About Economics
We are constantly forced to make decisions because of the fact that we can’t have everything we want. Conditions of scarcity exist whenever people have to makes choices. Economics is divided into two major fields: microeconomics, and macroeconomics. Microeconomics basically studies how people choose to use their scarce resources. Macroeconomics studies the effect of these choices on the overall economy, especially on the rate of economic growth, unemployment, and inflation. Specific details relating to the principles of macroeconomics course can be found in the course syllabus.
General comments About Online Courses
The objectives for the online course are the same as the requirements for the class taught "live" in the traditional classroom setting. In some cases the method of assessing the student’s understanding of the material will be identical, such as exams. However, the online format may require alternative methods of instruction as well as different requirements of students.
Students taking an online course will need to have good computer skills, but more importantly be very self-disciplined and willing to work extra hard. Patience and flexibility will be critical. Even computer specialist run into problems that take extra time to understand and solve, and you can be assured that at that crucial time you need to get online the computer system will be down. The online environment allows you to utilize your time in a more flexible manner, but requires patience, organization, and flexibility.
The University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign has led a collaborative effort with twenty community colleges to advance the use of internet-based instruction and service throughout the state of Illinois. Rock Valley College has been fortunate to participate in this process. I recommend that you visit their Internet site and read a document titled "What Makes A Student Successful Online?" You can also take a quiz to determine if the online course is right for you. You can reach this site at:
http://illinois.online.uillinois.edu/IONresources/onlineoverview/StudentProfile.html
How will this course be taught?
Students will cover the basic course content by reading the textbook, and working through the study guide. I will act as a guide to point out important details, and problems and exercises to complete to reinforce the concepts covered in the book. Students must be willing to devote a minimum of three hours per week to complete the reading and exercises in the study guide. During this time you must be able to remain focused and concentrate. This is not bedtime reading.
Another critical component of the course will be the online discussions that address topics in the textbook and applications and problems on economic concepts and principles. Students will be expected to check the online conference on a regular basis (at least four or five times per week). Participation in online discussion is not optional and will constitute part of the student’s grade.
Students will need to physically come to the Rock Valley college campus up to three time times during the semester. Students who have not used EdNet, or need to be refreshed in using this software, need to attend an Ednet training session offered through the Ednet Support Center. Students requiring this training should contact the Ednet Support Center at 654-5398 and sign up for a training session from Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19. ECO 111 INT will begin the week of January 21 so you must have the training completed before this date. The two other meetings will be for the midterm and final exam. Exams will be taken at the testing center located on the second floor of the library. Students will be given one week to come to campus to take the exams.
Grades will be determined based on participation in the online discussions, writing assignments and a midterm and final exam. More details are available in the course syllabus.
If you have any questions please call me at the college at 921-3515, or e-mail me at chucks@ednet.rvc.cc.il.us
See you online!