Dr. Sarah's
Lab 2 Directions
You are responsible for learning
(but not memorizing)
everything on these pages.
Computer Designator
To satisfy the Math 1010 computer designator, we will effectively use
programs that are widely available and that you are likely to use again
in other classes.
Today we will use Netscape, a web browser, and
Microsoft Excel, which is useful
for amortization tables, calculations and spreadsheets.
Word and Excel are bundled together
in the "Office" package that also includes Microsoft PowerPoint,
a program for creating and viewing professional presentations that we
will use later in the semester. All of these programs can be
found on most computers.
We will spend the rest of the semester learning about basic features,
especially concentrating on web searching techniques.
Group Work and Turning on the Computer
Pick one person (sitting next to you) to work with for this lab.
Working together is important since the best way to learn something new is
to communicate it to someone else. In addition, it takes Dr. Sarah a while
to get around the room, so it is more efficient to have people helping each
other. Each of you should work on your own computer, but you should help
each other and keep the same pace.
Turn on the computer by
pressing the key which sort of looks like an apple with a stem still on.
If the computer was on when you entered the room, restart it before you
begin working in order to prevent crashes.
Netscape Versus Internet Explorer
For many things we do, it won't matter whether you use Netscape or Internet Explorer as your web browser, but there are certain situations where it does matter. If we are downloading an Excel .xls file from the web, we need Netscape.
We need Internet Explorer for movie and sound files.
For other purposes, it shouldn't make any difference.
Before opening a web browser be sure to follow directions from Dr.
Sarah on whether to open Netscape or Explorer.
Use Netscape to Get to the Main Class Web Page
For today, we need Netscape.
Under the apple icon - the top left of the screen -
using the mouse with the button pushed down, scroll down to the
internet/e-mail folder and (without releasing the mouse), scroll
over to the right and then release on Netscape.
Type in
http://www.mathsci.appstate.edu/~sjg/class/1010/
Important:
To open up a new web browser, under File, release on New Navigator.
(sometimes your browser will close by mistake
or you will need two screens open at the same time).
File and Program Management
The top right side of the screen will show you what program is currently open.
If you click on it (do this), it will show you a list of all open programs.
A check mark will be next to the program that you are in.
If you wish to change to a different open program,
then scroll down and release on the one that you wish.
Sometimes a program will be open, but you won't see a file with it.
To open up a new file, under File, release on New.
To open an old file, under file release on Open,
and then look for the file you desire.
Always Save files into the public folder/save files here folder located on
the desktop.
This makes them easy to find later on. Be sure that the
public folder/save files
appears as the heading on the save window.
Word documents should always end in .doc, while excel documents should
always end in .xls
Lab Criterion
Your lab
grades will be based on how many questions
you answered correctly and completely, and the clarity
and depth of your writing and explanations, so take your time to
think carefully and discuss the issues in your group before writing down an
answer and be sure to write in complete sentences!
You may always attach extra pages if you need
more room for explanation.
Even if there had not been a writing designator on MAT 1010, we still
would have done some writing in this class, because
explaining your ideas to others is an important
part of mathematics and is also one of the best ways to improve your
understanding of the material.
The effort you expend in clearly explaining your work solidifies your
learning. In particular, research has shown that writing and
speaking trigger different
areas of your brain. By writing something down - even when you
think you already understand it - your learning is reinforced by
involving other areas of
your brain. In addition, when you are studying for tests
or for the comprehensive final exam, you will find that your explanations
will help you review and understand the material and will make for a much more
useful study guide.
Success in this Course
Much of your success in this course depends on you carefully listening
to and taking notes on what I say, carefully
following directions, engaging the material, and practicing on your own.
You can obtain a passing grade in this class by
completing your work and missing no more than 8 credit hours of class.
You should expect to work hard in this class, and put in the
necessary time outside of class in order to complete homework
and assignments on time, as I also work hard to help you succeed.
To obtain an A in this class, you must demonstrate deep
understanding of the material.
Effective Use of Time in Class
You should always expect to stay for the entire time that
class (Tues/Thur) meets. If activities are finished early
or you are waiting for us to come back together as a class, then you should
use the time effectively to work on class homework or ask me questions
(using your time effectively forms part of your participation grade).
Effective Use of Time in Lab
Labs are designed to take 1 hour and 50 minutes, but everyone works
at a different pace. You should expect to leave having completed the
mathematics correctly (I try to check work and give you instant feedback
as I make my way around the classroom since I want you to succeed.)
Some people will work quickly enough to be able to answer all of the
questions in lab itself. Other people will need to spend time outside of
class completing questions.
If you finish all of the listed lab activities early then you may
leave early or spend the remaining lab time working
on class materials.
Ben Franklin Lab
From the main class web page, click on the Ben Franklin lab
link. Recall that if something is underlined on a web page, then
it is a link to click on, and that you can use the Back key to
return to the page you just came from.
Slowly and carefully follow the directions on the lab.
The completed lab is due Friday at 5pm.
WebCT
Take out Lab 1 Directions and follow them to enter WebCT.
Quiz 1
Click on Quizzes and then on Quiz 1.
Click ok. Click ok at the
amount of time remaining.
Save each question's answer. Notice that the red dots will turn into green stars (on the right side of WebCT) as you save each question.
Be careful to follow the input directions for each
question since WebCT will mark your
answer as incorrect if it is not in the correct format.
Note that for multiple choice questions,
boxes mean that more than one choice may be chosen.
When you are finished, click Finish.
Then click ok to Submit Quiz for Grading.
Then click on View Results.
Quiz Retakes
Notice that under quizzes, you can view your previous tries
(and how they were graded)
by clicking on
them to the right of each quiz. In general, you will
have up to 5 tries to get a perfect score. Quiz 1 retakes will
be available after
4pm today. Retakes will be
due next Monday and can be performed from any computer on or off
campus with web access.
Note that retakes are similar to the original quizzes, but there
are usually differences (and numerous versions of the same
question), so read the problems and
answers carefully each time!
Use your quiz retakes as a way to reinforce learning and prepare for
tests. As you answer each question,
ask yourself whether you could
explain WHY answers are true or false
and show the work necessary to obtain the correct answers
on a test.
Baseline participation of 8/10 requires that you receive an A
on quizzes. Your grade is the HIGHEST of the retakes, but your first try
will also be taken into consideration. You should retake each quiz
at least once.
Other WebCT Features
Click on grades and tracking info. Click on grades.
Take a look at how many credit hours of absences you have so far.
Click on the WebCT home link, and then click on the Bulletin Board link.
Read any NEW messages that you
have.
Recall that you are
supposed to read them at least three times a week.
Remaining Time and the End of Lab
If time remains, then you should work on the homework for
tomorrow (see the main class web page for the assignment), or work on
finishing questions on the Ben Franklin part 1 lab.
You may also ask me any questions you have about anything
in this course as I make my way around the room. For example, I know that
some of you have questions on the homework that was just returned today.
To shut down the computer, from the desktop, click on
the background, then on special, and then
release on shut down.
Be sure that you always shut down the computer before you leave
lab.