Welcome to Larry Marks'

 EXCELLENCE in Action
Hybrid Course FAQs 

SUMMARY

This are two sections of MKTG 25010. One is a traditional lecture section, the other is a distance learning section.   The lecture is available  as a video download (usually available the same day, but always within 24 hours of the class), and in an “audio only” version (both at iTunes U and from Blackboard Learn).  Weekly tests are taken on-line.  There is a midterm and a final exam.  
1.   Do I have to attend class?
2.   Can I attend class even if I am registered in the “on-line” section?
3.   What do you mean when you say there is an "archive" of the class?
4.   Does the technology ever fail?
5.   Can I get a copy of the instructor’s PowerPoint slides?
6.   Do I need to come to class (Kent campus) to take the tests?
7.   Do I need to come to class (Kent campus) for the Midterm or the Final Exam?
8.   Where can I see the syllabus/textbook/class information?
9.   Where can I get my textbook?
10.  How do I get to the class once I've enrolled?
11.  How do I get tech support once I am in the class?

FAQs

1.  Do I have to attend class?
     No, class attendance is not required (although students are welcome to attend).
 
2.  Can I attend class even if I am registered in the “on-line” section?
     Yes, all students are welcome in the live lecture (up to the capacity of the lecture hall).
 
3.   What do you mean when you say there is an "archive" of the class?
     We “archive” each lecture in a variety of ways.  First, an audio version of the lecture is available after class at http://itunes.kent.edu (this requires the computer have the free download of itunes on it and students must log in using their KSU Flashline name and password) and also in .wma format for those who prefer Window Media Player.

     Second, an edited video of the class is archived (usually the same day as class, but always within 24 hours of the class).  This version merges the video of the instructor with the instructor’s computer screen, providing a good simulation of being in the class.  This is available using Camtasia, which works on most platforms, AND from iTunes as an .mp4 video.
 
4.   Does the technology ever fail?
    As with all technology, failure is possible (but rare).  In such cases, we have several options.  In some cases, we post an unedited video of the class.  This unedited version may have several minutes of recording before the lecture begins.  The advantage is it is available quickly.  The disadvantages may be several minutes of non-lecture time at the beginning and that the camera does not do a very good job of recording what is being projected on the screen in the class room (e.g., the PowerPoint slides).   Also, to view this file students need to have Windows Media Player (or some other player that can view .wmv files).  

In other cases, we might post the actual PowerPoints used by the instructor (we rarely do this) and have the audio available.  On some occasions, the instructor will actually "re-create" the lecture.  In those situations, the lecture will take longer to post.

5.  Can I get a copy of the instructor’s PowerPoint slides?
     No, the PowerPoint slides are not made available to the students (with rare exceptions, as noted).  However, there is a lecture outline available for download or purchase that follows each class closely.
 
6.  Do I need to come to class (Kent campus) to take the weekly mini-tests?
     No.  The 8 weekly mini-tests, are taken anytime during the week in which they are open, from any computer the student can access.  The tests cover the week's lecture material and textbook material.  Each 10-item test draws questions randomly, from the test bank for that exam.  The mini-tests are timed and students have 15 minutes to complete their attempt.

     Students can take the mini-tests up to 5 times during the week the mini-test is open.  The BEST score is recorded.  These 8 mini-test count for 50% of the final class grade.

     After each mini-test closes and the BEST grade is recorded the mini-test opens as a review test.  Students can return to the mini-test and practice for the midterm and final exams.
 
7.  Do I need to come to class (Kent campus) for the MIDTERM OR THE FINAL EXAM?
     In-class students will need to take the midterm and the final from the College of Business Computer labs (on the Kent campus) OR from an approved testing center in a proctored environment.  Many students will prefer to come to campus and take the exam in the College of Business Computer Lab.  With pre-approval by the instructor, students can take the final at Regional Campuses, at testing centers like Sylvan, or at other universities which offer proctored testing.  

    Students registered for the online section must take the midterm and the final using the online proctoring service offered by Proctor U.  Proctor U does have minimum technical requirements.  Web-based students can go to http://proctoru.com/, click on "Technical Requirements," then on "Equipment Test" to determine if their computer will support online proctoring.

    The Midterm and Final Exams, are each 50 item tests (with an 80 minute time limit).  The 50 items are drawn from the SAME test bank as the mini-tests.

 
8.  Where can I see the syllabus/textbook/class information?
    Current semester information is available on Blackboard Learn.

9.  Where can I get my textbook?
    Textbooks for this class are available from a variety of sources.  First, check the current syllabus to be sure you have the correct text information (see the syllabus in the link listed above).  You can order a copy of the text online from the Kent State University Bookstore (there is an extra fee to have the book shipped; no charge for pick up; Phone: 330-672-2762; Fax: 330-672-3758), from Campus Book & Supply in Kent (112 Lincoln street, on the corner of S. Lincoln and RT 59, next to Starbucks, Kent, OH 44240, 330-677-1400), or from any online source you like.

10.  How do I get to the class once I've enrolled?
    While there is material available on the class website (see the link below), to earn credit for the class you must be properly enrolled.  Once enrolled, you will be able to access the course at Kent's Blackboard Learn site.  You can access that site by logging into Flashline, clicking on the "My Courses" tab at the top of the Flashline page, and then on the "Blackboard Single Sign On" link in the panel on the left of the page, clicking on the "Log in to Learn" link,  and finding the link on the My Blackboard Course List for the class.  OR, you can point your browser to https://learn.kent.edu,  click on Kent State University, and then log in using your Flashline User name and Password.

11.  How do I get tech support once I am in the class?
    If you need support with technical questions, you can contact the KSU Help Desk at 330-672-4357.  Also, there is a discussion board in the class site where you can ask for help from other students.
 
LINKS OF INTEREST

The audio and video page

The Course Description for MKTG 25010

The instructor's homepage

For more information, contact Dr. Lawrence J. Marks via e-mail (lmarks@kent.edu) or phone 330-672-1266.

The College of Business at KSU--The College's Home Page

e-mail:  lmarks@kent.edu
Home Page:  http://www.personal.kent.edu/~lmarks
For Information About Larry Marks -- Marks Information Page