All students enrolled in this course must complete the pretest in Blackboard. If you can get 70% or more correct on the Blackboard pretest, then you are in the right class. If you do not score a 70% or better, send me an email immediately to discuss the result. Each case is different, and many students are still able to remain in the course. In some cases, a level change to a lower course is the best option.
To prepare for the pretest, work through the problems on the pretest review. The review is only for the benefit of your preparation for the pretest in Blackboard, and you do not need to turn it in to me.
The prerequisite for this course is the completion of MATD 0370 Elementary Algebra with a grade of C or better, or its equivalent knowledge, or a passing score on the placement test.
Intermediate Algebra is an exit course for TSI purposes, and is a prerequisite for College Algebra (MATH 1314). See the Prerequisites for Calculus handout if you plan to take Calculus.
A newly created developmental math course called Developing Mathematical Thinking (MATD 0385) is also an exit course for TSI purposes. It is NOT a prerequisite for College Algebra, but it is a prerequisite for these other college credit math courses:
MATH 1342 Elementary Statistics
MATH 1333 Math for Measurement
If you are uncertain whether College Algebra is required for your program, see an advisor. Feel free to contact me if you would like to know more about the differences between these courses. The links above take you to the Catalog descriptions.
Distance learning courses provide students the ability to plan their school schedules around their lives rather than planning their lives around their school schedules. But not all students do well in a distance learning course, let alone a distance math course. Everyone has different learning styles and different personalities; therefore, it is important to for you to assess your own style and your own characteristics before enrolling in this course. In order to succeed in this 12 week class, you should plan to spend about 16 to 20 hours each week (or more, if necessary) working on the material, depending on how much of the material is review for you.
The following text and survey may help you decide whether this course is right for you.
Plan your schedule carefully and stick to it. Look at your work schedule, school schedule, and family obligations. Write down the days and hours that you will work on your class. If you find yourself falling behind in your studies, look back at your calendar. Are you working on your course during those allocated hours? If not, what kinds of adjustments can you make to the calendar to get back on schedule?
Keeping a homework log is also a way of tracking your progress. Your calendar maps out the hours you intend to study; the homework log lets you know how well you are sticking to your original schedule. If you are falling behind, check to be sure that you are putting in the requisite hours. If you are putting in an inordinate number of hours for the course and you are not mastering the material, be sure to contact your instructor for help or seek tutorial help. It is essential that you seek help before you get too far behind or too frustrated.
In a traditional class, your instructor can read the body language of the class and discern whether or not the majority of the students understand the material. In addition, you can ask questions as they come up in class and get an immediate answer. A distance learning class is different. You will have to take the initiative and ask your instructor questions if you do not understand the material. In an Internet class, asking a question is as easy as writing an email. Or, you might have to call in and leave a message on your professor's voice mail. Either way, the response is usually not instantaneous. Move on to other material if you can as you wait for your instructor's response.
Please complete the survey Is A Distance Learning Math Class For You?
This special section of the course uses a textbook in combination with MyMathLab, which is a computer program designed to take the place of classroom learning. It includes video lectures, homework assignments, and quizzes as required components of the course. It also offers some optional features such as study guides and an online solutions manual.
In this class, you will be in charge of your learning in a different way from a traditional lecture class. You may work ahead of schedule and complete the course before the end of the semester. You also may spend less time on familiar topics and more time on troublesome topics. In order to complete the course this semester, you must generally keep up with the weekly schedule and test schedule provided. The program is available all day every day.
If you receive an error message while working outside of ACC, visit the technical support page for MyMathLab. This page includes a list of frequently asked questions, as well as contact information for live chat or telephone. If they are unable to help you, please ask your instructor for help.
Minimum Computer Requirements
Most MyMathLab courses support either Windows® or Macintosh® operating systems and a supported version of Microsoft Internet Explorer®, Firefox®, or Safari®. System requirements may vary depending on your course. To check the requirements for your specific course: