ALEKS-Based Algebra Course – Quick Reference

ALEKS inclusive access via Brightspace (registered on Brightspace) access the ALEKS course through the LMS.
In-class exams are conducted through the ALEKS system.
Brightspace essentials: syllabus, calendar, announcements; course announcements will be updated.
Calculator policy: bring your own scientific/graphing calculator if you want; handheld calculators allowed.
Instructor tools: content and progress can be viewed from the instructor side; students access ALEKS through the course.

Initial knowledge check (base starting point): roughly $25$ questions covering major topics; determines your starting path.
Final pie progress: $5\%$ of overall grade based on progress in ALEKS (knowledge checks and related activity).
Knowledge checks reset-like mechanism: after each check, the next question adapts to your previous answers.
Tools/tutorials: complete the tools tutorial early to learn how input and graphing work in ALEKS.
Graphing emphasis: significant portion of learning involves graphing; instructor has extensive experience with ALEKS graphing features.

Modules: $12$ modules in the course.
Assignments vs modules:
- Algebra Skills (21-question): independent practice with unlimited attempts; credit earned after each question is answered correctly at least once.
- Module assignments: separate from the 21-question Algebra Skills; these are the main module tasks with separate due dates.
In-class vs out-of-class work: most work is outside of direct instruction; some direct instruction will occur in class.
Initial and ongoing knowledge checks are scheduled in the course; exams are paper-and-pencil but administered in class with an ALEKS-based setup.
Exam schedule pattern: first exam after the initial modules; exams occur periodically throughout the term (e.g., first exam on Oct 7).
Topic count note: the course shows a large number of topics (e.g., growth into $667$ topics in the initial view); instructors emphasize you don’t need to complete every topic to succeed.

Exams: in-class, paper-and-pencil, with timer; some reference materials allowed (pre-exam sheet with notes or formulas).
Knowledge checks: occur outside class; after every even-numbered module, roughly every three weeks; analogous to the initial knowledge check for calibration.
Module deadlines: generally set with Tuesday due dates; calendar and syllabus provide specifics.
Knowledge-check mechanics: you proceed through a path (My Path) and are shown a starting knowledge baseline; progress updates after each check.
Exams and knowledge checks are coordinated with ALEKS; some components (like exams) are the main in-class assessment.

ALEKS modules contribute $15\%$ of the overall grade; this includes the prerequisite Algebra basics and subsequent modules.
Each module after the prerequisites has its own grade; modules are not all sequentially required to unlock the next.
Final pie progress is $5\%$ of the grade.
The course uses a mix of in-class exams, module work, and knowledge checks for grading.
Total topic count is large (e.g., $667$ topics) but you don’t have to complete every topic to do well; focus on the core modules and assessments.
The course is a new format and may have evolving details; expect updates to calendars, due dates, and module structures.

Exams: in-class, time-limited; you may bring a sheet with references (concepts or formulas) for use during exams.
Reference sheets: allowed to help during exams to provide essential formulas or concepts.
Review and preparation: plan around module deadlines, knowledge checks, and the exam schedule to manage your study load.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by topic counts, rely on the structured modules and the knowledge checks to guide progression rather than attempting to complete every topic.

Access ALEKS through Brightspace and complete the initial tools tutorial early.
Plan around the Tuesday due dates for modules and the knowledge-check schedule after every even module.
Use the Algebra Skills 21-question assignment to build fluency; you only need to get each question right once.
Bring a calculator if needed; you can use your own device in class.
Prepare a reference sheet for exams as allowed by the instructor.
Track due dates in the calendar and refer to the syllabus for module sequencing and exam timing.