Marcus
McGuff

MATD 0370: Elementary Algebra

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Spring 2009 - Synonym 32579 (Section 092)
February 16, 2009 - May 17, 2009

Distance Learning section (internet-based)

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

(I suggest you bookmark this page)

IMPORTANT WARNING: In December, the math department decided to test a different software program for teaching online developmental math courses, starting with this section of the course. This means that we will NOT be using the same software and textbook as the other online courses.

Because of this, I have made some significant changes to these pages. Please email me if any links don't work or something doesn't really make sense; I have tried to get everything changed over, but I'm sure I missed some things here and there... I will probably have to fix things here and there, but all the basic course policies and rules are set now and will not change.

Before the semester starts:

• First and most important: Do NOT buy the PLATO/Academic Systems book for this class. Go here for information on the textbook and software we are using in the course this semester. Please read this carefully, or you could cost yourself quite a bit of extra money.

• 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 online 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.

Quick start:

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.)

Orientation - Before you buy your course materials, read all of the above information and then go here for online orientation information.

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Other information you might need before the semester begins:

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.

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.



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.