Although it is one of IU's notoriously difficult classes, K201, also known as "K-2-No-Fun," teaches skills necessary for success in today's business world, said Amy Kinser, associate coordinator for K201.\nThe course, "The Computer in Business," covers some basics of how computers and technology affect the business world and is required for students pursuing a major or minor in business, a certificate in the Liberal Arts Management Program or a major in sports marketing and management through the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. \nKinser and other K201 experts say there are steps students can take to earn a good grade in the class.\nDon't cram\nDo your work early, and do all of it, Kinser advises. She said some students mistakenly think they can procrastinate in a course, do all their work at the last minute and still earn an A. K201 is not that type of class, Kinser said. Course concepts tend to build on one another, so it is important to stay on top of every assignment and not fall behind. \nCertain components of the class can be very time-consuming, so students should learn material when it is assigned and begin studying early, said sophomore Joy Martin, who completed K201 last year.
Use your resources \nAn abundance of people are available to help K201 students. There is one assistant instructor per K201 class section, and most AIs offer free one-on-one tutoring for interested students, Kinser said. A list of AIs is posted in an online forum, and students can choose tutoring sessions that fit their schedules. \nAnother asset for the struggling K201 student is the course's peer-tutoring system. Peer tutors are students who have been through the class and received a B+ or higher, Kinser said. \nTwo to four peer tutors are present during class lab sections and are available to answer questions, said peer tutor Autumn Good. \nWhen the going gets tough, seeking help right away is a must. \n"If students wait until the last minute before an exam to get tutoring or other help, they'll find that it's too late," Kinser said.
Be smart with class scheduling \nTake K201 during a semester that will allow you to devote a lot of time to the course, Kinser advises. Finding a balance between classes, homework and leisure activities is essential, she said.\nThe work-intensive nature of the class also might require students to brush up on their time-management skills.\n"It's important for students to have the foresight to set aside time for graded projects," said freshman Asha Jamzadeh, who is currently enrolled in the course. \n"Professors will say how long they think a particular project will take to complete, but it's best to overestimate," he said. "If they say three hours, set aside five."
Pay attention to detail \nWhile taking a computer course, it is essential to be detail-oriented. \n"A capital 'D' and a lowercase 'd' can mean completely different things on a computer," Kinser said. \nShe recommends students read directions as opposed to just skimming them. \nIt's necessary to be meticulous, Jamzadeh said. Most assignments and exams are computer-graded, which leaves no room for error. Something as small as a misspelled word can cause students to lose all of their points for a section, he said. \n"Pay attention to what you are reading, and be awake," Jamzadeh says, "because once you've hit the submit button, it's over."
Be confident\nMany students say they feel like they are struggling in the course when they're actually not, Kinser said.\nMartin said she knew a number of students who felt they were doing poorly in the class. Looking back on her own experience, the situation wasn't as dire as she thought, she said.\nK201 has a different testing format than most classes, which Kinser said she believes might be an anxiety-inducer for some students. Exams are entirely computer-based, and there are no multiple-choice or true-or-false questions. The unfamiliarity of the testing arrangement is what could cause students to have high anxiety before exams, she said. \n"I want to tell them to calm down," she said. "If they've studied, they know the material."
Go the extra mile\nTaking the time to do extra practice problems will bring serious benefits for students, Good said. Completing extra assignments when they are available doesn't hurt, either. \n"Professors assign knowledge checks with every chapter, which are for extra credit and not required," Martin said. Professors also supply students with plenty of prepared review materials before exams, which are not mandatory but can still be a big help, she said.
Think about the future\nKinser said many prospective employers are impressed with applicants who demonstrate computer proficiency. Some students have received internships primarily because of the knowledge they gained through the course, she said. \n"I know of one student who was offered a job with a major company while she was doing a summer internship, and it was because they were so pleased with her computer and database skills," Kinser said. "Ultimately, she chose to finish college first."\nConcepts that are taught in class can also be useful tools to help students manage their personal lives. Knowing how to use a spreadsheet can allow students to budget their money and calculate their grades for other courses, she said. "It really is a fun course," Kinser said. "Even technophobes can get an A"
