Computer Math Class Format

Minimum Computer Requirements

Computer Math Class Format

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

IMPORTANT WARNING: New MyMathLab software is now required in distance matd courses at ACC.
Before the semester starts:

* First and most important: Do NOT buy the PLATO/Academic Systems book for this class from previous years.

* Special Notice: Since staying on schedule is important for success in distance learning mathematics, I will be 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 about every 3 weeks.) It is also particularly important that you check online every couple of days for announcements and check your ACC email at least that often, to make sure you don't miss anything important. If you are falling behind, and 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), 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 this semester, then you should not sign up for this course, or you should withdraw from some other courses or responsibilities for 16 weeks.

Quick start:

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

Policies - Information on grading, submitting work, contacting me, installing and using the software, and academic policies.

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

Other information you might need before the semester begins:

Advising - Is this the right class for you? Find out before you spend the money.

MyMathLabinformation.pdf - additional information to guide you about software.

How to register - Go here if you have read the sections above and are ready to learn how to register for the software for this class.

After the semester has started:

Policies - Information on grading, submitting work, contacting me, installing and using the software, and academic policies.

Schedule and homework- All class deadlines, including the testing schedule and information on the lessons you must complete to stay on schedule for the course.

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.
This webpage was created by Nancy Miller.

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Minimum Computer Requirements*

In order to take this online math course, you will need to have regular access to a computer connected to high speed internet or use an ACC learning lab almost everyday.

In order to use this program, you will need a computer with the following minimum requirements:

Computer (PC):

Most MyMathLab courses support either Windows® or Macintosh® operating systems and a supported version of Microsoft Internet Explorer®, Firefox®, or Safari®. System requirements may vary depending on your course. To check the requirements for your specific course:

* Go to the MyMathLab Browser Check (some courses have the Installation Wizard instead). - Inside Course Compass
* Select your textbook from the drop-down menu and click Submit.
* Click the System Requirements link on the first page of the Browser Check (or Installation Wizard) to review what you need.

To work with Course Compass (MyMathLab), your computer must meet the following system requirements:
Operating Systems Browsers*
PC Windows XP Firefox 2.0
Internet Explorer, Version 6.0
Internet Explorer, Version 7.0
Netscape Navigator, Version 7.2
Windows Vista Firefox 2.0
Internet Explorer, Version 7.0
Mac Macintosh OS 10.4 Firefox 2.0
Safari 2.0
Netscape Navigator, Version 7.2
Macintosh OS 10.5 Safari 3.1

Basic requirements for all MyMathLab courses:

* Internet connection: Cable/DSL, T1, or other high-speed for multimedia content; 56k modem (minimum) for tutorials, homework, and testing.
* Memory: 64 MB RAM minimum
* Monitor resolution: 1024 x 768 or higher
* Plug-ins: You need certain plug-ins and players from the MyMathLab Browser Check or Installation Wizard (found inside your course).

Connection speed
Course compass requires an Internet connection with a minimum connection speed of 28.8 kbps (kilobits per second). The faster your connection, the faster you will be able to view this site and some of your course's content. If you are experiencing slow download times, you may need a faster connection.

Browser settings: Cookies and JavaScript options
Course compass uses cookies and JavaScript technology. Both of these features must be turned on in your browser, and are usually turned on by default. For instructions on how to view or change these browser options, see your browser Help.

[NOTE: ACC does not provide internet accounts for students. You must have your own.]

*For MyMathLab Technical Support: http://www.mathxl.com/support/contactus_stu.htm
or call 1-800-677-6337
Mon-Fri, 8am to 8pm
Sun, 5pm to 12am
(All times are Eastern Standard Time, U.S. and Canada)

Information About the Software

This course uses the MyMathLab computer software package. The software provides video explanations and includes an audio component so that you may listen to the explanations. You will do a significant part of your work on the computer.

For more information about using MyMathLab software and how you should work in the course, it is very important for you to read and watch the following tutorials:

* Working in MyMathLab - How to work your way through the course (what order to do things in, which problems to work, deadlines, etc.)
* Entering answers, doing homework, and taking quizzes in MyMathLab - How to actually use the math part of MyMathLab to enter answers, do homework, take quizzes, etc.

The Elementary Algebra Pretest ..........Before you can start doing any actual work in the course, you must take the online Quiz labeled "Elementary Algebra Pretest" (under the "Online Quizzes" menu item). You must make an 80% on this quiz before you can move on in the course. Relax, there are two bits of good news about this: First, you can take it as many times as you need to (and see what mistakes you made and how to fix them between times), and, second, it doesn't count towards your course grade in any way. It covers material that you should already know before you start this class. You should review for it before you take it by taking the Elementary Algebra Prerequisite Review. If you are having serious problems passing this pretest, you need to contact me right away, so we can discuss whether you need to be in a different class. Once you make an 80% or better on this pretest, you can move on and begin working on the chapter 1 homework. (If I see that you haven't passed this pretest in a reasonable amount of time, I will contact you to discuss your situation if I haven't heard anything from you.)

The First Quiz..........First, get started with the software and view the different tutorials, the study plan and the multi-media text sections. (You can't use it until you have your login and password.) Start with section 1.1. Be sure to work your way through the section according to the instructions. You might be able to do the online homework for 1.1-2.1 without the study plan or multi-media text to teach you first. You should be able to make your way through chapter 1 pretty quickly (it should all be review). Work through the sections until you have completed the first quiz (Quiz 1-A under "Online Quizzes").

Working Ahead........Even if you start working on the course early, you may not take tests right away. Especially early in the course, the tests may not even be available right away. If you are working ahead and want to test early, please contact me at least one week before you want to take it to see if I can get the test to your testing center early. It is possible to finish the course early if you work enough hours and learn quickly.

Orientation Forms.......Be sure your have sent Nancy Miller the Orienation response for our course.

Tutoring......Free tutoring is available at the Tutoring Centers (Learning Labs) at most ACC campuses. Visit http://www.austincc.edu/tutor/ for more information.

Online tutoring is also available through the MyMathLab Math Tutor Center