L J Marks MKTG 25010 Course Description

	Welcome to Larry Marks'
EXCELLENCE in Action	MKTG 25010 Course Description

This version of MKTG 25010 "Marketing" is offered in a "hybrid" format. The elements of this format are described below:

CONTENT

First, the class content is taught "live" in a classroom, in the usual way.

Second, two audio versions of the lecture are available. One is a .wma (Windows Media Audio) usually posted within an hour of the end of class. The other is posted to iTunes U (itunes.kent.edu) later in the day. Students can listen to the lecture on their computer or download it to listen on an iPod or similar device (assumes access to iTunes program on your computer).

Finally, an edited video of the class is posted online (usually the same day as the class, but virtually 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.

Class lecture notes are available for download prior to the lecture and contain an outline format of the lecture material, to be completed by the students as they listen to (or view) the class.

Thus, in this format, students can obtain the class content in class during the live lectures, on the web from the archived audio files or on the web from the archived video files (which are available "24-7" once posted).

TESTING

Mini-tests
For 13 weeks of the 15 week semester students take "weekly mini-tests." These online, open book, open notes mini-tests can 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 are advised to review both the lecture material and the textbook content for the mini-tests.

Students can take the mini-test as many as 10 times during the time in which mini-test is open. The last score is recorded. Students can (and should) earn 100% on these mini-tests. These 13 mini-tests count for 50% of the final class grade.

Once each mini-test closes the last grade is recorded. At that time, the mini-test opens as a review test. Students can return to the mini-test and practice for the final exam.

Final Examination
The comprehensive final exam, which counts for 50% of the course grade, is a 50 item test (with an 80 minute time limit) MUST be taken in the College of Business Computer Labs on the Kent campus, on one of the KSU Regional campuses, on the LCCC campus, or at another pre-approved testing center (information on who to contact for Proctored Final Exam will be available on the class website in Vista 8). The final will cover Chapters 1 -20 of the textbook and all lecture material. The 50 items are drawn from the SAME test bank as the weekly mini-tests. NOTE: Students must present a valid KSU ID and can take the final ANYTIME from Monday through Friday of finals week that the computer lab (or approved testing center) is open.

THE TECHNOLOGY

For this hybrid format to work, you will need access to a computer with high speed internet access. Much of the class relies on KSU’s Vista 8 course management system. This system will work on both PC’s and MAC’s. The system supports Internet Explorer and Firefox. MAC users will need to download Firefox (Visit the Firefox download page http://www.getfirefox.com/ in any browser; e.g. Apple Safari. It will automatically detect the platform and language on your computer and recommend the best edition of Firefox for you).

You should be able to log into KSU’s Kent's Blackboard Learn site at https://learn.kent.edu using your Flashline username and password. Or, if you are logged into Flashline, click 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, click on the "Log in to Learn" link, and find the link on the My Courses List for the class.

Another good "check" to determine whether this approach will work for you is to view one of the past archives. Click on http://et.kent.edu/lmarks/Marks BCG lecture/Marks BCG lecture.html

You should see a "download" screen from the program Camtasia, and then the video archive should load and begin to play on your computer. There are control in the player that allow you to "pause," "stop," control the video, and you should be able to "click" on the Table of Contents at the left to jump forward or backwards (sometimes you need to wait a bit for the stream to load up before you can use this feature). If your home computer does not allow you to see this file, it may be possible for you to view it from a library or a campus near you. If none of those work for you, then you are not a good candidate for the class.

ATTENDANCE

There are multiple sections of this class. Some students will be registered for the "live" section, which meets in a classroom at a specific time. Other students will be registered in the "TBA" or "Web-based" section. Those who are enrolled in the live section generally plan to come to the class (although attendance is not "required). Those enrolled in the web-based section are not required to attend the live lectures, however are welcome to do so (as long as there are open seats in the classroom).

WARNINGS

This is a "real" class. Both in-class and online students MUST keep up with the lectures and the text book readings. This is NOT a self-paced class. It is NOT an easy class. It DOES require that online students be DISCIPLINED in their course work. If you will not have the time to view 8 hours of lectures each week, and to read the text book and take the mini-tests in the deadline, please do NOT register for the class.

LINKS OF INTEREST

The class website for the current semester

The audio and video page for the most recent semester

The FAQ's page

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