LTEC 4510 Business Communication

Transcription

1 LTEC 4510 Business Communication Information for LTEC Web-based Courses Knowledge of personal computer operation is prerequisite to registering for and successfully completing this online course. Students taking the course should be proficient in the following software as well: Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel Microsoft Access The acquisition of these skills is the responsibility of student and can be obtained through prior coursework and/or personal experience. A student who is not proficient in these programs should not register for this course. Blackboard is fully supported for both computers using Windows and Apple computers. This includes the programs noted above. Purchase and installation of the programs in a current and compatible version is the responsibility of the student. For personally owned computers, the UNT bookstore offers software for both systems with student pricing. In addition, upon starting this or any LTEC Blackboard course, students should review the Check Browser link in Blackboard and install the appropriate browser and plug-ins and update their browser to the appropriate settings. Communication Parameters: Students should contact the instructor via the instructor's preferred communication (see above). Instructors will attempt to respond to student s within five working days. Working days do not include weekends or holidays. Students should not expect the communication parameters in a web-based class to significantly differ from the parameters in traditional campus-based classes. Students are encouraged to develop communication networks with other class members via electronic communication vehicles such as Blackboard Vista , bulletin board, and/or chat. Students should consider the communication parameters with regard to assignment due dates. Please be aware that instructors will not be able to respond to "last minute" requests for assignment clarification, and students may encounter unforeseen problems with their Internet provider, software, or hardware. Student Responsibilities for Distributed Learning Courses: 1. Access course web page and initiate contact with instructor within the first week of the semester. In many cases, this will be BEFORE the first class meeting 2. Be able to work independently on course objectives, given the format for interaction with faculty and students will be non traditional. 3. Complete UNT Student Tutorial prior to taking the first Blackboard course 4.. Verify appropriate hardware and software as described in the course description. 5. Provide instructor with access to a working account (Eagle mail, Blackboard or private provider). 6. Contact instructor or instructor's assistant within two days if any problems develop with regard to accessing the course. 7. Adhere to communication parameters of course (i.e., , discussion, chat) 8. Review Student Resources prior to taking the first Blackboard Vista course. 9. Comply with appropriate electronic etiquette and abbreviations. 10. Acquire all necessary software and books. 11. Complete all course requirements by posted deadlines. Students should maintain electronic copies in chronological order of ALL journal entries, bulletin board responses, lesson plans, and other assignments listed within the "Sequence of Tests, Papers, and Activities" section of this syllabus. It is the responsibility of the student to verify that all messages AND

2 attachments are sent to the course instructor. See " Course Attendance and Participation" section for more information. "All students should activate and regularly check their Eagle Mail ( ) account. Eagle Mail is used for official communication from the University to students. Many important announcements for the University and College are sent to students via Eagle Mail. For information about Eagle Mail, including how to activate an account and how to have Eagle Mail forwarded to another address, visit Information for ALL LTEC Courses Attendance and Participation The instructor reserves the right to request of the Registrar that a student be dropped from the course (W or WF) due to unsatisfactory progress. All students are expected to fully participate in all class activities. Full participation includes all web-based activities. University Policy of Absence for Religious Holidays In accordance with state law, students absent due to the observance of a religious holiday may take examinations or complete assignments scheduled for the day missed within a reasonable time after the absence if the student has notified the instructor of each class of the date of the absence within the first 15 days of the semester. Notification must be in writing, either personally delivered with receipt of the notification acknowledged and dated by the instructor, or by certified mail, return receipt requested. Only holidays or holy days observed by a religion whose place of worship is exempt from property taxation under Section of the Tax Code may be included. A student who is excused under this provision may not be penalized for the absence, but the instructor may appropriately respond if the student fails to satisfactorily complete the assignment or examination. Professionalism At all times, students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner. This includes being prepared for all class assignments, and being flexible to unforeseen changes in schedules and assignments. Honesty and Integrity The UNT Code of Student Conduct and Discipline provides penalties for misconduct by students, including academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty includes cheating and plagiarism. The term "cheating" includes, but is not limited to, (1) use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; (2) dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; and (3) the acquisition, without permission, of tests or academic material belonging to a faculty or staff member of the university. The term "plagiarism" includes, but is not limited to, the use of the published or unpublished work of another person, by paraphrase or direct quotation, without full and clear acknowledgement. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials. If a student engages in academic dishonesty related to this class, the student will receive a failing grade on the test or assignment and a failing grade in the course. In addition, the case will be referred to the Dean of Students for appropriate disciplinary action. Classroom Disability Accommodations The University of North Texas does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's disability and complies with Section 504 and Public Law (Americans with Disabilities Act) in its admissions, accessibility, treatment and employment of individuals in its programs and activities. A copy of the College of Education ADA Compliance Document is available in the Dean's Office, Matthews Hall 214. It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any disabling condition that will require

3 modifications. The following information is from: Additionally, this site provides a set of FAQ for students and faculty. University Policy of Disability Accommodations In accordance with Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of North Texas endeavors to make reasonable adjustments in its policies, practices, services and facilities to ensure equal opportunity for qualified persons with disabilities to participate in all educational programs and activities. Whenever a special accommodation or auxiliary aid is necessary in order to ensure access to and full participation by students with disabilities in University programs or services, the department or agency responsible for the program or service to which the individual requires access will work with the Office of Disability Accommodation and appropriate federal and state agencies to ensure that reasonable accommodations are made. The student requiring special accommodation or auxiliary aids must make application for such assistance through the Office of Disability Accommodation. Proof of disability from a competent authority will be required, as well as information regarding specific limitations for which accommodation is requested. The University assumes no responsibility for personal assistance necessary for independent living nor for specialized medical care. Students requiring personal attendants or mobility assistants must employ such persons at their own expense before completion of registration. Students requiring specialized medical care above and beyond that ordinarily offered through the Student Health Center should be prepared to bear the expense of this care through a general hospital or a private physician/clinic of their choice. Changes may be made as long as it does not compromise the quality of education. Cooperation of faculty, staff, and students is needed to help with physical access and to meet academic requirements. For example, giving extra time on tests or assignments, substituting courses, or adapting classroom presentations (like allowing tape recorders, note takers, or asking a professor to face the class when speaking to allow students to lip read) may be done. Questions or concerns about discrimination on the basis of disability or about equal educational opportunities for persons with disabilities should be directed to Equal Opportunity Office, Room 203, Administration Building, Information concerning specific accommodations to provide equal opportunities is available through the Office of Disability Accommodation, Suite 324, Union, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services Regulations for F1 Visa Holders To read INS regulations for F-1 students taking online courses, please go to this website and select the link to "8 CFR 214.2(f)" in the table next to "F-1." Paragraph (f)(6)(i)(g) A Final Rule with clarifications on the restriction can be found in a pdf file located at Within this document, refer to Section IX on page 9 with the subject header "Online and Distance Education Courses." To comply with immigration regulations, an F-1 visa holder within the United States may need to engage in an on-campus experiential component for this course. This component (which must be approved in advance by the instructor) can include activities such as taking an on-campus exam, participating in an on-campus lecture or lab activity, or other on-campus experience integral to the

4 completion of this course. If such an on-campus activity is required, it is the student's responsibility to do the following: (1) Submit a written request to the instructor for an on-campus experiential component within one week of the start of the course. (2) Ensure that the activity on campus takes place and the instructor documents it in writing with a notice sent to the International Advising Office. The UNT International Advising Office has a form available that you may use for this purpose. Because the decision may have serious immigration consequences, if an F-1 student is unsure about his or her need to participate in an on-campus experiential component for this course, s/he should contact the UNT International Advising Office (telephone or international@unt.edu ) to get clarification before the one-week deadline. Course Information Course Description/Course Philosophy : This course is designed to assist students in developing real world communication skills. Emphasis is placed on written, oral, and non-verbal communication, strategies for communicating electronically, delivering a variety of messages, creating effective business reports, and designing and delivering business presentations. Course Objectives: After completing this course, the learner should be able to: Establish a framework for business communication Focus on interpersonal and group communication Plan and prepare spoken and written messages Communicate electronically Deliver good- and neutral-news messages Deliver bad-news messages Deliver persuasive messages Create reports Manage data and use graphics Organize and prepare reports and proposals Design and deliver business presentations Course Evaluation Scale Evaluation A = 90% - 100% D = 60% - 69% B = 80% - 89% F = 59% and below C = 70% - 79% Submit all work as specified by the instructor. You must take into consideration: postal mail time and electronic communication difficulties. The student is responsible for all course deadlines. Student must keep a copy of all assignments. All assignments must be turned in by the "due date". Assignments submitted after the due date may receive a grade of zero.

5 SUMMER 2012 LTEC 4510 Sections 020 and 026 Dr Murphy LATE POLICY: 24 hours after due date/time has 25% reduction in points, 48 hours after due date/time has 50% reduction in points, then it s a zero. DICUSSIONS: 3 posts per thread is 100%, 2 posts is 75%, 1 post is 50%. If you do not film your presentation then you will fail this class. Page 1 of 3 Introduction Discussion pts Mod 1 Assignment pts DUE 6/10/12 On page 4, complete the Your Turn 1-1 Career Portfolio. Mod 1 Discussion pts DUE 6/10/12 On the discussion board, complete the following sentence, Instant messaging (IM) can be an effective business tool if.. and list at least 3 advantages and disadvantages of using IM in the workplace. Make sure to reply to at least 2 other students in addition to your post. Mod 2 Assignment pts DUE 6/10/12 On page 50 & 65, complete the application exercises. For the first application exercise (pg 50), chart 5 nonverbal actions and their meanings, and for the second application exercise (pg 65), include at least 5 suggestions. Turn in via the Assignment Tool. Mod 2 Discussion pts DUE 6/10/12 How were nonverbal communication, listening, and other factors different from what you have experienced in traditional class settings? How do your experiences relate to the conducting of electronic meetings? Mod 3 Assignment pts DUE 6/17/12 Refer to the assignment instructions on the Introduction page. Module 3 Rubric Plan Messages Application (pg 80, bridging the Generation Gap) total 30 pts 1a. (6 pts) From your experience list (at least 3) and describe the type of management styles and communication patterns you find most effective. 1b. (6 pts) List and describe at least three suggestions do you have for managers of a different generation (than yours) do you have for them to communication with your generation. Interview someone from a generation different from your own and find at least one online reference, cite the source (6 pts) 2a. (6 pts) List and describe at least three communication guidelines for their generation 2b. (6 pts) List and describe at least three generational/learner-centric strategies for a course developer/trainer Mod 3 Discussion pts DUE 6/17/12 On page 140, read Your Turn 4-5 Miscue and answer the two questions under the scenario. Mod 4 Assignment pts DUE 6/24/12 Refer to the assignment instructions on the Introduction page. Module 4 Rubric Communicating electronically Activities: 2, 3, and 8 (total 30 pts) Analyze (list and describe) and rewrite the message (10 pts) Convert the text message to an message (10 pts) Write out what you would leave as a voice mail message for each of the three scenarios (10 pts) Mod 4A Discussion pts DUE 6/24/12 Post at least 3 shorthand expressions and their meanings that make online chatting and text messaging faster and more efficient. Try to list different ones than your peers.

6 SUMMER 2012 LTEC 4510 Sections 020 and 026 Dr Murphy LATE POLICY: 24 hours after due date/time has 25% reduction in points, 48 hours after due date/time has 50% reduction in points, then it s a zero. DICUSSIONS: 3 posts per thread is 100%, 2 posts is 75%, 1 post is 50%. If you do not film your presentation then you will fail this class. Page 2 of 3 Mod 4B Discussion pts DUE 6/24/12 On pages 158 and 172, the book mentions to respond to and voice messages within 24 hours. Why do you feel this is important, and how do you believe it affects the recipient when messages are not returned in a timely manner? Mod 5 Assignment pts DUE 7/1/12 Refer to the assignment instructions on the Introduction page. Module 5 Rubric Good and Neutral Messages Activities: 5, 6 and 7 (total 30 pts) Analyze (list and describe) and rewrite the procedural message (10 pts) Analyze (list and describe) and rewrite the confirmation (10 pts) Compose a thank you (10 pts) Mod 5 Discussion pts DUE 7/8/12 On page 211, complete the communication assessment using the website listed. What did it say about your communication abilities? Do you agree or disagree? What do you think someone you work with or a friend would agree with your assessment? Why or why not? Mod 6 Assignment pts DUE 7/8/12 Refer to the assignment instructions on the Introduction page. Module 6 Rubric Delivering bad news - Complete activities 6, and (6 pts) Rewrite openings a-e 8. (4 pts) List and describe strengths and weaknesses in employee request 8. (4 pts) rewrite to be effective 9. (4 pts) List and describe strengths and weaknesses in the letter 9. (4 pts) rewrite letter to be effective 10. (4 pts) List and describe strengths and weaknesses in the letter 10. (4 pts) rewrite letter to be effective Mod 6 Discussion pts DUE 7/8/12 Briefly summarize an incident in which you received or communicated a disappointing message. Did the sender apply the principles presented in this chapter? Suggest ways the message could have been improved or in what ways did they follow the principles? Mod 7 Assignment pts DUE 7/15/12 Refer to the assignment instructions on the Introduction page. Module 7 Rubric Persuasive Application exercise 8 (30 pts): Write a letter OR create script and storyboard for a public service announcement OR draft a paper based ad Mod 7 Discussion pts DUE 7/15/12 Discuss an ineffective electronic marketing , text message, or pop-up ad you have received. Why was the selected message ineffective? What was your reaction to it? What is your current attitude toward the company?

7 SUMMER 2012 LTEC 4510 Sections 020 and 026 Dr Murphy LATE POLICY: 24 hours after due date/time has 25% reduction in points, 48 hours after due date/time has 50% reduction in points, then it s a zero. DICUSSIONS: 3 posts per thread is 100%, 2 posts is 75%, 1 post is 50%. If you do not film your presentation then you will fail this class. Page 3 of 3 Mod 8 Assignment pts DUE 7/22/12 Refer to the assignment instructions on the Introduction page. Module 8 Reports 11-3 Career Portfolio exercise (30 pts). In addition, to the instructions listed, utilize at least one graphic to enhance the pay scale data you learn about the selected career. For this three-page report, use APA style for referencing/citing your four sources, double-spacing, and Arial 12 point font, use titles, subtitles for each section. Sections: Introduction, chosen career and why, demand 5-10 years, pay scale and benefits, conclusion, cite at least 4 sources. Note: The title and reference (cited sources) pages are in addition to the three pages of content for the report. So min of 5 pages! Mod 8 Discussion pts DUE 7/22/12 A picture is worth a thousand words. Discuss the significance of this statement in regard to conveying business information in reports and other types of business-related communication. Mod 9 Assignment pts DUE 7/29/12 Create course description including (1) Presentation Title (2) Brief Description of Presentation (3) Purpose of your Presentation (4) Describe your Intended Audience and seating arrangement etc Mod 9 Discussion pts DUE 7/29/12 Using your favorite search engine, find five strategies on how to overcome stage fright or goping strategies to minimize the unpleasantness of public speaking anxiety On the discussion board, list the website, and the five strategies. Indicate with a star those you feel will be most beneficial as you plan an upcoming presentation. Mod 10 Assignment pts Due 8/5/12 1. Create a ten-slide Power Point Presentation over the topic you selected in Module 9. Ensure you put your speaker notes within the Notes pane of your presentation. If you print out your slides, ensure you print it using Notes page. Follow the principles from pages in Chapters 12 in Business Communication when developing your slides. 2. Include one accompanying handout that enhances your presentation. This will not be a copy of your presentation. Turn in the Power Point Presentation and Handout using the Assignment Tool. 3. Film your presentation. Remember, this should be at least 15 minutes long and no longer than 20 minutes. If you can have an audience, it is preferred but not required. Follow the principles for delivering presentations from what you learned in your readings in both Business Communication textbook and the Technical Presentation Workbook. Turn in your video using one of the following methods. Mail to instructor at Dr M Murphy UNT 3940 N.Elm G150 Denton TX i. DVD ii. VHS Turn in via Assignment Tool: i. Post online via YouTube or personal website. Include your website link in the assignment tool. Ensure you test your link. YouTube has a size limitation so give yourself plenty of time in case you have to mail the presentation. If you do not film your presentation then you will fail this class!