Elementary Algebra
with Applications Online |
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| Skills: |
| Motivation:
To successfully complete an independent study type course you must be able to motivate yourself to study. Procrastination is the single biggest reason for poor performance in these courses. If you stick with this course, you will learn something more important than math. You will be able to take control of your own learning. |
| Navigate the Internet and Web Sites:
You should be able to access a web site given its web address. You should be able to explore a web site by clicking links and using the browser's forward and back buttons. |
| Send and Receive E-mail and Attachments:
E-mail is a critical means of communicating with your instructor. You won't need to use attachments very often (maybe not at all). But, they can come in handy in case there is trouble accessing a web site. Your instructor can send critical files to you as attachments if you are having trouble accessing them through the web site. |
| Download and/or Install Programs:
There are two programs (Math XL and Adobe Acrobat Reader) that must be loaded on your computer to access necessary information. Math XL is essentially an online textbook. It contains text pages, tutorials, tests etc. Adobe Acrobat Reader is used to access printable files such as the syllabus. You may already have it. This program is available for free. Look below under the materials section for links to these programs. |
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| Text: Elementary Algebra
Concepts and Applications, Bittinger & Ellenbogen, Seventh
Edition. Website: http://mathxl.com Students who prefer an entirely electronic course will purchase the Math XL Student Stand-Alone 12-month Access Kit 2/E. It is available from the SWTC Bookstore for approximately $35.00 (This is the option most students have been choosing lately.) Students who prefer to study with a hardcopy textbook will purchase the ValuePack, from the SWTC Bookstore (approximately $110.00). This package consists of the Textbook ( Elementary Algebra Concepts and Applications, Bittinger & Ellenbogen, 7th Edition), the Math XL 12-month Student Coupon 2/E, and the Digital Video Tutor 7/E which contains video lessons on CD.
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| Scientific Calculator:
Any calculator listed as a scientific calculator will work just fine. You can find them at any discount store (K-Mart, Wal-Mart, etc) from $10.00 to $15.00. (TI 30xa or higher recommended) |
| E-mail Account:
E-mail is the primary means of communicating with your instructor. If you own a computer and have Internet access then you will have a e-mail account through your Internet provider. There are also a number of providers that offer free e-mail accounts. Microsoft and Yahoo are two examples. When you send an email make sure to write something in the subject line. Emails without subjects are considered spam and automatically "trashed". |
| Computer with Internet Access: A Windows operating system and a supported version of Microsoft Internet Explorer is required. A high speed internet connection (Cable or DSL) is preferred if you choose not to purchase the textbook and necessary for students planning to use the online animations and videos. A dial-up connection is sufficient for students planning to purchase the textbook and use just the exercise tutorials and online testing. You must download and install certain plug-ins and players. You will be guided through this process by the Math XL Installation Wizard. |
| Additional Web Sites: The Elementary Algebra Web Site (You're looking at it right now) contains the information students need to navigate through the course. The Math/Science Resource Center a large collection of math and science materials developed by instructors at Southwest Tech including some materials that are required for this course. |
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Software: |
