Teaching is important to me because I value education and learning.  To be cliché, knowledge is power.  In the past few years my philosophy has changed from one of a lecturer and disciplinary expert to more of a learning facilitator.  I believe people not only learn through listening but also by doing.  That's why I seek to create a learning environment that makes you, the student, feel welcome and ready to learn.  Remember, learning is the goal of any class you take.

We are part of a diverse learning community.  That diversity is an asset because you will not only learn from me, but you will also learn from your classmates.  We are not all from the same city, state, or even country, but we are together for this class.  We have different backgrounds, different strengths, and different perspectives.  Let’s learn from one another.   

How This Course Works

• You will use Canvas to log into the course and all of the course content and dates.

• This is an in-person course.

• Each week will have a combination of homework assignments, video notes, online activities, and quizzes with staggered due dates.

• The majority of your homework will come from the textbook.  Don't worry, digital access to the textbook is covered in class.

• Quizzes and exams will be in-person.

Materials You Will Need for Week One

1. Access to Saddleback's Canvas course management system.

2. Access to your Saddleback email account.

3. Access to a Computer that is connected to the Internet. Computers are available for you to use onsite at both Saddleback College campus or available to borrow through our Laptop Loan Program. Current students may come to the Library during open hours and check out a Chromebook at any time. No reservation is needed, but a picture ID and their student ID number is required. If you need assistance with Chromebook software access, please call (949) 582-4600. 

Due Dates for Start-up and Week 1

Put these dates on your calendar now!

1. Video notes for Sections 1.1 and 1.2 of the textbook [Due Wednesday, August 20, at 8:30am]

2. Week #1 Homework which includes homework from Sections 1.1 and 1.2 of the textbook [Due Monday, August 25]

3. Video notes for Section 1.3 of the textbook [Due Monday, August 25, at 8:30am]

1. Use Chrome as your browser. Canvas and your textbook on Pearson+ work best on Chrome. I recommend you download Chrome now if you don't have it installed already.

2. Log into Canvas multiple times per week with the intention to work on assignments, readings, lecture videos, quizzes, etc.   It is beneficial to expose yourself to the material several times through out the week, and not wait to complete all your work at the last minute.

3. Attend class daily. Class time is your opportunity to explore the course material with your fellow classmates in a controlled environment, led by a discipline expert and professional facilitator, me!

4. Do your homework each week.  In a math class, there is no substitute for consistent practice. And that's what homework is: a prescribed routine of practice.

5. Do the Test Reviews.  For each test, I will give you a review which will correlate to the material and types of questions you will see on the exam.

6. Communicate with me.  If you have a question on the material reach out to me either through the Canvas Inbox or email. If you think that you might not be able to meet a due date, contact me. We'll work out an extension that will support you but also keep you on track for success.

This course is designed to expose you to Linear Algebra and prepare you for upper division STEM courses and beyond.

Students who successfully complete Math 26 will be able to:

1. Find solutions of systems of equations using various methods

2. Use bases and orthonormal bases to solve problems in linear algebra

3. Find the dimension of spaces such as those associated with matrices and linear transformations

4. Use appropriate proof-writing techniques to prove basic results in linear algebra such as linear independence of vectors; properties of subspaces; linearity, injectivity and surjectivity of functions; and properties of eigenvectors and eigenvalues

The community at Saddleback College is here to help you be successful.  These Student Support Resources are here to guide and support you not only through your courses, but through your hard, real-life experiences. I encourage you to think about how each of these resources can help you achieve your goals. 

• C.A.R.E. Corner - Student Basic Needs Support Program connecting you to many of our resources such as Counseling, the Student Health Center, housing and more!

• Student Technical Help is here to assist Saddleback students with accessing their college-related accounts, which may include Canvas, MySite, student email, wireless on-campus access, on-campus computers and printers/copiers, and more. Student Technical Support is available in-person and online.

• Admissions and Records Here to help you apply, register, and verify records.

• Disabled Student Programs and Services Support services, specialized instruction, and educational accommodations for students with disabilities.

• Financial Aid Support with your financial aid application, available funding to offset educational costs, and navigating the document portal.