Below is basic important information about taking an Online Class from Julie Harland
I teach at MiraCosta College in North San Diego County in California, USA.
All students in my online classes must take proctored exams on campus. Each student must schedule an appointment directly with the Academic Proctoring Center (APC) at least 2-3 weeks in advance of each test date. Students who need to take it out of the county may arrange with the APC to take a test at an approved proctoring center at another location. Click links above for more info.
Online Students need to be fairly independent self-starters, disciplined, motivated, computer-literate (or willing to learn more about computers) and be able to set aside at least 12 hours of time each week during a regular 16 week 4 unit class to keep up with a 4-unit math course.
To take a course from me online, students will need to work on a reliable computer that has reliable internet access. Students sometimes need to be working online for long periods of time. The computers in the Math Learning Center (MLC) in the Library and Information Hub at MiraCosta (MCC) are available and have the necessary hardware and software required for this course, as well as internet access, if you do not have another computer you can use, or if you have any trouble with your computer or internet access during the semester.
Before enrolling in this or any online course, students should go to the following website,
http://www.miracosta.cc.ca.us/Instruction/DistanceEducation
After clicking on Getting Started, under Get Ready, click on “Test your potential as an online student.” This should help you make a decision whether or not an online course is right for you. Many students mistakenly think online courses are easier and will take less time, which is not true. To be successful as an online student, you need to possess the self-motivation required to keep up with the class on a daily basis, without the face-to-face contact and reminders that happen in an on-campus class. If you decide to enroll in any of my online classes, please enroll as early as possible as these classes fill early.
Some of the material (online book, lectures, videos, any handouts, homework, quizzes) for an online course will be online. Students must enroll in the online materials specified and begin using the materials and submit online work by the first day of the semester to avoid being dropped.
Attending an online class is similar to attending an on-campus class, except that you do it during the hours of the day and days of the week that are convenient for you. You should log on at least twice a week Monday - Friday to check your email or announcements in the online materials. You should submit assignments at least a few times per week. You are required to take proctored tests. You will be responsible for making appointments to take the proctored tests, and appointments should be made a few weeks ahead of the time you want to take them.
If you are taking a 4-unit class on campus during a 17 week semester, you are required to attend class 4 hours per week. For an online class, that means you will need to be online working on the course AT LEAST 4 hours every week. I say “at least” because homework is also done online, as opposed to out of class for an on-campus class. So, you may need to be online 8-15 hours a week to complete the online assignments. For a six week summer course, you will need to be online a minimum of 10 hours every week, and you may need to be online 20-30 hours a week to complete the online assignments.
Students who sign up for an online course must have regular access to a reliable, working computer that has the necessary hardware/software/browsers and has reliable internet access. Students must “attend class” by going online regularly (at least a few days per week) to work on and submit online assignments, check announcements and read emails from me, take quizzes, etc. Not being able to connect at home for some reason is not an acceptable excuse for not going online. If something comes up at home that prevents computer or online access, the student must find another way to get online by finding an acceptable computer. This may mean coming to campus, and using computers in the MLC if you have no other recourse.
Students will read and/or watch video lessons/lectures/examples online—the online book may be printed and read offline as well. Students may also prefer to purchase a printed textbook as a convenience. The student must submit homework problems online unless otherwise specified. There is a significant amount of homework that must be done online. Ideally students should earn a minimum of 90% on each homework section before going on to the next section. It's important to complete all assignments on time. You are not likely to pass tests unless you have fully prepared by completing assignments on time, and studied them again before a test.
My online classes are NOT self-paced, although you may usually work ahead. You should set aside time do the work assigned each week until you finish mastering each HW section by earning 90% or more. If you get behind, it will be difficult to catch up.
Students may also call me, email me, or make appointments to meet with me. Students may also go to the Oceanside Math Learning Center in summer, and at either campus during fall and spring for extra help. Aides may be able to help you on a drop-in basis. Students can also make private or group tutoring appointments through the tutoring center. Online tutoring through the MiraCosta College Tutoring services may also be available. There are also a lot of websites set up specifically for helping students with math. See my math videos and other math resources.
During the semester, I check my email and will reply within 48 hours during spring and fall, unless it is over the weekend or a holiday. If I do not respond within 48 hours, I did not receive the email. Usually, I respond much quicker than that—sometimes within minutes or in the middle of the night; it all depends when I am online. Don't wait until the due date of something to ask for help. Make sure you keep up with the material, and ask questions as they arise. If you wait until the last minute to ask for help, it may be too late. For instance, if an assignment is due Monday, you should ask questions by the previous Wednesday or Thursday to make sure I have plenty of time to get the message and respond.
Proctored Tests are required. Usually these are paper and pencil tests where you are required to show your work. Dates and more details will be provided in the syllabus materials and Due Date info. There will be a choice of days and times to take the tests. Sign up a few weeks ahead of time to get the date/time best for you.
If you have any questions, please email me at jharland@miracosta.edu. Please provide your first and last name, email address, phone number, times you can be reached, and the latest at night I may call you.
I love teaching, I love algebra, and I love teaching algebra online! If you decide to take my class, I look forward to having you in my class!
Thank you! Math is Power! Math is Cool! Math is FUN!
Your guide-on-the-side and cheerleader,
Julie Harland, YourMathGal