1. Instructor Information:
   1. Contact information
   2. Educational philosophy
2. Technical Information:
   1. Class websites
   2. Technology requirements
3. Waitlist, Late Add, and Attendance Policies:
   1. Waitlist and late add information
   2. Late add policy
   3. Attendance and online presence policies
4. Course Requirements, Assessments, and Evaluation:
1. Class participation (CPRs)
2. Daily practice problems (TTEs)
3. Quizzes
4. Final examination
5. Rules governing turned-in work
5. Points and Grades
1. Points possible chart
2. Grade scale and grading policies
6. Distance Learning:
   1. Online community
   2. Discussion board posting guidelines
   3. Profile guidelines
   4. Technical difficulties
7. Supporting Information:
   1. Tutoring, assistance, and support
   2. Student code of conduct
   3. Contractual obligation
8. Refer to your SPECIFIC CLASS SYLLABUS (linked from the "course materials" tab on the MathOL Web at www.InteGreat.ca/OL) for class-specific information (course description, prerequisites, textbooks, MyMathLab course ID code, etc.).

Contact Information:

Professor: Sally Keely, M.S., C.O.I. (Certified Online Instructor)
E-mail address: skeely@clark.edu
Faculty Website: web.clark.edu/skeely
See web.clark.edu/skeely/contact.htm for online and on-campus (BHL-138) office hour schedule, chat/IM links, and information about when I am typically available online.

Educational Philosophy:

I will present mini-lectures and classroom demonstrations utilizing symbolic, numeric, and graphical methods of problem solving. We will accomplish the course objectives through interactive group discussions that support conceptual understanding. Students and professor form a collaborative learning community where we all actively engage in the teaching and 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.

Class Websites:

MoodleRooms (login at moodle.clark.edu) is the CMS (course management system, a.k.a. LMS = learning management system) where you "go to class" and participate in the discussion boards.

MyMathLab (login at www.CourseCompass.com) is where you will study the text and take tests. It contains a complete online version of the textbook, video lectures and/or multimedia demonstrations, interactive tutorial exercises, quizzes, and exams. To register in MyMathLab you will need two codes: an access code that you must purchase and a course ID code that your instructor supplies. See your class syllabus for details.

Prof. Keely's Mathematics Online Web (www.InteGreat.ca/OL) provides supplemental resources including FAQs. You never have to visit this site.

Technology Requirements:

Daily access to a high-speed internet connected computer is necessary. See FAQs - software and plug-ins for list of required software. See FAQs - required computer skills for list of computer/technical skills you need prior to entering this online class.

Clark students have free student Gmail accounts. You must activate your Clark Student Gmail and either have messages forwarded to your usual email account or check it at least every 48 hours. This is the only email address you should use for class communications with the instructor. See FAQs - clark student gmail activation and forwarding directions.

An electronic grapher is required. This may be a free online graphing program, graphing software on your computer, or a handheld graphing calculator. See FAQs - graphers and FAQs - calculators.

Waitlist and Late Add Information:

The waitlist is operated by the registration department and faculty cannot override it. The waitlist ends on the evening of the Wednesday before the term begins. Check your waitlist status.

During Thursday - Sunday before the term starts AND Monday - Tuesday the first two days of the term anyone can add a class that isn't full without needing instructor permission. If you are trying to add the class, watch the class status carefully during that time and jump on any opening.

Starting on Wednesday day three of the term instructor permission is required to add. I will not overload the class, but if a class has an opening on that Wednesday I may be able to add new students. To fill any open spots I will only provide signed add slips to students who: (1) emailed me and requested the email version of the class orientation, and (2) completed it and emailed it back to me. If I have an opening I will email add slips to students in the order completed orientations were returned to me. If you are granted an add slip you must register a.s.a.p. as it is only good that day. Check your Clark Student Gmail frequently!

Starting at noon on Thursday day four of the term I am very unlikely to permit any late adds.

Late Add Policy:

If you add a class on or after the first day of the term, you will be provided access to the online class in MoodleRooms a few hours after registering. You must login to class on the day the college first provides you access and complete all the class requirements to date that you have missed (e.g. complete the "start here" orientation items posted there) and attend class the following day as well. I reserve the right to drop late-added students if all the first-week class requirements and this two-consecutive-day attendance rule are not met in a timely manner.

Attendance and Online Presence Policies:

DAY #1-2: You must login to your class in MoodleRooms on both day #1 and day #2 and complete all the "Start Here" orientation requirements listed there by their deadlines or risk being withdrawn from class under Clark's "No-Show" Policy www.clark.edu/admissions_fin_aid/registration/attendance_enrollment.php.

REST OF TERM: Attend class and post regularly! Neglect to do so and you will suffer grade penalties. Throughout the term your goal should be to come to class and participate in the discussions at least every other day.

• Attendance (reading the discussion boards) is required a minimum of three days each week (preferably spread out but they may be consecutive). To be in attendance for the day you must logon to your CMS (MoodleRooms), enter your math class, read the announcements, and read the posts in that week's discussion board. 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 week that you fail to post any messages to that week's discussion board your final course grade may be reduced by one-third of a letter grade (e.g. from a B to a B-).
  
  
• See FAQs - attendance vs. online presence vs. participation

This course requires your daily attention and online participation. Be an active participant! Don't procrastinate! The course activities and requirements are intended to provide you with ample opportunities to learn the material and for progress feedback. I expect you to work hard and to be successful! I too pledge to be active in the classroom and help make the class a success.

A typical day in this class requires you to ... Refer to the class calendar. It is your guide to the daily schedule, readings, handouts, and deadlines. Read any materials (e.g. lesson notes) and investigate any links listed. Study the e-text sections listed (in MyMathlab watch the video lecture, read the e-text, work tracked tutorial exercises). Login to your CMS (MoodleRooms) and participate in that week's discussion board by reading any new messages and joining your classmates and instructor in the threaded conversations.

Class Participation Requirements (CPRs):

Class participation is a major part of your overall grade (10 points per week). This class is designed on a collaborative learning model with the weekly discussion boards at its heart. Your class participation goal should be to read and contribute substantively to the threads on the weekly discussion board at least every other day.

To earn the full 10 participation points for the week you must post to that week's discussion board (DB1, DB2, etc.):

A substantive message is one that is mathematically relevant to the class and advances the discussion significantly. Substantive messages contain comments that are clear, thorough, well thought out, in your own words from your own understanding, timely, and that meet appropriate academic standards. They may include new ideas or examples, build on another's comments, suggest alternative solutions, point out obstacles in a solution process, or provide pointed follow-up questions. Generally, a message that discusses mathematical processes using mathematical terminology would be substantive. Note: messages shorter than 75 words might not be considered substantive. See FAQs - examples of substantive and unsubstantive messages.

A mathematically substantive message is a substantive message that also includes mostly-accurate mathematical steps using mostly-correct mathematical notation/format showing all work along with explanations to justify the steps.

NOTES:

1. No CPR points will be granted for messages posted during the 12-hour "dead zone" noon to midnight Saturday. See FAQs - dead zone. For definitions of "day" and "week" see FAQs - what day of the week is the end of the week.
2. Participation points are earned on that week's discussion board only (DB1, DB2, etc.). Posts to any other boards do NOT earn participation points.
3. No attached files! All work must be shown in the body of the message and not in an attached file. Embedded graphics (e.g. graphs, diagrams, screenshots) are fine, but separate files attached to the post may not earn participation points at my discretion. See FAQs - attachments for more information.
4. Logistic (e.g., Where is the assignment?), technical (e.g., How do I download ...), or social messages (e.g., Happy Birthday!) do NOT count toward class participation or online presence at all. Such messages should be posted to the "General Q&A" discussion board not the weekly discussion board. Labeling a message as substantive, logistic, etc. is at my discretion. See FAQs - categorizing posts.
5. The last time CPR points can be earned is noon Friday of week 10 or noon on the "last day of ___ quarter classes" (as published by the Clark College Registrar) whichever comes first. In summer term the last time CPR points can be earned is noon Thursday of the last week of class.
6. For even more details about CPRS see the Q&As starting at FAQs - CPRs. Useful info!

Daily Practice Problems (TTEs):

This class has NO graded assignments or traditional homework. Instead points are earned from class participation (CPRs on the weekly discussion board), quizzes, and exams. However, success in mathematics requires regular practice, so you should work daily practice problems. For these I recommend that in each section you work at least every other TTE = tracked tutorial exercise (online in MyMathLab) and take advantage of the self-help features such as "help me solve this". See FAQs - homework and FAQs - TTE for more details.

Quizzes:

There will be a weekly, biweekly, or semi-weekly quiz 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. For quiz information specific to your class see your class calendar > Unit 1B > "Quiz Info" (in red).

All quizzes will be conducted online using a publisher's online testing system (MyMathLab). 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 only be accessible for a couple of days and cannot, under any circumstances, be taken outside that window of accessibility.

Quizzes may cover material in the e-text, assigned readings, lesson notes, class postings, and related materials. Quiz questions will be short answer or multiple choice. Some questions may require work be shown but most will not. In some classes quizzes may include an untimed "take-home" portion where work will need to be shown and submitted by email.

When taking the quiz, you may refer to your notes, the e-text, any other printed resources, and use a 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 can be taken.

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 is completed by the due date/time and submitted properly.

After the due date/time you may review your quiz, see the correct answers, and discuss the quiz problems with your classmates in the "Quiz # thread" on the weekly discussion board. See FAQs - quiz info (and the questions that follow it) for more information about the quizzes.

Final Examination:

A mandatory comprehensive final exam is required in all math classes. It is conducted online using the same testing system as the quizzes. The final exam is timed, can only be taken once, is accessible for a couple of days only, and cannot be taken outside that window of accessibility. A "final exam information sheet" containing additional details about the final exam is/will be linked after Unit 10 on your class calendar.

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 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 riight to require you to take without notes/text either an oral examination in my office or a proctored assessment in an on-campus testing center rinstead 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.

Rules Governing Turned-in Work:

LATE work earns zero credit, even in the event of a technical difficulty.

If I feel that the work you turned-in (including quizzes and exams) 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 without notes/text either an oral examination in my office or a proctored assessment 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.

Points Possible Chart:

The total points possible are listed below by class length. See Due Dates Charts for printable version of due dates with points.

Grade Scale and Grading Policies:

Your course grade will be determined by the percentage of the total possible points that you accumulate throughout the class. Course grades are calculated by dividing your total points accumulated by the total points possible, rounding decimals down to the nearest whole percent, and letter grades assigned according to the following scale:

NOTES:

1. Failing to meet the attendance / online presence requirements may impact your final course grade.
2. I reserve the right to make an adjustment to your final calculated grade, up or down, sometimes significantly, based on my professional assessment of your overall level of understanding of the material and preparedness to be successful using skills gained in this course.
3. 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.
4. See What do A,B,C letter grades really mean?
5. 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 email or by phone.

Online Community:

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 login regularly, read every post on the weekly discussion board, and contribute with frequent substantive messages. We all share the responsibility for the development of the class through active collaboration. Also see Why does this class require participation on the discussion boards?.

Discussion Board Posting Guidelines:

When posting to the class discussion boards please use appropriate etiquette. See FAQs - DB etiquette.

Online written communications depend on properly formatted messages and math expressions. Math expressions can be typed online in a number of ways including plain text, ASCII, HTML, or using an external equation editor. Discussion board messages and tests will be graded on what you actually write and not on what you might have meant. Format them carefully! See How do I post mathematics notation online?.

Profile Guidelines:

You are encouraged to create a profile in your CMS. See How do I edit my MR profile? What information should I provide?. Note: Keep your profile and profile photo academically appropriate! If any profile information or photo is deemed inappropriate by the instructor for any reason you may be blocked from the classroom until it is fixed and you may not make-up any consequentially lost points.

Technical Difficulties:

All deadlines are strict. No late work will be accepted. Nothing can be "made-up" even in the event of technical difficulties. Technology and the internet do fail sometimes, so, don't procrastinate. If you are having trouble posting to the discussion board or accessing the class materials, get help immediately as every day you delay may cost you points. For technical assistance see: MoodleRooms tech support or MyMathLab/CourseCompass tech support.

Tutoring, Assistance, and Support:

Your #1 source of help is each other! Participate on the weekly 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 a real-time chat room. Meeting times can be arranged via the "General Q&A" discussion board.

If you are able to come to campus, there are several drop-in mathematics help centers where you can get free assistance with math. Free online assistance is also available. See Math & STEM Help Center Schedules. The Mathematics Division Website and the Math Division's Online Math Program Web list several resources and documents aimed at helping you to be successful in mathematics.

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.

If you ever need help with this course please contact me at once. I am available for help online on the discussion boards, by email, during my online office hours, or by appointment. I am available for help on campus during my campus office hours or in my math help center hours (if any).

Student Code of Conduct:

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:

1. Discuss quizzes or exams with anyone until after the due time.
2. Use student/instructor email addresses for any non-class related use.
3. Plagiarize work or violate copyrights.
4. Cheat in any manner. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, plagiarizing work, copying/swapping/sharing answers on tests or assignments, or illicitly giving or receiving help on tests or assignments.

You WILL:

1. Take all online quizzes and exams by yourself without assistance from others.
2. Contact me at once with details, anonymously if you prefer, if a classmate asks you to cheat or help them cheat. Failure to do so is considered cheating in itself.

Failure to abide by these rules or any suspicion of cheating will result in the following actions:

1. You will earn zero credit on the work (test, assignment, etc.) where the cheating occurred. This grade cannot be dropped. The second incidence of cheating will result in an "F" in the class and permanent removal from the classroom.
2. A report of the incident may be sent to the Dean of Students who may file the report in your permanent record or take further disciplinary action such as suspension or expulsion from the college.

You are expected to treat your classmates, your professor, and all college employees with respect and professionalism.

Contractual Obligation:

I consider this math online syllabus and your individual class syllabus to be contracts between you and I. I agree to abide by all of the policies and procedures contained herein, and by staying in the class, so too do you. If there is anything in either document with which you cannot or will not abide, you should withdraw at once. This syllabus is the ruling document in the event of a conflict with stated college or DL policies.