Introductory Course Notes (Math/Online Structure and Policies)

Course Tools and Technology

  • Four-function calculator required for the course; you do not need a fancy TI-84, though borrowing one is okay if convenient. A basic calculator suffices.
  • If you only have a phone calculator, you may use it, but plan to have access to a computer with webcam and microphone for online components.
  • Tests are conducted in Respondus LockDown Browser, which locks down other pages/windows during the test. You may be allowed to have an online calculator website open if the instructor permits.
  • There is an online TI-84 calculator available, but it has ads and may not always cooperate; the instructor will decide what is permissible.
  • For accessibility and setup, the instructor may help ensure the tech works (including potential preparation for Chromebooks).
  • The course uses Blackboard for online tests, homework submission, discussions, attendance, and grade tracking.
  • The instructor aims to post Chapter 1 notes soon (possible tomorrow afternoon) since this is a brand-new course with a new textbook.

Learning Outcomes and Unit Structure

  • Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs): by the end of the course you should be able to:
    • Apply algebraic operations to expressions and to equations involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages.
    • Identify, interpret, and use both scientific and customary (imperial) measurements.
    • Generate, sketch, and solve geometric measurements; demonstrate understanding of the fundamentals of planar geometry.
    • Trigonometry is not covered in this course; for trig, consult the mathematics department for a separate trig course.
  • Unit Learning Outcomes: arranged to align with assessment blocks:
    • Units 1–2 together constitute one test.
    • Units 3–4–5 together constitute a separate test.
    • Units 6–7–8 together constitute another separate test.
    • Chapter 10 is not included in a test; it appears on the final exam only.

Assessments and Grading Policy

  • Tests: online via Blackboard; there are three unit tests:
    • Each test contributes 10% of the course grade, for a total of 30% from tests.
    • The combined test weight is 30%, calculated as extTest<em>1imes0.10+extTest</em>2imes0.10+extTest3imes0.10.ext{Test}<em>{1} imes 0.10 + ext{Test}</em>{2} imes 0.10 + ext{Test}_{3} imes 0.10.
  • Final Exam: 20% of the course grade; two-hour, multiple-choice, comprehensive (covers material from the semester).
  • Attendance: 5% of the course grade.
  • Homework: 25% of the course grade; Blackboard-based; you can retry problems until you achieve 100% on homework.
  • Grade scale (letter grades):
    • A if extgrade ≥ 89.5ext{grade} \,\ge\, 89.5
    • B if 79.5≤grade≤89.479.5 \le \text{grade} \le 89.4
    • C if 69.5≤grade≤79.469.5 \le \text{grade} \le 79.4
    • D if 59.5≤grade≤69.459.5 \le \text{grade} \le 69.4
    • F if extgrade<59.5ext{grade} \lt 59.5
  • Overall course average is updated in Blackboard and reflects the current standing; no other grade-tracking systems (e.g., third-party) will be used.
  • GPA and course dropping: for students who miss deadlines or do not complete requirements, there is a drop window to request a W grade instead of a failing grade toward GPA.
  • Policy on integrity: the instructor dislikes academic failure and has experience detecting copied work; plagiarism and cheating are monitored (reference to using tools like ChadGBT).

Attendance, Sign-In, and Participation

  • Attendance is tracked by the instructor via a sign-in sheet at the front of class; date is recorded and attached to Blackboard.
  • If your name is missing on the sign-in sheet, you should write it at the bottom to ensure you receive attendance credit.
  • Attendance automatically contributes 5% to your grade when present; if not present, you do not receive that portion.
  • Participation is based on in-class activities and Blackboard discussions:
    • Initial discussion post due by Thursday at 11:59 PM.
    • Two replies to peers due by Sunday at 11:59 PM.
    • If you post within the first ten minutes of the day, it will count for that day; if posted after a 24-hour window, there may be a 10% penalty for that day’s participation (policy indicates timing affects scoring).
  • Activities and discussions will be posted in Blackboard; if you miss a live activity, you can complete it later (videos may be provided to follow along at home).

Homework and Practice

  • Homework is submitted via Blackboard and includes problems drawn from the textbook or instructor-created equivalents.
  • Textbook references for practice: odd-numbered homework answers are located in pages 270 to 294270\text{ to }294.
  • Students are encouraged to keep a notebook and show work for all problems; partial credit is awarded when steps are shown, even if the final answer is incorrect. If a student provides only the correct answer with no work, credit may be denied for short-answer problems without work.
  • All homework can be re-attempted until a score of 100% is achieved.
  • In-class reviews may be held to go over common mistakes and student questions; instructors may record or post videos for missed materials.

Tests, Notes, and Class Materials

  • Chapter 1 notes are expected to be posted shortly (notes will cover whole numbers: adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing).
  • Chapter 1–3 tests planned by Week 5; homework for Chapters 1–3 due that week as well to avoid stacking heavy workloads.
  • The course uses a textbook and online resources; assignments are designed to be accessible without MyMathLab due to slower grading in that system.
  • Any questions about where to find tests or homework should be directed to the module that houses Test One; the instructor aims to keep materials cohesive and easy to locate.

Final Exam and Makeups

  • Final exam details:
    • Two hours, multiple-choice, comprehensive, open to material covered during the semester.
    • The final is included in the overall percentage calculation.
  • Missed exams without prior notification result in a zero for that assessment.
  • Makeup policy (brief): makeups are possible with prior notice; late submissions for homework/activities may be allowed with a 10% penalty for up to one week late; tests and final do not have late submissions accepted without prior notification, though exceptions can be made for legitimate reasons (illness, emergencies, etc.).
  • If there is a pattern of missed deadlines, the instructor may reconsider accommodations.
  • Arrangements can be made to take assessments at a different time to accommodate issues such as internet outages or other disruptions; documented emergencies can waive late penalties.

Course Schedule and Structure

  • Tentative schedule assumes 16 weeks of classes with a fall break; 15 weeks of in-person instruction, followed by a separate final week (week 17) for the final exam.
  • Week-by-week structure (example):
    • Week 1: Course agreement, syllabus quiz, getting-to-know-each-other activity, Chapter 1 notes on whole numbers.
    • Week 2–3: Fractions (Chapter 2 and 3) including adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing fractions; unit discussions and activities.
    • Week 5: Chapter 1–3 test, with corresponding homework due.
  • The schedule may be adjusted based on pace; no single week should be overloaded with new material or assignments.
  • Final exam timing is staggered across courses to avoid grading logjams; exact open dates will be announced.
  • Weekly planning features: activities, tests, and notes will appear in Blackboard as the course progresses.

Communication, Etiquette, and Course Policies

  • Email etiquette: be courteous; avoid long blocks of text; use clear, concise language; the instructor aims to respond and learn student names but notes that class sizes may be large (up to around 150 students).
  • The instructor emphasizes accessibility and fairness, including accommodations for disabilities; early communication about accommodations is encouraged.
  • Academic integrity: students are cautioned about copying or submitting work that was generated by others (the instructor has seen incidents involving AI-generated submissions).
  • Notetaker accommodations and other support: if accommodations are needed (e.g., notetakers for accessibility), submit them early; this can affect course credit and accommodations in future semesters.
  • Campus resources: important numbers and safety policies are included in the course materials; keep campus safety numbers in your phone for emergencies.
  • Course evaluations: will be administered in Weeks 14–15; participation is encouraged as evaluations are anonymous until after grades are posted.
  • Blackboard: the central online platform for course materials, attendance, discussions, and submissions; it is also used to display your current average.
  • The instructor notes that the course is new (reintroduced to the math department with a new book) and that notes and materials are still being populated; students should expect updates and new notes as the course progresses.

Optional Guidance and Tips for Success

  • Keep up with weekly announcements to stay on track with deadlines.
  • Use the sign-in sheet to ensure attendance credit; if you miss a day, communicate promptly with the instructor.
  • Maintain an organized notebook with work shown for every problem; partial credit depends on showing work.
  • If you need help, use the virtual office hours or schedule a time to meet; consider doing virtual activities to stay aligned if you miss an in-person session.
  • Be proactive about accommodations, evaluations, and any potential issues with deadlines or test settings.

Miscellaneous Notes and Context

  • The instructor is new to teaching and holds degrees in teaching mathematics; they may ramble at times and appreciate patience.
  • There is an emphasis on honesty and accountability, with a direct stance against cheating and copying work; students should safeguard their own work and use the provided tools responsibly.
  • There is a plan to ensure accessibility across devices (including Chromebooks) and to help students navigate the Respondus LockDown Browser setup.
  • The syllabus quiz (10 questions, all answers can be found in the syllabus) offers bonus participation points and is due on a stated date (e.g., August 24 at 11:59 PM).
  • The instructor recommends having a main campus safety number and a code-of-conduct policy in place for safety and conduct concerns.
  • The instructor notes potential differences between campus locations (Main vs. South Campus) and includes contact information in the course materials.


ext{Key formulas and numeric references seen in the transcript:}

  • Quiz/assignment weightings:
    • Attendance: 5\%
    • Homework: 25\%
    • Tests: 30\% (3 tests × 10\% each)
    • Final: 20\%
  • Grading scale (example):
    • A: \text{grade} \ge 89.5
    • B: 79.5 \le \text{grade} \le 89.4
    • C: 69.5 \le \text{grade} \le 79.4
    • D: 59.5 \le \text{grade} \le 69.4
    • F: \text{grade} < 59.5
  • If late, homework up to one week late incurs a 10\% penalty:
    • \text{Score}{\text{late}} = \text{Score}{\text{original}} \times (1 - 0.10)
  • Final exam duration:
    • 2 \text{ hours}
  • Final course schedule structure (weeks): 16 weeks of instruction with a fall break, plus a separate Final (Week 17).
  • Odd-numbered homework answers reference page range: 270 \le p \le 294$$ in the textbook.
  • Final exam coverage: comprehensive; Chapter 10 included only in final.
  • Test one placement and due dates are tied to Weeks 1–5 planning.

Quick Reference (Study Mode)

  • Calculator: basic four-function calculator suffices; keep one handy for homework and tests.
  • Access: Blackboard for online tests, homework, discussions, and attendance; Respondus LockDown Browser during tests.
  • Contact: use course announcements and Blackboard messages; keep emails courteous and concise.
  • Accommodations: request early and align with disability services; notetaker or other supports as needed.
  • Integrity: avoid AI-generated submissions without disclosure and ensure you show your work for credit.
  • Final exam: two hours, comprehensive, must be completed; makeups by prior arrangement only.
  • Week structure: plan to complete Chapter 1 notes and initial discussions early; aim to have Chapter 1–3 test by Week 5; final in a separate seventh week window.