Welcome Letter

Dear Principles of Marketing Student:

Welcome to the wonderful world of Marketing!!  This is an exciting time for education because we are no longer confined to the traditional classroom.  Although this is an online class, we will be covering the same information as the traditional classroom, just in a different medium of delivery.  The time needed to do well in this class is about the same time (maybe a little more) than the traditional class but you can do your work at 2 PM or 2 AM if you like.  We will be communicating in this class through Blackboard, email, live chats, and telephone (if needed). This is not a telecourse nor a self-paced class.  There will be specific due dates and discussions that must take place at specific times.  Although you can read ahead and do homework early, the online discussions must take place during the week assigned.  Some of the work will be done on your own time (asynchronous) and some will be done "live" (synchronous).  

To be successful in an online class, it is very important that students be self-motivated and self-disciplined. It is also important to set up a time structure that will work for you. You will find the course much more manageable if you set up a regular schedule for yourself.   This way you will stay on top of the deadlines and have plenty of time to complete assignments BEFORE they are due in case an emergency comes up.  Just like a traditional class meets 3 hours a week and you spend approximately 4-6 hours a week studying, the same is true with an online class.  Set up a weekly schedule where you spend that same amount time, you just choose when that time best fits your schedule.   I personally have taken online classes and from my experience there is more communication than the traditional classroom and student's are more engaged in their learning, however, you have to keep on top of things and log on to the class site at least 3 or 4 times a week (if not more). 

We move very quickly during the semester and cover a large amount of material.  As a student, you must be organized and be able to schedule your time accordingly.  During the first week of class (or before class starts), you should look through the entire Blackboard site and take the Online Orientation if you have not taken an online class before.   This orientation is REQUIRED!!  After viewing all the information in Blackboard, if you are still confused or need help, please email me at:  Bob_Reese@ivcc.edu or call me at (815)224-0354.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or problems.  Although you are not in class three times a week, I am still here to help.  Good luck and I look forward to a great semester! 

Sincerely,

Bob Reese
Professor of Business Administration