Basic keyboard and keypad mastery using correct touch principles. Basic formatting techniques are introduced. 

None.

STUDENT CONDUCT and ATTENDANCE:  

You will need to submit work on a weekly basis until the course is complete. Regular practice is necessary to successfully complete this course. Check the back pages for the suggested schedule. If you fail to contact your instructor for three consecutive weeks, you may be dropped from the course. 

All students are responsible for knowing and understanding the Student Conduct Code.  The Code is in the Student Guide, available from any campus or center office.  Any violation of the Conduct Code, academic or otherwise, will be reported to the appropriate Vice President for investigation and decision.

Upon entering Northland Pioneer College , a student assumes the responsibility of completing each course for which he/she is registered. The student is expected to attend all sessions of the classes in which he/she are enrolled.  Students should review attendance policies as stated in the Northland Pioneer College Student Guide under Student Rights and Responsibilities.

• Read through this guide in its entirety. It contains information that will be used throughout the entire course.  

• Read through the text pages entitled Introduction, paying particular attention to the section on “Typing Technique.” 

• Scan through the material on “Before You Begin” and the “Reference Manual” (R1-R22).  You don’t have to read every word, but it will be helpful to know the information is there should you need it.

•  Do all exercises unless your instructor tells you otherwise.  REMEMBER that you will be using both the software and your textbook.

• The course schedule is set up for the student to complete the course within eight weeks.  (This is because DAILY practice helps the student learn faster and more effectively.)  

• You must make a decision the first week about whether you wish to take the course for a Pass/Fail grade or a letter grade.  Talk to your instructor before making a decision.    

DAILY ROUTINE: 

1. Read ALL instructions contained in the software.  ALWAYS read "The Keyboarding Connection" and "Strategies for Career Success" in selected lessons.  The timed writings will save automatically as you complete them. You will be uploading your work to your instructor via the internet.

2. Check for instructor comments in emails regarding completed lessons.  If anything has to be redone, do that and then continue on with assignments as scheduled. Your instructor will contact you via email with lesson comments.

3. As assignments are completed, check them off on your suggested course schedule.  If you are not satisfied with your progress, try the lesson again BUT DO NOT stay on one lesson for a long period of time as keyboarding skills build on what your fingers have previously learned, and you will continue to use all skills taught from the very first lesson.

4.  Do ALL exercises. After you complete every 2-3 lessons, upload them to your instructor for review and feedback.     

INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE:   

System requirements and software installation are given in your typing kit in the small black booklet.

USING THE SOFTWARE:

• Double-click on the GDP Distance Learning icon on your desktop, or move the mouse arrow to the Start button at the bottom left of the screen.  Click the left mouse button once.  Move the mouse arrow up to and highlight Programs, move right to the next column to Irwin Keyboarding.  Again move right once more to GDP Classes and left click.

• Click on “New student” the first time you log on. A screen asking for identification should appear.  Fill in your name and other information asked for.  Use the tab key to move the blinking cursor to highlight the line you wish to type on.  When you finish an entry, press the TAB key again, and the cursor or highlighted area will move to the next line.  Key in the next information asked for.  Be sure to key in your e-mail information EXACTLY. Be careful of spacing and be sure to include the .com at the end. If your email address is not entered correctly on the disk, you won’t be able to upload your work.

• The screen will move to a tutorial which will give you instructions on how to proceed through the software program.  Follow the instructions on the screen carefully.

• Click continue to start the tutorial; click the right arrow at the bottom of the screen to continue on with the tutorial.  You will go through this only once, and when you are finished, click the Exit button at the bottom of the screen.  NOTE: You will be using the Portfolio and Reference Manual buttons as you go through the course.    

• Check the assignments in the “Course Schedule” section of this student guide.  Read the instructions the software gives and in the left margin of your text carefully and follow them.

• Do all sections unless your instructor tells you otherwise.  When you have finished a lesson, click on the next lesson number or EXIT the program. (File, Exit GDP, Yes).     

Instructions for sending work to your instructor:

PLEASE SEE LINK ON WEB-CT ENTITLED

"HOW TO SEND WORK TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR"            

EVALUATION:

You must meet the minimum standards listed below.  This course may be taken for a Pass/Fail or letter grade.  You will receive a "P" grade (pass) if you meet the minimum standards listed in this guide.  If you don't meet the minimum standards, you will receive an "F" grade (fail).  

                        Pass/Fail Grade

                                                                                                    Words Per Minutes

                                 Typing Speed Requirement    A           B            C            D           F 

                                                        3 min              34-37     33-31     30-28*     27-25       <24

                                                         errors                 3             4            5*            6           >6

                        Letter Grade

                             Speed (as above)*                 Gain at least basic speed          75%

                             Ten-Key Pad                           All posttests                                 15%

                             Completion of Lessons 1-20 to  Instructor's satisfaction          10%

                        * These are minimum standards which MUST be met to receive a grade except where previous arrangements have been made with the instructor.  

                        Grading Range:        90-100 = A      80- 89 = B       70- 79 = C       60- 69 = D  

                                                 SUGGESTED COURSE SCHEDULE