Jadrian Wooten

10 things you should know before the semester begins:

1. Coursepack Recommendation: I highly recommend getting a copy of the coursepack, which contains redacted slides used daily in class. I'll post a PDF version on Canvas if you're taking notes with a tablet, but a physical copy from the bookstore is worth the $25. I'll teach at a pace that assumes you have these pre-filled in notes. For note-taking, consider using specific markers for the best results.
    

2. In-Person Format: The lectures for this course will be held entirely in person, and there won't be an online/Zoom option this semester. Most of the assignments will be completed online, but a portion of your grade does come from daily quiz questions in class.
    

3. Attendance and Participation: Active class participation is important and contributes to a portion of your final grade. We'll use the iClicker Cloud platform to help keep the class interactive. The physical iClicker remotes won't work with our course, but you can participate with your laptop or cell phone. You will be able to register and pay for iClicker Cloud once our course officially opens on Canvas.
    

4. Unique Teaching Style: My section of Econ 2005 differs significantly from other sections offered at Virginia Tech, with a stronger emphasis on reading and discussions outside of class. We all cover the same material but go about it in different ways. Keep in mind that Virginia Tech expects you to spend around 6 hours each week working on material related to our course in addition to the 3 hours we spend together each week. 
    

5. Assignment Weighting: Instead of a few exams worth a large portion of your overall grade, our course will emphasize weekly small-stakes assignments. It's important to keep track of due dates throughout the semester and avoid a heavy reliance on the Canvas calendar. Now is a great time to get into the habit of using a planner to keep track of your busy schedule.
    

6. Online Discussion Boards: Packback is a discussion board platform we'll use for your weekly assignments. I have negotiated a reduced price for your course, so it's important to purchase your subscription directly from Packback instead of the bookstore. If you're using Packback in other courses (or you used it in previous classes), Packback will give you an additional discount on our class. You don't need to sign up for Packback until our course is officially open on Canvas.
    

7. MyEconLab Platform: Your textbook, homework, and exams will all be hosted on Pearson's MyLab platform. The bookstore will offer an access code, but you can get it for much cheaper by purchasing it directly from Pearson's website. The total cost is around $110 if you purchase it directly from Pearson.  Your online access includes a digital copy of the textbook, but you can get a used copy of an older edition on Amazon for much cheaper. You don't need to register for MyEconLab until our course is officially open on Canvas, but you should purchase a physical copy of the book before classes start if you want a physical copy.
    

8. Saving on Books & Course Material: If you're searching for books for your courses, you can often find them online at significantly lower prices than the campus bookstore. For most classes, you can find used copies or older editions that work just as well. Be sure to check with your other instructors to see! Amazon offers discounts, especially with an Amazon Student account. You can even have packages shipped to your dorm.
    

9. Canvas as Hub: We'll use a number of different platforms this term, but you should consider Canvas as the central platform for all course-related information. Configure your Canvas preferences for daily digests, and consider setting up email forwarding for your VT email address if you want to use something else. When you set up your online accounts (MyEconLab/iClicker/Packback), you need to use your VT email address to ensure your grades are synced with Canvas.
    

10. Technological Concerns: The semester is long and there is a chance you'll run into technical issues during the semester that prevent you from completing an assignment. Given the structure (and size) of the course, there will not be any opportunities to make up assignments you miss. Almost all of our assignments are completed online, so you can always take advantage of a public computer or rent a laptop from the library.

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I'm very passionate about economics and education. I will share that excitement with you every class, and I hope you bring similar energy to class when it comes to learning and wanting to be successful. I occasionally post class-related stuff you may find interesting on LinkedIn, X/Twitter, and Instagram and I write a weekly newsletter that looks at how basic economic concepts can explain current events. Please do not feel obligated to follow any of these accounts, but you're welcome to interact with me as much or as little as you're comfortable. 

I am really looking forward to the upcoming semester and I hope you enjoy your next few months with me.