Week 16 - Power Point (How to) - Authors@Google

Video Mini Lecture:

The Art of Power Point

Directive: Video related to power point exam and course text and lectures. Review this Google video to assist you in preparing your team presentation.

Reference Information:

AtGoogleTalksMarch 28, 2008
(more info)
(less info)
Want to Subscribe?Sign In or Sign Up now!
Presentation designer and internationally acclaimed communications expert Garr Reynolds, creator of the most popular Web site on presentation design and delivery on the net -- presentationzen.com -...

----------------------------------------------
View Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ2vtQCESpk

W 14 Preview

Monday - Group Presentation, Mini Lecture and Drill = Holding a Meeting, Each team designs an agenda for Wednesday's group meeting. Team picks a secretary to record meeting agenda and Wednesday minutes.

View link for agenda format mini lecture and sample agenda formats:

The Organized Agenda: A Vital Tool for Efficient Meetings -
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/lcr/virtualtool.cfm

Wednesday - Meeting Drill with your Power Point Project team, Following agenda team designed Monday. Agenda and meeting notes are copied into a MS Word document and sent to instructor alorenzo@centralstate.edu. by Friday 12:00 noon on 11/20/09.

Wednesday 11/18/09

1. Take attendance
2. Assignment:
Student get into their Power Point Project teams
Teams refer to the 11/16/09 (Monday) agenda they designed for Wednesday's "Holding a Meeting" drill
Meeting is conducted - time begin and end recorded
Team refer to course blog examples of agenda and meeting documentation (posted 11/17/09 within their week 14 preview and required prep-class reading)
Team copies agenda and minute notes to be submitted to instructor at the end of class
Team prepares a typed MS Word document (agenda/minutes), emailing said document to alorenzo@centralstate.edu

NOTE: Team's are conducting a meeting and not working on their power point. Think of your meeting as a strategic planning process of evaluating and completing your work from beginning to end.

View Link (example meeting minutes):
http://www.condoandhoalaw.com/Documents/Sample%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf


Friday - Online Classroom = Must complete two quizzes (journal entry), and develop MS Word resume and send to instructor's email ALorenzo@centralstate.edu by 12:00 noon - 11/20/09

Homework Activities:

1. Read topic related text modules
2. Submit posted quizzes
3. Develop Power Point project
a. Add each members online profiles to PP.b. Add each members resume to PP
c. Add an inspirational quote
d. Add slide about team dynamics (must be external or text reference)
e. Add reference slide
f. Add what recommendations instructor gave your team during team's presentation

W13 Preview

Monday - Group Presentations

Wednesday - Holiday

Friday - Group Presentations, Mini Lecture = Listening Skills, Small group exercise = Listening

Note: Refer to Power Point Presentation post that is being updated as project continues.

Individual Homework - Reading texts and turning in posted quizes.

W12 - Assingment Check-Off Listing (W's 9/10/11/12)

1. Online Profile Presentation (classroom)
2. Group Project - Two online personality quizzes (classroom)
3. Group Project - Homework assignment attached to Group Project quizzes
4. Module Quizzes - Self directed homework assignments - submit when completed. Journal entry

Week 12/13 Unit Seven - Module 26 & 27

Directive

• Answer these questions within your course journal.
• Identify the date you enter answers
• Label journal entry as: Quiz - Module 10
• Submit for review when complete
• Identify page number or outside resources of answer - but answer with your own words

Questions

1. What do you need to know about yourself to job hunt?

2. What do I need to know about companies that might hire me?

3. What do I do if I have a major weakness?

4. What is the hidden job market?

5. What is an informative interview and the benefits of conducting informative interviews?

6. What types of resumes are there? When do you use the various types?

7. How do you create a scannable resume?

8. How should you prepare an online resume?

9. How do you polish your prose?

10. What are the key words/terms of your industry to input into your resume (outside source required)?

Week 13 - Quiz, Module 12

Directive

• Answer these questions within your course journal.
• Identify the date you enter answers
• Label journal entry as: Quiz - Module 10
• Submit for review when complete
• Identify page number or external resource of answer - but answer with your own words

Questions

1. What is the best persuasive strategy?

2. What is a blogger? Provide an actual example (social networking site).

3. When is the best time to use a direct request pattern?

4. How do you organize a problem solving message?

5. When using the word "problem" for analysis of the problem - what are the letter's meaning?

Week 12 Quiz - Module 11

Directive

• Answer these questions within your course journal.
• Identify the date you enter answers
• Label journal entry as: Quiz - Module 11
• Submit for review when complete
• Identify page number or external source of answer - but answer with your own words
  
  

Questions

1. What are the most common kind of negative messages?

2. Identify various types of negative messages.

3. What is the best way to give bad news to customers and others outside of your organization (external stakeholders)?

4. What are the for steps to organizing a negative letter?

5. What are the four steps to giving bad news to superiors (internal stakeholders)?

6. What are the three steps to organizing a negative Memo to peers or subordinates? Provide an example.

Week 11 - Quiz - Module 10

Directive:

• Answer these questions within your course journal.
• Identify the date you enter answers
• Label journal entry as: Quiz - Module 10
• Submit for review when complete
• Identify page number of answer - but answer with your own words

Questions

1. When PROBLEM is used in Analysis of the Problem what does each letter stand for? Paraphrase meanings.

2. What is the best method of sending a thank you note in the business world. Why?

3. How do you organize information and positive messages?

4. When should I use reader benefits in informative and positive messages?

5. What is a web browser (use outside source)

6. What is "netiquette" and netiquette rules?

Week 11 - PowerPoint Drill - Classroom Activity & Homework Assignment

Directives:

Week 11 (Friday)

11:00 - 11:20 - Time
1. Pick teams - Four/Five members
2. Sit together
3. Take the Online Self-Discovery tests (links below)
4. Complete all the directions regarding test

11:20 - 11:45 - Time
1. One person in the group go to the PowerPoint prompt
2. Slide #1 - title: Team Dynamics - Individual Performance
3. Slide #2 - List team members
4. Slide #3 - Identify type of test taken
5. Slide #4 - Type all members names and outcome of their test score

Homework: Team Divides workload (Review text module that discusses PowerPoint presentations).

1. Research Terms: Team Dynamics, Introvert, Extrovert, Team Building (to be inserted into PowerPoint during W12).
2. Design graphics/fonts/style of the PowerPoint
3. Communication Methods: Explain the traits of an (a) extrovert (b) introvert, and what is the best way to 'deal' with each type in a team setting (to be inserted into the PowerPoint during W12).

NOTE: Email PowerPoint to each other and instructor (alorenzo@centralstate.edu). Save to external flash drive. There will be a total of two saves: W11/Friday & W12/Monday.

Tools: Internet, Course Journal, Flash Drive, Email, PowerPoint. Course Text

Online Self-Discovery Test

Directive A

1. Take the quiz: Are You An Extrovert or An Introvert?

2. Insert quiz results in course journal.

Click on link : http://blogthings.com/areyouanextrovertorintrovertquiz/

Directive B

1. Take the quiz: What career will suit your personality?
2. Insert the first few lines.
3. Print results


Click on link: http://quiz.ivillage.co.uk/uk_work/tests/career.htm

Week 12

Monday - Sit with your team and add information gathered from homework assignment.

Wednesday - Group Presentations

Friday - Group Presentations. Maintenance Day - Bring Project Profilo and add copies on Online Profile material, Bring current resume to be printed and added to your Project Profilo.

Week 13

MODIFIED FORMAT

Monday: Groups: "Rise" - Speak Up - Harmony

WEDNESDAY - BREAK

Friday - Groups - Extra Extroverts = The Approachable

NOTE: Groups should be able to show us individual notes.

Week 10 - Quiz Module 9, Unit Three

Directive:

1. Answer quiz questions in course journal
2. Submit for instructor review when quiz is completed
3. Pen must be used
4. Title of quiz must be used
5. Add the text page number or outside resource used to influence your answer(s).

Questions

1. How do you set up a letter? Diagram and narrative required
2. What courtesy titles should be used?
3. How should you set up memos? Diagram and narrative required
4. When do you send a letter? When do you send an memo?
5. What letter format do you prefer? Why
6. What are the differences between block format for letters and the formats for memos?

Week 10 - Online Profile Presentations & One-on-One meetings

Monday - Online Day/Study Labs

Wednesday: Online Profile Presentations
Students: Renalt Turner, Brady Smith, Trevor McGee
Students: Assigned by Instructor - Tamra Edwards, Brianna Robinson,Felicity E. Ellis,Gaberilla Ruffin, Arielle Betts, Janae Miller,Ralph Jordan
Friday: Online Profile Presentations
Students: Mario Riley, Samual Boahen, Toniejha Payne, James Booker, Aesha Dominquez, Giannic Hicks, Jerron Brandt, Lee Tab
Students: Assigned by Instructor - Victor Walker

NOTES:
Students who are have not signed up for presentations will be presenting on WEDNESDAY. Each presentation will be a maximum of five minutes.

Students have had three weeks to prepare and complete this task - this portion of the assignment is officially closed Week10.


One-on-One meetings: A number of students have signed up for one-on-one meetings with the instructor. The most available time remaining is Wednesday evening after 5:00pm.

Quiz - The instructor has decided that the remaining course content quizzes will be posted on line, allowing the students to reference course text book. These quizzes will be independently submitted by the students. All quizzes must be entered into the course journal.

Week 9 Preview

Monday - Holiday

Wednesday - Dean's Meeting (all students must attend). Lorenzo will be in attendance

Friday - Review of individual student's online profile project. Be ready to share with the class - using the main computer screen.


Homework

1. Continue reading the chapters assigned (refer to class notes in journal)
2. Quiz - Instructor will post two quizzes within week 9 for you to enter into your journal. Each quiz will be worth 50 points. Students can submit these exams for review anytime within week 9 &10. Quiz material will be derived directly from text. Hint: know your main headings and side-bar information.
3. Continue developing your online employment profile. Come to Friday's meeting with questions if you are blocked. This weekend one of my collaborative partners recommend we visit; job.com website. Let me know if this helps. We can review the site in class.

Week 8 - Online Profile Project

Directive:

This is the second part of a three part series of developing communication skills for the industry you are seeking employment in.

1. First part - Career Search - completed
2. From your first part of this project, student goes back and performs an online research from the expert in the field they presented, and revisit their online profile. Students view the terminology as it relates to your current skill level and future job search.
3. You start drafting the content of your online profile in your journal. Think business bio.
4. You build a blog, video, website that can be activated online.

Note: This is the second week that students have been engaging in this process. This has been designated as a homework assignment with in class assistance. In class assistance does not imply that the instructor is responsible for your projects success.

Week 7 - Students were given one period to perform search and find proffesionals in their field to mirror.
During week 8 one class period will be designated as a lauching day for your online profile.(10/9/09 Friday).
During weeks 9 & 10 all projects will be completed and shown in class.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following online sites as examples of the content required for your online profile project.

Sample Web site page:

http://www.mcaronline.com/default.asp?id=151

Hospitality (student's content must be longer than this example)
http://www.raheservices.com/about.html


Tourism:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Branson


Management:
http://www.darrenmonroe.com/wordpress/?page_id=2

Safety:
http://www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/ColonelBio.stm

Week 7: In class quiz... Unit Two -Modules 6/7/8

Week 7
10/2/09
Friday

In Class Quiz

Directive:
1. Open your course journal and write the 'housekeeping' directives from the power point.
2. Review the 10 plus 1 questions.
3. In your journal write the answers (do not write the questions).
4. Bring journal to instructor for her check-off.

1. Definition of You-Attitude: You-Attitude is ....................
2. Five Ways to Create You-Attitude............
3. Definitions of Impersonal Construction: Impersonal construction........ Passive verbs..........
4. 10 negative words to avoid when writing in business are ..............................
5. Five Ways to Create Positive Emphasis...................
6. Definition of Hidden Negative....................
7. Definition of Reader Benefit is..............
8. Criteria for Reader Benefits are..........
9. Psychological Description is..........
10. Extrinsic and Intrinsic Rewards are?

BONUS 1-10 possible points

Describe Maslow's hierarchy of needs (narrative and graphic).

Week 7 - Preview

Monday - Review of Chapters

Wednesday - Review of Exams, Chapters, Online Profile Blog

Friday - Mini Lecture/Group Activity

Note: Students are to bring their Career Project folder with them during the next three weeks.

W6 - Lorenzo will be holding class Friday

Students,

Thank you for following the blog and keeping informed. I will be instructing the Business Communication course Friday 9/25/09.

Please read your journal notes from Wednesday to secure you are ready for class discussion. Also bring your journals - we may be doing a self evaluation on them (I know - to much fun - right?!).

The best to you,

Ms. Lorenzo

W6 - Review of Project and Next Step

Student Self Evaluation - Career Project

Purpose of individual exercise:

1. Relates to chapter 5 of the first section of text
2. Student recognizes the lack of depth of academic rigor given to project
3. Professor interprets that the grade received was based on a curve. And that the first introductory 5 weeks is over, and in the next 5 weeks students will now be graded on standards of performance.
4. Students review if they understand how to attach/measure an assignment.
5. Student/Faculty move forward with understanding of what is expected.

Notes:

• It is assumed that students who did not meet the assignment deadline will bring their work to class (as indicated earlier).
• Standard documentation practices must be adhered to; double space, headings, stapling
• Within the three week assignment period, only two students requested assistance.
• Category from syllabus - Assignments: Homework and Assignments 200 total possible points - This assignment is worth 75 points.
• Those that did not meet deadline will not have earned any points for this area of the continue course project whick builds to developing a resume and sumbiting it online.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In your journal ( Day 15 - 9/23/09) Review and grade the returned project packet by:

1. Putting a yes or no beside each line item in the directive indicating if said item is in the packet. Identify where in the packet it is.
2. Identify how many hours you put into this project. Please do not count library hours is you did not use it as a resource. Think - did I follow the directive - did I put the required time and effort into this academic project?

• Library - estimated time 2 hours = 2 visits
• Data Collection - minimum 2 hours per week = three week assignment
• Drafts of narrative, career goals, time line, six key terms
• Draft of 4 minute presentation (power point)
• Final copy of documents - proofreading, editing, term usage, content design
• Final organization of data and narrative of findings
• Final print of PowerPoint and practicing of verbal presentation
• Presentation to the class

Actual Assignment Directive

Directive
1. Read this post in its entirety.
2. Put activity log in your calendar – Design a project time line (as displayed in class - refer to Day 5 notes).
3. Begin a folder for your findings – data will be used for other course assignments (note - your first week is data collection - but it is recommended that you take notes of your findings along the way).
4. Final Project A: Prepare a brief outline of your data findings
5. Final Project B: Prepare a narrative of your findings and career goal statement***To be placed within areas A&B of project: Collect six current key terms of your industry and job description*** Material will be provided within MS Word document
6. Final Project C: 4 minute verbal presentation of findings (will occur within two class periods)*** Students will provide (classroom) verbal reports throughout the three week project*** Power Points advised (one slide) - no music or special features unless your industry traditionally relates to employee base in visual form of communication method.

Required Activity

1. Classroom Assignment Introduction –
Day 4 – Monday 8/24/09 – Search Salary.com2.
Written Assignment Directive posted on line –
Day 5 Wednesday – 8/26/093. Library Research/Online Classroom posting –
Day 6 Friday 8/28/094.

HOMEWORK – Weekend between second and third course week.
5. Review – small group of findings to date –
Day 7 Monday 8/31/096. Library Research/Online Classroom posting –
Day 9 – Friday 9/04/097. Assignment Due date – Week Four, Day 10 Wednesday 9/09/09

W6 - Preview

Monday: Blog Mini Lecture and Video, Review of chapters 5 & 6.

Wednesday: Discussion topics from chapters 5&6. Exam review and project review.

Friday: Small Group activity related to chapters 5&6 and/or Career Project Research Dive.

Check In Topics

Online Requests
View CSUCBI blog and become a fan.
View my Twitter - see if you have missed any tweets.
Please be patient as I work out the glitch in posting comments on course blog.

Course Journal Directive (repeat)
Inside cover - put your full name and all course online information.
Put day and date at the top of every entry.
Write course lecture under the 'housekeeping' area.
Write in pen.
Write neatly.
Only course topic in Journal.
Put homework notes and group activity notes in journal.

Class Behavior
First let me say I'm very happy with our behaviour and relationship.
Do not visit other sites when Professor is directing the course.
Do not come in after 11:05 - you will not be allowed to enter.
Do bring documented support when asking for an excused absence.
Do participate in group activities.
READ - READ - READ your chapters.

Week Six; Intrapersonal Communication - Mini Lecture and Video

Intrapersonal Communication

Directive 1: View Video
(Video) http://bit.ly/4tE9kk

*Video source:http://www.darrenmonroe.com/wordpress/?p=3675

Note: Video and Lecture relate to chapter 6 in the first section of the text.

Directive 2: Read Mini Lecture

Intrapersonal communication is the act of having an internal dialogue with yourself; or in other words, self-talk! Some examples of this include: "Asking yourself what you want for dinner tonight"; or "Asking yourself if you should have or shouldn't have done something?"

Sometimes, you may even talk out loud to yourself! I'm sure you've found yourself asking a question in your head and then habitually answering the question out loud, as if someone else was standing right there. Go ahead and admit it.. you're not crazy by any means!
You are constantly having a conversation with yourself whether you're aware of it or not.
However, if you're not aware of how you're communicating with yourself, chances are, the conversation is negative, critical, and just plain ugly!

However, you have complete control over how your going to communicate to yourself; yet, the irony of this is, it often feels like someone else has control over your self-talk.

It's easy to believe that you cannot stop the negative words and thoughts. However, if you want to understand why you're feeling bad, open your eyes to the negative conversation you're having with yourself and you'll find the answer you are looking for!

Change your thoughts, change your words, and change the conversation you're having with yourself. Don't allow yourself to be downgraded, criticized, and judged by you. If you are doing this to yourself, imagine how you're allowing others to treat you.

"Compliments? What Me? I wouldn't dare allow such a thing. I don't want to look like someone who is conceded." There is nothing wrong with complimenting yourself, talking kindly to yourself, ignoring the negative thoughts, and humbly appreciating your uniqueness. There is nothing conceited about that at all; as a matter of fact, it's very inspiring!

Don't put it off any longer. Start ignoring your negative intrapersonal communication skills and begin focusing on your positive self-talk. So go ahead and talk to yourself, answer yourself, and definitely talk out loud, but whatever you do, avoid all negative self-talk as much as possible

Source: http://www.relationship-with-self.com/intrapersonalcommunication.html

W5 Preview

Monday - Journal/Blog/Twitter review

Wednesday- Exam

Friday - Exam

Notice:

1. Career project packets will be returned week 6
2. First five week grading to system will occur this weekend.
3. Students who missed the Career Packet deadline will be given directives in week 6 as to how/when to turn in packet.
4. Journals will be reviewed during Weds/Friday of this week.

W5 - First Grade Posting - Classroom Quiz

SELF DIRECTED - STUDY GUIDE


Note: Classroom quiz is to be completed to earn a passing grade for the first grade posting of the semester (9/19/09)

Directive:

• Students must comment to this post after reviewing content. Grade will not be earned without this step being completed. Comment post must read, 'I have reviewed this post prior to taking the classroom quiz."
  
• Professor reserves the right to hold the quiz either Weds or Friday (or both days) of the 5th week. If an excused absence is not agreed to prior to Monday of the fifth week, the student will receive a falling quiz grade.
  
• Bring sheets of lined paper to class for exam answers.
  
• This is a closed text/blog/google search/journal quiz.
  
• Students should have reviewed all of the learning tools identified in week 4 classroom.
  
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Sample types of questions:

1. What is non verbal communication?
2. What is informal business communication?
3. What is formal business communication?
4. What is the course objective?
5. What is culture? What is the difference between the terms, co-culture and sub-culture?
6. Describe the business term diversity and its application.
7. What national business association was showcased during week one ice breaker? What is the associations purpose?
8. What service does salary.com provide?
9. What key message of the article "Social Network Sites: Definition, History, and Scholarship" : posted to my twitter account?
10. What is the difference in strategy between business communication and academic communication?
11. List five different online communication services that are used in business. How are they applied?
12. Describe a model of two person communication with feedback.
13. Describe the benefits and method of knowing your audience(s).
14. Describe the proof -reading terms - planning/writing/revising.
15. Provide directive of how to design presentation slides.
16. What planning should be performed before writing or speaking?
17. What is the key message in the blog Mini Lecture, "The Old Way of Job Searching is Broken" ?
18. Provide two questions with their answer covering a course topic from any of the class learning tools: blog, class notes, text, homework, online research, twitter, directly related to the course topic that I have not asked.

Note: Detailed questions requested. Sampling does not mean that all these questions will be on the quiz or that the question(s) will be 100% written as it is on this post.

Week Five Preview as it relates to quiz:

1. Monday - Classroom study lab. Instructor reviews journals
2. Wednesday - Quiz???? Instructor reviews journals
3. Friday - Quiz???? Instructor reviews journals

Note: Quiz will be performed during normal classroom period, 11:05 -11:45 am. Quiz is submitted on the instructors desk at the end of the course - no leaving prior to the 11:45 am.

W5- In classroom Quiz (Monday/Tuesday)

W5 - Quiz

Students will be quizzed on these topics covered in weeks 1/2/3/4:

1. Text chapters 1/2/3/4
2. Career Assignment
3. Lectures (Blog/Class/Twitter)
4. Journals (Days 1/12)
5. Course Syllabus

Note: This will not be an open notes/text quiz.

How to make effective presentation

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

How to make effective presentation

View more presentations from Satyajeet Singh.

W4 - Mini Lecture - Friday, July 31, 2009 | Modified: Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Mini Lecture: The Old Way of Job Searching is Broken

Lecture: Related to Career Search Project and Resume Building

Directive:

1. Read this post and see if you are ready for the new process of job searching.

2. Be prepared to bring in your existing resume (week 5)

3. Think: Do I have someone in my corner who knows the way the game is played?

Career Moves
The old way of job searching is broken
Denver Business Journal - by Judith Briles

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What do General Motors, CitiGroup and AGI have in common? Their businesses are broken.
They did business the old way, failing to adapt and change in a rapidly morphing environment.
In Colorado, unemployment is near 7.6 percent. Who knows how high it will go? Or will it plateau and plummet? If you’re looking for work, or thinking about it, it’s time to re-think the process.
It’s not like the old days (last year), when you updated your resumé and networked like crazy, and hoped the phone would ring off the hook. If that’s the way you’re seeking work, go to the end of the line. That mode has gone the way of the Dodo bird, on its way to extinction.
So what works? According to Gordon Miller, senior partner with Dovetail Solutions in Denver, it all starts with taking a business-like approach to pursuing a job. Wishful thinking is out. It’s not all about who you know anymore. “It’s about value,” he says. “What value will you specifically bring to the company?”

In advising job-seekers, he says there are five key areas that will send you to the head of the line.
• Stop sending resumés. Everyone and their brother is wallpapering HR and anyone else they can think of with their resumés. It’s not that you shouldn’t have one — just don’t use it as your primary contact piece.
• Who do you want to work for? That’s the critical question. Forget about places that you’ve heard rumors are hiring or have open positions.
Stop and think. What are the three companies you want to work for? Or, what are the three industries you want to work in? Then ID the top three companies in your region (or nationally if you’re open to moving) you’d like to work for.
What do you love about them? The products? Services?
• Pretend you’re an investor. If you had $100,000 to invest in a company, what would you like to know about it before you write a check? How long it’s been in business, what products it makes, what’s the buzz in the business media, what’s its reputation in the community?
Miller says many of his clients are shocked by job-seekers’ lack of knowledge about their companies and what they do. “There’s no real in-depth understanding of the company, its culture or the product,” he says.
• Dig before you contact. It’s wise to expand your sphere — reach out to others who might know something about the company, its history and the industry. The most reliable information comes from those who are in the know — which rarely is someone in HR.
If you aren’t a member of LinkedIn, join. I get weekly requests from people I know, asking to connect them with others I know, who in turn, know someone they’re trying to reach.
• Write a value proposition letter. Resumés are out. Value is in. Let’s face it: The position you had in the past may no longer exist. Even the industry may be a thing of the past.
Your letter should go something like this: “Dear President/CEO: I’ve done in-depth research on your company and industry. With my skills, here are the three ways that I can specifically bring value to your company.”

Do you have an idea for a new process, strategic alliances, converting old technology or practices?

You send this gem to the decision-maker, not to a paper-pusher. It’s not about the past. It’s what value you bring to the table today and how your value will enhance the company.
Business as usual is broken. Dead. You, as the job-seeker, must start with a clean slate. Alive.

Judith Briles, a speaker and consultant about workplace issues and author of more than 20 books, can be reached at 303-627-9179 or judithbriles@aol.com.

W4 - 9/09/09 - 9/11/09

Classroom Activity

Monday - Holiday

Wednesday - Turn in homework - be ready to discuss paper for one to two minutes (see assignment directives.

Friday - Continue student presentations of findings, Review future homework

Note: Review course syllabus about late assignments. No exception will be allowed.

Homework Activities

Read Chapters 3&4

Learning Outcomes

1. Improve verbal presentations skills
2. Increase job search skills
3. Meet dealings
4. Reading retention awareness

NOTE: Be aware of your attendance - Students who have missed more than two days should be concerned about only having one more absence before their grade is lowered a letter grade.

W3 - Library Visit & Online Classroom 9/4/09

Hello Fellow Learners,

As assigned - today (9/4/09) students in Business Communication (11:00 am) are scheduled to visit the library and be online to collect research/data (activity associated with Career Search project - see W2 post within this blog).


Note: For those students who have appointments (Wesley 337) with Lorenzo today - please be on time and recognize that visits are limited to 20 minutes.

W3 = Preview (Days 11 - 15)

Mon. - Ice Breaker (sales), Review of Career Search Project
Weds. - Lecture (professor and small group)
Thurs. - Library research (continued) - Pending outcome of Monday's review

Activities

Mini Presentations
Reading Retention

Outcomes
1. Understanding of week 1/2 chapter readings
2. Understanding of week 3/4 -Career Project - what the complete project will look like:
A. Proposal: Main part of the assignment - Cover Sheet, Content = Assignment Area,
Finding Area, Narrative, Call to Action.
B. Data Collection: Time Line & all of data (numbered would be good -even if hand written.

W-2 Email Posting - Send to Twitter (private note)

Students,

Please send two personal email addresses to my twitter account.

Directive:

1. MyCSU & personal email
2. Post these two email addresses within a 'direct message' to this twitter account.


Note: Addresses will be kept private.

W-2 Individual Assignment Posting 'Career Search'

Business Communication
Weeks: 2/3/4
Days: 6 & 9 Online Classroom & Library Visit

Directive
1. Read this post in its entirety
2. Put activity log in your calendar – Design a project time line (as displayed in class - refer to Day 5 notes).
3. Begin a folder for your findings – data will be used for other course assignments (note - your first week is data collection - but it is recommended that you take notes of your findings along the way).
4. Final Project A: Prepare a brief outline of your data findings
5. Final Project B: Prepare a narrative of your findings and career goal statement
***To be placed within areas A&B of project: Collect six current key terms of your industry and job description
*** Material will be provided within MS Word document
6. Final Project C: 4 minute verbal presentation of findings (will occur within two class periods)
*** Students will provide (classroom) verbal reports throughout the three week project
*** Power Points advised (one slide) - no music or special features unless your industry traditionally relates to employee base in visual form of communication method.

Required Activity
1. Classroom Assignment Introduction – Day 4 – Monday 8/24/09 – Search Salary.com
2. Written Assignment Directive posted on line – Day 5 Wednesday – 8/26/09
3. Library Research/Online Classroom posting – Day 6 Friday 8/28/09
4. HOMEWORK – Weekend between second and third course week.
5. Review – small group of findings to date – Day 7 Monday 8/31/09
6. Library Research/Online Classroom posting – Day 9 – Friday 9/04/09
7. Assignment Due date – Week Four, Day 10 Wednesday 9/09/09
NOTE: Lorenzo will be meeting with individual students during Days 6& 9 (either by her request or the students. Drop ins are welcomed but students must text professor (at least ten minutes prior to meeting request) for approval..

Activity Time Line - W’s 2/3/4

8/24 - AA
8/28 - LV
8/31 - R
9/04 - LV
9/09 - DD

Codes:
AA – Assignment Announced
LV – Library Visit
R – Review
DD – Due Date

Assignment Purpose:
1. Prepare student to build resume
2. Prepare student to enter the work force
3. Prepare students to relate course topic to career goals
4. Improve academic and business research skill development
5. Improve industry language/term base

Required Research Findings:

1. Training and education needed
2. Earnings (zip code specific)
3. Expected job prospects
4. What workers do on the job
5. Working conditions
6. Business Magazine (general) – Identify target audience and why you choose it)
7. Industry Magazines (specific to your field)
8. One expert in your field ( example: Management – Peter Drucker)
9. Business Academic Journal (specific to your field)
10. Business or trade Journal (specific to your field)
11. Industry specific national membership association

Suggested References (sampling - assignment will require more):
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Editionhttp://www.entrepreneur.com/tradejournals/index.html
http://www.salary.com/
Business Academic Journal listing: http://www.lib.washington.edu/business/guides/topjournals.html

W2 - Overview

Week Two

1. Monday: Emails submitted, Review of W-1's journal entries/class discussion,role play
2. Weds.: Detailed Review of chapters 1&2 (small group activity)
3. Fri.: Library Visit (Online Classroom/Site Visit). Assignment directive will be provided.

Activity

A. Homework - Reading of chapters 1/2/3/4
B. Classroom - Detailed review of chapters 1/2 - classroom
C. Online - Secure all online functions are operational
D. Library Visit - Assignment: Search - Industry, Job Title, Journals, Salary Range (regional, projected growth, Leaders in the field Associations (2 reference sources)


Expectations

a. Journals are up todate
b. Text is purchased
c. Only Instructor approved online viewing during course period
d. Wednesday - dress for success
e. Cell phones are off
d. Identify if journal will be online
f. Twitter, Blog following
g. Timely arrivals

W1 - Mini Lecture

Mini Lectue: How to Read Academic Texts Critically


Directive: Read this mini lecture prior to reading text chapters 1&2. Mini Lecture will be reviewed during Day 2 of the course, as it relates to the preview of course text.


How to Read Academic Texts Critically(Adapted from Canberra University at http://www.canberra.edu.au/studyskills/criticalthinkingX.htm)

Academic material is not meant to be read. It is meant to be ransacked and pillaged for essential content. This means that you should never just sit down to read academic works as if they were novels or magazine articles. Academic study is not suited to such an approach, and the chances are you could spend hours reading and then not have a clue what you have been reading about (does that sound familiar?).

Rule #1 Never read without specific questions you want the text to answer. If you want your reading to stay in your memory, you must approach your text with a list of questions about the particular information you are after, and search the text for the answers to those questions. Don't just read with the hope that an answer will appear.

Rule #2 Never start reading at page 1 of the text. If there is a summary, a conclusion, a set of sub-headings, or an abstract, read that first, because it will give you a map of what the text contains. You can then deal with the text structurally, looking for particular points, not just reading ‘‘blind'' and so easily getting lost. Always keep in mind what you need, what is relevant to the question you are asking the text.

Rule #3 Think critically as you read. In reading academic texts you need to develop a personal (but nevertheless academic and rational) response to the article/ theory/ chapter through(1) developing an understanding of the content and(2) evaluating and critiquing the article. Therefore, before reading a text closely, read the introduction or abstract and skim read the text to give you a preliminary idea of what it is about.Then read it closely and critically. Some questions to help you read critically are:
a. What are the main points of this text?
b. Can you put them in your own words?
c. What sorts of examples are used? Are they useful? Can you think of others?
d. What factors (ideas, people, things) have been included? Can you think of anything that has been missed out?
e. Is a particular bias or framework apparent? Can you tell what 'school of thought' the author belongs to?
f. Can you work out the steps of the argument being presented? Do all the steps follow logically?g. Could a different conclusion be drawn from the argument being presented?
h. Are the main ideas in the text supported by reliable evidence (well researched, non-emotive, logical)?
i. Do you agree or disagree with the author? Why?
j. What connections do you see between this and other texts?
k. Where does it differ from other texts on the same subject?
l. What are the wider implications——for you, for the discipline?

Rule #4 Treat critical reading as a skill which can be developed through practices, such as:
a. Taking notes of the text's main ideas and adding your own responsive comments.
b. Talking to others about what you have read.
c. Relating a given text to others in the syllabus by identifying similar or contrasting themes.
d. Explaining what the text means to a non-specialist and noting what you would have to add to make it intelligible? (This will help you to see the underlying, unstated assumptions.)
e. Asking yourself: "Is it possible to disagree with any of this?"
f. Asking yourself: 'How can I convince my peers/teachers that I understand what this is about?'

W1 - Activity

Classroom

M - Welcome, Introductions, Course Overview, Blog Review, Journal Entry
T - Syllabus Review, Mini Lecture Review, Text Preview
W - Technology Compliance, Role Play

Homework

1. Read course syllabus
2. Read Online Welcome post and comply with all directives.
3. Read Mini Lecture, 'How to Read an Academic Text'
4. Read Chapters 1 & 2 (including questions/summary)
5. Sign up to follow course blog
6. Sign up to be a 'fan' of course Face book
7. Sign up for CSU Blackboard (instructor needs to populate attendance roll)

Week 1 - Course Syllabus

COURSE SYLLABUS

CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

Course Information
Document Date: Fall2009
Course Name: Business Communications
Course Number: 2260-02
Course Prerequisites: N/A
Credit Hours: 3
Classroom Location: Smith Hall 229, Third Floor Computer Classroom
Class Time and Day: M/W/F 11:00AM

Instructor Information
Name: Annette Lorenzo
Instructor’s Office Room Number: Wesley Hall #337
Instructor’s Office Telephone Number: 937-776-6410
Instructor’s e-mail address: alorenzo2@aol.com
Instructor’s Office Hours: 8:00/9:00 AM – M/T/W/TH/F, 1:00 – 2:00 M/T/W/TH/F

Biographical Statement:
Professor Lorenzo has a MPA and an undergraduate degree in Social Sciences. She has taught grades K-12, undergraduate and graduate level courses. With almost 15 years of higher educational experience in departments of Physical Education, Business, Sociology, Psychology and General Education she is well verse in classroom management and student relationship building.

Required Texts and Materials
Textbooks and Supplies:
Locker O. Kitty, Kennedy, Kaczmarik Kyo Stephen, Business Communication -Building Critical Skills. McGraw - 2007.
Central State Universities Student Handbook
A paperback dictionary, available at the bookstore.
One 3-ring binders or folders (one for your portfolio, one for your journal).
External Flash Drive
Computer - Course Blog membership
Journal/pen

Electronic Course Management Tool:
Blackboard -Central State University Blackboard tool - http://centralstate.blackboard.com/webapps/blackboard/content/contentWrapper.jsp?content_id=_7306_1&displayName=Learning+Community+Course+Syllabuses&course_id=_677_1&navItem=content&href=http://centralstate.blackboard.com/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp
Blackboard - Mandatory Student Training session attendance
Course Face book
Course Blog
Student Email Address - One personal and One CSU student email address is required to be submitted by student
MyCSU account
Power Point
MS Word 2007 version

Course Description
This CSU Business Communication course is an introduction to current business communication practices to include computer skills for written reports, and oral presentations. Emphasis is placed on current technology as used in contemporary business, as well as clear, concise, accurate, thorough and truthful written and oral communication.

Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student shall:

LEARNING OUTCOMES ,TOOLS, ASSESSMENT

Outcome 1 Gain a broad view of Business Communication
Tools - Face book, Blackboard, Blogs, Newspapers, Twitter, Magazines, Library
Assessment - Exams, Discussion
Outcome 2 Design and present written and oral documents
Tools - Power Point, Debates Presentation, You Tube
Assessment - Exams Discussions
Outcome 3 Write Effective, and positive business messages and reports
Tools - MS Word, Excel, Power Point, Email, Face book, Blog, Blackboard
Assessment - Individual and Group Oral Presentation
Outcome 4 Analyze and organize business information
Tools - Newspapers, Blogs, Fiscal reports, Journals
Assessment - Letters, Memos, Resume
Outcome 5 Think and write critically
Tools - Online lectures/quizzes, Discussion questions, class discussion
Assessment - Final Project

Course Content/Topics
· Online Communication Methods
· Technology in Business
· Basic Business Grammar
· Formal & Informal Communication Methods
· Oral Presentation Strategies
· Non Verbal Communication
· Resume (online/traditional)
· Organizational Structure Communication Guidelines
· Personal vs. Company Speak
· External & Internal Communication Channels

Course Schedule/Calendar
Week
Dates
General Topic/Reading/Assignment/Paper/Exam

WEEK 1 8/17
Ice-Breaker, Syllabus Review, Blog Following, Face book Fan, Text Review, Key Concept, Library Visit, Student Handbook Review, Office Visit, First entry into course journal

WEEK 2 8/24
Blackboard Training, Office Visit, Student Bio, Review of writing skills, How to Read A Book – Lecture and Exercise, Business vs. Personal Communication, Syllabus Quiz

WEEK 3 8/31
Role Playing Exercise, Grammar Drills

WEEK 4 9/07

Holiday (Four day week) 9/08 Tues
Review of MS/Power Point tool, Review of internal and external communication methods

WEEK 5 9/14
First Interim Grades Due, Developing Critical Thinking Lecture and Exercise, Debate Exercise

WEEK 6 9/21
Online Classroom – 9/23, Letter Writing

WEEK 7 9/28
Business Journal/Magazine Review
WEEK 8 10/05 (Four Day Week) Fall Break 10/9 Friday
Mid Term Exam, pre-exam drills, review of course journal, Business Plan Design, Guest Speaker WEEK 9 10/12 (Four Day Week) Holiday 10/12
How to develop Presentation Skills, Developing a professional image,

WEEK 10 10/19 (Four Day Week. Career Day off
Second Interim Grade Due, Career Day 10/21, Advancing writing skills

WEEK 11 10/26
Refresher Drills – Sentence Structure/Grammar, Begin Final project (Ms Word documents and Power Point)

WEEK 12 11/02
Leadership Communication

WEEK 13 11/09
Course topic review

WEEK 14 11/16
Final Paper =Oral Presentations

WEEK 15 11/23 (Two Day Week)
Final Paper = Oral Presentations
*11/25 – 11/29 = Thanksgiving Holiday Break
WEEK 16 11/30
Students Evaluation of Faculty,

WEEK 17 12/07
FINAL EXAM WEEK – Schedule to be announced


Course Policies
Evaluation Policy:
The following activities/methods will be used to evaluate students:
1. Exams: Two exams (Mid Term & Final)
2. Quizzes: Four pop quizzes (online)
3. Oral Presentation: Final Exam Presentation (Power Point/MS Word Document)
4. Homework and Assignments: Online/Traditional, Individual and Group
5. Participation: Verbal/Technical/Student Handbook/Homework/Meetings with Professor/Retreats/Attendance/Small Groups/Study Tables
6. Class Demeanor: Student behavior in class will also be evaluated in determining the final grade. The student is expected to behave and perform in a professional manner (e.g. be punctual, dress appropriately especially on Wednesdays and be attentive during class). Respect the rights of all participants by turning off any device that could cause a disturbance during class (this includes pagers, cell phones and personal alarms). Negative behavior patterns in class (e.g. unexcused absences, tardiness, class disruptions, wearing hats, eating, drinking, smoking and sleeping) could result in a reduction of up to 10% of a student’s final grade.

Grading Policy:
The student’s final grade for the course will be calculated as follows:

Activities/ Evaluation Methods (Points)
Exams 400
Quizzes 200
Homework and Assignments 200
Participation/Class Demeanor 100
Other 100
Total 1000 points

---------------------------------------------------------------
The final letter grade will be based on the following scales:

Points
Letter Grade Interpretation
90 – 100 A Superior (Very High)
80 – 89 B Above Average (High)
70 – 79 C Average (Satisfactory)
60 – 69 D Below Average (Low/Poor Work)
Below 60 F Failure


Attendance Policy:
Regular class attendance is required and necessary in this course. When the number of unexcused absences exceeds __3__ (insert credit hours), the student will automatically receive an F in this course. This is a university policy and there are no exceptions (see University Catalogue).

Tardiness/Lateness Policy:
Excusive tardiness will result in a 10% reduction in total accumulation of points. Professor reserves the right to prohibit any students from entering the classroom, five minutes after the assigned beginning time of class. Students will not attempt to justify their tardiness/lateness, and if said student attempt to do so, the Professor will view this as student misconduct.

Academic Integrity/Honesty Policy: Academic dishonesty in any shape or form will not be tolerated. Written or other work submitted by a student must be the product of his/her own efforts. Plagiarism, cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty, including dishonesty involving computer technology and cell phones, are prohibited. Students caught engaged in any form of academic dishonesty will automatically receive an F in the course.

ADA Policy:
CSU provides individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodations to participate in educational programs, activities and services. Students with disabilities requiring accommodations to participate in class activities or meet course requirements should contact the Office of Student Disability for their CSU accommodation letters. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain and present the accommodation letter to the instructor
at the beginning of the semester.


Instructional Methods:
This course will be a paperless course. Students are required to view the mastering of basic technological skills as mandatory core skill base to pass this course. Online classrooms will be conducted and should be viewed equal to the face-to-face class environment both in assignment weight and time frame to perform task. The professor will conduct an online evaluation drill two weeks in the course to secure students are not dysfunctional in this learning modality model. Study table attendance will be mandatory if student is found to be deficient in function within a ‘blended’ technical classroom.

Amendments to Syllabus:
This syllabus provides a general plan for the course. The instructor reserves the right to amend this syllabus at any time. Any such change will be announced, and if practical, distributed in class. As with all other class requirements, the student is responsible for being present to receive such changes.

August 7, 2009

Week 1 - Welcome and Week One Argeements

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Welcome and First Week's agreements

Dear Students,

Ms.Lorenzo is thrilled to have you in her class!

We will have great success in English 1100, during the fall2009 semester.

If you are reading this blog - you are headed in the right direction.The first week of the course - all students must:

1. Become a member of this course blog and blackboard site.
2. Become a fan of the course's face book account.
3. Review the posted course syllabus. Class review will occur during the first day of class.
4. Provide two email addresses for course communication purposes.
5. Obtain: a course journal, dictionary, course texts, portable flash drive and writing material.
6. Have working knowledge of basic computer systems: MS Word, Power Point, MLA & APA tools.
7. Obtain an MyCSU account.
8. Know and visit the instructors office.9. Visit the CSU Library (individual activity)10. Complete all assignments
11. Find a CSU computer lab.
12. Review and be in compliance with the CSU Student Handbook. Class review will occur during the first week of class.