Fall 2016 Math 30 sections 1821, 2273, 2427, 3391 Syllabus
Click Here for Announcements for this class.
MyOpenMath Course ID: 13198
I DO NOT USE BLACKBOARD. Read ALL info below. To stay enrolled, follow instructions to enroll in MyOpenMath (MOM for short), which is the free online system we use for this class.
Enroll in MOM using Course ID 13198 no later than noon on 8/22/16, and submit answers in online HW assignments by the due date for each HW, or you may be dropped. See directions below.
THE FIRST TWO WEEKS OF CLASS, STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT ANSWERS TO ONLINE HW ASSIGNMENTS NO LATER THAN THE DUE DATE FOR EACH, OR MAY BE DROPPED. See Instructions below for how to enroll in MOM. Also watch the first day of class video at https://youtu.be/QSn2HfNtlDU
1. If you have a MyOpenMath account, log in. If not, go to www.myopenmath.com and create an account. Enter the SAME LAST NAME listed for you on SURF, the SAME FIRST NAME listed for you on SURF. If you go by a different name, please put that in parentheses next to your official SURF first name. For instance if your first name in SURF is listed as Jennifer and you go by Jen or JR or Beth or Sky or whatever, please enter your first name this way: Jennifer (Jen) or Jennifer (JR) or or Jennifer (Beth) Jennifer (Sky), etc.
Since this is an online class, students are responsible for reading and understanding all information in this syllabus. They must log in to MOM at least 2-3 times a week to read any announcements or forum posts, and to check messages. Check for and read emails in a timely manner. Keep them. I did not schedule an in-person orientation, but I'm happy to talk with or meet with any of you any time! After reading the info in the syllabus and in the online materials, please let me know if you have any questions.
CLICK HERE FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THIS CLASS.
Plan to spend at least 12 hours a week on this class. Map out your time and treat it like a job you cannot miss! That's the best recipe for success. Half the students do not complete the class due to falling behind and time-management issues that arise from having too much on their plate. I'd like to have ALL of you make a commitment right now to putting in your best effort, which means working on this class at least 12 hours a week, preferably on a daily basis.
Click Here for REQUIRED book/materials info.
This class is HYBRID, not completely online, as it requires you to take proctored tests in person. Appointments are required. More info is in Test Info in MOM. Click here for options if you will be out of the county during the window to take tests.
Professor: Julie Harland--Email: jharland@miracosta.edu
Feel free to call me Julie, Mrs. Harland, Ms. Harland, Ms. Julie, or Professor Harland.
NOTE: The State of California accreditation standard requires that 1 unit of Academic Credit represents a minimum of 48 total hours of student work. For a 4 unit class meeting 16 weeks, that represents 12 hours a week. Be prepared to devote that much time if you take one of my classes. More info can be found (see page 10) by clicking this link.
For most students, the time commitment required to pass this class is approximately 12 hours EACH week, which includes watching and transcribing videos, reading, doing examples, practicing, doing online assignments, reviewing, etc.
Office Hours: MW 1-1:30 online, and MW 3:50-4:20 in 3622 (or I may still be in 3608); and by appointment. Contact me ahead of time if you want to make sure I'll be there on a given day. Each time you email or call, make sure to state your first and last name, which class you are in, and a phone number with times you may be reached.
I am committed to having regular contact with you via weekly emails and announcements. I monitor your attendance--see attendance policy below. Email me if you ever have any questions, or want to discuss something personal or related to math or about the class. IF YOU EMAIL me asking questions, I WILL USUALLY GET BACK TO YOU WITHIN 48 HOURS Mon-Fri, and usually much quicker than that. If I don't get back to you within 48 hours M-F, I didn't get the email. In that case, email me again. If I contact you asking a question, please respond within 48 hours--the sooner, the better. CHECK YOUR EMAIL REGULARLY AND CHECK ANNOUNCEMENTS/MESSAGES/FORUMS in MOM a few times a week to make sure you do not miss any important info! Make sure you are receiving emails from me in your inbox, and that your email provider keeps my messages out of your spam folder! I often also post email announcements in MyOpenMath in messages and/or announcements in case you missed an email.
Course Description Elementary Algebra: Designed to prepare students for intermediate algebra, this course teaches simplifying algebraic expressions involving polynomials and rational terms; factoring; solving linear equations; solving quadratic and rational equations using factoring; analyzing graphs of linear equations; and solving applied problems.
Student Learning Outcome: For a given set of problems the student will demonstrate quantitative reasoning by developing a problem-solving strategy, performing appropriate analysis and computation, and critically assessing the meaning of the conclusion or outcome.
Calculator: You will need a basic or scientific calculator for this class. Calculators may be used on proctored tests, but most homework should be done without a calculator. Only use a calculator when necessary. I recommend TI-30-XS (for about $20) since it is what is used in the Math Learning Center (MLC) and the Academic Proctoring Center. On proctored tests, you may only use calculators provided in the APC. Use of cell phones as calculators will not be allowed.
Attendance Policies: Attendance is required and monitored by your verified participation in class each week in the following ways. Online assignments such as HW and Graded Forums are in each module.
1) Watch my videos, transcribe them, and upload those listed in the online assignment in MOM by the due date listed.
2) Submit answers in each online HW by the due date for each. You should spend a minimum of 4 hours a week on this unless you complete all HW ahead of the due date.
3) Take all tests during the test window dates. Appointments are required. Show up on time with your I.D.
You may be dropped if you do not follow all requirements above. Contact me any time you are unable to fulfill the required attendance policies.
Log in to our MyOpenMath class a few times a week to read announcements and check messages. Logging in without answering HW problems will not count toward your attendance for policy 2 above. Redeeming a late pass, opening a HW assignment but not submitting answers, clicking other links or watching videos does NOT count toward your time. For attendance, you must actually upload your video notes on time, and submit answers to HW problems. If you do not take a proctored test by its deadline, you may be dropped unless I am notified immediately.
TESTS: There are 3 proctored tests and a comprehensive Final Exam that you must take in the Academic Proctoring Center (APC) on campus. Unless otherwise stated, exams are paper/pencil where you have to show your work on the test. The dates possible to take each test, as well as all info regarding scheduling appointments to take tests and more info are stated in Test Info in MOM. Click here for options if you will be out of the county during the window to take tests. If you miss a test, have an emergency, or do better on the final exam than your lowest test, that low test score will be replaced with your grade on the final exam.
Modules and Schedule: There will be four modules. Open each module about a week before it starts--except for Mod 1, which you do not need to open until first day of class. The schedule and directions, including links, notes, and online assignments (with due dates showing) are in each module. You can also click the Calendar to see what online assignments/tests are due on each day. Assignments may be added, so check for due dates at the beginning of each week.
Open each online assignment several days before its due date as you'll need to watch and transcribe videos as well as do online HW. You also need to give yourself extra time before the due date in case you have questions in order to complete all the problems.
Video Notes HW--YourMathGal (YMG) YouTube videos: Part of your attendance and grade includes transcribing assigned videos, and uploading some of these as an online assignment each week. When you open each HW assignment, links to assigned videos are shown. For each video, at the top of a new sheet of paper, write your name, video label, and date. Transcribe what is written on each video and add any of your own notes. Keep these for your own notes. Uploading some of these is part of your online HW for that section. Watching, transcribing and uploading video notes is in lieu of coming to class 4 hours a week for in person lectures. Each week, you only upload a few of the videos you transcribe as part of your grade. Each online HW assignment usually has 2-6 video notes to upload. You earn full credit for those problems if you follow the directions for transcribing correctly, and upload on time. If you do not open a HW assignment to at least upload your notes or submit some HW problems, it is equivalent to not attending class which means you may be dropped for non-attendance. To study, redo each problem shown on a video without looking at notes and without help. Do this until you can easily do each problem correctly by yourself. Then do the online Math HW problems.
Online HW Assignments: After watching and transcribing the video notes, you should be prepared to do the rest of the problems in each online HW assignment. Pay attention to the due date for each one. If you need more time to complete an online HW assignment, you may redeem a late pass (which gives you 4 extra days) but there is a 50% penalty for any problem done in the 4 day late pass window. You must be logged in to MyOpenMath showing progress in the Online HW by submitting answers to online HW assignments at least 4 hours a week unless you are ahead. At the minimum, upload the video notes for each assignment on time.
Graphing Packet: This is required written HW for Mod 1. You must do all the problems in the packet showing your work, and submit the entire packet to me (how to get it to me will be explained in the online materials) by the deadline to take Test 1. Purchase it in the bookstore or print the pdf. It is part of your grade.
Studying: Completing your homework is not the same thing as studying. Most students need to review a concept or a procedure many times before it becomes familiar and sticks. Schedule at least 12 hours a week (2-3 hours a day) for working on this class. You may need more time. I encourage you to frequently go back and review older videos and HW problems to make sure you still remember the concepts and can work through the problems correctly.
Grading: A point earned in one category is not worth the same as a point earned in another category. Complete the assignments ON TIME, study regularly, and be well prepared before taking a test. HW is required and your grade will be lowered if you do not complete it, but it is a small percentage of your overall grade. Doing well on HW is not enough to pass the course. Tests 1-3 are each worth 20% of your grade (60% total), the final is worth 25% of your grade, and HW is worth 15% of your grade. Therefore, you will need to pass most of the tests and do reasonably well on the final exam to pass the class. Test 1 covers anything from Mod 1, Test 2 covers Mod 2, and Test 3 covers Mod 3. The final exam is cumulative, and covers anything from the entire semester, including work assigned after Test 3. There are 1000 points possible.
125: Online Work (includes uploading video notes)
25: Graph Packet
200: Test 1
200: Test 2
200: Test 3
250: Final Exam
Grades are calculated using the following scale. The minimum points you need to earn that grade is shown. You must do well on and tests (especially the final exam) to pass the class. HW helps a little, but your grade is based mainly on your ability to recall and be able to work problems correctly showing all steps and work in a testing environment.
A: *900 B: *800 C: *700 D: 500
*In addition to the total points needed for an A, B, or C, you MUST also earn at least 50% on the final exam to pass the class with a C or better.
RESOURCES
Aides and tutors in the MLC are available to answer HW questions that you may have. Find the locations and hours at the MLC webpage
at http://www.miracosta.edu/instruction/mathematics/mathlearningcenter.html
Free tutoring and other services are available on both campuses and online in the Tutoring Center. For hours and locations go to the Tutoring Center webpage at http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/tutoring/index.html
If you have a disability that may require accommodations in this online delivery format or require test accommodations, please notify me by email before the end of the second week of class. If you have a not already done so, please register with Disabled Students Programs & Services at 760-795-6658. Their office is located in Building 3000, adjacent to parking lot 3C. Go to http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/dsps/index.html for more information.
IMPORTANT DATES are at http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/admissions/importantdates.html
Below are the ones most important for our class. Refer to official dates. Changes are possible. Also, there may be typos.
9/2: Last Date to drop class and receive a refund with no grade placed on permanent record.
9/5: Labor Day; Campus closed
9/23: Last day to petition for pass/no pass. You do not need my permission and I do not need to be notified. Go to the Admissions and Records office to fill out and turn in the required paperwork if you want this option.
11/11: Veterans Day; Campus closed
11/18: Last Day to drop class with option of "W" grade
11/24-11/25: Thanksgiving Holiday; Campus closed
12/9, 12/10, 12/12 or 12/13: Take Final Exam at designated appointment time in the APC.
Important Links
Click this link for scholarship info.
Important Dates: http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/admissions/importantdates.html
Math Learning Center:http://www.miracosta.edu/instruction/mathematics/mlc/index.html
Academic Proctoring Center: http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/proctoringcenter/index.html
Student Help Desk: http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/studenthelp/index.html
MiraCosta College Library: http://library.miracosta.edu/homepage
Student Services: http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/index.html
Disabled Students Services & Programs: http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/dsps/index.html
Tutoring & Academic Support Center: http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/tutoring/index.html
Writing Center: http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/writingcenter/index.html
Health Services: http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/healthservices/index.html
Academic Counseling: http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/counseling/index.html
Veterans Services: http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/veteransservices/index.html