Distance Learning
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Coursework and Grading
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The Book and Software for the Course (Page
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Other Useful Things (Page 2) ACC Services (links) |
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Before you can use the software, I need to send you signup information. By the first day of class, I will send this to everyone who is on my class roster and has submitted Orientation Form 1 (including your score on the Review for the College Algebra Pretes). If you want to start early, you must contact me in advance, though I can't allow you to start until your name shows up on my roster.
You cannot begin working in the software until you have a license code. This should come in the MyMathLab information you buy. You should work enough in the first week in order to not get behind. If you have taken the Review for the College Algebra Pretes and have submitted Orientation Form 1 and don't have a username and password by the day classes begin, please email me right away and ask me for it. If you enroll after classes begin, please send me your Orientation Forms 1 immediately.
Getting started with Course Compass - Once you have your license number and the "Course ID" (which I will email to you once you have filled out Orientation Form 1 and registered for the course, by the first day of class), you should read this on how to sign in for the first time and set up your account/login/password.
Don't forget to bring your username and password with you if you go to use the software in a Learning Lab. You might also want to take along the web address for MyMathLab - www.coursecompass.com.
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, your computer must meet the following system requirements: |
| Operating Systems | Browsers* | |
| Windows XP |
Firefox 2.0 Internet Explorer, Version 6.0 Internet Explorer, Version 7.0 Netscape Navigator, Version 7.2 |
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| Windows Vista |
Firefox 2.0 Internet Explorer, Version 7.0 |
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| Macintosh OS 10.4 |
Firefox 2.0 Safari 2.0 Netscape Navigator, Version 7.2 |
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| 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: Most of the course runs fine on a Macintosh computer (I run it that way). There are occassional weirdnesses, but I have been able to successfully use Safari, FireFox, and Camino to access the software.
[NOTE: ACC does not provide internet accounts for students. You must have your own.]
This section of the 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:
Before you can start doing any actual work in the course, you must take the online Quiz labeled "College 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 Review for the College Algebra Pretes (you are required to work through this before you submit Orientation Form 1, in fact). 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.)
First, get started with the software and view the different tutorials (see above). (You can't use it until you have your login and password.) Start with Lesson 1.1. Be sure to work your way through the section according to the instructions in the tutorial. You should be able to make your way through most of 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"). Then, you need to go in and complete Orientation Form 2 to show me that you understand how you should work in the course.
In this class, you will be in charge of your learning in a way that is different from a traditional lecture class. The format of the course is somewhat self-paced, which means you may complete the material before the end of the semester. It also means that you may spend less time on familiar topics and more time on troublesome topics. In order to complete the course within the semester, you must generally keep up with the weekly schedule and test schedule provided. In order to succeed in this class, you should plan to spend about 9 to 15 hours each week (or more, if necessary) working on the material, depending on how much of the material is already review for you. The program is available all day everyday, so you can work on it at times that are convenient for you.
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 enough.
Be sure to go to the Getting Started checklist (make sure you haven't forgotten anything) and that you have completed the different Orientation Forms by the appropriate deadlines. If you don't submit these in time, you may be dropped from the course.
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