Online Class Information
Online Classes:
Please see the bookstore website for materials needed.
Q: Are chances of doing well online the same as a course that meets face-to-face?
A: No, typically online passing rates are much lower than face-to-face courses. This is true for other online math courses as well, not particular to my course. This is due to students not being aware of what it takes to succeed online or ignoring the message I have for you below. If you are taking an online course because the face-to-face course you wanted to take was full or because you want to take a class with me this is not a wise decision. You should take an online course because you have researched it and found that it is a good fit for your learning style. Note that if you’ve had a C or lower in any previous math courses taking a math class online is probably not the right choice for you.
Q: When does the class start?
A: You will have access to Desire2Learn (D2L) Sunday evening, the day before the term starts. It is possible I will open up the course earlier. If so, I will send an email message to the class via MyPCC email.
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: Immediately!! I am expecting you to access and start the course the day I give you access or the day after. We have our first assignment due Tuesday the first week of the term . The longer you wait to access the course, the chance of succeeding in the course diminishes. When you access the D2L course and participate in the activities it is the equivalent of attending a face-to-face course. Students that do not sufficiently participate in the course by Wednesday will be dropped. However, it is up to you do drop the course if you are not planning on attending (i.e. Do not rely on me to drop you.)
Q: How I am graded?
A: You will have weekly quizzes based on assigned homework, participation in weekly discussions, weekly homework assignments, lab/homework write-ups, and exams.
The assignments take time to complete. If you are taking too many courses you may find that you cannot keep up in the long run. Typically, it is completing the homework and learning the concepts that will take the majority of your time. Please make sure your schedule allows you to spend at least 15 – 20 hours on this course .
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 quizzes on a weekly basis. In about a week period you get to decide when you will study, but it cannot be done all in 1 day or even all in 2 days. Students who eventually drop out, attempt to participate only a few times during a one week period. You must realize that you will need to study every other day at a minimum. If your strategy is to do all the work on Saturday and Sunday, for example, this will not work.
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: An online environment is harder than a face-to-face course . 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.
Please note that when you take a face-to-face class you can sit passively and obtain information by the exchange of information between teacher and student. That component is missing here.
Do not take this course if you are taking a full class load and working. Leave yourself free time that you can use when emergencies arise. If you have a schedule that has no free time available, then you are setting yourself up for failure.
YOU SHOULD START THE COURSE the first day of availability. If you wait five days after the course starts to actually start studying, it is too late.
Q: What type of student should take an online course?
A: An online student should possess the following traits.
Should be a strong math student.
Can study independently.
Can learn mathematics by reading.
Understands that learning a concept takes time and can persevere when concepts don’t make sense.
Has the available time to go over the material, do homework and study.
Does not have prior commitments that will make logging in and participating not possible (e.g. getting married, going on vacation, having surgery, other medical conditions, taking too many courses, working too many hours).
Can communicate effectively in writing, and is willing to communicate in writing.
Is willing to communicate with the instructor and other students in writing via discussion boards.
Will not depend solely on tutors, that is, some students are under the notion that having a tutor is all it will take to attain understanding and pass a course.
Can work through computer issues such as a video is not working, need to update Java, is willing to call the help desk to work through computer issues.
Not a procrastinator.
Q: Will I have to interact with other students?
A: Yes, part of your grade is to participate in online discussions with your classmates.
Q: How is the material presented?
A: I will provide the student with written material, videos (create by me or a second party), and other online resources. You also have as a resource the etext used for this course.
Q: Is there homework?
A: Yes lots of it done.
Information for all classes:
There is no need to buy a calculator for my courses. I’ll show you how to use Desmos (a free online graphing calculator) that you’ll be able to use on exams. If you’re prefer a graphing calculator that is totally fine, but I wanted you to all know this is a free and super easy program to use.
The biggest reason students do not pass MTH 111 is because their prerequisites are not as strong as they should be. If it’s been more than one term since you have taken MTH 95 or its equivalent in High School or you got a C in MTH 95 you need to get your prerequisites up. The best way to do this is to take a MTH ALC course alongside of this class. Here is the information for the ALC class:
ALC MATH 95
You’ll be working at your own pace, mostly using technology, to review math concepts and to make sure that you’re prepared for your fall term math class. There will also be daily mid-morning breaks to walk through, and to learn about campus resources. You’ll learn about things like where to find free tutoring and free snacks! These classes can be found when you register for classes under ALTERNATIVE LEARNING COURSE (ALC). For more ALC information check out the PCC Math Department ALC page:https://www.pcc.edu/programs/math/alternative-learning-courses.html Questions? Contact Diane Edwards (dedwards@pcc.edu) or Laurie Mushet, (laurie.mushet@pcc.edu).