For Help on Projects:

A Student wrote:

> I really do not understand how to do a small part of my missing assignment but, I will try.

> The people in the computer lab are not helping much.

My Reply:

I have several suggestions for help. But please note: It is NOT the lab aids job to do your work. It is your job. And the longer you wait to do the “small part” the more points are taken off.

1. If you have a question on an assignment please use the book - the Microsoft Office text book is excellent.

2. You can also click on the Help menu or enter a question in the Ask a Question box in Microsoft Office.

3. If you have sincerely tried the above two items, you can ask questions to the class using the Discussions Tool. Do NOT send your group the assignment; only ask them a question. Please feel free to use this feature to ask the other three members of your group questions and share information. (Be sure to use reasonable computer etiquette, and avoid offensive remarks.) And remember - if you ask more than two or three questions without providing help to the other members of the class, then you are a liability or a mooch to the class. Remember - one of the main criteria of a Distance learning student is self reliance and self motivation.

Another good use of the Discussions Tool/icon may be asking such questions as:

“Who comes to MCC on Friday mornings and would like to work together in the lab in Building 19?”

I am emphasizing the Discussion Tool to encourage more class interactivity. If you have posted a general discussion question and have not received an answer for 36 hours, please feel free to email me through Angel email. I prefer email – which I often check from home. But you can also call me at MCC: 752-5488

4. Remember, you can e-mail me SPECIFIC questions. But telling me “I do not understand how to do the work is of no value.” That seems to tell me that you have not done anything. It certainly does not tell me specifically what the problem is. A helpful question might be - “How do I format a cell so the $ automatically appears?” Or “How do I enter a formula?” But probably every question that you can think to ask about an assignment is really answered in the book.

FINALLY - remember - this is a distance learning course. It uses one of the best books in the country and the most popular software suite in the country. It is your job to read the book, use the Help feature, and be self reliant. It is your future - be independent - BE SUCCESSFUL!