Math 152 Online
Class Orientation
There will be an online orientation for this class. A link to this orientation will be sent out a day or two before the class starts to all enrolled students. As spots open up in class, the link along with an add code will be sent out to students on the wait list as well.
Note: We will NOT be using Canvas for this class! Instead we will use My Math Lab as our Learning Management System. You will need a course ID in order to log into My Math Lab, which you will receive after completing the online class orientation.
Please read through all posted information: (a syllabus and schedule will be posted a couple of days before the start of the semester)
*Schedule (I suggest you print out this schedule)
*Getting Started with My Math Lab
Required Course Material
1. Access to a PC or Mac computer that is ready to be used for the entire semester.
2. Your own valid email account that is not shared with anyone else.
3. A Scientific Calculator.
4. Access to the course website (Coursecompass/MyMathLab).
You can buy access straight from http://www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com, for the cost of about $110. This includes an e-book, tutorial videos, the online homework, discussion board, etc. Or, you can buy an access code from the bookstore ISBN 9780321199911 (the cost is higher here and it cannot be returned once package has been opened).
Hard Copy of the text is optional: Intermediate Algebra for College Students, 6th Edition, by Blitzer, either ISBN: 9781269389426 (Cabrillo custom copy) or ISBN: 9780321758934 (non-custom copy).
Commonly asked questions:
Q: Do I ever have to come to campus?
A:Yes, we have five in-class exams scheduled for the semester, on 9/19, 10/10, 11/7, and 11/28 from 6:00PM-8:00PM, and final exam on 12/12 from 6:00PM-8:50PM. All exams are to be taken in-person at the Watsonville Campus, room A320, or at other proctoring center.
Q: What if I can't take an exam during the scheduled hours?
A: Then we can make arrangements for you to take the exam at an earlier time, such as earlier that day or the day before. You may also take the exam at a proctoring center elsewhere if that would work better for you.
Q: Is this a self-paced class?
A: No, there are homework and exam deadlines throughout the course. Although you can certainly work ahead on the homework.
Q: Should I take an online class or should I sign up for a regular in-class course?
A: An online math class is not for everyone. An online math class is right for you IF you are motivated and self-disciplined, have good study habits and work well without supervision, are a self-starter and a good reader. You also need to make sure you have adequate time set aside for this class, which will require at least 15 hours per week (this is one whole year of high school algebra condensed into 16 weeks). Many students need to put in a lot more than 15 hours per week to be successful.
You can pass this course, but you are not likely to pass if you make the following choices:
- Reading and studying in a cursory rather than careful manner
- Taking too many units relative to your work and family obligations
- Working too many hours relative to your college and family obligations
- Not asking for help (from your instructor and math tutors) when you are confused
- Not having a reliable computer, printer, and internet access
- Not finishing homework assignments
- Not studying homework answers and comparing them to your own work to observe your misunderstandings
- Not working with your instructor and tutors to erase your misunderstandings
If you anticipate that these choices will apply to you this semester, don't take your math class online. You need the discipline of a regular on-campus in-person math class.