POFT 2301 - Intermediate Keyboarding

POFT 2301:

Description
A continuation of keyboarding skills emphasizing acceptable speed and accuracy levels and formatting documents.

Prerequisites

POFT 1329 or approval of instructor
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 2 Lab Hours 4
Extended Hours
0
Contact Hours
96
State Approval Code
5204080000
Alternate Operations During Campus Closure

In the event of an emergency or announced campus closure due to a natural disaster or pandemic, it may be necessary for Panola College to move to altered operations. During this time, Panola College may opt to continue delivery of instruction through methods that include, but are not limited to: online learning management system (CANVAS), online conferencing, email messaging, and/or an alternate schedule. It is the responsibility of the student to monitor Panola College's website (www.panola.edu) for instructions about continuing courses remotely, CANVAS for each class for course-specific communication, and Panola College email for important general information.

Class Attendance

Regular and punctual attendance of classes and laboratories is required of all students. When a student has been ill or absent from class for approved extracurricular activities, he or she should be allowed, as far as possible, to make up for the missed work. If a student has not actively participated by the census date, they will be dropped by the instructor for non-attendance. This policy applies to courses that are in-person, online, hybrid, and hyflex.

Attendance in online courses is determined by submission of an assignment or participation in an activity. According to federal guidelines, simply logging into a distance learning course without participating in an academic assignment does not constitute attendance. Distance learning is defined as when a majority (more than 50%) of instruction occurs when the instructor and students are in separate physical locations. Students must engage in an academic activity prior to the course census date. 

When an instructor feels that a student has been absent to such a degree as to invalidate the learning experience, the instructor may recommend to the Vice President of Instruction that the student be withdrawn from the course. Instructors may seek to withdraw students for non-attendance after they have accumulated the following number of absences: 

Fall or spring semesters: 

3 or more class meeting times per week - 5 absences

2 class meeting times per week - 3 absences

1 class meeting per week -  2 absences

The student is responsible for seeing that he or she has been officially withdrawn from a class. A student who stops attendance in a class without officially withdrawing from that class will be given a failing grade; consequently, the student must follow official withdrawal procedures in the Admissions/Records Office.

Please note: Health Science and Cosmetology courses may require more stringent attendance policies based on their accreditation agencies. Please see the addendum and/or program handbook for further information concerning attendance.  

Pregnant/Parenting Policy

Panola College welcomes pregnant and parenting students as a part of the student body. This institution is committed to providing support and adaptations for a successful educational experience for pregnant and parenting students. Students experiencing a need for accommodations related to pregnancy or parenting will find a Pregnancy and Parenting Accommodations Request form in the Student Handbook or may request the form from the course instructor.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Course Policy

No use of Generative AI permitted.

This option assumes that all work submitted by students will be generated by the students themselves, whether they are working individually or in groups. Students should not have another person or entity do the writing of any portion of an assignment, which includes hiring a person or a company to write assignments and/or using artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT. Use of any AI-generated content in this course qualifies as academic dishonesty and violates Panola College’s standards of academic integrity.

Instructional Goals and Purposes
The purpose of this course is to further develop keyboarding skills in efficiently producing various business documents and in improving straight-copy speed and accuracy.
Learning Outcomes
  1. Increase speed and improve accuracy.
  2. Use word processing commands to complete document-processing activities.
  3. Refine language arts skill in proofreading.
  4. Improve proofreading skill.
  5. Format business correspondence.
  6. Create and format different types of meeting reports and business documents.
  7. Format reports.
  8. Create, edit, and format tables.
  9. Arrange, format, and key specialized office documents.
Specific Course Objectives (includes SCANS)

After studying the material presented in the text and online, the student should be able to complete all behavioral/learning objectives listed below with a minimum competency of 70% on assignments and exams.

  1. Increase speed and improve accuracy. (1c-i, 1c-iv)
    1. Set speed goals and demonstrate improved speed on three-minute and five-minute straight copy timed writings.
    2. Reduce the number of errors on straight-copy timed writings.
  2. Use word processing commands to complete document-processing activities. (1a-i, 1c-i, 2c-iii, 2c-iv, 2e-i)
    1. Use Microsoft Word to create documents and tables.
    2. Read, interpret, and apply formatting commands using the Microsoft Word Manual.
  3. Refine language arts skill in proofreading. (1a-ii, 1b-iv)
    1. Refine proofreading skills and correctly use proofreaders’ marks.
    2. Correctly abbreviate, capitalize, punctuate, and spell.
    3. Identify subject/verb agreement problems and refine composing skills.
  4. Improve proofreading skill. (1b-iii, 1b-iv, 1c-i)
    1. Proofread and correct errors in keyed documents.
    2. Apply and interpret standard proofreaders’ marks.
  5. Format business correspondence. (1a-i, 1 b-ii, 1b-iii, 1b-iv, 1b-v, 1b-vi, 1c-iv, 2a-i, 2a-iii, 2c-i, 2c-ii, 2c-iii, 2c-iv)
    1. Arrange and key a business letter in both block and modified-block style.
    2. Arrange and key a personal business letter.
    3. Edit letters by using and interpreting proofreaders’ marks.
    4. Correctly format and key a multipage letter.
    5. Format a letter containing multiple addressees.
    6. Key letters containing special letter parts using acceptable formatting.
    7. Key and format an interoffice memorandum.
    8. Prepare and key a multipage interoffice memorandum.
    9. Adjust letter margins and spacing to fit different sized stationery.
    10. Use tables to create a resume.
    11. Arrange and key an employment application and follow-up letter.
  6. Create and format different types of meeting reports and business documents. (1a-i, 1b-ii, 1b-iii, 1b-iv, 1b-v, 1b-vi, 1c-iv, 2a-i, 2a-iii, 2c-i, 2-cii, 2c-iii, 2c-iv)
    1. Arrange and key a meeting agenda.
    2. Prepare minutes of a meeting using an appropriate format.
    3. Key and format an itinerary.
    4. Prepare a procedures manual for employees.
  7. Format reports. (1b-ii, 1b-iii, 1b-iv, 1b-v, 1b-vi, 1c-iv, 2a-i, 2a-iii, 2c-i, 2c-ii, 2c-iii, 2c-iv, 2e-i, 2e-ii)
    1. Key and correctly format a business report.
    2. Key and correctly format an academic report.
    3. Create and appropriately format multipage reports that contain footnotes.
    4. Key and correctly format a memo report.
    5. Evaluate report headings and determine appropriate formatting.
    6. Key and correctly format a bound formal business report that includes a title page, table of contents, and reference page or bibliography.
    7. Insert a table and graphics into a report and apply appropriate formatting guidelines.
  8. Create, edit, and format tables. (1b-ii, 1b-iii, 1b-iv, 1b-v, 1b-vi, 1c-iv, 2a-i, 2a-iii, 2c-i, 2c-ii, 2c-iii, 2c-iv, 2e-i, 2e-ii)
    1. Create a boxed table.
    2. Create an open table.
    3. Center a table vertically and horizontally on a page.
    4. Adjust column widths in a table.
    5. Format title lines and column headings in a table.
    6. Change text alignment within table cells.
    7. Merge and/or split cells in a table.
    8. Format custom borders and add fill to table cells.
    9. Sort information in a table by either ascending or descending order.
    10. Prepare and correctly format a multipage table.
  9. Arrange, format, and key specialized office documents. (1b-ii, 1b-iii, 1b-iv, 1b-v, 1b-vi, 1c-iv, 2a-i, 2a-iii, 2c-i, 2c-ii, 2c-iii, 2c-iv, 2e-i, 2e-ii)
    1. Use tables to design and key a patient information form.
    2. Format and key sample medical office documents.
    3. Apply line numbering to various legal documents.
    4. Arrange, format, and key the following legal documents: affidavit, warranty deed, summons, last will and testament, complaint, and a judgment.
Course Content

A general description of lecture/discussion topics included in this course are listed in the Learning Outcomes/Specific Course Objectives sections of this syllabus.

Students in all sections of Intermediate Keyboarding will be required to do the following:

  1. Students will submit keyboarding lessons throughout the semester by uploading work to the Gregg Document Processing (GDP) Web site.
  2. Students will complete hands-on, production exams in which they will be tested on creating business documents. A grading scale for each document will be provided (based on length and difficulty of the document).
  3. Students will complete two objective exams testing their knowledge of keyboarding principles and formatting.
  4. Students will submit 5-minute timed writings completed during the lessons and during testing.
Methods of Instruction/Course Format/Delivery

Students in both the traditional class and in the Internet class will have access to this course via Canvas. Students in the traditional class will meet regularly for lecture over the material. Students in the Internet class will only be required to meet with the instructor for testing; however, Internet students are always welcome to attend the traditional class (especially for exam reviews).

All lessons will be completed and submitted through the GDP Web site which is separate from Canvas. After an assignment has been graded, the student will be able to view the document including the instructor’s comments by returning to the GDP Web site and accessing the submitted lessons. Traditional students will have production documents returned and discussed in class. Students will be able to view their grades in Canvas.

Students will take two objective (true/false, multiple choice) exams during the semester using Canvas. Students will be able to view the solutions to online objective tests. Students will also take two production exams during the semester creating documents and submitting them through the GDP Web site. Students will be able to view the instructor’s comments on each production submitted. Generally work will be graded and posted within two days following an exam or production.

Students in both the traditional and Internet classes should use the People feature within Canvas to communicate with the instructor. Using Canvas email gives the student access to the instructor and other classmates without having to remember or type email addresses— just select a name from the list. If you are not able to contact your instructor using email in Canvas, you may use his or her Panola College email address. Panola College instructors attempt to respond to all email within 24 hours. Please always include a subject line and your name in your email.

Course Grade

The grading scale for this course is as follows:

  • Keyboarding lessons – 25%
  • Timed writings – 30%
  • Production tests – 30%
  • Exams – 15%

All student grades including a mid-semester and final grade will be posted to Grades in Canvas.

Cheating is defined as unauthorized help on an examination or assigned course material. A student must not submit another student’s work as his or her own. A student must not receive from any other student or give to any other student any information, answers, or help during an exam. A student must not "steal" the answers from an unsuspecting student during an exam. A student must not use any sources for answers during an exam (including but not limited to notes, books, or electronic devices) without prior authorization from the professor. A student must not obtain exam questions illegally, tamper with the exam questions, nor change the results of an exam after it has been graded. All cheating infractions will result in a grade of “0” for the assignment. A student will fail the class upon his or her second cheating offense. These policies shall be adhered to unless mitigating circumstances should prove a lesser penalty should apply. Students shall have the right to contest a cheating or plagiarism claim; the appeals process is specifically defined in the student handbook.

Other
SCANS Criteria
  1. Foundation skills are defined in three areas: basic skills, thinking skills, and personal qualities.
    1. Basic Skills: A worker must read, write, perform arithmetic and mathematical operations, listen, and speak effectively. These skills include:
      1. Reading: locate, understand, and interpret written information in prose and in documents such as manuals, graphs, and schedules.
      2. Writing: communicate thoughts, ideas, information, and messages in writing, and create documents such as letters, directions, manuals, reports, graphs, and flow charts. 
      3. Arithmetic and Mathematical Operations: perform basic computations and approach practical problems by choosing appropriately from a variety of mathematical techniques.
      4. Listening: receive, attend to, interpret, and respond to verbal messages and other cues.
      5. Speaking: Organize ideas and communicate orally.
    2. Thinking Skills: A worker must think creatively, make decisions, solve problems, visualize, know how to learn, and reason effectively. These skills include:
      1. Creative Thinking: generate new ideas.
      2. Decision Making: specify goals and constraints, generate alternatives, consider risks, and evaluate and choose the best alternative.
      3. Problem Solving: recognize problems and devise and implement plan of action.
      4. Visualize ("Seeing Things in the Mind's Eye"): organize and process symbols, pictures, graphs, objects, and other information.
      5. Knowing How to Learn: use efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills.
      6. Reasoning: discover a rule or principle underlying the relationship between two or more objects and apply it when solving a problem.
    3. Personal Qualities: A worker must display responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self management, integrity, and honesty.
      1. Responsibility: exert a high level of effort and persevere toward goal attainment.
      2. Self-Esteem: believe in one's own self-worth and maintain a positive view of oneself.
      3. Sociability: demonstrate understanding, friendliness, adaptability, empathy, and politeness in group settings.
      4. Self-Management: assess oneself accurately, set personal goals, monitor progress, and exhibit self-control.
      5. Integrity and Honesty: choose ethical courses of action.
  2. Workplace competencies are defined in five areas: resources, interpersonal skills, information, systems, and technology.
    1. Resources: A worker must identify, organize, plan, and allocate resources effectively.
      1. Time: select goal-relevant activities, rank them, allocate time, and prepare and follow schedules.
      2. Money: Use or prepare budgets, make forecasts, keep records, and make adjustments to meet objectives.
      3. Material and Facilities: Acquire, store, allocate, and use materials or space efficiently. Examples: construct a decision timeline chart; use computer software to plan a project; prepare a budget; conduct a cost/benefits analysis; design an RFP process; write a job description; develop a staffing plan.
    2. Interpersonal Skills: A worker must work with others effectively.
      1. Participate as a Member of a Team: contribute to group effort.
      2. Teach Others New Skills.
      3. Serve Clients/Customers: work to satisfy customer's expectations.
      4. Exercise Leadership: communicate ideas to justify position, persuade and convince others, responsibly challenge existing procedures and policies.
      5. Negotiate: work toward agreements involving exchange of resources, resolve divergent interests.
      6. Work with Diversity: work well with men and women from diverse backgrounds. Examples: collaborate with a group member to solve a problem; work through a group conflict situation, train a colleague; deal with a dissatisfied customer in person; select and use appropriate leadership styles; use effective delegation techniques; conduct an individual or team negotiation; demonstrate an understanding of how people from different cultural backgrounds might behave in various situations.
    3. Information: A worker must be able to acquire and use information.
      1. Acquire and Evaluate Information.
      2. Organize and Maintain Information.
      3. Interpret and Communicate Information.
      4. Use Computers to Process Information. Examples: research and collect data from various sources; develop a form to collect data; develop an inventory record-keeping system; produce a report using graphics; make an oral presentation using various media; use on-line computer databases to research a report; use a computer spreadsheet to develop a budget.
    4. Systems: A worker must understand complex interrelationships.
      1. Understand Systems: know how social, organizational, and technological systems work and operate effectively with them.
      2. Monitor and Correct Performance: distinguish trends, predict impacts on system operations, diagnose deviations in systems' performance and correct malfunctions.
      3. Improve or Design Systems: suggest modifications to existing systems and develop new or alternative systems to improve performance. Examples: draw and interpret an organizational chart; develop a monitoring process; choose a situation needing improvement, break it down, examine it, propose an improvement, and implement it.
    5. Technology: A worker must be able to work with a variety of technologies.
      1. Select Technology: choose procedures, tools or equipment including computers and related technologies.
      2. Apply Technologies to Task: understand overall intent and proper procedures for setup and operation of equipment.
      3. Maintain and Troubleshoot Equipment: Prevent, identify, or solve problems with equipment, including computers and other technologies. Examples: read equipment descriptions and technical specifications to select equipment to meet needs; set up and assemble appropriate equipment from instructions; read and follow directions for troubleshooting and repairing equipment.