Online Course Online Course Syllabus for CRN

Valencia College
MAT 1033 Intermediate Algebra - Online Course
Online Course Syllabus for CRN 30542 - Summer 2015 (6-week course)
Instructor:
Office:
Phone:
Email:
Dr. Gisela Acosta-Carr.
East Campus, 4-229
(407) 582-2754
gacosta@valenciacollege.edu
Student Engagement Hours (office hours):
On-campus hours (Bldg. 4-229):
TR 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Online hours (Acosta’s email):
MW 6:00 – 7:45 p.m.
F
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
*Individual appointments are available upon request.
This syllabus is a contract between the student and the instructor. By attending this course, the
student agrees to the terms and conditions of this contract. It is the responsibility of the student to
carefully read this syllabus/contract, and to adhere to all policies and procedures within.
This course uses Plato-Academic Systems Algebra. You are required to obtain the
Validation Code Kit (East Campus Bookstore) to access your math lessons. See the section
"Required Educational Materials" on page 2 of this syllabus for specific details. All tests in
this course are proctored.
Course Description: MAT 1033C Intermediate Algebra
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MAT 0022C or MAT 0028C, MAT 0055 or MAT 0056,
or appropriate score on an approved assessment. This course presents algebraic skills for MAC
1105. Topics include linear equations and inequalities in two variables and their graphs, systems
of linear equations and inequalities, introductions to functions, factoring, algebraic functions,
rational equations, radical and rational exponents, complex numbers, quadratic equations,
scientific notation, applications of the above topics and the communication of mathematics.
Applications emphasizing connections with disciplines and the real world will be included.
Do not assume that this class is undemanding because it is an online course. This course is
challenging and time consuming; it is convenient, but not easier than a regular classroom course.
Only highly motivated, disciplined, and organized students who can follow and complete all
tasks responsibly are successful in this online course. The math lessons are clearly explained and
you will have the learning resources to help you.
I will be here to lead and guide you, and be a facilitator of learning. Since I care about your
academic success, I will be providing you a quality-learning environment throughout the
academic term. In this course, you will have the opportunity to learn skills that will be relevant to
future courses and to your professional career.
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Time Commitment:
Note that an online course may need more time commitment than an onsite course. Since this is
an online course, the on-site class hours a week that you would normally use to attend lectures
should be spent online reading the textbook, watching the provided learning resources (Power
Points, videos), working through practice exercises, completing provided worksheets, and taking
tests. Any college course also requires at least 2 hours of study-time for every lecture hour. Thus,
you should allocate at least another 6 hours a week on study time activities, such as working on
assigned homework, practicing exercises, and studying for assessments. This course may take
more time than you expect.
Valencia Core competencies: TVCA
Valencia faculty has defined four interrelated competencies (Value, Think, Communicate, Act)
that prepare students to succeed in the world community. These competencies are outlined in
the College Catalog. In this course, through class activities, discussion, and other learning
endeavors, you will further develop your mastery of the aforementioned competencies. Due to
the nature of these global competencies, many problems and activities will be presented in the
context of applications. These will require students to select appropriate information from the
problem and communicate effectively how to arrive at an appropriate solution to the problem.
Required Educational Materials:
a) In addition to a computer to access your online lessons, you will need the following math
software: ACADEMIC SYSTEMS ALGEBRA, Validation Code Kit, from Plato. (Purchase at
the Online section of East's bookstore.)
DO NOT buy the regular classroom course textbook, or any other
code, or any other booklet, even if the bookstore staff tells you to
acquire those! We only use the Academic Systems Algebra (Plato)
software!
NOTE: If you used Academic Systems (Plato) in a previous course, you need to acquire a new Validation
Code Kit for this term; this is a different course.
b) Calculator: A graphing calculator is required for this course. TI-83, TI-83+, TI-84, or
TI84+ are recommended. Calculators that do symbolic manipulations likeTI-89, TI-92, TI-Nspire
CAS, and Voyage200, etc. will not be allowed on tests. Online tutorials for the graphing
calculator will be provided via the course Blackboard site. These tutorials are very user-friendly
and provide a step-by-step demonstration on how to use the calculator. The professor will
provide additional handouts on the use of the graphing calculator.
Graphing Calculator Online Workshop:
In addition to all the resources posted in Blackboard to help you with the graphing calculator, I
am planning to offer an online workshop on the use of this calculator, where I will give you a
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"live" demonstration on how to use the grapher. Students will need to use the graphing
calculator throughout this course, including tests. I will be presenting this workshop via
GoToWebinar, a web conferencing tool that will allow us to meet online.
The graphing calculator webinar will be scheduled towards the end of the first week of classes.
As soon as the term begins, it is important that you check your Atlas email and/or Blackboard
announcements for details on how to register for this online "live" graphing calculator workshop.
This graphing calculator workshop is optional and it is not a mandatory activity for this class.
However, please consider taking advantage of this learning opportunity; it will definitely help
you!
Online Instruction Delivery System (Course Platform):
To be able to take this course, you must have a computer with Internet access and -of coursemust know how to use it. This course is delivered via Blackboard and Academic Systems
Algebra (Plato). You will complete your math lessons and online homework using the Plato
software and take all your tests via Blackboard. (All tests will be proctored at an approved
testing center.)
Course Access: Blackboard 9.1 (BB = Blackboard Learn 9.1 throughout this document.)
BB course page: http://learn.valenciacollege.edu/
Login for BB: Use your ATLAS Username and Password
Attendance Policy:
Due to the nature of this online course, on-campus attendance in the traditional sense cannot be
enforced. However, the frequency of your visitations to the course sites will be monitored.
In the event of an extended absence -that is, not logging onto course sites (BB and/or Plato) for
more than 3 days, or not replying to my emails in a timely manner (within 48 hours)- you must
contact me as soon as possible to indicate the reason for the inactivity. Before the withdrawal
deadline, if your absences become extreme (3 days or more), you may receive an excessive
absence notification and may be withdrawn from this course for noncompliance with the
requisites of the course.
After the withdrawal deadline, you cannot -for any reason- withdraw from this course and
obtain a grade of “W.” *Please check the "No-Show" policy on page 14 for more details on
online attendance requirements.
Communications:
This is an online course; therefore, we will communicate mainly electronically, via Valencia's
email and through the course site (BB).You must check your ATLAS emails and the course
announcements (BB) regularly as to not miss any important messages from the instructor!
Note: The Academic Systems (Plato) software allows you to create messages and communicate
via email with your instructor. You will disregard this Plato feature!
You will always use my email address to communicate with me:
gacosta@valenciacollege.edu
Please remember to include “Acosta-Online 1033” on the subject line of the email, followed by
the nature of your message, so that your email will have priority. To protect my computer from
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any virus, I will delete without opening any email with no subject. All communications should
follow appropriate etiquette. Email should be used in a professional way. Always put identifying
information in the subject line. Use appropriate language and include your name so that I know
who you are. If you call my office and wish to leave me a voice mail, please repeat your name
and telephone number twice; voicemail is used best if you leave a concise, but detailed message.
Since I am not always in my office, an email will have a faster response than a voice mail.
IMPORTANT: Since I will be sending all my communications to your Valencia email
account, please remember that you must delete old messages from your mailbox; otherwise,
if you exceed the quota, your Valencia mailbox will not accept any more and you will not
receive my weekly emails. I have no control of your email account, so please check this
regularly.
Be sure to check your Valencia email at least 2-3 times a week (daily during the first weeks
of the term!). It is recommended that you do not forward your Valencia mail to an outside
account like hotmail or yahoo, etc. due to the fact that email from Valencia may be tagged as
spam, therefore not delivered. If you decide to forward your Valencia email to a personal email
account, make sure that it is not rejected!
All emails and/or phone calls will receive my response in a timely fashion. You should expect
my reply within a 24-48hr period, excluding Saturdays and Sundays (unless there is an
emergency). If time permits, I will also get back to you during weekends. On the other hand,
when you receive any email from me that requires your response, I expect you to reply in a
timely fashion as well. Again, I will be communicating with you on a regular basis,
therefore, it is crucial that you check your emails and any announcements via BB
frequently, so that you are always on track.
Not checking my emails or BB announcements will not be accepted as an excuse for missing
required tasks; missed announcements and/or emails may affect your grade and are the
responsibility of the student.
Work Requirement:
Instruction in this course does not involve classroom lectures. A Power Point presentation will
provide you with an orientation for this online class and may be viewed through the course BB
site. Please be sure to watch it as soon as Blackboard opens the first day of the term!
In this online course, you will learn the math concepts and contexts through computer-generated
lessons via the Academic Systems Algebra (Plato) software. All the computerized learning
modules use text, sound, graphics, animation, and video. This multimedia approach has the
potential to accommodate your individual learning style. You will interact with the computer to
complete all the assigned modules. All instructional materials used throughout the course, as
well as the scheduled activities, support and promote the achievement of the stated learning
outcomes and unit learning objectives. (You can find the course learning outcomes and unit
learning objectives on the BB page.) I will act as facilitator and will guide you in your learning
experience.
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Follow these instructions to access your Academic Systems Algebra
(Plato) math lessons:
A. Technical Specifications
* Internet connectivity is required.
You will need to turn off the pop-up blockers (from Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google, Yahoo,
or any other browser); if you do not wish to turn them off, make sure that they accept pop-ups
from the Plato lessons site: https://asalgebra.platoweb.com/
For example, if you use Internet Explorer, you would go to Tools, select Pop-up blocker, and
click to select Turn off pop-up blocker. If you use Firefox, you would go to Tools, select
Options, go to the Content tab and allow pop-ups from https://asalgebra.platoweb.com/
Below are links to instructions on how to disable common pop-up blockers:
 Internet Explorer's pop-up blocker
 Safari and Firefox on Mac Pop-up Blocker
 Firefox's pop-up blocker
 Google Chrome's pop-up blocker
 Google Toolbar's pop up blocker
 Yahoo Toolbar's pop-up blocker
* It is recommended that students use Internet Explorer (rather than Firefox, Chrome, or others)
to access the math software.
* If you use a MAC computer, please update your software via the Apple Software Updates
control panel.
B. Follow these steps to access your computerized math lessons
Print these steps so that you can follow them straightforwardly:
Read all the steps (1-7) before you begin to self-enroll!
1. Purchase the math software Academic Systems Algebra Validation Code Kit at the East
Campus bookstore.
NOTE: Each course has a different license; therefore, if you used Academic Systems (Plato) in
any previous course – if applicable – you need to acquire a new Validation Code Kit for
Intermediate Algebra.
DO NOT BUY ANY OTHER TEXTBOOK, OR CODE, OR
BOOKLET FOR THIS COURSE!!! You only need the PlatoAcademic Systems Algebra Validation Code Kit.
NOTE: You can use Plato without entering the Validation Code through May 19, 2015.
Once the grace period is over, you must enter your Validation Code to continue using Plato
and remain in this class.
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2. You will use the following link to access the lessons and self-enroll in the system:
https://asalgebra.platoweb.com/
3. When you see the screen shown next, follow the subsequent steps the register.
a) Your Account Login will always be: VCC
b) The first time you login, your computer “Plato Name” will be:
1g0@aco3sta
Note: 0 is the number, and o is the letter.
c) Your temporary “Password” will be the same as your Plato Name (that is, type in the
same data from step “b”).
1g0@aco3sta
Note: 0 is the number, and o is the letter.
d) ***Register only once. If you register more than one time, you may have problems
accessing the system!
4. Once you login, type your personal information in the provided fields. “Plato name” will be
your unique username. You will choose your new Plato name and your password. (Please
remember these, since I will not have access to your choices!)
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you used Academic Systems Algebra before,
DO NOT TYPE THE SAME PLATO NAME; if you use your old data, it will bring
scores from your previous algebra course!
5. Under email address, please type your ATLAS email address. [NOTE: If you have used
Academic Systems Algebra (ASA) in another course, do not type the same email; type another
email account; we will not be using the email function from ASA, therefore it does not matter
which email you use.] If you do not have another email, make one up, like
[notmyname@none.com]. It does not matter if it does not exist, since you will not be using it!
Again, if you use your old data, it will bring scores from your previous algebra course.
6. Once you have completed all the fields, click NEXT, verify your information, and click OK,
then FINISH. It will take you back to the welcome screen.
7. Now you will be ready to log in with the profile you just created to work on your lessons.
Should you experience any technical issue with self-enrollment, call the Plato technical support
at 1-800-869-2200, and they will help enroll you into the system! Please feel free to email me at
gacosta@valenciacollege.edu should you have any questions on the login process.
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*** Please watch the Power Point orientation I posted on BB for complete
details on the computerized lessons.
Important: Once you have self-enrolled, login to study your math lessons. The
section Getting Started will be done before any other lessons. This will show
you how to work with the software!
After you study the Getting Started section, then for each computerized math lesson, you will
follow this order (unless stated otherwise on the Weekly Schedule):
1. Complete the sections EXPLAIN (the actual math lesson) and APPLY (the practice problems).
2. Do the ONLINE HOMEWORK. (You will always disregard the Offline Homework.)
Note: The Plato math lessons include a little circle that will show as solid when you have
completed a section; sometimes it appears half-way through, even when you have finished the
required lesson. Once you complete an assigned lesson, do not pay attention to the circles;
I sometimes omit some parts of a lesson that are not required for this course, thus the circle will
not appear solid.
Explain
This section presents the mathematical concepts and procedures through information screens and
practice exercises in an interactive fashion. The Explain forms the instructional core of the math
lesson. This is the most important instructional component!
Apply
Here you will practice the concepts and skills introduced in “Explain” by solving a variety of
problems. You will receive a score for every problem so that you can assess your understanding
of the lesson.
The scores you receive for Explain and Apply are for self-assessment purposes. These will help
you determine how well you have understood the math concepts in the lessons, and will not be
counted in your final grade.
Online Homework
Here you will practice the concepts and skills introduced via the Explain and Apply sections.
You will solve a variety of homework problems and will receive a score for every problem so
that you can assess your understanding of the lesson. You may retake the online homework as
many times as you wish until you get 100% correction. The Online Homework will count
towards your final grade. There are deadlines for the homework problems; check the Weekly
Schedule for all deadlines. (Again, disregard the Offline Homework link.)
Computer/Technical Support for Plato:
Should you run into any technical problem while working on your computer lessons, you can use
the following Academic Systems Algebra “911” lines for computer/technical questions...not
math questions:
1. Reach technical support 1-800-869-2200
2. Plato support: https://support.plato.com/Edmentum_Knowledge_Base/ASA_Solutions/
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When to not contact Plato?
For questions on the content of a particular math lesson or homework problem, or any other math
related questions, you will email Dr. Acosta at gacosta@valenciacollege.edu, not Plato support.
Lab Component for Online MAT 1033:
These are the requirements to satisfy the lab component in this course:
1. Completion of assigned lab activities that you can do from home. These lab activities can
be found in the Lab Activities folder in BB (see course Weekly Schedule for details).
2. Completion of the assigned Online Homework for each computerized math lesson.
Assessment and Course Evaluation (read this section carefully!):
All assessments/evaluation procedures are consistent with the educational activities and will
appropriately measure the stated learning outcomes and unit-learning objectives (please see BB
for all learning outcomes).
1. The Academic Systems Algebra lessons will provide real-time assessment opportunities. You
will receive immediate feedback from the computer as you learn and practice each concept. At
the end of each Explain section, you will see a score screen showing the number and percent
answered correctly on the first attempt. If the answer is wrong on the first try, suggestions are
provided so that you can try again. Following the second attempt, a step-by-step solution is
provided. Similarly, each Apply section ends with a score screen showing the number and
percent answered correctly; a step-by-step solution is also provided.
The scores received on the Explain and Apply modules can be used as a self-assessment, so that
you know how well you understand the concepts. These scores will not be counted on your final
grade. These are the actual math lessons!
Note: It is your responsibility to work ahead of the Weekly Schedule in order to build some
flexibility into the schedule. If you wait until the last minute to perform the required tasks, I am
not responsible for last minute technical difficulties, or other unforeseen circumstances.
2. You will complete Online Homework problems for each section to be covered. Completion of
homework is crucial to student success in any math course! (Disregard the offline homework.)
The online homework will be part of your course grade! There are deadlines for the homework
problems; check the Weekly Schedule for all deadlines.
3. Lab activities (10 points each).There are deadlines for each lab activity; check the Weekly
Schedule for all details and deadlines. These lab activities will count towards your course grade.
How to submit your lab activities:
You will save your lab activity as a pdf file and email these assignments. If you do not have a
scanner, you can email me photos of your lab worksheets using your smart phone, iPad or other
tablet, or other camera devices. You must receive a receipt confirmation email from me every
time you send your lab activities. Without a confirmation email from me, your assignment has
not been received (please wait 24-48 hours to receive a confirmation from me).
4. You will also be required to study 2 calculator handouts and complete 2 worksheets provided
by the instructor (in Blackboard). These worksheets will not be collected. The answer key will be
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provided so that you can check your work. (See the Weekly Schedule for more details.) Some
tests will contain material from these handouts and worksheets!
Again, please do not take the calculator handouts lightly! You will be tested on this
material as well!
Note: This class is Blackboard-based; therefore, the handouts and worksheets and any other
documents will be downloaded from the course BB site.
5. You will take 3 unit tests and a final exam. More information will follow as we approach the
corresponding test dates. Absolutely no extensions will be granted. Each test can only be taken
once. No retakes are allowed.
All tests, including the final exam, must be taken at one of the testing centers at Valencia College
or an approved proctored site (prearrangement is required for the latter).
Here is a link to Valencia's testing centers. It provides information on their locations, contact
information, and hours of operation: Testing Centers - Valencia College You are responsible for
checking your chosen testing center hours of operation before you take a test. Some testing
centers change their hours of operations without any previous notice. Failing to check this will
not be accepted as excuse for missing either of these two exams!
Caution: Most testing centers have shorter hours of operations during the summer
term!
If you have a special request for another testing site (i.e. not at Valencia) you need to let me
know as well; should this be your case, please refer to the Testing Proctoring Guidelines link
found in BB. You need to inform me about your preferred testing site during the first week
of classes.
Students living in the vicinity of one of the Valencia Campuses must take the tests at
Valencia.
You will take each test after completion of the computer lessons, homework, any assigned
handouts, worksheets, lab work, power points, and problems from the study guide for each topic.
(You will find a study guide for each test in Blackboard.)
All tests must be taken according to the Weekly Schedule (found in BB). You can take all
tests/exams at any time on or before the deadline date, but never after! No extensions will be
granted.
If you wait until the last minute to take a test, I am not responsible for last minute technical
difficulties, including availability of Internet connection to Blackboard, accessibility to a
computer at your selected testing center (for proctored exams), etc.
I highly recommend that you never wait until the due date to take a test. Test #1 will be
available by the end of the first week of classes. Subsequent tests will be available 2-4 days after
the previous test's deadline, so plan accordingly.
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Taking Your MAT 1033 Tests:
By the first Wednesday of the term, you must send me an email with the campus/testing site
where you will be taking your online tests. Without this email, I will not know where to send
your test instructions, and you will not be able to take them.
If you are testing outside Valencia, you should make proctoring arrangements during the first
week of classes. See the Testing Proctoring Guidelines link in BB. (Students living in the
vicinity of one of the Valencia Campuses must take their tests at Valencia.)
Most tests in this course are two-part tests. The tests will be submitted electronically via
Blackboard at the testing center. Once you have logged in, under the Course Tools you will
select “Assessments (TESTS),” where you will find both the No-Calculator and Calculator parts
of the tests. When you open the No-Calculator part, the program will ask for a password. The
testing center personnel or proctor will type a password for you.
All tests are closed book/notebook. No notes or formulas will be allowed. You will be allowed to
use paper and pencil for calculations, of course. The testing center will provide the scratch paper,
which will be collected.
You cannot take the tests from home. However, you can take the tests (at the testing center)
at any day/time that is convenient to you, no later than the specified deadlines.
Caution: Some campuses have limited hours, or change their hours of operation without notice.
Most testing centers have shorter hours of operation during the summer term! I recommend
that you call them before taking your tests. Again, not knowing the hours of operation of your
chosen testing center will not be accepted as an excuse for missing the Midterm or Final Exam,
or not having enough time to complete it!
As you answer the test questions, I suggest that you save your answer after each problem you
have completed. By doing this, if the power goes out you will not lose your work. Even if you
save your answers, you can go always go back and change them. Once you finish this part, make
sure you select “Save All Answers,” and click on “Save and Submit.” If you do not submit your
test, it will not be sent and graded. Immediately after you submit your test, the computer will
give you the test score for that part.
Once you finish the No-Calculator part, contact your test proctor to start the Calculator part. The
proctor will again provide a password. When you are done with this second part, make sure you
select Save All Answers,” and click on “Save and Submit.”
You are responsible of making sure that your test is submitted. Should you have any technical
difficulties while submitting your test, you must alert a Testing Center staff member
immediately! The Testing Center specialist must contact me and explain any technical problems
encountered. Make sure that this procedure is strictly followed; if the Testing Center specialist
does not corroborate the problem, you will receive a score of zero if the test is not submitted
properly. It is your responsibility to inform me immediately of any issue you encounter when
taking tests. Informing me afterwards is not an acceptable excuse.
All the tests have no time limit. I recommend that you allow at least two hours to take each test
(two hours or more). Both parts of each test must be taken the same day. Again, since there is no
time limit, there should be no reason to leave any question unanswered because you ran out of
time!
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Schedule your test-taking dates and times efficiently! I am not limiting your time when taking
tests, so please do not limit yourself!
Important: Since all tests have problems from test banks, you can only see your tests in my
office after the tests deadlines. I will be glad to discuss your test performance during my office
hours. I cannot give you a copy of the tests for you to review. Again, you can only review your
test performance during my office hours after the test deadline, and before the due date for the
next test.
Make-Up Policy: NO make-up tests will be given.
If you miss any tests due to a medical or legal emergency (for example, Jury Duty), one missed
test may be replaced by the grade on the final exam only if documentation is received and
approved by the instructor. If the absence is not justified, the final exam’s score may still replace
one missed test, but there will be a penalty of 20 points for having missed the test. If you do not
miss any tests, your final exam's score, if it is higher, can replace your lowest unit test grade
(there will be no point penalty in this case). Only one test score can be replaced with the final
exam's score; if you miss more than one test - for any reason - the other test(s) score will be zero.
No exceptions! Failure to take the final exam will automatically result in an F grade.
Study Guides for Tests
You will find a Study Guide for unit each test in the course’s BB site. Each study guide includes
sample problems. You will access the study guides via the Personal Academic Notebook (PAN)
in the Academic Systems lessons, by clicking the Tools and Resources button, which looks like
this:
***In Blackboard, you will find a document that will guide you, screen-by-screen, on how
to access the PAN and these problems (see the Study Guides folder in BB).
For each test, the study guide will contain review problems that you will complete from the
PAN. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you complete these problems to be prepared for each test.
A word of advice: Test questions are VERY similar to the problems specified on the study
guide.
Grades: The final grade for this course will be derived from the following sources:
Test 1 (testing center)
100 points
Test 2 (testing center)
100 points
Test 3 (testing center)
100 points
Final Exam (testing center)
100 points
Lab Component
(50% activities; 50% online homework)
The grading scale is as follows:
A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
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100 points
D 60-69%
F Below 60%
What it takes to earn each grade:
A
450-500 points
B
400-449 points
*C
350-399 points
D
300-349 points
F
0-299 points
* Minimum grade to pass MAT 1033
Extra Help:
In addition to receiving help from your instructor, you should try to attend your respective
campus math support area. The tutoring services provided by Valencia's math support centers
will help you clarify course content. You can work on any specific College Algebra questions
and you can get help with your required homework problems. All Valencia’s math support
centers are very helpful.
Valencia also offers free online tutoring (7 days/week, 24 hours/day), which is an excellent
resource for online students. You can find the SmartThinking link in Blackboard and in Atlas.
Math Help 24/7:
This Valencia website provides links to video tutorials created by Valencia math professors. The
videos use a variety of technologies, and all simple to view. This link will take you there:
http://valenciacollege.edu/math/liveScribe.cfm (Copy and paste the link to your browser if needed.)
Once you are on the website, you only need to look for the course College Algebra and it will
take you to specific videos for this class. HELPFUL SITE!
Extra Credit:
You can do the online homework as many times as you wish until you get 100%. You can
replace your lowest test grade with the final exam grade (see the Make-Up policy above). You
can earn additional credit for discussion board postings for each test (see BB for details).
Consider this to be your extra credit. Please do not ask for any additional extra credit.
Valencia ID Cards:
Valencia identification cards are required for the Testing Center and Valencia's student support
services, including the Library. No other form of ID at those locations will be accepted.
Possession and utilization of a Valencia ID is mandatory in order to obtain these services. Your
student ID card can be obtained in the Security office on any Campus once you have registered
and paid for your classes. The first student ID card is free. There is a $5 fee for a replacement
card.
Computer/Equipment Use Policy:
Use of computers at Valencia College is restricted to those activities designated by the instructor
to enhance the class materials. Any other use is strictly forbidden. Inappropriate use includes, but
is not limited to:
Use of computer to send email or access Internet sites not specifically assigned in class.
Use of computer for job, internship, homework or other activities not assigned in class.
Modifying any hardware or software system configuration or setting.
Activities not in accordance with the Valencia Student Code of Conduct.
Use of computers in the departmental open lab is limited to those activities involved with
preparing homework or coursework in this department and is subject to the same restriction as
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listed above. Computer use is remotely monitored; any student using computers inappropriately
may be subject to dismissal from class or banishment from the lab. Subsequent offense may be
sent to the campus administration for further disciplinary action.
Rules and Tips for Taking Tests at the Testing Center
You will need at least 2 hours to complete each math test. Whether you are taking your tests at
East Campus or another campus, you are responsible for finding out their hours of operation.
Here is a link to Valencia's Testing Centers. It provides information on their locations, contact
information, and hours of operation: Testing Centers - Valencia College
* Bring your Valencia issued Photo ID, otherwise, you will not be given the test! Not having a
Valencia ID is not an excuse for missing a test!
*All tests are closed book/notebook. No notes or formulas are allowed.
* Do not bring food or beverages to the testing center.
* Cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off and stowed away during testing. If
your phone rings, you will be asked to stop testing and sign out; you will not be able to retake the
test. Ouch! Do not let this happen to you!
* Do not bring a TI-89, TI-92, TI-Nspire-CAS, Voyage 200 or any other graphing calculators
that do symbolic manipulations to the testing center. These will not be accepted!
* All memory and programs should be erased from your calculator before taking tests.
* Allow enough time to take a test. The Valencia Testing Centers will not give a test the last hour
before closing (for example, if the Center closes at 9:00 p.m., the last test is given out at 8:00
p.m.; it will not give a Final Exam within two hours of closing.) Please remember that most
testing centers have shorter hours of operation during the summer term.
* In addition to these rules, your instructor’s test policies will apply.
Academic Honesty:
All students are expected to be in complete compliance with Valencia College’s policies on
academic honesty; see the Valencia College website for details on this policy: Academic Policies
and Procedures). Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to: plagiarism, cheating,
furnishing false information, forgery, alteration or misuse of documents, misconduct during a
testing situation and misuse of identification with intent to defraud or deceive. In no instance will
dishonesty of any type be tolerated in this course. Students who violate any of Valencia’s
academic honesty policies will risk penalties that can go from receiving a grade of “F” to
dismissal from class and/or expulsion from the college. The professor reserves the right to
determine the appropriate penalties within the aforementioned policies
Student Code of Conduct:
Valencia College is dedicated not only to the advancement of knowledge and learning but is
concerned with the development of responsible personal and social conduct. By enrolling at
Valencia, a student assumes the responsibility for knowing and abiding by the rules articulated in
the Student Code of Conduct, 6Hx28:10-03; students are required to see the Valencia Catalog for
full details (here is a link to Valencia's Catalog: http://valenciacollege.edu/catalog/). The primary
responsibility for managing the classroom environment rests with the faculty. Students who
engage in any prohibited or unlawful acts that result in disruption of a class may be directed by
the faculty member to leave the class. Violation of any classroom or Valencia’s rules may lead
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to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from Valencia. Disciplinary action could
include being withdrawn from class, disciplinary warning, probation, suspension, expulsion, or
other appropriate and authorized actions. In addition, Valencia College strives to provide a drugfree learning environment for all those involved in the academic experience.
Policy: In compliance with the provisions of the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities
Act of 1989, Valencia College will take such steps as are necessary in order to adopt and
implement a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and
alcohol by Valencia College students or employees on college premises or as part of any college
activity. The student code of conduct applies to the online classroom environment as well.
Withdrawal:
If you decide to withdraw from this course, you must follow the proper ATLAS procedure.
Students should familiarize themselves with Valencia College’s withdrawal policy. The
withdrawal deadline for this term is June 12, 2015. Per Valencia Withdrawal Policy, a
student cannot withdraw and obtain a grade of W after this deadline. After this withdrawal
deadline, students will only receive a letter grade of A, B, C, D or F.
No-Show Policy!
Important: The U.S. Department of Education requires online students to show attendance by
submitting homework during the first week of classes. The Department of Education has made it
clear that simply logging into an online course does not constitute attendance as an
"academically-related activity." To comply with this Federal law in my class, you must
successfully complete the following assignments:
(1) By the first Wednesday of the term: Send me your first email homework by the first
Wednesday of the term. (Check Blackboard for details!) Your email must come from your
official Valencia email address, and include your chosen campus for taking your proctored
tests. If one of the above is missing, your email will be returned, and you will have not complied
with this assignment.
(2) By the second Tuesday of the term: Complete the Student Introduction assignment, found in
the "Discussions" section in BB.
(3) By the second Tuesday of the term: Complete - with 100% - the Syllabus Quiz found in
Blackboard, and
(4) By the second Tuesday of the term: Complete at least one Online Homework in Plato with a
score of at least 80%.
Any student that does not comply with the Federal requirement -as specified above- will be
dropped from the course as a No-Show.
Important Note: The Syllabus Quiz score will not count towards your final average in this class;
however, this quiz is a class requirement, and is one of several factors that validate your
attendance to this online course within the No-Show policy.
Important Dates:
First day of classes/course site available in Blackboard: Monday, May 11, 2015
Plato opens: Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Plato grace period ends: Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Campus email-first assignment deadline: Wednesday, May 13, 2015 (deadline: 11:59 PM)
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Dept. of Education Attendance Requirement deadline: Tuesday, May 19, 2015 (11:59 PM)
No-Show requisites deadline: Tuesday, May 19, 2015 (11:59 PM)
Drop/Refund Deadline: Monday, May 18, 2015 (11:59 PM)
Withdrawal deadline: Friday, June 12, 2015 (11:59 PM)
the withdrawal deadline.
No "W" grade will be given after
Final Exam deadline (Testing Center): Monday, June 22, 2015.
Academic Support:
In addition to the computer lessons, and guidance and assistance from your instructor, you have
supplementary academic support:
1. Tutors can be assigned to students through the Tutoring Center.
2. Math Support Center (walk in tutoring) Great Help!
3. Web links that will provide math help are available in our BB math site.
4. Math Help 24/7 (See page 12 on this syllabus for details.)
5. Online Tutoring (See Blackboard and/or Atlas for link.)
Here is a link to the tutoring services: http://valenciacollege.edu/tutoring
This link will provide you information on our math resources: http://valenciacollege.edu/math
For computer lab hours, click here: http://valenciacollege.edu/labs
Math SPA: http://faculty.valenciacollege.edu/rweinsier/
Blackboard Support:
For BB issues, please email onlinehelp@valenciacollege.edu
Plato Support (online lessons technical issues only):
Reach technical support at 1-800-869-2200
Plato technical support: https://support.plato.com/Edmentum_Knowledge_Base/ASA_Solutions/
For your math online homework assignments, tests, and course content issues or any other
matters related to this math class, please contact me at gacosta@valenciacollege.edu
I encourage you to form study groups via the Discussion Board and the Chat Room in BB to help
each other with the math lessons, handouts/worksheets, and study guides throughout the term.
Student with Disabilities:
Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a
letter from the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs
with the professor, preferably during the first week of class. The Office for Students with
Disabilities determines accommodations based on appropriate documentation of disabilities. The
goal at the OSD is to open doors, remove barriers and assist you in any way they can. The key to
success is matching your needs to the services provided. Please discuss your individual needs
with your instructor. Valencia’s OSD can be found online at http://valenciacollege.edu/osd
OSD contact information per campus:
East: Bldg. 5, Rm. 216, Ph: 407-582-2229, Fax: 407-582-8908, TTY: 407-582-1222
West: SSB, Rm. 102, Ph: 407-582-1523, Fax: 407-582-1326, TTY: 407-582-1222
Osceola: Bldg. 2, Rm. 102, Ph: 407-582-4167, Fax: 407-582-4804, TTY: 407-582-1222
Winter Park: Bldg.1, Rm. 212, Ph: 407-582-6887, Fax: 407-582-6841, TTY: 407-582-1222
For Lake Nona appointments, please call OSD East Campus.
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Student Support Services:
Here are some links that you can use for additional help in areas that affect your learning
experience at Valencia, such as advising, registration, financial aid, and others:
Answer center: Student Services Office - Valencia College
Career and educational goals: LifeMap - Valencia College
For general information on all student and academic services: Students Directory
For assistance with planning your class schedule, please visit with an academic advisor (if you
are seeking an Associate in Arts degree) or with a Career Program Advisor (if you are seeking an
Associate in Science degree).
Student Assistance Program:
Valencia College is interested in making sure all our students have a rewarding and successful
college experience. To that purpose, Valencia students can get immediate help with issues
dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, substance abuse, time
management as well as relationship problems dealing with school, home or work. BayCare
Behavioral Health Student Assistance Program (SAP) services are free to all Valencia students
and available 24 hours a day by calling (800) 878-5470. Free face-to-face counseling is also
available.
Caution:
(1) The last day to send me the Campus email is the first Wednesday of this term.
(2) The last day to do the Student Introduction, the Syllabus Quiz, and one online homework
with at least 80%, is the second Tuesday of this term. After this date, if you have not
completed these tasks, you will be withdrawn from the course (as a No-Show).
Course Completion:
Students enrolled in the same college-level course at Valencia more than two times shall pay the
full cost (100%) of instruction fee (you will have to pay out-of-state tuition after your second
attempt). Please see a counselor or advisor if you must repeat a course for the third time.
Valencia Student Feedback on Instruction (SFI): Near the end of the term, you will receive an
invitation through your Valencia email account asking you to complete the Student Feedback on
Instruction (SFI). This is a survey which provides us with feedback on your experience in this
class and helps us improve the course. The results are released only after grades are submitted.
Student names are not included in the results –your responses will be anonymous. You will get
an email from Valencia informing you when the SFI survey will open.
Disclaimer:
Changes in the syllabus, course topics and contents, teaching/learning procedures and requisites,
weekly schedule, lab activities, assessment and evaluation procedure, homework assignments,
worksheets, and/or any other document or instruction provided or assigned by the professor may
be made at any time at the discretion of Dr. Acosta.
Important!
Please check the Weekly Schedule in the course content area
in Blackboard for all tasks and deadlines!
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