Math 30 Course Syllabus
MATH 30 Pre-Algebra --Online Spring '13 COURSE SYLLABUS
Instructor: Mary Martin Office: LRC 160 Office Phone: (916) 691-7217
Office Hrs: T/Th Noon-1:20 (LRC 160) Fax (916) 691-7142 (attn: M Martin)
& Wed 4-5pm online thru CCC Confer Course Website: www.MyMathlab.com
email: martinms@crc.losrios.edu (or www.coursecompass.com)
PREREQUISITE
Prerequisite: You should feel comfortable using the skills learned in a previous Arithmetic course or you will have difficulty in this course. This 5-unit (15 hours weekly) course assumes a prerequisite knowledge of Arithmetic: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percents. The official prerequisite for is a "C" or better in Math 20, or eligibility as determined by the assessment process.
ORIENTATION--REQUIRED:
ALL STUDENTS are required to complete the Course Orientation:
OPTION 1: "ORIENTATION IN ADVANCE" Online students are encouraged to
(1) Send Prerequisite or Assessment Verification AS SOON AS POSSIBLE,
(2) Register into online course at www.PearsonMylab.com (www.coursecompass.com)
(3) Complete & email Orientation Questions.
Students who complete all three steps by midnight Friday, Jan. 18 will receive credit for completing the Course Orientation online and be excused from attending in person.
OPTION 2: "IN PERSON" ORIENTATION The "In Person" Course Orientation will be held: Saturday morning, Jan. 19, 2013 10:00am - Noon in LRC 106 (Learning Resource Center Bldg 1st floor).
>>If you have not completed the "Orientation IN ADVANCE" you MUST attend the January 19th IN-PERSON Orientation or you will be dropped from the class roster, so that someone from the waitlist can be added in your place.
>>If you have not submitted evidence of Prerequisite or Assessment Verification BEFORE or during the IN-PERSON Orientation (Jan. 19) you will be dropped from the class roster so that someone from the waitlist can be added in your place.
>>If you have not registered at the www.MyMathLab website by Monday, Jan. 21 you will be dropped from the class roster so that someone from the waitlist can be added in your place.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
• REQUIRED ONLINE ACCESS CODE w/E-BOOK (Printed Textbook Optional):
You must purchase access to online course materials in one of the following two ways:
• Buy the MyMathLab access code only from the CRC bookstore (ISBN: 9780558858711) or purchase with a valid credit card at www.MyMathLab. Both include the course textbook as an e-book (electronic copy of text)
-or- • Buy the Textbook Package: printed textbook plus access code --Available only at CRC bookstore. Printed Text: Prealgebra, 5th ed. by Lial plus MyMathLab online access code. (ISBN: 9781256957713)
>>If the start date for the course is less than 2 weeks away, DO NOT ORDER THE TEXTBOOK ONLINE AND HAVE IT MAILED TO YOU. The mailing delay can undermine the start-up timeline for the course and set you up for failure from the start. If you have not ordered the book at least 2 weeks in advance, visit the bookstore in person, or buy the online access from the course compass website.
ALSO REQUIRED: Scientific Calculator (any brand--$5-$15 -- look for the square root symbol included)
GETTING CONNECTED TO COURSE WEBSITE & ONLINE HOMEWORK:
Registering your access Code: Go to: http:// www.MyMathlab.com (www.coursecompass.com)
For Registration help: Open "Take a Tour!": Select Student Registration
Registration: COURSE ID: --not yet posted--
Spring '13 course ID will be available after Jan. 10
(During registration you will also need CRC school zip code: 95823)
Online Start-Up RIGHT AWAY!! It is important to get connected to our course website by the FIRST DAY of classes--complete the registration and start-up at www.PearsonMylab.com (www.coursecompass.com) as soon as possible.
Doing the Online Homework: Computers are available on campus in the Math Center, LRC 205 and the Computer Lab, LRC 204. System Requirements to work from your home or office computer:
|
|
Operating Systems |
Browsers* |
|
PC |
Windows 7 |
Firefox 7 or 8(expect best performace) |
|
|
Windows Vista |
Firefox 7 or 8(best) |
| Windows XP |
Firefox 7 or 8 |
|
|
Mac |
Macintosh OS 10.7 |
Safari 5.1 |
|
|
Macintosh OS 10.6.8 |
Safari 5.1 |
If you have an earlier version of one of these browsers, you can download a newer version from the appropriate manufacturer's website:
•§ For Firefox, go to http://www.getfirefox.com
•§ For Internet Explorer, go to http://www.microsoft.com
•§ For Safari, go to http://www.apple.com.
•§ For Netscape Navigator, go to http://browser.netscape.com
AOL users: AOL and AT&T Yahoo users: You cannot view Course Compass using the AOL browser or AT&T Yahoo browser. You can, however, use AOL or AT&T Yahoo as your Internet Service Provider to access the Internet, and then open one of the supported browsers within AOL to access Course Compass.
Connection Speed: MyMathLab requires an Internet connection with a minimum connection speed of 28.8 kbps (kilobits per second). The faster your connection, the faster you will be able to view this site and some of your course's content.
Browser settings: cookies and Javascript options CourseCompass uses both cookies and JavaScript technology. Both of these features must be turned on in your browser, and are usually turned on by default. For instructions on how to view or change these browser options, see your browser Help.
Course Compass Technical Support: Staff is available to troubleshoot your technical problems in an online Chat session or by sending an email message:
* 24/7 except Saturdays 1am - 3am (Pacific time--our time)
* Online Customer Tech Support: http://247pearsoned.custhelp.com
COURSE OBJECTIVES/STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students will develop and advance their skills in each of the following:
1. To use mathematical operations (add/subtract/ multiply/divide) on real numbers
(positive & negative integers, fractions, decimals, and square roots);
2. Apply rules for combining & simplifying algebraic expressions,
3. Solve single & multiple-step equations. Graphing solutions to linear equations.
4. Apply algebraic skills and critical thinking to solve problems.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
In this course includes topics: signed numbers, fractions & decimals, properties of exponents, scientific notation, conversions, square roots, formula evaluation, combining & multiplying algebraic terms, solving equations, ratios, proportions, percents and graphing in the rectangular coordinate system.
Upon completion of this course with a letter grade of "C" or better,, you will be eligible to enroll in Math 100 Elementary Algebra.
COURSE STRUCTURE & WORKLOAD:
Classwork: Classwork for Online Students is primarily completing the Lecture Notes Page by watching the video lectures, reading the textbook sections as needed, and completing the online homework plus the Chapter-End pencil & paper assignments. Students will also need time in exam weeks for reviewing and studying for exams. All students can expect to spend (on average) two hours at home for each hour spent in class: 5 hours of lecture, 10 hours homework for a 5-unit course--15 hours weekly for completing course lessons (Notes Packets) plus homework.
Online students should expect the same time commitment as traditional on-campus class: approximately 5 assignments each week--approximately 15 hours weekly. You can be flexible with the schedule of when the homework happens each week, but you MUST have the self-discipline to make sure it DOES happen each week!
Homework Credit for Online Assignments: Students have complete control over their homework grade for each online homework assignment. If a question is marked as "incorrect" use the "Similar Problem" button at the bottom of the homework page to redo that problem for full credit. To be prepared for the exams, students should try EVERY problem in EVERY assignment.
Homework Due Dates: Weekly computer assignments are DUE on WEDNESDAYS & SUNDAYS (midnight). See the Weekly Homework Schedule for specific sections & due dates.
Late Homework: You can access the Practice HW any time before or after due date. MASTERY HW quizzes are CLOSED AT MIDNIGHT ON DATE IT IS DUE.
You will be allowed to drop your lowest 3 Mastery HW grades-these are intended to make up for times you may be ill, your computer is acting up, or any other technical or personal difficulty. NO LATE CREDIT for Mastery HW assignments AFTER DUE DATE.
(A famous pitfall of online courses happens when course structures allow a student to fall so far behind they have to "cram" several chapters of material into the three or four days before an exam. This is never successful)
Pencil & Paper Assignments: Course assignments also include work done by hand. At the end of each chapter, these "pencil and paper" assignments model the type of written questions you might see on an the written exam. They are intended to check for understanding of the major points of the chapter and to practice showing your work on paper--both skills critical to success on exam. Your homework schedule in Course Compass will show when the Chapter Practice Tests and Cumulative Reviews are assigned (usually at the end of chapters.)
Homework Credit for Pencil & Paper assignments: For each Pencil & Paper assignments:
(1) Print or copy by hand,
(2) Complete each problem - showing your steps clearly & completel
(3) Correct each problem by hand using a different color pen by comparing your answers to
the posted solutions, and
(4) Submit completed & corrected pencil & paper assignments, along with video lecture notes,
when you come to take your exam.
Submitting Your Pencil & Paper Assignments: Your work MUST SHOW STEPS for each problem (follow the example of step by step work shown in the lecture videos).
To receive full credit:
(1) copy each problem to lined notebook paper,
(2) show your steps to solve each problem,
(3) open the answer key and in another color pen or pencil show check marks for all correct answers, show corrections to fix any wrong steps/answers-in another color next to your original steps (DO NOT ERASE)
(4) your written assignment will be graded on completeness & corrections - not on how many problems you get right or wrong on the first try. It's important to learn from your mistakes!
**Your work must be clearly readable and demonstrate the steps you used to solve or correct each problem. Notes pages must be HANDWRITTEN not typed.
**ALL video lecture “Notes Pages” must be HANDWRITTEN not typed.
OTHER POLICIES:
In-Person Exam Policy: CRC Mathematics Department requires that online students take proctored exams in person, with photo ID. Exams for this course are scheduled for Saturday mornings 9:00 am -12:00 noon See Exams & Grading for the specific dates for Exams & Final.
Conflicts on Test Dates: If a serious & compelling issue arises unexpectedly that would prevent you from taking an exam on one of the scheduled Saturdays, arrangements can only be made PRIOR to the scheduled exam date ONLY: contact your instructor to an appointment at least 48 hours in advance of the alternative date/time.
Missed Test Policy: There is one Comprehensive FINAL Exam scheduled for Saturday, May 18. The score on your final exam can be used to replace one MISSED exam, only if unavoidable circumstances interfere with your ability to take a test. You must notify the instructor before missing the test. No other late exams or make-up exams will be given.
NOTE: If you have taken all exams, you will be allowed to use the score on your final exam to REPLACE one low exam score, only if your final exam grade is 65% or better.
Withdrawal: A student may choose to withdraw from a course for individual reasons at any time prior to posted date for the "Last Day to Withdraw" If you make the decision to drop the course, please complete the necessary paperwork; do not rely on me to do it for you.
Instructor Withdrawal of "Inactive" Student: Community college funding from the state of California is based on student enrollment, and it is the responsibility of each instructor to verify our class rosters reflect "active" students in our courses. In this online Math 30 course, a student must show some assignment progress every week. Any student whose online course assignment activity shows no work for 7 days or more , shall be dropped by the instructor as "inactive."
Registration Deadline Dates: Last day to drop without "W": Feb. 3. Last day to petition for Pass/No Pass grading: Feb. 22. Last Day to drop with "W" notation on transcript: April 21. Finals Week: May 16 - May 22 (FINAL EXAM FOR THIS CLASS: Sat. May 18)
ASSIGNMENT & EXAM WEIGHTING:
|
GRADING Semester grades: A 90 - 100% Exams (3 Exams @ approx. 20 each)............60% B 80 - 89% Pencil & Paper Assignments...............................8% FINAL EXAM ....Sat. May 18 ..............................24% |
Cheating Policy: Cheating will not be tolerated. Students who are caught cheating on exams, homework or any assignment in this class will receive a "0" for that assignment and notification of the incident will be sent to the Vice President of Student Services for further disciplinary action as appropriate. See campus guidelines on Cheating & Plagiarism.
FINAL GRADES ARE FINAL:
DO NOT EMAIL the instructor after the final exam to ask for "retakes", "do-overs", or other "extra credit" to change a final grade from what was earned. The last date to earn points toward your final grade is the final exam day. Any such emails will be deleted by the instructor without reply.
Resources for Success:
If you find yourself struggling to understand the material, help is available! You can:
•· Establish a study group with your classmates
•· Email your questions to me at martinms@crc.losrios.edu
•· Use the Math Center (LRC 205) for tutor help (8am-9:30pm M-Th, 8am-3pm Fri)
Additional Tips for Success:
1. Have a positive attitude. Negative thinking (I can't do this or I've never been good in math) or Indifference (I don't really need this stuff) are self-defeating and can stand in the way of accomplishment. Try to be positive and open to new ideas.
2. Keep Up. Attend/work through the powerpoints or watch the video for EVERY section. Do some homework every day-so you keep up with the week's assignments by the end of every weekend.
3. Be organized. Keep your notes, homework, tests, answer keys, classwork in a binder and in an order that will allow you to find something when you need it.
4. Record important terms and formulas. When you come to a new definition or concept, phrase it in your own words, make up an example, or draw a picture.
5. Keep track of the Big Ideas. For each chapter, try to summarize for yourself what you have learned--see if you can write down the most important ideas with names or labels you understand. You may not think the terminology or section titles are important, but using a label or name for each idea will help you retrieve that idea when you need it. Keep these to use as study guides for the test-These will be a big head start on your exam formula sheets.
6. Learn to use all that your calculator can do. Read the instructions. Practice several problems. Rewrite the steps and locations of the commands so you can understand and remember them.
7. Practice a lot. Do ALL the HW problems. To get ready for exams, write problems from your notes or homework on index cards for each key idea we study--then shuffle them and try them "out of order" when you study for a test. FOR TEST PRACTICE: Use the instructor reviews & sample exams (see Exams & Reviews) to study before each test.
8. Jot down questions as you study. You may be able to figure it out for yourself later, or you could ask a classmate or your instructor.
9. Pay attention to your mistakes. If you get a wrong answer, think of it as an opportunity to learn something. Don't give up--the fastest way to real understanding is to figure out why you made a mistake.
10. Study in groups. Find a group of students who are trying to do well in the class and would like to meet regularly. There are several places on campus you could meet (Math Center, library, cafeteria, open classrooms....) For online students, consider using the discussion board, email or an online chat room to meet to go over questions before a test.
11. Ask for help. Sometimes, no matter how hard you work there is something you simply don't understand. This is the time to talk to someone (a friend, tutor, teacher) who can help you! Take advantage of my help, email me, or let me know if you want to set up an appointment to meet. Also, tutoring is available in the Math Center (LRC 205)
12. Email me, anytime.