Marcus
McGuff

MATD 0370: Elementary Algebra


Spring 2008 - Synonym 14943 (Section 092)
February 11, 2008 - May 11, 2008

Distance Learning section (internet-based)

Welcome to the website for my distance learning Elementary Algebra course.

(I suggest you bookmark this page)

IMPORTANT WARNING: We are using a different edition of the textbook/software for the course this semester than the other online classes are. It is the same material and company, but a newer, more up-to-date version. You must be sure to get the correct version to take the course. To get the correct version, you must do the following:

  1. The only place you can buy the textbook/software we are using is at the Rio Grande ACC Bookstore, at 817 W. 12th St. in Austin. I'm sorry, but this is the ONLY bookstore where you can get the book this semester. (It's a long story, and I apologize for the inconvenience, especially for those of you coming from out of town, but this is really the only way we can be sure there will actually be books there when you go to purchase one.)
  2. It should be available starting around Friday, Feb. 1. (If you are coming from out of town, you might want to call before coming in.)
  3. You MUST ask for the book for MATD 0370, synonym 14943. This is IMPORTANT - You need to be sure they give you the one for this section (be sure to check the synonym number). No matter what anyone at the bookstore tells you, do not buy a different version of the book. Your book should look like this (click for larger picture):
    Textbook - new version
  4. If you have already bought the other edition of the book, do not open the cellophane wrapping. Please go back to the bookstore to exchange it for the correct version. (If you have already opened the cellophane wrapping or already have the book, from taking the course last summer or fall, please contact me right away to find out what to do.

Special Notice: Since this is a 12 week course (rather than the usual 16 weeks), things will move very fast during the semester. As a result, I will be very strict about deadlines and keeping up with the software work; there just isn't time for you to fall behind or "take a break" after the tests. (There is a test every 2 to 3 weeks.) It is also particularly important that you check into Blackboard every couple of days for announcements and check your email at least that often, to make sure you don't miss anything important. If you are falling behind, I will give you a one-time warning (by email), but if you don't respond or if I don't see clear evidence that you are making serious progress on catching up, I will have to drop you from the course. If you do run into trouble and find yourself getting behind (or have some emergency come up), you need to contact me right away to discuss your situation and plan what you need to do. If you don't really have a lot of time to devote to the course during the 12 week semester, then you should not sign up for this course.

Quickstart:

Start by reading these and following the instructions. Come back here and check the other links later to find where things are.


Before the semester begins:

After the semester has started:

If you have other questions or concerns not covered in the pages above, please feel free to email me.


This webpage was created by Marcus McGuff.
It was last updated on May 5, 2008 .