DSPM0800 - 1H1 Elementary Algebra (Split)

Lydia Linebarger

Associate Professor

LLinebarger@southwest.tn.edu

http://faculty.southwest.tn.edu/llinebarger/

Farris 2101 , Macon Cove Campus

Posted in PAWS.

(901) 333-4167

(901) 333- 4474

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• The course has a Split Course format. This means the course is a blend of face-to-face instruction with online learning. In a split course, a significant part of the course learning is online and as a result, the amount of classroom time is reduced but not eliminated. This allows coursework to be scheduled flexibly, promotes independent learning and decreases time spent commuting.
• This course covers elementary algebraic topics such as operations on real numbers,  evaluation and simplification of expressions and formulas, solution of first-degree equations, ratio and proportion, applied problems, graphing linear equations in two variables, the slope and equations of a line, solving systems of linear equations, and basic operations on polynomials.
• This course uses MyMathLab. Students must have a purchased access code or already be registered.
• This course has internet components. Students must have a reliable computer with internet service or willing to use a campus computer lab.
• This course prepares students for Intermediate Algebra. Students must successfully complete the course with 70% mastery of the course topics to register for the next level.
   

Passing grade in DSPM0700 (Basic Mathematics) or demonstrated proficiency on the placement examination.
Credit hours for this course cannot count toward a degree.
 

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This course requires the use of a computer, these are general recommendations for accessing any of the services that Southwest offers on the Web (e.g. My. Southwest, etc.).

• minimum Pentium IV or higher processor (recommended)
• SVGA monitor, minimum resolution 800x600 (1024x768 strongly recommended)
• CD-ROM or DVD drive
• floppy drive, zip drive, or CD-RW drive
• Mouse or compatible pointing device
• at least 512 MB of RAM (recommended)
• (optional) printer
   

The software listed below in the "General Software Requirements" is recommended for any student accessing Southwest services through the internet. Your course may have specific software requirements.

Many instructors require assignments to be submitted using Microsoft Word. Learn how to obtain discounted software from Microsoft.

General Software Requirements

Operating System:

• Windows 98, 98SE, ME, 2000, XP, Vista ( Windows XP Service Pack 2 recommended)
• Mac OS X (up to 10.4) (OS 10.4 recommended)
• Linux Windows Supported Browsers:
• Internet Explorer 6.0, 7.0
• Netscape 7.0, 7.1, 7.2
• Firefox 1.5, 2.0
• Opera 9.0 Mac OS X Supported Browsers:
• Netscape 7.0, 7.1, 7.2
• Firefox 1.5, 2.0
• Opera 9.0
• Current Anti-Virus protection
• Reliable Internet connection (broadband recommended but not required)
   

In addition to the software requirements listed above, you must be able to install the following plug-ins and players to view and interact with the multimedia content in your course textbook:

1. MathXL® Player
   The MathXL Player is an ActiveX control and is required for doing the online math exercises.
   
   The MathXL Player supports the following operating system and browser combinations:
   
   With Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Vista™ operating systems:
   You can use these browsers: Internet Explorer 6.0 (XP Only), Internet Explorer 7.0, Firefox 2, or Firefox 3.
   
   With MacOSX 10.4, MacOSX 10.5 operating systems:
   You can use these browsers: Safari 3.1 (Recommended), Firefox 2, Firefox 3
   
2. Apple® QuickTime® Player
   You need QuickTime to play audio and video content
   
3. Macromedia® Flash® Player
   You need the Flash Player to view animations and the multimedia textbook.
   The required version of the Macromedia Flash Player is version 7.0 or higher.
   
4. Adobe® Reader®
   You need Reader to view Acrobat files, including the multimedia textbook.
   The required version of the Adobe Reader is version 4.0 or higher.
   
5. Macromedia® Shockwave® Player
   You need the Shockwave Player for interactive activities.
   The required version of the Shockwave Player is version 8.5.1 or higher.

10  In-class Participations @ 5 points each (5%)
10  Quizzes @ 15 points each (15%)
  5  Online Exams @ 50 points each (25%)
  2  Classroom Exams @ 200 points each (40%)
  1  Final Exam (Classroom) @ 150 points (15%)

Total Points Possible: 1000
 

• All students are required to do their own work.
  • Students who cheat will receive a zero for the assignment or exam.
  • See section on Academic Misconduct.
• There is an online exam for each module.
  • The exams will be available for a limited amount of time.
  • See the classroom schedule for availability and time restrictions.
• There are two in-class exams.
  • If a student misses an exam, they must contact the instructor to take a makeup exam.
  • Makeup exams must be taken during the instructor's office hours.
  • Makeup exams will be different from the in-class exams.
• There is one Final Exam.
  • Given in-class on the day listed on the Southwest Final Exam Schedule.
  • This exam will be comprehensive.
  • The Final Exam is written partly by the department.
  • No makeups or late finals are given at the end of the course for this exam.
  • Students who miss the Final Exam will be given an F grade.
  • Documentation will be required to take a different Final Exam the first week of the following semester.
  • A Change of Grade will be made if applicable
     

• There are 10 MyMathLab assignments.
  • They must be completed with 100% accuracy by the due date to receive full credit.
  • Late work will have 5 points deducated for each week the assignment is late, regardless of the reason for said assignment.
• There are 5 online exams.
  • They must be completed by the due date posted in the schedule.
  • Students are allowed one late exam.
  • Additional late exams will receive a 10 point penalty regardless of the reason.
     

Participation Policy:

• Students are expected to complete all assignments and exams on time. See the Course Schedule for due dates and availability.
• Students should use PAWS email to contact the instructor.
• It is the student's responsibility to locate another computer with internet access when their usual connection is not available.
• Learning is a shared responsibility. As your instructor, it is my responsibility to present learning opportunities through the course content, course assignments, and assessments.  It is your responsibility to do the learning by completing the readings in PAWS and MyMathLab, by logging in regularly to PAWS to read email and postings, by participating in the classroom, and doing the assessment exercises.
• Keep a positive attitude, manage your time, practice daily, seek help when needed, and you will have a successful experience in learning algebra online.

Attendance Policy:

Students are required to attend all scheduled class periods.

• More than 3 missed in-class periods will result in a grade of F.
• Each lecture day will include a class participation assignment.
• Missing class will result in a zero for class participation.

TBR Attendance Policy:

The Tennessee Board of Regents requires mandatory attendance for all students in developmental classes. The following rules apply:

1. A student may fail a developmental class, regardless of prior course grades, after missing the equivalent of two weeks of class. Failing a course may adversely affect VA benefits, financial aid, insurance benefits, dependency status, scholarship eligibility etc.
2. Individual instructors determine specific make-up policies. Students absent from a developmental class might not be allowed to make up missed tests, writing assignments, or other graded work. Missed work will adversely affect final course grades.

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Each student has been provided a Southwest email account. Please do not email your classmates unless the topic relates specifically to this course. Emails that contain advertisements, solicitations, personal interests, etc. are strictly forbidden. Below are a few guidelines that you should keep in mind when sending email:

• Always include a subject line.
• Typing in all CAPS is considered SHOUTING in Cyberspace. So please use upper and lower case characters when sending emails.
• Remember, without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails and use good Netiquette
• Use standard fonts.
• Do not send large attachments without permission.
• Respect the privacy of other class members.

Online instructors will respond to all e-mails within 48 hours.

PAWS Email:
All course email should be sent using the PAWS email after the second week of classes.
 

Most discussions will take place in the classroom. Students must follow the Southwest Student Code of Conduct while in class. See page 43.

Below are a few guidelines that should be adhered to at all times when using the PAWS Discussion forum.

• Messages that contain advertisements, solicitations, personal interests, etc. are strictly forbidden.
• Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion.
• Please try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
• Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the class. Be respectful of other’s ideas.
• Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
• Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
• Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.

When experiencing problems with My.Southwest, go to Login and Helpdesk Information (opens in new window).

When requesting help please provide as much information as possible, such as, your name and a full detailed explanation of the problem.

If you are experiencing difficulty with this Web site, please contact your instructor.
 

Many problems can be solved by making sure your browser settings are correct. Visit the PAWS Online Orientation - and run the "system check" to check your browsers compatibility.

For technical support call the Helpdesk at (901) 333-4357.

• Review of signed numbers
• Linear equations in one variable
• Ratio and proportion
• Linear equations in two variables
• Systems of Linear Equations
• Powers and Polynomials
• Inequalities

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