Course orientation (ACCT 2101)

Course orientation - ACCT 2220

Income Tax Procedures (3.0 credit hours)

Kathleen Sobieralski

Welcome to class! It’s my pleasure to work with you during this course. Although you will not attend “regular” classes on campus, I want to let you know that I am available to help you and look forward to working with you as you learn accounting.

Compared to a classroom based course, an online course requires more discipline and work. You will need to read the appropriate chapters and complete all other requirements as assigned. Learning requires active participation and the willingness to sacrifice the necessary time and effort. This class takes nine hours per week (three “in class” and six in preparation / homework).

COURSE ACCESS: You will not be able to log onto the course through WebCT Vista until the first day of classes. For complete logon instructions click on WebCT Vista from the Darton Homepage, find the quick references guides, and choose logging on. The correct WEB CT Vista access includes our detailed syllabus and your grades will be visible. Please let me know if you have any questions on this.

CHECKING IN: Please send me your “BIO” by email through the WebCT (internal) system during the first week of class to let me know you have successfully accessed the course and are ready to begin. When you access our WEB CT Vista you will see the BIO assignment, due August 30. This is our first class participation assignment.

COMPUTER ISSUES: Make sure your computer is equipped for distance learning. A “BROWSER TUNE-UP” is available under the Darton distance learning links to help you make sure your computer is ready. Please read the minimum system requirements for online learners to make sure your computer is equipped to deliver this course. If you have any problems getting into our course or experience other technical problems, call the Web Help Desk at 229-317-6923 (1-800-861-8318 outside Albany). You can also email them at http://online.darton.edu/forms/webhelp.htm

SYLLABUS: Locate the syllabus icon as you enter the course on WebCT Vista. Print, read and become familiar with the information in the syllabus. You are responsible for knowing exactly how this course functions and how to successfully complete the course. Ask if you are not certain. Ignorance of expectations, due dates and procedures is not an excuse for noncompliance.

A quick reference guide to using the WebCT Discussion Forum is available at

http://online.darton.edu/handouts/Discussion_Forum/discussion.htm Please remember that everyone in the class can read what is posted in the Discussion Forum.

DEADLINES: Although this course is “distance learning” it is very important that you realize the expectations regarding the pace of learning. This is NOT a self-paced course. That means that all tests must be taken on the days scheduled and all assignments must be posted to the WebCT by the due dates. Weekly lessons follow a Tuesday and Thursday format, encouraging you to consider these as the two days a week minimum you sign on to WEB CT Vista and participate in class activities. Assignments have a one week due date. These “class participation” activities are not on the syllabus. They will be posted on our WEB CT Vista site.

EXPECTATIONS: You should expect to logon to this course at least two days per week; more often is preferred. Your attendance will be tracked through the WebCT tracking system. To successfully complete the course you will need to be very actively involved in all course components, including but not limited to discussion threads, assignments, tests etc.

Each person in this class receives support from the interaction and communication that occurs with me and among the students. The question of one student might be the same as yours. Ask questions, make comments. The “Discussion Form” link in WebCT will be used extensively and your ongoing contributions to our discussion topics are crucial to your success. Fulfillment of this expectation involves using the discussion form AND thoughtful questions on your part. All written work for this course, including any postings, is expected to be formal writing with correct grammar and spelling.

WEBCT Vista: All class assignments for this course are delivered through Web CT Vista. Save your work on your own computer as a .doc or .rtf file and email as an ATTACHMENT or, preferably, as part of the WEB CT process (you will experience these assignments each class).

TESTS: The five tests are to be taken on the Darton College campus according to the syllabus on the dates specified. For those at a distance, please contact the instructor for approval of an alternative proctored test site. Please carefully review the syllabus for specific test policies.

COMMUNICATING: All communication concerning this course is done through WebCT Vista email. I check email here daily and will reply promptly. Please check your email frequently. I use this function often to correspond with students for both individual and entire class announcements. It is your responsibility to keep current with all information.

A quick reference guide to using the WebCT Email is available at http://online.darton.edu/handouts/webCT_E-mail/email.htm

Please feel free to stop by during my scheduled office hours (as noted on the syllabus) if you need to see me in person. My phone number is 229-317-6811. Please telephone if you have problems not solved by WebCT communication.

August 15 is the first day of classes at Darton College. Our online class begins Monday August 20 (includes class recorded from August 15). To be ready for the online section of ACCT 2101 you need to observe the following:

Make sure your computer is equipped for distance learning. Visit the Technical Requirements section and get the Browser Tune-up for your machine.
You will not be able to log on to the Course Website until the first day of classes (see academic term calendar). For complete logon instructions go to WebCT the entry page http://webct.darton.edu and, under the quick reference guides, click Logging On. Please change your password for WebCT as soon as you are able to log on if you have not done so for previous classes.
Please read over the Course Syllabus and become familiar with course requirements as soon as you log into your WebCT course. It is vital to your success in the course that you keep up with the scheduled assignments!

If you have any problems getting into the course or any other technical problem, call the WebHelp Desk at 229 317-6923 (outside the Albany, GA calling area call 1-800-861-8318) or email the Web Help Desk at webhelp@darton.edu

Of course, you can always reach me at 229 317-6811 or kathleen.sobieralski@darton.edu. My office number is I-132, in the small hallway near room I-133 (Business/Social Science Office).

Thanks for registering for this class. Good luck and I’ll see you in class --- our classroom is the world!

KEY CONCEPTS:

Do not submit on due date. Submit one day earlier to avoid any difficulties at your computer or in the Web CT Vista system.
Plan on accessing WEB CT Vista at least 3 times per week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, & one other day of your choosing). This will keep you up to date on recorded classes and assignments.
While the usual expectation is 2 hours of work outside the classroom for every credit hour (6 hours for a credit classroom class) the online class is 3 hours per week (that is, for a 3 credit course you should be spending a minimum of 9 hours per week on class material).
Please keep in touch with e-mails and postings. Communication is vital.
Thank you for being in our class. Let’s work together toward your success.

Current Students