Please Read Carefully:
This course is being offered using Blackboard Vista as the Learning Management System. If you have never used Blackboard vista before, please visit the orientation site.  http://www.ccconline.org/support/vista

You will access your CCA Blackboard Vista course at http://online.ccaurora.edu

Note:  You will not be able to access your course until the start date, June 2^nd.

New this semester: A support desk is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you with setting up your computer and solving problems. http://www.ccaurora.edu/students/helpdesk/

Note also there is an orientation session for this class. Please attend it, or contact me in advance for alternative arrangements. See below for dates/times.

Introductory Algebra

MAT 090 076 (Online)

4 Credit Hours

(June 2 to Aug 9)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course includes first-degree equations, inequalities, formulas, polynomials, algebraic fractions, factoring polynomials, solving quadratic equations by factoring, and applications.  Coordinate geometry, graphing linear equations and inequalities, and systems of linear equations may be included.

COURSE WEBSITE:

http://online.ccaurora.edu

PREREQUISITES:

Successful completion of Math 060 (grade of C or better) or Math assessment or the appropriate assessment score (the testing center will have told you what class you assessed into).

Instructor note:

1) You'll want to make sure your reading skills are at or near the college level. Also, if you have a history of severe trouble with applications or word problems, PHI 113 (Logic) might be a good course to take first or alongside this class. However, neither reading nor logic are prerequisites for the course, so use your own judgment.

2) This is an academically rigorous course. The online format offers flexibility on when you can spend the time, but it can easily take MORE time than a regular course. If you want to study on your own and take some tests, why not do so on your own and retake the accu-placer?  

Let me summarize all that: If you can't read well, don't take this course. If you can't write well, don't take this course (consider one on-campus). If you cannot spend the time on class activities, don't take this course. 

Otherwise, I'm pleased to have you here in the class. Let's have some fun.

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:

Name

Jonathan Sherrill 

Phone

(303) 360-4717 -- Mon-Thurs. For faster communication on Friday or the weekends, use E-mail.

E-mail

jon.sherrill@ccaurora.edu

Fax

Mailbox Location

CentreTech Campus, Classroom building C210

Other

REQUIRED COMPUTER SKILLS:

• Some experience with Windows. Familiarity with a web browser (for example, Netscape or Internet Explorer, etc.) and using the Internet. You won't have to record audio, but you are expected to be able to make your way around a website.
   
• Email
   

• Graphing --Either on your calculator or using a free online calculator I will provide links to. If you don't know how (which is reasonable) be willing to actively pursue this knowledge. I can offer help, but you need to be willing to play around with the tools in order to become fluent at graphing.
   

·        We'll be using Vista as the delivery method for this course. If you've never used it before, it is full featured, but also a little complicated at first glance. Keep the following link handy!

 http://www.ccconline.org/support/vista

REQUIRED TEXT BOOK(S):

Introductory Algebra, Lial, Hornsby, McGinnis. Eighth Edition

Optional Materials:

     ♦    Calculator: You don't need a calculator, but graphing is much easier if you can play around with one. I have links to a few free graphing calculators. 

♦    Study Guide, Lial/Hornsby/McGinnis.

♦    Student Solution Manual, Lial,/Hornsby/

      McGinnis
 

•  A CD-Rom that goes along with your book (available in the bookstore or online)
   

• Video lessons are available in the tutoring lab (C-109).

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Internet Access. This course will be conducted over the Internet so most of our contact will be through the Vista system and by E-Mail. Each student must provide his/her own access to the Internet with a web compatible browser, such as Internet Explorer or Firefox @ www.firefox.com.

REQUIRED HARDWARE/ SOFTWARE:

·        Supported Web-browser

·        Supported version of Java

·        To confirm your software is supported, run the Browser Check at http://online.ccaurora.edu

HOW TO GET STARTED:

Log into your course and read the syllabus. Then post your introduction. There will be 10 weekly discussions and quizzes, plus the final. The work required for each assignment must be received on or before the due date. All assignment due dates can be found on the Course Calendar in the course. More information is in the syllabus. Be sure to read it once you get access to the course (first day of class).

ORIENTATION SESSION/FIRST MEETING:

This class tends to clobber about 50% of the students who take it. I will be having an orientation to go over some of the things you need to do to be on the successful side. Either attend the orientation, or make arrangements with me in advance.

The orientation will be held on the CentreTech campus, classroom building, room C207B.  You can pick between

Tuesday June 3’rd at 5:00

Wednesday June 4 at 2:30 pm.

It shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. Considering you pay over $300 for the course, that’s potentially a  $600/hr investment.

OTHER INFORMATION:

CCA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities.  To request an accommodation, contact the Accessibility Services Office (ASO) Director, Reniece Jones, at your earliest convenience.  The ASO is located in the Learning Resource Center (LRC) in the Student Centre building at the CentreTech campus, in Room S-202E.  Arrangements may also be made at the Lowry Campus.  You may contact Reniece at (303)361-7395 V/TDD/VP, (303)340-7551 FAX, or e-mail: Reniece.Jones@CCAurora.edu.   Additional information can be viewed at: 

http://www.ccaurora.edu/students/academic/accessibility/index.shtml