FLORIDA COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT JACKSONVILLE

MAT 0024  ONLINE  ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA

  Term: Fall  (20041)
Reference : 181739

You can print this syllabus.
Instructor: Joyce McLeod
Office: C-136
           South Campus
           11901 Beach Blvd
           Jacksonville,FL 32246
Phone:  (904)646-2033
E-mail:  jmcleod@fccj.edu
Fax:      (904)646-2209
Home Page: web.fccj.org/~jmcleod
Office Hours:  9:00-9:30 MWF         9:00-10:00 TR
                         12:10- 1:10 MW        1:40- 2:40  TR

Index to Syllabus Topics:
 Instructor Contact Information
General Information
Learning Materials Needed
Course Grading System
How to Access the Course
Course Requirements
Course Policies
Proctored Testing Site Information
Methods to Achieve Success
Technical Difficulties
Additional Information
Alternate Testing Site Location Form
Course Contract and Student Information Form
Student Homepage

A.  INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION:

B.  GENERAL INFORMATION:

Course Description:  MAT 0024 Elementary Algebra — 4 Credit Hours
(College preparatory studies course) (This course does not apply toward the associate's degree.) Prerequisite: MAT 0002 with a grade of "C" or better or satisfactory score on the placement test. This course is designed for students who have had little or no algebra. The major topics in this course are sets, real numbers and their properties, exponents and polynomials, linear equations and linear inequalities, as well as an introduction to factoring, rational expressions, radicals (square roots), and graphing in two variables. Four contact hours.

Learning Outcomes:  Students will develop an understanding of the basic algebraic techniques and procedures which form the foundation for higher mathematics.  Students will enhance their logical reasoning skills including both inductive and deductive logic.  They will gain a better understanding of the techniques of problem solving including clearly defining the problem, using a systematic approach and using symbolic representations to solve practical, real world problems.  The critical thinking skills developed in this course are applicable to problems encountered in every day living and transferable to other discipline areas such as the sciences and technical fields.

Exit Exam Requirement:
The requirements for passing MAT 0024 are two-fold:

  1. You must have a passing grade in the course (C or higher grade)  and
  2. You must pass the proctored exit exam as required by the state of Florida with a grade of 60% or better.  See Exit Exam below.
You must have a C in the course including the midterm exam to be eligible to take the exit exam.

C.  LEARNING MATERIALS NEEDED:

Required Materials:
Interactive Math 2 Elementary Algebra by Elayn Martin-Gay, Prentice-Hall Publishers, ISBN#: 0-13-103554-1.  Included in the package are the Interactive Math 2 CD, the textbook Elementary Algebra: Review, Reference, and Practice, Student Handbook, Key Concept Activity Lab Workbook, Student Solution Book, and set of Lecture Video Series CDs.
Supplies Needed:
Notebook - Preferably 3-ring.  You will need a notebook to record all your practice problems, quizzes, tests, notes, and communication.
Dividers - Six dividers
Graph Paper - All graphing must be done on quarter-inch graph paper.

D.  COURSE GRADING SYSTEM:
See Course Requirements outlined below.

Class Participation                     10%
Section Assessments (online)    25%
Chapter Tests (online)               30%
Proctored Exams                        35%
   (Midterm and Exit Exams)

Grading Scale:
        90 - 100%     A
        80 - 89%       B
        70 - 79%       C     Minimum Passing Grade
        60 - 69%       D
        Below 60       F

Computing Your Grade:
.10(your participation grade:  # of responses/60)
+ .25(your average grade for all section assessments)
+ .30 (your average grade for all online chapter tests)
+ .35(the average of your midterm and exit exam)]
=  Your grade for the course          (See Course Requirements below for complete explanation.)

W, FN and I Grade Policy:

State of Florida Three Time Rule:  Warning:  Students will have a maximum of three (3) attempts per course.  If the first two attempts are unsuccessful, the student will be charged out-of-state tuition (approximately four times the cost of in-state tuition) for the third attempt.  Only drops during the first week of the semester do not count as attempts (Florida House Bill 1545).

Student Academic Dishonesty Procedure:
Students are bound by the FCCJ Honor Code.  Students found cheating on tests or examinations will receive an F grade for the course and procedures for expulsion from the college may also be initiated.  Cheating includes (among other things) copying another individual's work (or allowing someone to copy your work), using unauthorized references (cheat sheets or programmed information) on a test or examination, or allowing another individual to take a test or examination for you.

E.  HOW TO ACCESS THE COURSE:

1.  Computer System Requirements:
Minimum System Requirements for Prentice Hall Interactive Math (PHIM):
    CPU:  Pentium II 300 MHz
    RAM:  128 MB
    Video: SVGA
    Resolution Required:  800 x 600, Thousands of colors (16 BIT)
    Sound Card:  Sound Blaster or Sound Blaster-compatible
    Network Card:  Any network card.  Not required if dialing in from off-campus through an Internet connection.
    Monitor:  15 inch monitor or larger
    CD-ROM:   16x
    Disk Space:  200 MB (100 MB if Internet Explorer is already installed)
    Internet Connectivity:  Campus Network or 28.8 K Modem (preferred:  56K Modem) with a certified Internet Service Provider
    Operating System:  Windows 98, NT, ME,  Windows 2000 or Window XP
    All other plug ins necessary for operation are available on the CD at installation.

If you are using America Online as your internet service provider, you should open Internet Explorer after you establish the online connection.

2.  Installation of Interactive Math 2:
Detailed instructions for the installation of Prentice Hall Interactive Math 2 (PHIM2) software on home computers can be found .

3.  Logging onto the Course: F.  COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You are responsible for all course requirements.
  1. Course Contract and Student Information Form:  You are required to print, sign and return the course contract to your instructor.  Also, fill out the indicated student information at the bottom of the contract.  Email the course contract to your instructor by 09/12/03 .  If you email the course contract, then it is understood to be electronically signed and binding for the term.
  2. Notebook:  You are required to keep a notebook of all work completed in the course.  The notebook must have the following six sections:  PHIM2 Practice, Textbook Practice, Section Assessments (quizzes), Chapter Tests, Notes, and Communication (Discussion and Email hard copies).
  3. Practice Exercises in PHIM2:  Practice problems with immediate feedback are provided in PHIM2 along with a variety of tutorial components.  PHIM2 provides as many problems as you would like to work.  Remember that your aim in practice is mastery.
  4. Textbook Practice Exercises (optional): A list of textbook practice problems is included for optional practice.  The answers to the odd problems are in the back of the book.  The Student Resource Manual can be purchased to show solutions to odd numbered textbook problems.
  5. Class Participation:  You are required to post four times a week to the discussion forums.  Blackboard keeps a log of your responses and your instructor will track and record these responses to compose your participation grade. All questions concerning content and technical problems with the exception of personal inquiries are to be posted to the discussion board so your classmates can benefit from the answers.   The course discussion board has been divided into sections.  You must post at least two substantial questions and two substantial responses to the questions of other students to the appropriate discussion forum.  What is meant by "substantial"?  You must write at least two or three complete sentences.  Responses such as "I agree"  and "Me, too" will not be counted by your instructor. In addition, it is a good idea to form study groups with other students and exchange email.  All online communication must conform to online netiquette (see course orientation).
  6. Section Assessments ( mastery learning, online, untimed):  You are required to take the section assessments accessed online through PHIM.    You may try the section assessment before you practice to see how much you know.  You may take the section assessment after your practice to see how much you have learned.  Your ability to score 80% or better on the section assessment is considered mastery.   You may take the section assessment as many times as you like until you achieve at least the 80% or better level.  Your last attempt will be recorded as your score.
  7. Chapter Tests (online, timed):  Each chapter test is timed for 90 minutes.  Do not access the test until you are ready to start.  You are allowed to take each Chapter Test once.  See your course schedule for Chapter Tests dates.  You must complete the Chapter Tests and other coursework for Chapters 1 - 3 before the Midterm Exam date.  You must complete the Chapter Tests and other coursework for Chapters 4 - 6 and 9 before the Final Exam date.  Use the practice online tests available in PHIM2.  Each chapter test is 25 problems except for Chapter 3 (20 problems) and Chapter 9 (18 problems).
  8. Midterm Exam (proctored and timed):  Your midterm exam will cover Chapters 1 - 3.  You will take the midterm exam at a proctored site.  Click here for testing site information, and requirements.  The midterm exam is a pencil and paper multiple choice test consisting of 30 questions.  You will use a scantron to record your answers.  No partial credit will be given.  The midterm is timed for two hours. Use the online midterm in PHIM to practice for the midterm exam.  See your course calendar for the midterm exam date.  No calculator, books, or notes are allowed for the midterm exam.  No formulas will be provided.  You will be provided with scratch paper.
  9. Exit Exam (proctored and timed):  You must have a C in the course including the midterm exam to be eligible to take the exit exam. Your exit exam will cover the entire course: Chapters 1 - 6 and 9.   The exit exam is a pencil and paper multiple choice test consisting of 30 questions.  You will use a scantron to record your answers.  No partial credit will be given.  The exit exam is timed for two hours.  All students must pass the exit exam with at least 60% (18 out of 30 questions correct) to pass the course.  Your instructor will mail a copy of the practice exit exam that has been prepared by the mathematics department.  This practice exit exam will give you an idea of the types of questions and the format of the exam.  You will use the test booklet for scratch.  Any other scratch paper will be provided by your instructor.  No calculator, books, or notes are allowed for the midterm exam.  No formulas will be provided.  See your course calendar for the final exam date.
  10. All course work must be completed by the Exit Exam date.  A grade of zero will be assigned to any course requirement not completed by the date of the Exit Exam.
G.  COURSE POLICIES:

1.  Announcements:
You are responsible for any announcements, changes, additions or deletions made by your instructor.  These will be posted on the Announcements Page in Blackboard.  Check the Announcements everyday!

2.  Course Contract and Student Information Form:
You must read and email the course contract to your instructor by the date specified in the orientation below.  If you email the course contract, then it is understood to be electronically signed and binding for the term.

3.  Orientation:
The online orientation is mandatory.  You must go through the complete online orientation by accessing through "www.phim2.com/support/how_to/howto_master.swf, and email the Course Contract no later than 09/12/03.If you do not send the completed course contract to your instructor, you will be assigned an AW (Administrative Withdrawal) grade, and you will be dropped from the course without a refund.

4.  Discussion Forums:
You are required to post four times a week to the discussion board.  Your postings may be either questions or responses.  Blackboard keeps a log of your questions/responses, and your instructor will track and record these entries to calculate your participation grade. All questions concerning content and technical problems with the exception of personal inquiries are to be posted to the discussion board so your classmates can benefit from the answers.  Your responses should be substantial.  Responses such as "I agree"  and "Me, too" are not acceptable. Students may also communicate with one another through email in Blackboard.  All online communication must conform to online netiquette (see the course orientation in "Course Information").  Each chapter has its own discussion forum.  All postings to a chapter forum should be done prior to the chapter test deadline.

5.  Course Schedule:


6. Assessment Policies and Procedures:

7.  Proctored Testing Site Information H.  METHODS TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS:

How is taking elementary algebra online different from a traditional lecture class?
This class uses computer programs and the Internet to deliver content such as video lectures and printed text, present exercise problems for student interaction, and keep a record of student progress.  Students working practice problems online will receive immediate feedback on their work. The tutorial assistance includes step-by-step instruction, a sample problem, printed text, and a video clip.  You can work as many problems as you like on the computer.  Since the class does not meet face-to-face, interaction with the instructor and other students will take place in an asynchronous discussion forum where students post questions, responses, and problem solutions several times a week. If you were taking this class in the traditional face-to-face format, your class would meet in a lecture room for four hours per week, and each student spends about eight hours per week outside of class on homework assignments. Online students should be prepared to spend 12 to 15 hours per week on this course since it may be necessary to account for communication delays and hardware problems in addition to the equivalent class time.  Remember:  This course may require more time than a traditional face-to-face class. Taking a course online requires both self discipline and time management skills. Your course is set up with a completion schedule.  It is imperative that you adhere to the schedule in order to maintain a steady pace and to complete the course successfully.

Some helpful hints:

Do not fall behind!  Schedule a couple of hours everyday for this course and use all available resources.

I.  TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES:
Expect slowdowns on the Internet especially during peak "traffic" times. The "server" may be down unexpectedly.  Use these unscheduled to do additional practice from the printed text and reviewing your notes. Do not spend these hours you have set aside for this course on something else!  If you do encounter technical difficulties in PHIM, call the Prentice-Hall tech support team immediately.  See your orientation for links and phone numbers for assistance with technical problems.

J.  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
See the "Important Links" under "Syllabus"  in Blackboard for the links below:

    FCCJ Distance Learning Page
    Folletts Bookstore Online
    College Calendar
    FCCJ Disclaimer Page
    Learning Centers - Free tutoring is available for all FCCJ students.

K.  ALTERNATE TESTING SITE LOCATION FORM

For proctored pencil and paper testing, you are required to complete the Alternate Testing Site Location Form located in the Syllabus section in Blackboard.  See the Folder marked "Alternate Testing Site Location Form" and follow the directions.  The testing form must be emailed by 09/12/03.

L.  COURSE CONTRACT AND STUDENT INFORMATION FORM

You are required to complete the Course Contract and Student Information Form located in the Syllabus section in Blackboard..  This form must be cut and pasted into an email and sent to the instructor below by  09/12/03.
If you fail to email this form to your instructor, you will be withdrawn from the course. This withdrawal will be counted as an attempt by the state of Florida. You are not an official member of the class until this form is received by your instructor.

M.  STUDENT HOMEPAGE

Each student is to set up a homepage in Blackboard.  To set up your homepage in Blackboard, go to the Student Tools tab in Blackboard.  Click on "Edit Homepage."  Fill in the information.  You may add a picture if you would like.

Now complete the course orientation in Blackboard under Course Documents.