GET INTRODUCED TO ALEKS AND TAKE THE REQUIRED INITIAL KNOWLEDGE CHECK (IKC)
GET INTRODUCED TO ALEKS AND TAKE THE REQUIRED INITIAL KNOWLEDGE CHECK (IKC)
ALEKS is an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enhanced math program used in this course that adapts to your math skills. If you're already familiar with certain concepts, ALEKS will automatically take you to the next area so you don't have to keep watching videos or drilling problems you already know how to do. And if you struggle with any skills, ALEKS will help you revisit those areas to build your skills before moving on.
Watch this short introduction to ALEKS video to get an overview of how ALEKS works. Please note: In this course, you will take only an Initial Knowledge Check. There will not be any other Knowledge Checks.
Unlike "one size fits all" tests, the Initial Knowledge Check is an adaptive tool that allows ALEKS to determine your previous learning and to set the path for continued learning in the course. The IKC has 25 to 30 questions that are based on your answers to previous questions. Think of the IKC as a shortcut to the learning and instruction that you need. The time you spend on it now could save you a lot of time later. Set aside about 1.5 hours to take it, do it in a quiet environment, and do all of it in one continuous effort. If you do not know an answer, it is okay: just click the "I don't know" button. Answer the questions carefully to ensure ALEKS gets an accurate understanding of your current skills and those you need to learn.
The IKC will start with concepts from early units of MAT 142 and progressively get more challenging. It will cover as much content as possible while it adaptively determines where you should start in the course.
First, you will enter ALEKS through the assignment or page set up in Google Classroom.
Then, this is what ALEKS will take you through:
After you've created a new account in ALEKS, you’ll go through a short tutorial about what ALEKS is.
Then, ALEKS will show you where some things are, like the main menu Notifications, and the side bar showing what’s up next.
Next, ALEKS will show you how to use the tools you need to enter your answers when you answer the math questions.
Now, you’re entering the Initial Knowledge Check. Remember to make sure:
You are in a quiet place
You have scratch paper and writing utensils. Do not use notes or get help from another person.
You have an approved calculator (see the Syllabus for details)
Before you start doing any math, ALEKS will point out some useful buttons and tips, like how you should use the "I don't know" button.
Then, you will begin the Initial Knowledge Check.
After you are done and hit “SUBMIT,” ALEKS will show you how much of the course material you’ve mastered. With this in mind, return to the Start Here: Course Orientation and Information and complete the remaining steps before moving into Unit 1.
After you take the Initial Knowledge Check (IKC), you will see the grades for Learning Assignments that reflect your results of the IKC. Please note: Your grades will improve when you work on those assignments in our course.
💡 Want to see what to expect when you take the Initial Knowledge Check? Here's a picture version of these steps of what to expect during the Initial Knowledge Check.
When you're ready, take the Initial Knowledge Check (You will find the IKC upon entering ALEKS. The first link to ALEKS is found in "Unit 1: Learning Assignment 1.1 - Basic Set Concepts" ). Then, return to Unit 1 and continue to move through the content.