	BA131 — Business Productivity Software

BA131 Introduction

Winter 2006

Updated: 01/18/2006 07:40:26 AM

BA131 teaches students how to use a computer as a powerful tool in completing everyday business and analytical tasks. This class teaches you how to use office productivity software so that you will be prepared not only to learn the office software for your future employer, but also so that you can produce effective and professional course work. BA131 helps prepare you for BA271 (Information Technology in Business). If you are retaking BA131 for any reason, please click here.

Optional: Download the syllabus summary for printing (printing not needed and not recommended-all of this information is on-line on the course web site): 2-page MS Word syllabus file.
Optional: Download printer-friendly schedule of lectures, exams and assignments (printing recommended ONLY for students who have problems keeping track of their schedule.) 2-page MS Word schedule file.

The Basics:

This class requires significant self discipline-even if you have significant computer and software experience! You need to manage your time carefully, read the lessons and web materials, and work independently with little prompting.

There are three class meetings for you to keep track of each week:

All sections meet in Bexell Hall 324. Monday is a hands-on lecture, Wednesday is a hands-on practice session and Friday is a hands-on help session.
The three MOST important things you can do to help you succeed in this class are:
- READ the lessons, assignments, lecture slides THOROUGHLY!
- COME TO CLASS every MONDAY; don't miss your WEDNESDAY LAB; and take advantage of the FRIDAY HELP sessions!
- Be independent--get help immediately when you need it; but work alone. Students who work on this class together often fail together--you will not have the benefit of that help when you take your exams...

Course Structure:

You will attend lectures each Monday to learn about the current week's lesson and how the lesson relates to productivity and professionalism in the business world.
After your lecture, you will attend a lab working session in the Bexell 324 computer lab lead by a teaching assistant who will take you step-by-step though a practice exercise designed to help you learn the current lesson's technology.
Then you will attend a lab help session on Friday in which you will be able to ask for help on the current practice lesson or your assignment.
Finally, you will complete an assignment that is due each Wednesday night that is designed to both help you learn the current lesson's technology and assess your progress in learning the technology.

Read the Syllabus using the link provided at the top of the page for specific information about the courses.

If you are retaking BA131 for any reason, please click here.

About this site: This web site is for Oregon State University student use only. This web site, all linked files and resources, and the course materials herein are intended for use by students currently registered for BA131.

Copyright © 1999-2006 by Ray D. Tanner; Oregon State University.

All rights reserved. No part of this web site or linked files referenced in this web site may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of the instructor. Currently-registered students in BA131 may print portions of the web or linked files as needed to support their coursework or as detailed by the lessons herein.

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