INFO 173INSTRUCTOR: PROF. WILLIAM COLUCCI

GRADUATE ASSISTANTS: SHINGIE AND SONALI

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS IN BUSINESS

What is it?

Fundamental business computer applicationsWord - Word processing

memos, web publishing, desk top publishing (leaflets)Powerpoint – presentation - slideshowsExcel – spreadsheet

calculations, formula, mathematical logic, lists of data and data manipulation.

Access – database Examples of databases – Blackboard, Facebook,

iTunes, Amazon.com

Why do we care?

Lingua franca; “natural monopoly”– standard format for data (Amex)

Schoolwork – term papers; upper level classes

Jobs, jobs, jobs! more Many jobs require proficiency. Access, Excel programming are jobs in

themselves (Visual Basic for Applications).

Best way to learn: Use it!

Templates – somebody’s already done the work – Just adapt them to your needs!

Lot’s of web sitesPersonal finance

Should I buy a house? Overall finance Take a job in NYC? Download credit card data.

Fun? More fun?

Hybrid course: What’s that?

Self-paced learning – 3 optional lectures Online (web) tutorials (First Advantage/SkillCheck) Textbooks (Access text is mandatory) Other resources: Links posted on Blackboard Open labs: PA213 Tues./Thurs. Class web page: http://diginav.net/info173.

Positive: Save commute time, go at your own pace

Negative: You are responsible for remembering due dates and setting a study schedule Procrastinators or disorganized – beware!

Hybrid course – What’s that? (2)

Mandatory: Blackboard! – Check announcements

Check several times a week for new Announcements No excuse that you were not aware of something posted

on Blackboard or sent via email All material you need is on Blackboard

Email – You must check your email everyday for messages from instructors.

You are responsible for technical tools – computers, network connection: Tech problems are NOT an excuse. Test, test, test; give yourself time to get to a University

computer!

What are your goals for this course?

Take out a piece of paper. Answer the following questions – not going to be collected – be honest:

Why did you take this course?What do you want to learn in this course?What might be necessary for you to achieve

those goals?What problems might you have with the

material or with the hybrid course structure?

How to get it?

University computers have Microsoft Office 2007Getting Office 2007 on your personal computer

Free 60 day demo (www.Microsoft.com) Student offer from Microsoft:

Students can get a full copy for approximately $60.00 Link in External Links in Blackboard

You CANNOT use: A Mac or the Mac version of Office An older version of Office

Mac users: You can run Windows operating system with a Mac, then install

the Windows version of Microsoft Office 2007 with Bootcamp; Free VMWare Fusion & Windows XP OS

Look for an email from the business department for free software

Hybrid course – sum up

When do I have to come to class, i.e., when is it mandatory? Case studies (3) in PA213 during your assigned lab period

How do I know what to do and when? Schedule – first item posted in Blackboard announcements, and at the end of the

syllabus. Where do I find the assignments (homework)?

Blackboard, Assignments button. How do I take the exams?

Exams are online, given by First Advantage service. You will receive an email with a link to your test.

What resources do I have for homework/exams/case studies? First Advantage tutorials web training; Textbooks (Access mandatory, Word/PPT/Excel optional) Google, built in help, microsoft.com/office Meet w. instructors - Lab hours in PA213 Meet with instructors remotely: Elluminate, Pronto

Standard interface: Dive in!

Ribbon Tabs, groups, drop down (downward triangles); mini-

toolbar; customizing; ribbon squeezedRight click – context sensitive menu

Click on something or select, then right click Built in help - ? Mark icon, upper right, or F1Trial and error – the undo button (upper left,

left pointing curly icon)Excel Functions

Dialog boxes Built in help with examples