Example of Enhanced Syllabus
FLORIDA COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT JACKSONVILLE
MAT 1033 ONLINE INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA
*** Fall Term 2002 (20031)
Reference : ******
You can print this syllabus.
Instructor:******
Office: ******
****** Campus
Address
Jacksonville, FL Zipcode
Phone: ******
Email: ******
Fax: ******
Home Page: ******
Office Hours: ******
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:
Course Description: This course is designed for students who require additional skills in Algebra before taking MAC1105 or MGF1106 or MGF1107. The major topics include sets and real numbers, linear equations and inequalities with applications, polynomials and factoring, algebraic fractions, exponents, roots and radicals, quadratic equations, relations and functions, graphs and systems of linear equations with applications. This course does not apply towards the Associate of Arts degree. Four credit 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.
Required Materials:
Interactive Math Intermediate Algebra by Elayn Martin-Gay, Prentice-Hall Publishers, ISBN#: 0-13-102223-7. Included in the package are the Interactive Math CD, the textbook Intermediate Algebra: Review, Reference, and Practice, Student Handbook, Key Concept Activity Lab Workbook, Student Solution Book, and set of Lecture Video Series CDs.
(Note: The Interactive Math (PHIM) CD can be used with the Internet or stand-alone. Your work will be saved on the server only if you are on the Internet. However, in the event of Internet or server problems, use the CD stand-alone or use the textbook.)
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.
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:
§ W Grade: Students who are failing to master the concepts of the course or who show lapsed activity in the course can elect to withdraw from the course. Check "Important Date" in the Syllabus for the withdrawal date.
§ FN Grade: This grade is "failure for nonattendance." Students who fail to remain active in the course and who do not withdraw will receive the FN grade. Students who fail to remain active in the course after the withdrawal date will receive the FN grade.
§ I Grade: This grade of "incomplete" is given at the discretion of the instructor when the student has completed at least 90% of the course with an overall course grade of at least a C average. The student must have a valid medical excuse and consult with the instructor before an I grade will be assigned. The instructor will assign the student a time limit to complete the course at which time the earned grade will replace the I grade. Failure to complete the course within the time limit will result in an automatic F.
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.
1. Computer System Requirements:
Minimum System Requirements for Prentice Hall Interactive Math (PHIM):
§ CPU: Pentium 266 MHz; preferred: Pentium II 300 MHz
§ RAM: 64 MB; preferred: 128 MB
§ Video: SVGA
§ Resolution Required: 649 x 480, 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: 4x; preferred: 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 95, 98, NT, ME, or Windows 2000
§ 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:
Detailed instructions for the installation of Prentice Hall Interactive Math (PHIM) software on home computers can be found .
§ In the "Course Orientation" folder under Course Information in Blackboard.
§ In the "Special Installation Instructions" folder under Course Information in Blackboard.
§ On the Web site www.phinteractivemath.com.
§ In the Student Handbook packaged with Interactive Math.
3. Logging onto the Course:
§ Username and Password: Your username is your first initial last name. Your password is the last four digits of your social security number. (Occasionally, your instructor may assign a variation of this password due to duplications in the system. If your username and password do not work, contact your instructor immediately.).
§ Blackboard: Go to http://bb.fccj.org; enter username and password.
§ PHIM: Insert your CD; double click on the Interactive Math desktop icon; when the Interactive Math logon prompt appears, enter your username and password.
You are responsible for all course requirements.
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 ******. If you e-mail the course contract, then it is understood to be electronically signed and binding for the term.
Notebook: You are required to keep a notebook of all work completed in the course. The notebook must have the following six sections: PHIM Practice, Textbook Practice, Section Assessments (quizzes), Chapter Tests, Notes, and Communication (Discussion and E-mail hard copies).
Practice Exercises in PHIM: Practice problems with immediate feedback are provided in PHIM along with a variety of tutorial components. PHIM provides as many problems as you would like to work. Remember that your aim in practice is mastery.
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.
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 chapter forums including forums for tech questions and final feedback. Each week you must post at least two substantial questions and two substantial responses to the questions of other students in the discussion forum of your choice. 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).
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.
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 2 - 5 before the Midterm Exam date. You must complete the Chapter Tests and other coursework for Chapters 6 - 8 before the Final Exam date. Use the practice online tests available in PHIM.
Midterm Exam (proctored and timed): Your midterm exam will cover Chapters 2 - 5. You will take the midterm exam at a proctored site. See Assessment Policies and Procedures for testing site information, and requirements. The midterm exam is a pencil and paper multiple choice test. 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. You may use a non-graphing calculator for the midterm exam. No books, notes or formulas are allowed for the midterm exam. You will be provided with scratch paper.
Final Exam (proctored and timed): Your final exam will cover the entire course: Chapters 2 - 8. The final exam is a pencil and paper multiple choice test. You will use a Scantron to record your answers. No partial credit will be given. The final exam is timed for two hours. You may use a non-graphing calculator for the final exam. No books, notes or formulas are allowed for the midterm exam. You will be provided with scratch paper. See your course calendar for the final exam date.
All course work must be completed by the Final Exam date. A grade of zero will be assigned to any course requirement not completed by the date of the Final Exam.
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!
Course Contract and Student Information Form: You must read and e-mail the course contract to your instructor by the date specified in the orientation below. If you e-mail the course contract, then it is understood to be electronically signed and binding for the term.
Orientation: The online orientation is mandatory. You must go through the complete online orientation by accessing through "Course Information" in Blackboard, and e-mail the Course Contract no later than ******. If you do not send the completed course contract to your instructor, you will be assigned an FN (Failure for Nonattendance) grade, and you will be dropped from the course without a refund.
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 e-mail 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.
Course Schedule: It is important for you to follow the schedule listed in your course calendar for timely completion of the course.
§ You must complete Chapters 2 - 5 including all the section assessments for these chapters and have taken Tests 1 - 3 prior to the Midterm Exam date (see the Course Calendar for the Midterm Exam date). Your Midterm Exam will cover Chapters 2 - 5.
§ You must complete all course work prior to the Final Exam date (see the Course Calendar for the Final Exam date). Your Final Exam will cover Chapters 2 - 8.
Assessment Policies and Procedures:
§ All section assessments will be accessed through PHIM. The section assessments are untimed mastery level assessments and can be taken multiple times until you achieve a mastery level of 80% or better. The last score will count as your grade.
§ The chapter tests are timed for 90 minutes. Once started, you must complete the test within the allotted time. Problems not completed within the time limit will be counted as incorrect. Chapter tests can be taken only once.
§ The scheduled midterm exam is timed for two hours and will be taken at a proctored site (see Proctored Testing Site Information below). This exam is a pencil and paper multiple choice test. You will use a Scantron answer sheet. You must arrive at the test on time and bring a few #2 pencils and an eraser. Problems not completed within the time limit will be counted as incorrect. You may use a non-graphing calculator for the midterm exam. No books, notes or formulas are allowed for the midterm exam. You will be provided with scratch paper. All scratch paper must be turned in with the exam.
§ The scheduled final exam is timed for two hours and will be taken at a proctored site (see Proctored Testing Site Information below). This exam is a pencil and paper multiple choice test. You will use a Scantron answer sheet. You must arrive at the test on time and bring a few #2 pencils and an eraser. Problems not worked within the time limit will be counted as incorrect. You may use a non-graphing calculator for the midterm exam. No books, notes or formulas are allowed for the final exam. You will be provided with scratch paper. All scratch paper must be turned in with the exam.
§ You may not receive any assistance when completing online section assessments, online chapter tests, the proctored midterm, and the proctored final examination. (reference the "Course Contract" and FCCJ Honor Code).
§ For assistance with finding a proctored testing site and information, see Proctored Testing Site Information below .
7. Proctored Testing Site Information
§ The Midterm Exam can be taken at any of the FCCJ proctored sites listed on the Alternate Testing Site Form (see Alternate Testing Site Folder under Syllabus). You may also view the testing sites on the Website for the Distance Learning Office at http://distancelearning.org.
§ You must fill out the Alternate Testing Site Location Form located under Syllabus in Blackboard on or before 9/12/02 and e-mail this form to your instructor. Failure to do so will result in an FN in the course unless you have communicated with your instructor.
§ Once you have selected a testing site you will not be allowed to change.
§ To locate a testing site outside the Jacksonville, FL area, see http://testing.byu.edu/NCTA/Consortium/
§ Once you have indicated a testing site, your instructor will send the testing materials to your indicated testing site. If the testing site is an FCCJ (Jacksonville) alternate testing site, the times and dates are indicated on the Alternate Testing Site Form. If you are taking the test at a site outside the Jacksonville area, it is your responsibility to check with the testing site for the dates and times for the test you are to take.
§ Remember, your Midterm and Final Exam must be completed the test date posted in your course calendar.
H. METHODS TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS:
How is taking Intermediate 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:
§ Practice! Practice! Practice! Mathematics is not a spectator sport. You should do as much work as possible--not as little as you can get away with.
§ Schedule your studies in the early morning hours instead of late at night. You will be fresh (to think clearly and retain more) and the computer response time will be faster.
§ When you encounter a difficult problem, post a question on the discussion forum.
§ Check the Discussion Board everyday. Respond to the questions of other students. You can also learn by discussing problems with others.
§ Check the Announcements everyday. Your instructor may post important information that you will not want to miss.
§ Complete the online practice exercises. Use the explanation, video, step-by-step and sample problem to help you.
§ Use the textbook for additional practice. Always check your answers in the back of the book. Use the Student Solution Book for assistance.
§ Review your notes before taking a test or examination.
§ Get a good night's rest before a test or examination.
§ Organize your notebook. Divide it into six sections. In one section, take notes while reading your text or viewing the video lecture. Write down theorems, definitions and procedures. Separate your notes by the section numbers in the textbook. Your completed online practice exercises should be kept in a separate section of your notebook. When working these exercises begin by copying the original problems and show all the steps used. If you work problems in the text, keep these problems in another section with the chapter/section and page number noted. Check your answers in the back of the book. Once you have experienced success with the practice exercises, you are ready to do the section assessment. Write down these problems and how you worked them in the notebook section for quizzes and tests. Keep another section for discussion forum and e-mail. You can print hard copies of these communications to keep. Keep a highlighter to notate problems that were difficult for you so you can go back to review them.
§ When preparing for a test, review your notes, memorize formulas and procedures and rework practice exercises that you found difficult earlier. Complete any suggested review exercises listed in the Assignments section of the Blackboard. If you find that you need to look up information in order to complete an exercise, you are not ready for the test.
§ If possible, visit your instructor or the Learning Center on the campus nearest you for mathematics assistance.
Do not fall behind! Schedule a couple of hours everyday for this course and use all available resources.
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 ******.
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 ******.
If you fail to email this form to your instructor, you will be assigned a FN grade in the course. However, this 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 are encouraged to add a
picture in order to become better acquainted with your classmates. Now
complete the course orientation in Blackboard under Course Documents.