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:
- 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.)
- 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.)
- 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):
- 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.
- Getting started - Read this before
you register for this course. This page walks you through preparing
to take this course, getting registered, and getting started with
the class.
- Course policies - Information on grading,
submitting work, contacting me, installing and using the software,
and academic policies. (Be sure to read through both Page
1 and Page 2.)
Before the semester begins:
- Getting started - Read this before
you register for this course. This page walks you through preparing
to take this course, getting registered, and getting started with the
class.
- Advising - Is this the right class for
you? Find out before you spend the money.
- How to register - Go here if you have
read the sections above and are ready to learn how to register for this
class.
- Orientation - Before you buy
your course materials, read all of the above information and then go
here for online orientation information. Deadline: First day of
class (February 11, 2008)
After the semester has started:
- Course policies - Information on grading,
submitting work, contacting me, installing and using the software, and
academic policies.
- Schedule - All class deadlines, including
the testing schedule and information on the lessons you must complete
to stay on schedule for the course.
- Handouts - This includes printable versions
of several informational handouts, test reviews, and course supplements.
- Homework/Test review - The homework assignments
are posted here, as well as review sheets for all of the tests.
- Getting started with the course software - Go here for tutorials on using the course software and other important information and links.
- Blackboard (Discussion groups/grades)
- Go here to log in to Blackboard and check your grades or participate
in an online discussion group on the course. For instructions on how
to use Blackboard, go here.
- Help/FAQ - If you are having problems with
the course or the software, start looking for help here.
If you have other questions or concerns not covered in the pages above,
please feel free to email me.