Dr. Sarah's Lab 2 Directions

Dr. Sarah's Lab 2 Directions
You are responsible for learning (but not memorizing) everything on these pages.
Skim this over in order to prepare for Monday since we have a lot to do in lab. You do not need to complete the activities until lab, but you do need to read this so that you will be prepared. 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 pc and mac 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 We will usually use Internet Explorer in this class, because it works better with campus pipeline, Excel files, and movie and sound files. Before opening a web browser be sure to follow directions from Dr. Sarah on whether to open Netscape or Explorer.

Mac versus PC Computers While we will be using Mac computers in lab, almost everything we do can also be done on a PC computer. Complaining about Mac computers detracts from the professional environment of the course and will be considered negative participation. More importantly though, consider the fact that both software and computer systems change often. It is almost certain that the computer you will use in 10 years will look and act nothing like your present computer. Hence, it is important to be both logical and flexible in your computer use. The use of Mac computers in lab gives you the opportunity to develop your flexibility and reinforce this course goal.

Use Internet Explorer to Get to the Main Class Web Page Follow the directions on Dr. Sarah's Sheet on the Main Web Page and WebCT Use, to open up Internet Explorer and to get to the main class web page.

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 satisfactorily completing your work and missing no more than 8 credit hours of class. Most people who do so will receive an A, B, or C in the course. To obtain an A in this class, you must demonstrate deep understanding of the material. Since the class meets for 5 hours per week and satisfies 3 designators, you should expect to work hard, and put in the necessary time outside of class in order to complete homework and assignments on time (compared to a 3 hour course with no designators you will probably spend significantly more time on this class). You will find that I will also work hard to help you succeed.

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 spend the remaining lab time working on class homework.

Stock Market Intro Take out your Stock Market homework, and (using your homework) follow the directions on the Stock Market intro to complete this portion of the lab.

Ben Franklin Lab Slowly and carefully follow the directions on the lab. The completed lab is due Friday at 5pm.

WebCT Enter WebCT.

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 mail link. Read any NEW messages that you have. Recall that you are supposed to read them at least twice a week.

Remaining Time and the End of Lab If time remains, then you should work on homework for tomorrow (see the main class web page), work on finishing questions on the Ben Franklin part 1 lab, or other class homework. 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.

Always Shut Down the Computer Before Leaving the Lab 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.