MATD 0370 Online Elementary Algebra

Is This Online Math Class Right for You??

In order to determine whether this distance learning math class is appropriate for you, please explore the following items:

Prerequisite

Elementary Algebra (MATD 0370): The prerequisite for this course is the completion of MATD 0330 Basic Math Skills with a grade of C or better, or its equivalent knowledge, or a passing score on the placement test.   To further determine if this is the right level for you, complete the Pretest Review found on the Handouts page.  If you can get 70% or more correct (29 of the 42 problems) while working without a text or notes, then you are in the right class.  If you do not score a 70% or better, contact your instructor immediately to see if a level change to a lower course is the best option.  You will need to report your score on the Pretest Review on the online Orientation Form.

Distance Learning

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. The following text and survey may help you decide whether this course is right for you.

Questions to Consider
Before you enroll in a distance learning course, ask yourself the following questions:

·     Is the course a subject that you are strong in?  If the subject is one that you dislike or are not proficient in, you will probably not enjoy working on it alone.

·     Do you have a sufficient amount of time to succeed and complete the course?  If you are trying to squeeze this course into an already hectic schedule, then you might have a tendency to give your distance course last priority. There is no one to remind you otherwise except yourself.

·     Will you miss the interaction with a teacher and peers?  Students in telecourses sometimes feel isolated.  Although students in Internet courses are usually in regular communication with teachers and peers, they sometimes miss the real-time, face-to-face interaction.

·     Do you ask questions immediately when you don't understand something? Or, is it often the case that you find yourself frustrated before asking for help? Feelings of isolation can amplify feelings of frustration or discouragement. Do you know how to head off and/or deal with those feelings? The usual answer is to get help before you are overwhelmed, but you have to know when to ask.

Sticking to a Schedule
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.

Communicating with Your Instructor
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?"

Computer Math Class Format

This special section of the course uses the Academic Systems Algebra computer software package. The software provides visual explanations and includes an audio component for listening to the explanations. It is called "interactive" because you are continually being prompted for input.  

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. In order to succeed in this class, you should plan to spend about 9 to 15 hours each week (or more, if necessary) working on the material, depending on how much of the material is review for you. The program is available all day everyday except when it is being backed up. Backups are scheduled for every Friday at 8 p.m. and may not be complete until 2 a.m. Saturday.

If you receive an error message while working outside of ACC, print or copy the error message. Then please call the free PLATO technical support line listed below, and wait on the line to get help. If they are unable to help you, please ask your instructor for help.

For more information about using Academic Systems Algebra, please visit the Student Orientation website http://asalgebra.platoweb.com/content/asalgebra/Help/StudentOrientation/htmlpages/index.htm and explore the pages called "Getting Started" and other tutorials.  Another helpful site is  http://support.plato.com/AS-Alg/ .  These web sites contain the latest information about computer requirements as well as instructions for installing and using the software. Be sure to turn off any pop-up blockers for the site http://asalgebra.platoweb.com in order to do lessons.  For installation problems, please visit http://support.plato.com , and click on Academic Systems Algebra to view their knowledge base articles and other resources.

Minimum Computer Requirements

Windows XP SP2 Professional or Home Edition/ Windows 2000 Professional with SP4

Processor Speed: 1 GHz processor or faster

Memory: 512 MB or more

Sound card: Microsoft-compatible sound card and headset (required only if running PLATO Learning audio courseware)

Internet connection: 128Kbps per simultaneous workstation

Web Browsers: Internet® Explorer 6.0 with Service Pack 1

                        Internet® Explorer 7.0

Required Plug Ins: Flash Player and Adobe Reader

Windows Vista

Processor Speed: 1 GHz processor or faster

Memory: 512 MB or more

Sound card: Microsoft-compatible sound card and headset (required only if running PLATO Learning audio courseware)

Internet connection: 128Kbps per simultaneous workstation

Web Browsers: Internet® Explorer 7.0

Required Plug Ins: Flash Player and Adobe Reader

 *For Free Technical Support (Monday – Friday, 7am – 6pm Central), please call 1-800-869-2200.