NOTE: THIS PAGE IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND WILL BE UPDATED AGAIN BEFORE 08/29/2009

ONLINE ORIENTATION: Math 1332 Internet Course Fall 2009

** WARNING **  This is NOT a "fluff" course.  Many students make the mistake of taking this course because they assume it will be easier online than as a standard lecture course.  In order to be successful in this hybrid internet course, you will have to work harder and put in significantly more time than you would if you were taking Math 1332 as a standard lecture course.  For an online course, more responsibility and work is placed on the shoulders of the students.  Each student is responsible for knowing all course policies and deadlines.  Ignorance of those policies and deadlines will not be considered a valid excuse for missing exam/quiz/homework deadlines.

This online orientation is designed to help you prepare for and successfully complete Math 1332.  Please note: We will NOT be using WebCT for our course.  Instead, we will be using MyMathLab, also known as Course Compass.  Through MyMathLab, you will do homework, download worksheets and study guides, take quizzes and practice tests, and participate in online discussions.  You will take the exams through MyMathLab, but all exams MUST be taken at a proctored testing center.  In order to use MyMathLab, you must buy an access code.  This code comes bundled with the book or can be purchased separately on the Course Compass website.

This orientation will walk you through signing up for MyMathLab, downloading the study guides, taking quizzes and practice tests in MyMathLab, and completing homework in MyMathLab.  Be sure to complete this orientation as it will give you important information that will help you be successful in the course.

All steps for the online orientation must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2009.

Step 1: Read through the syllabus and course calendar provided below.  These two documents are incredibly important for your success in the course.  READ THEM CAREFULLY!  Important course policies and deadlines can be found in these two documents.  You are responsible for knowing ALL course policies and deadlines.  If you have a question regarding policies, deadlines, grading, etc, you should read the syllabus and course calendar first.  If after reading both documents you still have not been able to answer your question, email me.  However, if the information is available in the course syllabus or calendar, I will direct you back to those two documents.

Step 2: Purchase the book and Course Compass access code.  Please see the syllabus for the book information.  You have three options for purchasing the book.

1. Purchase the book new from the LSC-Montgomery bookstore.  The access code will be bundled with the book.  Note: you do not need to buy the optional CD pack that the bookstore sells.

2. Purchase the book used.  You will then need to purchase the access code separately.  The access code can be purchased from the LSC-Montgomery bookstore or can be purchased online at the Course Compass website (you will need a credit card).

3. Purchase only the access code.  The book is loaded electronically into MyMathLab.  If you do not mind using only an electronic copy of the book, you can forgo the hardcopy of the book and only buy the access code.

Step 3: After purchasing your Course Compass access code, you must register for the course.  If you have never used MyMathLab/Course Compass, you will have to register and create an account & user ID.  Note: you must register with a valid email address that you check regularly (important course information will be sent to you at that email address).  At this point you will need the Course Compass Course ID.  This is what will put you in our class.  The Course ID is: carter40377

Step 4: Once you have registered for our course, log in to Course Compass.  Click on the link (on the left side of the page) to take you to our course's main page.  You should run the Browser Check (you must disable your pop-up blocker to use MyMathLab).  This is important--you will not be able to do the homework, quizzes, and practice tests without running the Installation Wizard.  After running the Installation Wizard, go through the How to Enter Your Answers tour.

Step 5: Click on HOW TO USE MYMATHLAB FOR THIS COURSE.  Even if you have used Course Compass or MyMathLab for other courses, it is important that you look at this webpage as it contains details specific to this course.

Step 6: 1^st Homework Assignment (due September 1, 2009 at 11:59 p.m.) Click the "Communication" button on the left side of the course homepage.  Click "Send Email" and then click "All Instructor Users."  In the subject line type: Math 1332 Fall 2009 First Email.  In the email, include the following information:

1. Your Testing Center choice (Please see note below).  You may only pick one testing center location.  I cannot send your exams to more than one site.

2. Phone number

3. The last math class you took, when and where you took the class

4. Your full name (first and last name).  You must include your full name in ALL emails throughout the semester.

AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT TESTING CENTERS: By taking this class through LSC-Montgomery, you have free access to the LSC testing centers for the use of taking exams for this class.  I recommend that you use one of the LSC testing centers.  However, if it is not possible for you to use a LSC testing center, you must make arrangements with a different testing center to take your exams.  The exams MUST be taken at a proctored testing center.  All exams are password protected and the password will ONLY be released to the testing center proctor.  Please note, the non-LSC testing center may charge you for the use of their testing center.  YOU are responsible for ALL fees associated with using a non-LSC testing center.  All testing center arrangements must be made and approved by me BEFORE the first exam.  Please read the syllabus for more information about the exams.

Step 7: Complete the "Course Policies Quiz" in the "Take A Test" section of MyMathLab (deadline: September 1, 2009 at 11:59 p.m.).  This quiz is based on information found on this webpage, the course syllabus, and the course calendar.  You may take the quiz as many times as needed until you are able to score 100% on the quiz.  IMPORTANT: Completion of this quiz is mandatory.  You must score 100% on this quiz in order to remain in the class.  Students who do not successfully complete the quiz by the deadline may be dropped.

COURSE SYLLABUS:

Syllabus

Math 1332 Math for Liberal Arts Hybrid Internet

Professor Alison Carter

Fall 2009

Course Schedule

Fall 2009, Online Course

We will not meet online at specific times. 

Course Description

College Mathematics for Liberal Arts is a course designed for liberal arts and other non-mathematics, non-science and non-business majors, emphasizing an appreciation of the art, history, beauty and applications of mathematics.  Topics may include, but are not limited to, sets, logic, number theory, measurement, geometric concepts and an introduction to probability and statistics. (2701015119)

Prerequisites

MATH 0310 or placement by testing

Credit Hours

3 credit hours

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, through various means including by not limited to collaborative learning, technology, homework and exams, you will be able to:

·         Demonstrate a mastery of the language of sets,

·         Solve counting applications using permutations and combinations,

·         Compute probabilities, including conditional probabilities, using principles of sets and counting,

·         Identify the use and misuse of statistics in the real world,

·         Create and interpret various methods of statistical display.

Topics

·         Inductive and deductive reasoning

·         Number theory

·         Mathematical sequences

·         Introduction to functions and graphs

·         Geometric principles; symmetry

·         Curves and spirals

·         Counting methods

·         Probability

·         Statistics

·         Topology

Required Materials

ü  Thinking Mathematically, 4^th Edition by Blitzer

ü    ISBN: 0-13-175204-9

ü    MyMathLab access code

ü    A scientific calculator that computes combinations and permutations  

Instructor’s Office Location and Office Hours

Office: F257

Office Hours:   By appointment, please email me to set up a meeting time.

Instructor’s Contact Information

Work: 936-273-7072     

Email: Alison.L.Carter@LoneStar.edu

Fax: 936-271-6192 or  936-273-7041

Main Department Phone Number:  936-273-7260

Department Chair Contact Information

Dr. Maureen Loiacano

F244

936-273-7273

Maureen.Loiacano@lonestar.edu

Division Dean Contact Information

Dean Lawrence D. Brandyburg, Ph.D.

F252

936-273-7020

lawrence.d.brandyburg@lonestar.edu

Advising

For student problems or counseling, or for additional assistance or more information on degree plans or future courses that Lone Star College – Montgomery may offer, please contact one of the following:

Barbara Eckenfels, Counselor                  Juan C. Lebron

F-240                                                     F-250

936-273-7246                                        936-273-7280

Barbara.A.Eckenfels@lonestar.edu        Juan.C.Lebron@lonestar.edu

important COURSE INFORMATION

·         This is an online course.  Therefore, the majority of the work and responsibility in this course falls on YOU, the student.  You must be willing to put in more time and take more responsibility for learning material than you might in a standard lecture course.  If you are not willing to do this then you should not take this course.

·         Many students mistakenly think that this is a “fluff” class or that this course will easier because it is taught online.  While this class translates very well to an online course, it can still be difficult because you have to learn the material on your own.

·         In order to be successful in this course, you should expect to put in a minimum of NINE hours each week working on the course.

·         In an online course, you miss out on the in-class instruction.  To make up for this, you are expected to download the study guide and worksheet for each section and use these to learn the material.  Students in the standard lecture course use these to learn the material and you are expected to use these tools to help you learn the material.

Attendance Expectations **iMPORTANT**

·         You must be registered in our MyMathLab course by Tuesday, September 1st or you may be dropped from the course.

·         The orientation and final exam are the only times this course will meet in a classroom.

·         All work will be done online using MyMathLab.  We will not be using WebCT.

·         All emails must be sent to me either at the address written above or through MyMathLab.

·         Do not send me any emails through WebCT.

·         You are expected to keep up with the course calendar.  Falling behind the course calendar will make it difficult for you to pass the course.

·        

Teacher Expectations

·         I will respond to emails and phone calls received Monday through Thursday within 24 hours.  If you do not hear back from me within 24 hours I may not have received your email.

·         Emails received Friday through Sunday will be responded to within 48 hours.

GRADING

4 Tests @15% each                                       60%

MyMathLab Homework                                   5%

Quizzes                                                            5%

Statistics Project                                            10%

Final Exam                                                     20%

Total                                                             100%              

Grading Scale

A---90 – 100%

B---80 – 89%

C---70 – 79%

D---60 – 69%

F---59% and below

** I do not give grades.  Students earn grades.

Emails

·         Emails MUST include the following in the subject line: Math 1332.

·         Emails MUST also include your full name.

·         Emails that do not include those two pieces of information will not be responded to.

·         When emailing about a homework problem, use the “Ask My Instructor” function in MyMathLab to send the email.  I will not reply to emails about specific homework problems that are not sent through this function.

·         When emailing regarding homework/worksheet problems, please include as much information about the problem as possible.  This will help me provide you with as much help as possible.

·         When emailing with questions regarding course policies, deadlines, etc, carefully check the course syllabus, course calendar, MyMathLab announcements page, and emails I have sent to the class.  If, after checking those sources, you cannot find the answer to your question, please email me. 

Homework

·         Homework will be done on MyMathLab.  I will not accept homework through anything other than MyMathLab. 

·         The homework due dates are posted on MyMathLab.

·         When working on homework, it is important that you hit the “Save” button after completing a homework section.  Failure to hit the “Submit Work” button means that your homework scores will not be recorded and you will receive a 0 for the assignment.

·         MyMathLab provides fantastic resources to students working on homework.  The “Help Me Solve This” and “Show Me An Example” buttons provide great explanations for how to work the assigned problems.

·         If you are stuck on a problem, you can click the “Email My Instructor” button to send me an email about the problem.  The email will automatically include a link to the problem so that I can see the problem, which will help me better answer your question.

·         You can redo problems that you get wrong.  After a problem has been marked incorrect by MyMathLab, you can click the “View Similar Exercise” button and will get a new (but similar) problem.  If you get this new problem correct, it will replace your score for the incorrect problem.

Your MyMathLab Course ID is: carter40377

Exams--READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY

EXAMS ARE DONE ONLINE THROUGH PROCTORED TESTING CENTERS ONLY

·         Exams 1, 2, 3, & 4 will be sent to testing centers on September 1st.

·         You may work ahead on the course material and may take each of the four exams as early in the semester as you choose.  However, you must complete each exam by the deadline posted on the course calendar.  Please check the course calendar for exam deadlines.

·         Exam deadlines will NOT be extended. 

·         You are responsible for making sure that you take each exam BEFORE the deadline.

·         It is YOUR responsibility to know the testing center hours.  Make sure you know what time the testing center closes and when they stop giving out exams.

·        It is recommended that you take your exams at a Lone Star College testing center.  If you need to use a non-LSC testing center, arrangements must be made PRIOR to the start of the semester (before 09/01/2009).  If you choose a non-LSC testing center, you are responsible for all associated fees and are required to make all arrangements with that testing center.  You must submit the information to me so that I can approve the testing center and testing arrangements.  I reserve the right to refuse certain testing centers and testing arrangements when appropriate.  Exams are password protected and the password will only be released to the testing center proctor.  The testing center must have their computers enabled to use the MyMathLab software--they may need to download plug-ins for MyMathLab (All LSC testing centers are equiped to give exams through MyMathLab).

·         Exams are done online through MyMathLab.  At the testing center, you will have to log-in to MyMathLab, select the "Take A Test" button on the left side of our course page, and then select the exam you wish to take.  The testing center proctor will enter the password for the exam.

·         You must choose one testing center.  Your exams will only be sent to the testing center that you choose.

·         You must bring a photo ID with you to the testing center. 

·         You must bring your own calculator to the exam.  You will not be allowed to use cell phones as calculators.

·         The testing center will provide you with scratch paper.  You may NOT use your own scratch paper.  You must turn your scratch paper in to the testing center after completing the exam.

·         No formulas or definitions will be provided for you on Exams 1, 2 & 4.  A few formulas will be provided for you on Exam 3.  The list of formulas that will be provided for you on Exam 3 can be downloaded from the Course Documents section of MyMathLab.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT TEST GRADES: The grade you receive when submitting your exam is NOT your final grade for the exam.  Within ONE WEEK of completion of your exam, I will review the exams problem-by-problem to adjust grades as appropriate.  This is to avoid problems that are marked incorrect due to formatting issues (for example, your answer is correct by MyMathLab wanted the answer in a slightly different format so it marked yours incorrect) or other similar problems.  DO NOT EMAIL ME ABOUT A SPECIFIC PROBLEM YOU WANT LOOKED AT UNTIL AFTER I HAVE GONE THROUGH THE EXAM.  I will send out an email once I have reviewed and upgraded the exam grades.

 Practice tests

·         Practice tests for each exam are posted in the “Take A Test” section of MyMathLab.

·         The practice tests are not required; however they will help you prepare for the exams.  The practice tests are EXTRA CREDIT.

·         The practice tests may be taken an unlimited number of times.

·         You can either work on the practice test online, or you may print out the practice test.  To print out the practice test, submit the test.  Click on “review test” and then click on “print test.”

·         The deadlines for practice tests are the same as the deadlines for the exams.

quizzes

·         The first quiz is the “Course Procedures Quiz” which is a mandatory quiz to be completed by Wednesday, June 3rd at 11:59 p.m.  You may take this quiz as many times as needed until you are able to score 100%.  Students who do not complete this requirement may be dropped from the course.

·         Quizzes are posted in the “Take A Test” section of MyMathLab.  Quizzes are NOT extra credit. 

·         The quiz deadlines for all quizzes other than the “Course Procedures Quiz” are available in the “Take A Test” section.  You are responsible for keeping track of the quiz deadlines.

·         You may take each quiz twice (excluding the Course Procedures Quiz, which may be taken an unlimited number of times).  Only the higher of the two scores will be used to calculate your course grade.

Statistics project

·         A statistics project is due on Friday, November 20th at 5:00 p.m.

·         You may turn the project in BEFORE the due date, but late projects will NOT be accepted.

·         Please see the handout for more information on the project.  The handout is available in the “Course Documents” section of MyMathLab.

Final Exam

·          The final exam must be completed by the time the testing center closes on Saturday, December 12, 2009. 

MAKEUP EXAMS

No make up exams will be given. 

Tutoring

The ELC provides free tutoring to Montgomery College students.  Other campuses also offer tutoring.  Please check the Lone Star website for their schedules.

Mymathlab

MyMathLab will also be used for course announcements, worksheets, etc.  Please make sure the email you have listed for MyMathLab is a valid email that you check regularly.  I will send out important class information through MyMathLab.  If your email address is incorrect or no longer valid, you will not receive the information. 

Each section of the course will have assigned homework.  In addition to the homework, study guides and practice worksheets will also be posted in the “Course Documents” section of MyMathLab.  It is recommended that you print out the study guide for each section to use as a tool to identify the important information in that section.  The study guides are written to help you pinpoint what you need to know and to help you understand some of the more difficult concepts.

Withdrawal Policy

Students often drop a course when help is available.  Please discuss your plans with the instructor if you feel the need to withdraw, and he/she will try to work with you so you can successfully complete the course.

Withdrawal from a course after the official day of record will result in a mark of “W” on the student’s transcript and no credit will be awarded for the course(s). If a student registers and pays for a course(s) it is the student’s responsibility to drop/withdraw before the “W” date.

(Catalog description of District Withdrawal Policy: http://www.lonestar.edu/108227.pdf)

In order to withdraw from the course and receive a “W” on your transcript, you must withdraw on, or before:  November 6, 2009

Syllabus Change

While every attempt has been made to prepare this syllabus and class schedule in final form, it will be the instructor's prerogative to make any changes as may be deemed necessary in order to meet the learning outcomes of the course. Students will be notified in writing of any change.

Certificate/Degree Plan

Degree plans for programs offered at Lone Star College – Montgomery can be located in the Lone Star College catalog or on the Lone Star College – Montgomery > web site at: http://montgomery.lonestar.edu/8700/

Academic Integrity

The district upholds the core values of learning; honesty, respect, fairness, and accountability.  The district promotes the importance of personal and academic honesty.  The district embraces the belief that the learners, students, faculty, staff and administrators will act with integrity and honesty and must produce their own work and give appropriate credit to the work of others.  Fabrication of sources, cheating, or unauthorized collaboration is not permitted on any work submitted within the district. 

Consequences for academic dishonesty determined by the professor, or the professor and academic dean, or the professor and chief student services officer can include but are not limited to:

1. Having additional class requirements imposed;

2. Receiving a grade of zero or “F” for an exam or assignment;

3. Receiving a grade of “F” for the course;

4. Being withdrawn from the course or program;

5. Being expelled from the college district;

Professors should clearly explain how the student’s actions violated the academic integrity policy, how a grade was calculated, and the action taken. 

Lone Star College Academic Integrity Policy:  http://www.lonestar.edu/17997/

Software Piracy

Law strictly prohibits unauthorized copying of software purchased by Lone Star College – Montgomery for use in laboratories. Lone Star College – Montgomery administration will take appropriate disciplinary action against anyone violating copyright laws.

Computer Virus Protection

Computer viruses are, unfortunately, a fact of life. Using the diskettes on more than one computer creates the possibility of infecting computers and diskettes with a computer virus. This exposes the computers of the campus, your personal computer, and any others you may be using to potentially damaging viruses. The campus has aggressive anti-virus procedures in place to protect its computers, but cannot guarantee that a virus might not temporarily infect one of its machines. It is your responsibility to protect all computers under your control and use and ensure that each diskette you use, whenever or wherever you use it, has been scanned with anti-virus software. Since new viruses arise continually, your anti-virus software must be kept current. And, since no anti-virus software will find every virus, keeping copies of data (backups) is extremely important.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Lone Star College System is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. The district does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, sexual orientation, or ethnicity in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other district or college administered programs and activities.

Inquiries concerning the district's policies, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations (such as Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504), and complaints may be directed to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources, 832.813.6698. The Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources is designated as the district's Equal Opportunity Officer and Title IX Coordinator. Inquiries about the laws and about compliance may also be directed to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education.

For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator at any Lone Star College System college.

See Lone Star College catalog or go to http://www.lonestar.edu

ADA Statement

Lone Star College System is dedicated to providing access and services in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

If you are a student with a disability, it is your responsibility to apply for services and to provide your college with appropriate support of a disability claim.  Contact the Disability Services Office (Building E, office 103H) at 936-273-7239 as soon as possible to better ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. 

See Lone Star College catalog or go to http://www.lonestar.edu/31254/

COURSE CALENDAR: