Overview

Introduction to basic computer spreadsheet applications (in other words, Microsoft Excel) with a focus on uses in agribusiness operations.

Requirements

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Required Resources

• Access to a computer with fast and reliable internet connection and appropriate technical setup. Students can test the setup by following the instructions in the "Technical Setup" section of the Orientation to Online Learning found in Week 01.
• Microsoft Word and Excel. If you do not already have access to this software, you may download Office 365 for free from portal.office.com using your BYUI email.
  • NOTE: Instructions throughout the course are based on Microsoft Excel 2019. It is strongly recommended students use this version. Office365 will be very similar to the 2019 version. If a student uses an older version, they may need to search for tutorials on the internet to learn some specific skills.
• Readings are supplied within the course. Students do not need to purchase any materials.

Proctored Exams and Assessments

This course will use an online proctoring software called Proctorio. This makes it possible for students to take assessments and exams without a human proctor present. Proctored exams can be accessed like any other exam, once the software has been installed. Exams will be recorded by Proctorio and reviewed by the BYUI Testing Center. Any questionable exams will be forwarded to the instructor for further review.

For step-by-step instruction on Proctorio installation, please refer to this help guide article.

Structure

Course Outcomes (CO)

1. Demonstrate the use of computer spreadsheets for an agribusiness operation. 
2. Create and edit workbooks.
3. Create and edit charts, graphs, etc., in a spreadsheet.
4. Use formulas to analyze decisions in an agribusiness operation.
5. Combine basic accounting concepts and formulas in spreadsheet applications.
6. Work with multiple worksheets and workbooks.
7. Utilize spreadsheet techniques in applying basic economic concepts of optimization and resource allocation.

Major Assignments

The table below is meant to help you see the relevance of each major assignment as it pertains to the course outcomes (CO).

Major Assignment	Description	CO#
W14 Final: Excel Application	Cumulative Exam	1.2.3.4.5.6.7

Weekly Patterns

The table below displays typical weekly activities, due dates, and activity descriptions. 

Due Date*	Learning Model	Activity Title	Description
Midweek	Prepare	Concept-Assessment Quiz	Study the material of the week and take the quiz.
Midweek	Prepare	Guided Practice Quiz	Practice working with Excel then take a quiz.
Midweek	Teach One Another	Discussion: Share your learning	Discuss what you learned this week
End of Week	Prove	Weekly Assignment	Apply your skills

*Set your time zone within user preferences so the dates and times for course activities will display correctly for your time zone.

Learning Model

As in all BYU-Idaho courses, this course will utilize the BYUI Learning Model. Students will prepare by reading or viewing the assigned materials. In some weeks, this includes watching video tutorials. Teaching one another will occur as students share ideas with classmates via discussion boards. Finally, students will ponder and prove by demonstrating skills and knowledge while completing assignments.

Expectations

Feedback

You can expect to receive grades and feedback within 7 days of the due date for all assignments.

The following are recommendations for success in this class:

• The BYU-Idaho standard for student workload in each course is 3–4 hours per week per credit hour. Thus, students should plan to spend 6–8 hours per week in this course. Students may need to spend more time in this class, depending on their own learning style and skill set.
• Read every course page and any linked materials. Each page contains important information! This includes the weekly Introduction pages and Announcements from the instructor posted at the beginning of each week. Do not rely exclusively on the calendar feature in I-Learn for information of work that needs to be accomplished.
• Students should plan their time so that they work consistently throughout each week. Students will have a quality learning experience and less stress if they plan to spread the work throughout each week.

Workload

Assignments and activities are designed to increase learning depth. Through these activities, students will apply the principles they have learned to situations similar to those they will encounter professionally and personally.

Readings and Videos: These will be provided in the Introduction and Study pages. Read and study them thoroughly, as they will prepare students for their assignments. Students will account for their reading, video viewing, and activity completion in a weekly Concept-Assessment quiz.

Discussion Boards: In each week students can share insights and learn from others. Students will share their learning and perspective through discussion board posts.

Assignment: Assignments are based on the readings and videos for the week and allow students to practice the concepts taught. Guided Practice assignments provide specific instructions that directs to accomplishing specific tasks in Excel. In the Apply Your Skills assignment, students will accomplish tasks independently by using skills they gained in the Guided Practice assignment. Most, but not all weeks have both a Guided Practice and an Apply Your Skills assignment. Depending on enrollment numbers, you may see a TA grading some Excel assignments based on provided rubrics attached to assignments.

Reflection Journal: At the end of each week, students will write a short statement to describe what was impactful from that week's material. 

Late Work

Students should complete their work on time, and generally, late work will not be accepted. However, the instructor has discretion to accept late work or extend due dates in case of extenuating circumstances.

Grading Scale

Students will be graded on a linear scale (not curved). An A is a merit that will require dedication and mastery of subject matter. Just completing the minimum expectations does not denote A effort. Students will need to take the time to study, understand, and apply the principles taught in order to get an A.

This course will use the following standard BYU-Idaho grading scale:

Grade	Percentage Range
A	100–93
A-	92–90
B+	89–87
B	86–83
B-	82–80
C+	79–77
C	76–73
C-	72–70
D+	69–67
D	66–63
D-	62–60
F	<60

Grades will be determined as follows: 

Item	Points	Approximate Percentage
Guided Practice (11 at 10 pts each, 3 at 5 pts each, and 1 at 20 pts)	145	21%
Apply Your Skills (9 at 20 pts each, 2 at 10 pts each, 1 at 7 pts)	207	30%
Discussion Boards (10 pts each week)	140	20%
Concept-Assessments (11 at 5 pts each, 1 at 6 pts)	61	9%
Learning Journals (2 at 10 pts each, 1 at 15 pts, and 1 at 20 pts)	55	8%
Miscellaneous:  Syllabus quiz (15 pts), Week 01 Excel Quiz (10 pts), Week 02 Excel Quiz (15 pts)	40	6%
Final Excel Assignment	40	6%
TOTAL	688	100%

University Policies

Students with Disabilities

Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office at (208) 496-9210 or visit their website and follow the Steps for Receiving Accommodations. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with students and instructors by the Disability Services Office.

This course may require synchronous meetings. If you are currently registered with the Disability Services Office and need an interpreter or transcriber for these meetings, please contact the deaf and hard of hearing coordinator at (208) 496-9219.

Other University Policies

Student Honor and Other Policies

Please read through the document called University Policies. It gives important information about the following topics:

• Student Honor
  • Academic Honesty
  • Student Conduct
    • Sexual Harassment
• Student with Disabilities
• Complaints and Grievances
• Copyright Notice

Go to the Student Resources module to review further resources and information.