MATD 0390 Online Intermediate Algebra

When can I open the book?  As for not opening the book, we say this because you cannot return it once you've opened it, so you really need to make sure you have the correct text for your course (Academic Systems Algebra Interactive Mathematics Intermediate Algebra Personal Academic Notebook). It cannot be returned because of the validation code to activate your user license inside, and the price includes your site license to use the software. You can begin working without entering the validation code (click "Remind Me Later"), but once you know you are in the correct class, you should enter the validation code no later than October 10.

How do I validate my user license?  You may use the software for 2 weeks without entering the validation code (click "Remind Me Later" when you are prompted for the code). Once you know that you are in the correct class, you should enter the validation code.  (do this no later than October 10) to be able to continue working with the program.  This validation number is found on the cardboard insert that comes with your text.  You should save this validation code, as well as your bookstore receipt and all wrapping that your book comes in.  If there are problems with your validation number, these items will be the proof you need to return the text.  Go to http://www.austincc.edu/mparker/acadsys/pictures.htm for more information about the text.

What do I do for each lesson? After you install the software, the first computer lesson, "Getting Started," will introduce you to how the program works.  Log in at http://asalgebra.platoweb.com (your "Account Log-In" is ACC, your "Plato Name" is your first initial followed by your 7-digit ACC ID number, and your "Password" is student).  You can also visit http://support.plato.com/AS-Alg to view an orientation video about the interactive math program.

What order should I use when working?  For every section listed in the schedule of assignments, you will do a computer lesson that culminates with an on-line quiz, and text homework that you will turn in to me. You can decide which order works best for you - computer, then text, or text, then computer, or going back and forth between the two.

How do I submit my homework? You can submit homework to me several ways: in person, via US mail, via campus mail from any ACC campus mailroom, by fax, or using the digital drop box in Blackboard.  For details on this, see your "first day handout" on the Course Handouts page.

On-Line Support: You can find on-line support for common computer-related problems and answers to FAQ's at the website: http://support.plato.com/AS-Alg  You can also get help by calling the toll-free number (800) 869-2200.

What are my log-in name and password? Log in at http://asalgebra.platoweb.com  Your "Account Log-In" is ACC, your "Plato Name" is your first initial followed by your 7-digit ACC ID number, and your "Password" is student.  You may change your password later if you wish.

When can I skip a computer lesson? You can count the Pretest as your score for a lesson when you get a 95 or better on it - the program will ask you if you want to use your pretest score. Otherwise, you must take the Evaluate Quiz for that lesson.  Also, if you feel comfortable with the material in any section, you can skip the lesson and go straight to the Evaluate Quiz. However, if you don't do well on the quiz, it would be a good idea to go back and do the lesson before attempting the quiz again.  To do well in the course, you should earn at least an 85 on each quiz before moving on (you make take quizzes up to 3 times).

What material am I allowed to use on tests? You will be allowed to use a scientific (non-graphing) calculator on all tests, as well as scratch paper and a ruler or straightedge.  For the third test, you will also be allowed to use graph paper, which the Testing Center will provide.

How many questions are on the tests?  Each exam has between 20 and 25 questions, much like the questions on the practice tests that you can download from my Course Handouts Page.