Distance Learning - PreCalculus Math 125

1. Distance Learning - PreCalculusMath 125 Course Orientation Dr. E. Fitt Bucks County Community College

2. Distance Learning is not for everyone • You must be self-motivated! • You should be able to access the Internet. • You should be willing to spend time on learning course material. For students who possess these qualities, welcome to the world of distance-learning where you can learn at your own pace in your own time frame and your own space. The advantages are infinite.

3. How to succeed at distance-learning mathematics Do one section at a time. Allow 3 hours per section. • Read the text section and follow the examples. Keep a notebook and write out any definitions, rules or formulas. Be sure to understand the symbols used. • Do the corresponding Try-It-Yourself problem for each example. • Watch the video lesson on CourseCompass. Use pencil and paper and follow the lesson as you would in a class. Take notes! Rewind or fast forward if you need to.

4. Where to find specifics • Refer to the Basic Course Information sheet for more specific information on grading. • Use the assignment sheet as a guideline for problems. The best way to learn math is to do problems. • You will find online homework for each section in CourseCompass. Online homework will count equal to one grade. • Take the quizzes at intervals indicated on the assignment sheet. (first do a practice quiz). Take the first quiz early. It contain material you already know. It will help you get acquainted with the online quiz taking. • Check your email often for messages. Stay in contact with me. Let me know how you are progressing.

5. Doing assignments • Attempt the section problems from the text listed on your assignment sheet.Check your answers, and see if you can fix the incorrect ones. • Email me at fitte@bucks.edu with questions when you are confused. Your questions will help others in the class as well. In the subject space, include the name of your course (i.e. MATH 125.59). Please include your full name. • Help is available in the Tutoring Center in the Library.You can go there or call 215-968-8217 or 215-968-8307 during hours it is open.

6. When you finish a section • Repeat steps given for all the listed sections in a chapter • Also do the assigned homework problems in CourseCompass. • Repeat for all sections for each chapter quiz. • Try the practice quiz. If you are not happy with the results of the practice quiz, watch the videos, do more problems or get help. When you feel ready, take the chapter quiz.

7. When you are ready for a test • For this course there are 6 online chapter quizzes, online homework, 4 proctored online tests and a final examination. Go to a testing center and take the proctored tests and exam. Check on available times and give yourself sufficient time to comfortably do the test. • Take the test and submit it. I will check the grade on your test and make any adjustments in the CourseCompass grade book. • Deadlines are flexible but pay attention to them so you will stay on track.

8. Course Compass • CourseCompass is the Internet management system you will use in this course. • You will take quizzes, do homework, watch videos, have access to course correspondences and access the student solution manual thorough CourseCompass. • You will need to register into your section if you haven’t done so already. Go to the next slide for instructions.

9. Registering for Course Compass • You need an individual access code. • Access codes are packaged free with new texts or can be bought over the Internet with a credit card. The code will be sent immediately. • The course code for Spring 2010 distance learning is fitt13473. The code for the Spring 2010 on-campus course is fitt14027. • The text is Precalculus Enhanced with Graphing Utilities, Custom Edition by Sullivan and Sullivan.

10. Register for CourseCompass • Go to http://www.coursecompass.com Registration is only Done one time

11. CourseCompass registration • You need an individual access code. It is packaged free with new texts or can be bought at this time. The code will be sent by email. • Be sure your email address is correctly entered. • The course ID for Spring 10 DL is • fitt13473; on-campus is fitt14027.

12. CourseCompass registration If you used CourseCompass in another course, just log on. code Bucks County Community College zip is 18940

13. Once you have registered, go into CourseCompass. Your first step is to run the MyMathLab Installation Wizard. The wizard walks you through installing the plug-ins and players you need to access the multimedia content in your course. Be sure that you allow popups on the site. CourseCompass must be designated as a trusted site.

14. Check List • Obtain the course textbook Precalculus Enhanced with Graphing Utilities, Custom Edition by Sullivan and Sullivan. A new text is packaged with the access code. • Access CourseCompass and sign on . Be sure the email address you give is correct. • Download the plug-Ins necessary to use your Internet tool. • Allow popups for the CourseCompass site • Explore CourseCompass to locate materials • Do the first homework assignment online. Take the first practice quiz with CourseCompass • Print out the Assignment sheet from Dr Fitt’s Web Page or from Course Compass. • Send an email to Dr. Fitt at fitte@bucks.edu with any questions about the class. • Begin to work on reading the text, following the examples and doing the assigned problems.