Stephanie Fluke

Associate Professor of Mathematics

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MATD 0370 Online

MATD 0390 Online

MATH 1314 Online

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MATH 1314 Online College 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:

Pretest

The pretest for this course is in MyMathLab. You are required to score a 70% or better in order to begin the course. If you cannot score 70% or better after several attempts, contact me to discuss your placement.

Prerequisite

College Algebra (MATH 1314): The prerequisite for this course is the completion of MATD 0390 Intermediate Algebra with a grade of C or better, or its equivalent knowledge, or a passing score on the placement test.

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 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. 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.

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.