Dear Prospective Math 58 Student,

 The following information pertains to the online section of Math 058 for Fall 2009  Section # 70082 and has been correct to note that all classes meet on Wednesday.

Welcome to Mathematics 058.  This is a hybrid (mostly online course) introduction to the basic elements of algebra for those who need a preparatory course before enrolling in elementary algebra. I am writing to provide you with important information before we begin the class.

Orientation- Two Options—Online or On-campus—COMPLETE only one (if you complete the online orientation, you do not need to come to the on-campus orientation).

Online Orientation- Beginning August 21st, you will be able to access the online orientation quiz at http://classes.thegradekeeper.com.  If you choose this option, it must be completed by August 26th, unless you get permission from me ahead of time.  Upon successful (100%) completion of the quiz, you will be given the CourseID which will allow you to access the course at www.coursecompass.com.

On-campus Orientation on August 26th at 5:45  pm in room BONH-206 (Valencia Campus).  During the orientation, we will discuss the format of the course, the on-campus meetings, and become familiar with the online course content.   All this material will be provided online as well.  You may be dropped if you do not attend one of the orientation options above or have not contacted me ahead of time or did not complete the online orientation byAugust 26th.

Course Overview. This course will cover basic algebra in several ways.  First, you will be able to watch videos for new materials.  You will work problems out in our on-line program.  This excellent program, MyMathLab, will provide video lectures and guided solutions if you need assistance.  Section quizzes will allow you to monitor your progress.  You may repeat these section quizzes until you are satisfied with your achievement.  You will also work out homework problems from the book.   Major exams will take place on campus at dates listed below.  And, of course you have full access to the on-campus math tutorial lab as well as an on-line tutorial service.

Getting Started

As mentioned above, this is a hybrid-online class, with six Wednesday evening meetings starting at 5:30 pm at the Valencia campus.  All class meetings, including orientation on August 26th, will meet in BONH-206.  On campus tests are scheduled as follows --  exam 1 on September 23rd,  exam 2 on October 21, exam 3 on November 11th, exam 4/Final Exam on December 2nd and your Exam 4/final exam (Second Attempt if needed) on December 9th.  All work will be conducted online except your in-class exams and text homework assignments.  You will be allowed to reschedule your required on-campus meetings provided you notify me ahead of time.  You can always take an exam early in the Valencia campus’ TLC —finishing the class weeks early-- if that is your desire.  In fact, if you do the online orientation and all the exams in the TLC, you are not required to attend class on Wednesday evening.  Mark your calendars now!

A typical (non-orientation) class will be

5:45-7:00pm  Answer questions and practice test (optional, recommended)

7:00-8:00pm  Exam      

8:00-9:00pm  Review, correct, and return exams.

Please note that we will progress through the course together, at approximately the same pace. You must keep up with our pacing or you may work ahead.

The success of this class depends on the willingness to dedicate approximately 15 or more hours per week (the amount of time spent on a regular lecture class plus homework).

Technical requirements

All students must have access to a PC based computer.  You will need at least a 56K modem, but a cable/DSL, T1 or other high-speed connection is best for the multimedia content (audio, video, animations).   Your computer should also have the following:

Memory:  64 MB RAM

Monitor resolution:  1024 x 768 or higher

Plug-ins:  These can be obtained through the Installation Wizard available online.

We will use software programs that you can download/purchase with your text. As I noted above, you should have regular access to the Internet. Also, you will need an email account. You are responsible for maintaining an active email account for the whole semester.  If you change addresses and do not let me and your classmates know, you will not be able to receive important information

Your email address will be available to your classmates as well as me.  If you are concerned about privacy, then you can establish an email account specifically for this course at one of the many free email service providers (yahoo.com, hotmail.com, etc.).  Please come prepared to give me your own email address at this meeting because my only contact with you after the orientation is via phone or email.  Students are not allowed to share an email address regardless of your relationship with the other student.  For example, husbands and wives, mothers and sons or daughters, significant others, etc. must each have their own email address.

Required Texts

The following required materals are available in the College of the Canyons bookstore:

       K. Elayn Martin-Gay, BEGINNING ALGEBRA, fifth edition

        Student Access Kit, which contains the information you will need to complete online registration for this course.  They are available in the COC bookstore as a bundled set for $150 ish.  If you can, please bring this to our first meeting, but do not open the package in case you change your mind about enrolling in the course.

This text and student access kit will also work for your math 60 class if you decide to take Math 60 online.

Success

In order to succeed, you must have regular access to the Internet.  You must log on to our class’s site to watch videos, retrieve and submit assignments, take quizzes and to participate in class discussion. If you will not be able to participate in this manner, this is not the course for you.  Nevertheless, if you know in advance that you must miss some class time for a good reason, then we can make arrangements for make-up assignments.

Successful online students are self-motivated, independent, organized learners.  In determining whether this course will meet your academic needs, please consider your individual learning style and the teaching method that best matches your learning style.  Be honest and realistic.  If you fit this description, the course can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

To see if online math is suitable for you, please visit

http://www.canyons.edu/offices/distance_learning/info/default.asp

and click on “DL Readiness Assessments.”

If this is your first online course, please consider taking the one unit course Coun070:  Becoming a Successful Distance Learning Student.

I look forward to meeting everyone soon.  If you have any questions regarding the course, please do not hesitate to contact me at (661) 362-3452 or joseph.gerda@canyons.edu . In the meantime, have a great summer! I look forward to seeing you on campus on June 10th—unless you complete the online orientation—then July 1st.

Contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Joseph Gerda

Professor of Mathematics

E: joseph.gerda @canyons.edu

T: 661.362.3452