Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Hi, students!

My name is Stephanie Yurasits and I look forward to hopefully teaching you this quarter. Even though this is an online class, I am here to help in anyway I can. Below are details on how this class will work:

Two virtually proctored exams will be required for class. 

Virtually Proctored Exams: Proctored exams are one of many assessment tools used in MTH to assess student learning. Our class will be participating in a Virtual Proctoring Pilot that is being run in collaboration with Math, Online Learning, and the Testing Center.  Please review the Student Guide to Virtually Proctored Exams in Zoom for important information and requirements.

The exams in this class will be proctored virtually in Zoom with me, your instructor, on the following dates and times:

• Midterm Exam: Thursday, February 6th 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Final Exam: Thursday, March 20th 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Virtually proctored exams require:

1. a modern computer (desktop or laptop) with a supported operating system (Windows or Mac)
2. a broadband internet provider or mobile carrier with LTE or better service
3. a microphone,
4. a detachable webcam or mobile device (such as a smartphone, tablet, etc.), and
5. a quiet, isolated, well-lit location. 

If you do not meet the requirements listed above, prefer to take your exams in-person, and/or have an unavoidable scheduling conflict, please contact me as soon as possible; with adequate notice,  alternative testing arrangements can be made  for an in-person exam at a testing center. Scheduling appointments with a testing center is the responsibility of the student, as well as paying any associated fees with using a non-PCC testing center. 

If you have accommodations through Accessible Ed & Disability Resources, please contact AEDR to have accommodations sent to me and plan on meeting with me so we can discuss your specific accommodations. 

If you have any questions or concerns about virtually proctored exams, please feel free to contact me.

*Virtual proctoring means having your exam proctored by an approved proctor on Zoom on a specific day and time. 

**In-person proctoring means having your exam proctored by an approved proctor at an in-person testing facility on a specific day and time.  This will be the same exam as the rest of the class but you are able to come into a physical location to have it proctored.

Q: How do I access the course?

A: Log into MyPCC. On the main webpage, in the Quick Links window on the left, you will see the link to access D2L.

Q: When should I start the course?

A: The first day of the term in Monday. Pease look through the class the first day to get a feel for the course. We have our first assignment due Wednesday the first week of the term . Per college policy, students that do not sufficiently participate in the course by completing the requirements of the first Wednesday will be dropped. If you would like to drop the course, you must do yourself. 

Q: Is an online course self-paced?

A: The online course is not self paced. The pace is set by the instructor who releases modules containing lecture notes and homework on a weekly basis. You have ten days to decide when you will watch the lecture notes and complete the work. Please create a schedule that works for you and gives you more than 1-2 days to get all done. Cramming it all in rarely works:)

Q: I am taking an online course because I do not have much time to study and I am hoping it is easier. Is this correct?

A: You have to be very disciplined and make sure you have a set schedule of when you will study. If you have a hard time motivating yourself to study then an online environment is not for you. Leave yourself free time that you can use when emergencies arise.

Q: How is the material presented?

A: The instructor will provide the student with written material, videos, and MyOpenMath. You also have the textbook as a resource for the class. After watching the videos and taking notes, students will be ready to do the homework. The instructor is available for any questions you may have!

Q: Do I have to take the exams at a specific time?

A: Yes - all exams have to be proctored. If you cannot make the day and time, you will work with your instructor to come up with a time that will work for you. 

Q: How do the exams work?

A: You will take them on the computer on Zoom and show all your work on paper. You will submit your work to your instructor. You are allowed to use Excel/calculator on entire exam. You cannot use notes on your exams.

Q: Is there homework?

A: Yes on MyOpenMath (a free online homework platform) and handwritten work submitted to D2L.

We will use Excel/Google Sheets in this class. 

Access to some type of scanning device.

Virtually proctored exams require:

1. a modern computer (desktop or laptop) with a supported operating system (Windows or Mac)
2. a broadband internet provider or mobile carrier with LTE or better service
3. a microphone either on your computer or a stand alone microphone
4. a detachable webcam or mobile device (such as a smartphone, tablet, etc.)