Frequently Asked Questions for Online Math 20 Classes
Frequently Asked Questions:
Please read this information in its entirety. The details of and logistics of the class are explained below with these frequently asked questions and answers.
Q) Will I need to truly understand fractions and story problems to pass this class?
A) Yes. You will not be able to pass the exams without truly understanding these, and many other topics. If your plan is to take this class because you’ve been avoiding math and finally need to take it, know that you will also need to commit to truly learning the material in order to pass. Doing all of the homework will not be sufficient. Learning, understanding, studying, and remembering will be needed.
Q) When will I get access to class and how do I access the class?
A) You will have access to Desire2Learn (D2L) the Friday before the term starts. You log into Desire2Learn from your MyPCC account. There will be a Desire2Learn link at the left on the main screen.
Q) Do I need to come to a PCC campus during the term?
A) No. You may choose to come to campus to take the two proctored exams. The exams are usually scheduled Monday, 12pm or 5pm, during week 6 and the last week of the term. You may also choose to come to campus for free tutoring in our centers or to take advantage of other campus resources.
Q) How does the online course work?
A) For this class you will be given regularly scheduled homework, practice quizzes, discussion posts and proctored exams. All of which must be completed by certain deadlines. You will be given access to a syllabus and online course content and/or video lessons (short clips of an instructor explaining each concept). This online class is not self-paced.
Q) Are the chances of doing well online the same as a course that meets face to face?
A) No. Typically online passing rates are much lower than face to face courses. Online math courses have around a 50% – 60% passing rate. On average student do better, in math 20, and in all math classes, when they are able to come to a physical class. The reason for such low passing rates can be attributed to students not being aware of the personal characteristics required to succeed online, or ignoring the essential informational messages below. If you are taking an online course because the face to face course you wanted to take was full this is not a wise decision. You should take an online course because you have researched it, and it is a good fit for your learning style. Please continue reading.
Q) What type of student should take an online course?
A) An online student should have available time to go over the material, do homework and study. Online math classes take between 10 and 15 hours each week, on average. Some students will need to put in more than 15 hours weekly to be successful. Online students need to be able to study independently and have the time to do so. Online students need to be able to learn mathematics by reading and watching videos, and they need to understand that learning a concept takes time and be able to persevere when concepts don’t make sense. Online students need to communicate with the instructor and other students in writing via discussion boards. Online students must have solid time management skills! Student who generally procrastinate, do not do well in online math courses. Online students need to be able to work through computer issues such as a video is not working, need to update Java, is willing to call the helpdesk to work through computer issue Finally, online students must not have prior commitments that will make logging in and participating not possible (ex: getting married, going on vacation, having surgery, other medical conditions, taking too many courses, working too many hours).
Q) I am taking an online course because I do not have much time to study and I am hoping it is easier. Is this correct?
A) An online environment is much harder than a face to face course. You have to be very disciplined and make sure you have a set schedule of when you will study. If you have a hard time motivating yourself to study then an online environment is not for you.
Please note that when you take a face-to-face class you can sit passively and obtain information by the exchange of information between teacher and student. That component is missing here. Do not take this course if you are taking a full class load and working. Leave yourself free time that you can use when emergencies arise. If you have a schedule that has no free time available, then you are setting yourself up for failure.
Suppose you get ill and fall behind a few days -this occurs in on-line environments as well. If you are only taking two classes it should be possible to catch up. But if you are taking three and working full time, then it will be more difficult to do so. Furthermore, the class starts quickly (a chapter a week), and the pace continues throughout. You should check out the course on the first day of availability and make sure you can meet those initial assignment deadlines. If you wait until Tuesday of the first week of the term to actually start studying, it is too late. Here is a quote from as student:
This term has been a difficult one for me. I will admit to not having given this class the attention it deserves thus far, and sadly, it is because it is an online class, and because my physical classes serve as a constant reminder twice a week as to what needs to be accomplished
Online math classes take between 10 and 15 hours each week, on average. Many students will need to put in more than 15 hours weekly to be successful.
Q) When should I start the course?
A) No later than the first Monday of the term. I am expecting you to access and begin to complete early assignments in the course starting the first Monday of the term. How well you do in the course is often determined in the first few days. Also, when you access the D2L course and participate in the activities it is the equivalent of attending a face-to-face course. You are given early access so that you can be sure this is the right class for you, and, in case you have more time to study on the weekends, rather than those first official start days of the term.
Q) When are the first assignments due and how long might they take?
A) There are two mandatory assignments that are due the first Wednesday of the term. This is why, in the first few days are so important. You will need to familiarize yourself with all of the course material, find, complete, and submit the first assignment. Depending on your learning and reading rate, it will take approximately 2.5 – 6 hours to get yourself familiar with the class site, take the necessary steps to get signed up for and logged into ALEKS and to complete both mandatory requirements (within d2l and ALEKS). Students who do not complete the first assignments as directed will be dropped. However, it is up to you to make sure to drop yourself, or confirm the drop has gone through if you are not planning on attending (i.e. Do not rely on me to drop you.)
Q) What material is required for the class?
A) You are required to purchase a ALEKS access which includes the e-book, or purchase the new physical textbook which will include an insert with a code for ALEKS access. (Note the cost is really in the online learning ALEKS technology we use. Getting a used book without the code will not work.) You do not need to purchase the access/book in advance. If you are not sure if this is the class for you, you should not purchase ALEKS/book. You will be able to access the e-book and our online learning platform temporarily, with or without the book.
Math 20 Textbook and Online Access :NEW: Basic College Mathematics. ISBN 9781259732195. Miller. 3rd edition bundled with Alex Access Code.
Please wait for to read the class syllabus before purchasing the e-book.
Q) Do I actually have to go to the bookstore to get my textbook?
A) No, you can purchase ALEKS access/et-ext online or order the text online through the PCC bookstore website. However students choosing to have their book shipped have had difficulty getting it in time in the past.
Q) I have taken this class in face to face format and not passed. Since I have already seen the material I should do well. Is this true?
A) Consider the required traits/scenarios mentioned above, the warnings issued so far and to follow. Having taken this class before and passed or failed should not be taken into consideration at all. Look at the reasons for your success or failure and ask yourself how you will translate either into the online format.
Q) How do I know if I am ready?
A) If you go to the following link and complete the questions. Carefully follow the directions. If you are not ready for math 20, you should register for ABE 0782.
www.pcc.edu/staff/pdf/552/AREYOUPREPAREDFORMATH20.pdf
Q) What if I read all of this and now I’m overwhelmed?
A) On one hand, there was a lot to read. If you have not avoided math in life, have the time and commitment to learn throughout the term, take a breath and get ready for a great term.
On the other hand, if you’ve avoided math throughout life and are worried about your most basic skills, know that we do offer math preparation classes, (ALC 20 and ABE 0782). You can search these courses or connect with me, (dedwards@pcc.edu) for information.
Q) How do I get into the class if it is full?
A) Put yourself on the wait list as soon as possible, if one is available. Prior to the start of the term you may be automatically added to the class. Enrolled students routinely change their mind and move out of the class. When this happens, students from the wait list are moved into the class. If you are still on the wait list on the first day of classes, or that Friday before the class starts, send me an e-mail on that first Monday morning, or the prior Friday, of the term. I may be able to add students at that time.
Q) What should I do if I want to join the class and the wait list is full or there is no wait list?
A) Check the wait list/class availability daily. Students often change their mind about their courses. Space often becomes available and you will be able to put yourself on the wait list or into the class.
Q) What should I do if I am still not in the class the week before the start of the term?
A) You should send me an e-mail from your MyPCC e-mail account on the Thursday or Friday before the term begins, (and no later than the first Monday morning of the term), and let me know that you are interested in joining my class. If you are on the wait list I will let you know if I will be able to add you to my class. If you are not on the wait list, I will let you know whether or not I am still adding students.
Q) What am I responsible for if I was able to add the class late?
A) You will still be responsible for meeting all of the class deadlines. You will not be able to make up any work if you have already missed the deadline. No deadlines will be extended.
***For Technical questions, go to the college helpdesk site at: http://www.pcc.edu/resources/help%2Ddesk/, or call the helpdesk at 503-977-8222.