forming relationships with your fellow classmates not only facilitates study partnerships but also support systems and avenues of networking. • You can chat with students for free using AIM, Google chat or Skype.

39. School of Business and Management on Facebook • Connect with your classmates • Join and create discussion boards • Network and build contacts • Share pictures, study tips, recipes, whatever you like! • Stay updated on Kaplan events and webinars • Relax, unwind and socialize with your School of Business and Management peers

40. Have a Back-up Plan! • Print out materials at the beginning of the week. • Keep all Professor & Help Desk phone numbers on paper. • Do it now! Create a back-up plan. Find local places where you can access a computer and the Internet (if necessary). For example, the local library or cafes! • Save your documents often! Buy a USB drive so that you can save your work just in case your computer crashes. Don’t be caught off guard!

41. NETIQUETTE

42. Netiquette • Wait to respond to a message that upsets you and be careful of what you say and how you say it. • Be considerate. Rude or threatening language, inflammatory assertions (often referred to as "flaming"), personal attacks, and other inappropriate communication will not be tolerated. • Never post a message that is in all capital letters -- it comes across to the reader as SHOUTING! • Use boldface and italics sparingly • Keep messages short and to the point.

43. Netiquette • Always practice good grammar, punctuation, and composition. This shows that you've taken the time to craft your response and that you respect your classmates' work. • Keep in mind that threaded discussions are meant to be constructive exchanges. • Be respectful and treat everyone as you would want to be treated yourself. • Use spell check!

44. Food for Thought

45. Food for Thought “I’ve always believed if you put in the work the results will come. I don’t do things half-heartedly because I know if I do, I can only expect half-hearted results.” (Michael Jordon) “Time is an equal opportunity employer. Each human being has exactly the same number of hours and minutes every day. Rich people can't buy more hours. Scientists can't invent new minutes. And you can't save time to spend it on another day. Even so, time is amazingly fair and forgiving. No matter how much time you've wasted in the past, you still have an entire tomorrow.” (Dennis Waitely)

46. Action Steps

47. Action Steps • Based on the information we have discussed so far, what action steps are you going to take to assure your academic success here at Kaplan University? • Please describe at least 4 specific changes you will make to your life style to enhance your academic experience.

48. In Closing…….

49. Questions • At this point I will open the floor to questions. • Are there any course related questions? Remember that personal or grade questions should not be posed in this forum.

50. On a Final Note • Ongoing communication is extremely important to your academic success! • So stay in touch. I hope to hear from you soon. ****Thank you for attending!