ABOUT THE COMPUTER–MEDIATED DEVELOPMENTAL MATH CLASSES

These classes are special sections of Basic Math Skills, Elementary Algebra, and Intermediate Algebra in which students will learn mathematics primarily using the computer software rather than the traditional lecture/discussion method of instruction. Tests will be done by hand in the usual manner and there will be some short lecture/discussions in classes.

Different sets of materials are required for different sections of these courses. The ACC bookstore has a list of which materials are needed for which sections. All of these are sold only at the on-campus ACC Bookstore (not Bevo's or other bookstores) and must be purchased new, since you are buying a license to use the software and that is valid for one student only. Do not open your package before you attend class and talk with your instructor, since most of these packages are not returnable when opened.

The computer software / textbook package includes the CDs and the license (validation number) for their course. The course is taught in a computer lab with Internet access and students use the computer software during the class. Students may use the software outside of class in the Learning Labs at the campuses, and students may use the software at home, provided the computer meets the minimum requirements.

 Students in these classes are in charge of their learning in a way that is different from a traditional lecture class. The format of the course is somewhat self-paced. This allows the student some freedom to set the speed at which he/she works through the material, which means that he/she may be able to complete the course before the end of the semester. It also means that students may spend less time on topics with which they are already familiar and more time on topics that are troublesome for them. Students will be provided with a weekly schedule of topics to be covered and a schedule of exams. In order to complete the course within the sixteen-week semester, students must generally keep up with the weekly schedule and test schedule. In order to succeed in this class, students should plan to spend about 9 to 12 hours each week working on the material, depending on how much of the material is already review for them.

To determine whether a computer-mediated math class is right for you, please complete the attached survey which is available as either PDF file or RTF file. Please be aware that in order to view the PDF file, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0. To download it free of charge, please visit: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readermain.html. The RTF file should open with any text program, such as Microsoft Word. 

Updated: March 1, 2005 . math@austincc.edu