Math 245 Online
Welcome to Math 245 Online (#9382: February 12th to May 25th, 2024)
I believe we all have the capacity to succeed in Discrete Mathematics and that we can tap into that capacity as a family of teachers and learners who are responsible for each other’s success in this class. As your teacher and a fellow learner, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with you, to demystify Discrete Mathematics, and to be part of your journey toward achieving your educational goals. Together, through our good hard work and sustained effort, we can all be successful and reap the rewards of education’s promise.
This page includes my contact information, information about this course, class meeting times, student hours, and information about me.
When you finish this page, be sure to visit the other pages: Getting Started, Grades, and Important Info. On a computer, the links to these pages are typically in the upper right corner. To find the links on a cell phone, open the menu icon (3 horizontal bars in the upper left corner).
avoid frustration
People learn better when they are not frustrated, so please reach out to me, your classmates, or the free Cuyamaca College tutoring services BEFORE you get frustrated. I'm here to support you, and I want to work with you whenever possible! My contact information is provided below, on our course homepage, and in Module 1 of our Canvas course. You can also reach out to your classmates; to learn how, see the Regular & Effective Contact page in the Orientation & Tools for Success module. Likewise, you'll find additional resources for avoiding frustration on the Technical Help, Canvas Support, & Tutoring page in the Orientation & Tools for Success module. Finally, you'll find other support services on the Student Services & More page in Orientation & Tools for Success module.
Student hours
This is a 100% online course, so there are no regularly scheduled class meetings. However, I am still available to meet with students on Zoom.
The Zoom link is on the Course Syllabus & Student Hours page in Module 1: Orientation & Tools for Success of our Canvas course. Participation in student hours is optional. Drop in if you have questions or want to chat. If the days or times listed below do not align with your schedule, I may be available by appointment to meet when it is more convenient for you (including some weekends).
Monday 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Tuesday 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Contact me
If I'm not immediately available, I will respond to messages received Monday through Thursday within 24 hours. I will respond to messages received over the weekend first thing Monday morning (or sooner).
Message me through the Canvas Inbox
This is the best way to contact me. You'll learn how to use the Inbox in Module 1 of our course on Canvas.Personal cell phone 619-373-4432
Text or call between 8:00 am and 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday (and on weekends if it's an emergency). My responses to text messages will be very short. For a more thorough response from me, use the Canvas Inbox.Campus email terrie.nichols@gcccd.edu
WARNING: This is the worst way to contact me. I often miss emails sent to my campus email account. Once you have access to our course in Canvas, please use the Canvas Inbox instead.Drop in during my student hours
See the Student Hours section on this page.Make an appointment to meet with me: I may be available by appointment to meet outside of my scheduled student hours (including some weekends). To request an appointment, send a message to me via the Canvas Inbox or call.
WHAT IS DISCRETE MATH?
Part of the following description was compiled from the edX website.
Discrete Mathematics is a branch of mathematics that deals with separable and distinct numbers. Combinations, graph theory, and logical statements are included, and numbers can be finite or infinite. It's used in computer science to design the apps and programs we use every day. While there are no hard and fast definitions of discrete mathematics, it's well known for the things it excludes - continuously varying quantities and all things related to that. Discrete mathematics is vital to digital devices. With tech continually on the rise, studying this overlooked area of mathematics could prove valuable for your career and your future. Our class is an introduction to discrete mathematics and (if you're interested) could lead to more advanced classes on programming methods, propositional logic, theory of computation, game theory, and discrete geometry.
Catalog Description
(3 hours – 3 units)
Cuyamaca College MATH 245; C-ID MATH 160
Prerequisite: "C" grade or higher or "Pass" in the MATH 280 or equivalent.
Introduction to discrete mathematics. Includes basic logic, methods of proof, sequences, elementary number theory, basic set theory, elementary counting techniques, relations, and recurrence relations.
AA/AS GE, CSU, CSU GE, IGETC, UC
Learning Outcomes
With a good-faith effort, growth mindset, and successful completion of the activities in this course, you will be able to:
Use recursion to analyze algorithms and programs;
Write proofs using symbolic logic and Boolean Algebra;
Use sets to solve problems in combinatorics and probability theory;
Apply matrices to analyze graphs and trees; and
Use finite state machines to model computer operations.
about me
Background
I know the life struggles many of you face while pursuing your educational goals. I faced some of the same struggles when I went to college. Many years ago, as a single mother of three young sons, I enrolled at Cuyamaca College. Initially my only goal was to make myself more employable so that I could support my children. But then I enrolled in a beginning algebra class, and I fell in love with mathematics. I knew that I had to do whatever it took to become a math teacher at Cuyamaca College (not just any college - but the college that supported me and gave me the second chance I needed). At the time many people counseled me to choose a different career path because landing a full-time teaching job at a community college was difficult. I ignored their advice, changed my major, and persevered until I earned a Master's degree in Mathematics at San Diego State University. Two years later I landed a full-time teaching gig at Cuyamaca College. I've been here for more than 30 years (first as a student and then as a teacher). This College feels like home to me.
Foreground
I'm a math teacher, a vegan, a friend, an animal-lover, a daughter, a sister, a mom, and a grandma. My favorite activities are hiking, backpacking, playing with kids, hanging out with friends and family, reading, and working with students. I love my coworkers and this College. I appreciate most music, but I most often listen to the blues and country. I think dogs and grandbabies give the best kisses.
Teaching Philosophy
I believe in second chances. I believe that learning can happen in the absence of teaching, but teaching cannot happen in the absence of learning. I believe in possibilities. I believe in student capacity. I believe that you and I both belong right here - at this college - right now. I value diversity - diverse cultures, diverse opinions, diverse lifestyles, and diverse ethnicities. I believe in setting and respecting boundaries. I believe in forgiveness. I embrace change. I believe in the natural order and intrinsic beauty of mathematics. I value a growth mindset (and endeavor to change mine when it is fixed). I believe in annihilating equity gaps. I believe in working with students to mitigate gaps in their math skills and study habits. I believe in supporting students when they fall behind. I believe in hard work (but I value lazy Sunday mornings). I believe in teamwork. I value this planet and all of its inhabitants. I believe in earning it. I believe in productive struggle. I believe in fighting injustice. I believe there is no such thing as a bad student. So, what does all of this have to do with my teaching philosophy? Everything. Because I believe the best teaching and learning occurs when we authentically engage one another within the context of our student-teacher relationship.