Prof. Keely's Math Online Web ~ Clark College, Vancouver WA |
This is a vital document, a contract between student and instructor.
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 | Refer to your INDIVIDUAL CLASS SYLLABUS (linked from your class
website) for class-specific information. That document along with this one make up the complete course syllabus. | ||||||||||
| Instructor information:
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| Course Policies, Procedures, and Requirements:
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| Distance Learning:
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| Supporting Information:
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Professor: Sally Keely, M.S., C.O.I. (Certified Online Instructor)
E-mail address: skeely@clark.edu
Phone (360) 992-2509
FAX (360) 992-2866 (Include my name, your name, and your course number.)
Online office hours: See web.clark.edu/skeely/contact.htm for schedule.
Campus office (BHL 138) hours: See web.clark.edu/skeely/contact.htm for schedule.
My math help
session (BHL 107) hours: See
web.clark.edu/skeely/contact.htm for schedule.
We will accomplish the specific course objectives through classroom demonstrations utilizing symbolic, numeric, and graphical methods of problem solving and interactive group discussions that improve conceptual understanding. This team approach will allow our class to be a collaborative learning community where you will actively engage in the learning experience. My role is to facilitate your learning through guided discovery in a challenging meaningful atmosphere. I am not here to teach at you, I am here to help you learn.
I love math! It is fun, exciting, aesthetically beautiful, and intriguingly vital. Thinking mathematically helps you to analyze and solve problems in an organized logical manner. I hope through this course you will improve your critical thinking skills and come to appreciate the usefulness of mathematics in your own life.
For students adding late: If the class does not have a waitlist and you add the class during week 1, you are urged to email me immediately for class information including first-day orientation. On the day that the college first provides you access to the class in Blackboard you MUST meet the two "in attendance" rules (see above) or you will be dropped as a "no-show". Note that starting on day 2 the first-day orientation may be locked and you must email me for password.
You must logon to Blackboard and complete the mandatory first-day class orientation in your online math course by 11:59 pm on the first day of class (including posting your introductory biography). Failure to meet this deadline may result in your being withdrawn from the class or replaced by a waitlisted student under Clark's first week "no-show" attendance policy (see below). Read Mandatory First-day Class Orientation for detailed information.
I abide by Clark's first week "no-show" attendance policy which states, "Students who fail to attend one or more sessions during the first five days of the quarter may be dropped from the class." (www.clark.edu/admissions_fin_aid/registration/attendance_enrollment.php) It is essential to attend class every day this first week. To be "in attendance" you must (1) complete the orientation (see above) by the deadline, AND (2) post one message to the daily "check-in" thread on the "student lounge" discussion board on EACH of the first five days of the class. Failure to do so will result in your being withdrawn from the class without notice. I reserve the right to drop as no-shows students who add the class during week 1 even if the day missed was prior to their registration.
Attendance and online presence requirements: Your grade is penalized for neglecting to attend class and post regularly in Blackboard. To avoid the penalties, logon to BB and read the main classroom discussion board at least three days a week, and post messages (including substantive) to the main classroom discussion board weekly. Note that "attendance" and "online presence" are not the same as "participation" (see FAQs - attendance vs. participation and CPRs = participation).
The point is, come to class and join-in! For those that desire more details:
| Attendance on Blackboard (reading the discussion
boards) is required a minimum of three
days each week. To be in attendance for the day you must logon to BB, read the
announcements, and read
the "main classroom" discussion board posts. For each week that you fail to meet this
"three-day attendance rule"
your final course grade may be reduced by one-third of a letter grade (e.g. from
a B to a B-). |
| Online presence (posting to the discussion boards) is
vital to the success of the class. For each two weeks (one week in a 5-week
summer class) that you fail to post any messages to the "main classroom"
discussion board your final course grade may be reduced by one-third of a letter
grade (e.g. from a B to a B-). |
| Access to course materials is dependent on you attending and participating in class regularly. If you neglect to regularly attend your Blackboard class and/or participate substantively on the main classroom discussion board then access to some class materials (e.g. lecture notes) may be blocked. To have access restored you will need to conference with me, write a self-assessment, and participate in an improvement plan. From that point on you are considered "on probation" and access to class materials can be revoked at any time without notice. Just as in an on-campus class, you must attend and be active in your online classroom in order to have access to all that the class offers. |
This course is packed with material and activities. It requires your daily attention and online participation. Be an active participant! Don't procrastinate!
Refer to the course calendar (it is your guide to the course), read the online lecture notes, read a section in the online multimedia textbook, work daily practice problems (preferably the tracked tutorial exercises online). complete a graded assignment or discussion question, participate on the "main classroom" discussion board where you discuss math with your classmates/instructor, and investigate supplemental websites if needed.
Before "coming" to class you should:
- review and improve your recent class notes
- check the course calendar for the day's readings,
assignments, and deadlines
- read the section from the textbook assigned for the
day
- work through the accompanying online lecture notes and
explore any included hyperlinks
Online class participation is a major part of your overall grade (8 points per week). The success of this course is reliant on the interactivity on the MAIN CLASSROOM discussion board. Much of the learning in our online classroom occurs through discussions on this board. For full class participation points you must actively participate on the "main classroom" discussion board throughout the week. It is strongly recommended that you login to the class discussion boards and get caught up on the postings at least every other day. Note: participation points are earned for posts to the "main classroom" board only; posts to the other boards do not earn participation points.
To earn the full 8 participation points for the week you must post to the "MAIN CLASSROOM" discussion board:
a. (0-3 pts) QUALITY: at least one mathematically substantive message PLUS at least two substantive messages,
b. (0-1 pt) INTERACTIVITY: at least one reply in a thread that you did not start,
c. (0-3 pts) QUANTITY: a total of at least three messages,
d. (0-1 pt) FREQUENCY: on at least three different days of that week.
A substantive message is one that is relevant to the class (i.e. discusses math) and advances the discussion significantly. Substantive messages contain comments that are thorough, well thought out, in your own words from your own understanding, professional, and articulate. they may include new ideas or examples, build on another's comments, suggest alternative solutions, point out obstacles, or provide pointed follow-up questions. Generally, a message that verbally discusses mathematical processes or terminology but does not necessarily include specific math expressions would be substantive. Note: messages shorter than 75 words might not be considered substantive. For specific suggestions see FAQs - examples of substantive and unsubstantive messages.
A mathematically substantive message is a substantive message that also includes complete mostly-accurate mathematical steps such as solving a problem with all work shown along with explanations to justify the steps.
NOTES:
This class has NO graded assignments. Instead points are earned from class participation (CPRs on the "main" board), quizzes, and exams.
However, to succeed in the class you should work daily practice problems. For these I recommend that in each section you work at least every other tracked tutorial exercise (online in MyMathLab) and take advantage of the self-help features such as "help me solve this". If you have the optional hard copy text and prefer to work traditional end-of-section text exercises that is fine. Just be sure that you are working problems nearly every day and doing a sufficient number. If you get stuck on a problem, post your question to the "main classroom" discussion board so a classmate or the professor can assist you. If other students post questions that you can help with, please share your wisdom! See FAQs - homework and FAQs - TTE if you need more details.
There will be a weekly, biweekly, or semi-weekly quizzes conducted online covering recent material. Depending on the class/term, your lowest quiz score(s) may be eliminated and/or you may be able to take the quiz twice (possibly different questions) with only your best score counting. (Quiz rules specific to your class are listed with the quiz 1 announcement in your class calendar.)
All quizzes will be conducted online using a publisher's online testing system (MyMathLab, Cengage Learning, WebAssign, etc.). Quizzes will be timed (meaning that once you click the link to access the quiz you will only have a certain amount of time to complete it and submit your answers). Quizzes will be accessible for 48 hours and cannot, under any circumstances, be taken outside that window of accessibility. Immediately after submitting your quiz you will be able to see your score. This assures that the quiz submitted properly. It is your responsibility to be sure that the quiz submitted properly.
Quizzes may cover material in the text, readings, lecture notes, class postings, and related materials. Quizzes will be primarily short answer or multiple choice, open text/notes, and no work will need to be shown. Quizzes may include a "take-home" portion where work will need to be shown and submitted by email.
When taking the quiz, you may refer to the online text, your notes, any other printed resources, and use your grapher, but you absolutely may NOT discuss quiz questions or answers with any human until after the due time! See Student Code of Conduct for ramifications of cheating and disciplinary action that will be taken.
After the due time you may review your quiz, see the correct answers, and discuss the quiz problems with your classmates in the "Quiz #__ thread" on the main discussion board.
Please refer to your individual class syllabus and FAQs - quiz info for more information about the quizzes.
A mandatory comprehensive final examination is required in all math classes. It is conducted online using the same testing system as the quizzes. The final exam is timed (2 hours), can only be taken once, is accessible for 48 hours only, and cannot be taken outside that window of accessibility. A "final exam information sheet" containing additional details about the final exam will be posted toward the end of the term.
You will automatically fail the course if you do not take the final exam. If you have a dire emergency that prohibits you from taking the final as scheduled, refer to the final exam information sheet for directions on requesting a make-up exam. I will require written documentation of the emergency or conflict. I reserve the right at my discretion to deem your reason unacceptable and refuse to allow you to make-up the exam or to make you take a proctored final exam without notes/text at a later date on-campus.
If on the official "last day of class" you have earned fewer than 50% of the class participation points yet more than 50% of the quiz points then I reserve the right to make you take a proctored final exam without notes/text in an on-campus testing center instead of the online final exam.
If you stop attending class prior to the final exam, or if it is impossible for you to earn a D- or higher in the class even if you score 100% on the final exam, then you will not be given access to the final exam.
LATE work earns zero credit
If I feel that the work you turned-in was not done by you or was not from your own understanding, then you will earn zero credit at my discretion.
If there is any unusual discrepancy between your ongoing daily work/scores and your quiz/exam work/scores, at my discretion I may require you to take a proctored assessment without notes/text in an on-campus testing center to determine your level of knowledge and understanding of the course content and then assign revised grades based on my professional assessment.
All work turned in by:
| posting to the discussion boards must be on the correct board, under the required thread, have the appropriate subject line, be substantive in content, and not basically duplicate a previously posted comment. No attached files! |
| email must have the required subject line and have work/answers typed in the body of the message (no attachments) along with your full name. |
| fax must include my name, your name, the course number, and assignment title. |
| snail mail or by hand must be on 8.5"x11" paper with your full name legibly written at the top of the first page along with the date, the course number, assignment title, and stapled in the upper left hand corner if more than one sheet. |
All work turned-in must:
| be written in a clear organized manner, |
| utilize proper mathematical notation and format (*), |
| have final answers indicated clearly, |
| be properly labeled and submitted correctly, |
| AND be turned-in on time. |
Work not meeting these requirements may earn zero credit.
* Online written communications depend on properly formatted messages and math expressions. BB posts and assignments will be graded on what you actually write and not on what you might have meant. Format all mathematical messages carefully! See MathOL FAQs - writing math online.
Your course grade will be determined by the percentage of the total possible points that you accumulate throughout the course from class participation, assignments, and assessments. (Please refer to your individual class syllabus for total points possible.) Course grades are calculated by dividing your total points accumulated by the total points possible, rounding decimals down to the nearest whole percent, and assigned according to the following scale:
| 100%-93% A | 92%-90% A- | 89%-87% B+ | 86%-83% B |
| 82%-80% B- | 79%-77% C+ | 76%-73% C | N/A C- |
| 72%-70% D+ | 69%-65% D | 64%-60% D- | 59%-00% F |
Some notes:
If this course is a prerequisite to another math course, you need at least a "'C" to continue onto the next math course and any grade lower than "C" will require you to repeat this course before moving on. Note that I do not assign "C-" grades.
Failing to meet the attendance requirements may impact your final course grade.
Scores will be updated in Blackboard's online gradebook throughout the term. In the case of a grade discrepancy, contact me a.s.a.p. I may need to see documentation to justify a grade change, so keep all your email submissions and graded feedback until after you get your final course grade.
Current course grade percents will be available at most three times in a 10-week class, usually: around mid-term, pre-final, and post-final. Watch for announcements in Blackboard.
Grades are kept confidential between student and instructor. For legal reasons under FERPA, Washington State will not allow grades or progress in class to be discussed over the phone, by email, or publicly posted.
If you have extenuating circumstances beyond your control such as an ongoing medical emergency and are unable to complete the course this term, you may see me privately with written documentation to request an incomplete (I-grade). It is you that must initiate the incomplete request, I'm not legally allowed to recommend it. There are potential adverse ramifications (e.g. financial aid) you must consider before requesting an I-grade. And there are certain stringent conditions you must meet including having completed at least 80% of the course with a grade of "C" or higher. I reserve the right to refuse your request.
A = Clearly stands out as excellent performance. Accomplishes far more than the minimum requirements. Has unusually sharp insight into material and initiates thoughtful questions. Integrates ideas previously learned from this and other disciplines. Anticipates next steps in progression of ideas. Rarely makes any mistakes. “A” work is of such a distinguished caliber that it could be put on reserve for all students to review and emulate.
B = Grasps subject matter at a level considered to be very good. Accomplishes more than the minimum requirements. Is an active listener and participant in class discussion. Articulates subject matter well both verbally and in written form. "B" work indicates a high quality of performance and consistently solid work. Earning a "B" should be considered a high grade.
C = Demonstrates a satisfactory comprehension of the subject matter. Accomplishes the minimum course requirements and objectives. Communicates the subject matter at an acceptable level for a college student. Has a generally adequate understanding of all basic concepts. "C" work represents average work and is the most common grade earned.
This is not an independent study course. The success of this course depends on everyone being an active participant! We are an online learning community - participation is essential if we are to learn with each other. You are expected to read every post on the "main classroom" discussion board and to contribute with frequent substantive messages. We all share the responsibility for the development of the class through interactivity, conversation, and collaboration.
One of the most commonly requested skills that employers ask professors to incorporate into college classes is talking about mathematics and scientific process in small groups. They find those graduates who attain this skill are better critical thinkers and problem solvers, even when the job is non-math related. This is your opportunity to practice these skills in preparation for a team work environment.
Use good threaded discussion "netiquette" such as:
| Focus on one subject or problem per message. |
| Use appropriate clear subject lines. |
| Reply to messages within that thread and start new threads for new topics only. |
| Keep purely social conversations on the student lounge board. |
| Be professional, courteous, constructive, friendly, and supportive. Think before you hit send! |
| Avoid using all caps since it is generally viewed as SHOUTING. |
| Use humor carefully. The absence of face-to-face cues can cause statements to be misinterpreted as criticism or flaming. |
| Using emoticons such as :) or ;-} may help you express your feelings. |
| Flaming (angry, antagonistic criticism) will not be tolerated!!! Let's all treat each other with respect. |
| Give credit where credit is due. Cite all quotes, references, and sources. |
| Do not include religious or political statements or references in your message including your signature. |
All assignments and assessments have strict deadlines, will not be accepted late, and cannot be made up even in the event of technical difficulties. Technology and the internet do fail sometimes, so, don't procrastinate just in case! See FAQs - tech difficulties. If you are having trouble posting to the discussion board or accessing the materials, get help immediately. Every day you delay may cost you points. The Clark eLearning Department is available to help with any Blackboard technical problems.
Clark College has identified six college-wide abilities
that form the foundation of our educational emphasis. They are communication,
critical thinking/problem solving, effective citizenship, global/multicultural
awareness, information/technology, and life-long learning. This class will
emphasize:
(A) critical thinking/problem solving,
(B) communication, and
(C) information/technology.
The college has also listed general education outcomes under
the guidelines of these abilities. This course will focus on the quantitative
skills outcomes which are:
(i) comprehend the content and evaluate the quality of quantitative information;
(ii) use appropriate vocabulary and notation of quantitative methods;
(iii) analyze and solve quantitative problems using appropriate methods; and
(iv) interpret and explain solutions to quantitative problems.
Your #1 source of help is each other! Participate on the "main classroom" discussion board regularly. Many students find it extremely helpful to form ongoing study groups. Groups can meet in-person on or off campus or online in the Blackboard's real-time open chat room. Either type of meeting can be arranged via the "student lounge" discussion board.
If you are able to come to campus, there are two drop-in tutoring centers where you can
get free one-on-one assistance with math. Free online tutoring is also
available. See MathOL Support for details
and schedules. That page also links to graphing calculator help sites.
If you have a disability or medical condition of which I should be aware, please let me know. Any student requiring auxiliary aids, services, or other accommodations should contact the Disability Support Services office at 992-2580 or 992-2835 (TTY) as soon as possible.
Anyone interfering with the educational process is subject to summary removal by the instructor and may be referred to the Dean of Students for disciplinary or other action.
You are expected to conduct yourself with integrity. You must comply with the Clark College Student Rights and Responsibilities Act and the Clark College Student Code of Conduct (www.clark.edu/about_clark/policies/student_code.php). If you cheat, or aid someone else in cheating, you violate a trust and do yourself and the college a disservice.
You WILL NOT:
You WILL:
Failure to abide by these rules or any suspicion of cheating will result in the following actions:
You are expected to treat your classmates, your Professor, and all College employees with respect and professionalism.
Originally written: 2000-05-25
Last revision:
2010-01-02 12:28 AM
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Copyright ©
1999
Sally J. Keely. All Rights Reserved.
www.InteGreat.ca/OL
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