This course supports the Math 242 Precalculus Algebra course by presenting the features and use of a graphing calculator to solve problems specific to that course. This is a flexible self-paced course, allowing the student to work through topics as they are introduced in their particular Math 242 class. Due to individual instructor's preferences, there may be a few topics required for this course that the student will not encounter in their particular Math 242 class.

To participate in this course you must have access to a computer (Windows or Mac platform), e-mail and the Internet. A CD-ROM drive is optional. In addition, your computer must have some kind of browser installed. It is recommended that you use Internet Explorer (5.0 or a higher version) or Firefox (1.0 or a higher version). Computers are available on campus if you do not have access to one at home. If your computer is not yet equipped with an appropriate browser, one may be downloaded for free by clicking one of the links below. (Depending on the speed of your internet connection, these downloads could take up to several hours.)

If you do not yet have e-mail, you may set up an account with either MSN Hotmail or Yahoo. Both of these organizations provide free e-mail accounts, but you will be required to register and provide some personal information. The Distance Education FAQ Page has a list of some other companies that offer free e-mail accounts.

In addition, there are some basic computer skills and knowledge that you will need. These skills include:

• Start, restart, and shutdown the computer
• Use the mouse (point, click and drag)
• Use the CD-ROM drive (optional)
• Open the CD-ROM drive folder and find files within this folder (optional)
• Identify and use important parts of application windows (scroll bars, exit or close box, etc.)
• Open, close, minimize, maximize, size, and move windows
• Use Help
• Connect to the internet
• Recognize Internet addresses, hyperlinks, and buttons
• Recognize and enter URLs into a Web browser
• Navigate between Web pages with a browser
• Use bookmarks
• Print the contents of a browser window
• Use e-mail

Cuesta College offers a short course, Online 1, that introduces students to some of the basic technologies that are used in online courses. Online 1 is a half unit, 3-week course that covers attaching a file in e-mail, downloading and installing plug-ins, using a browser effectively, searching the web, discussion tools, and other basic technological skills that a student might need to be successful in an online course. See the Class Schedule (under Online) for more information.

Be aware that a distance learning environment is not suited for everyone! To be successful in this class requires a certain amount of self-discipline, independence, motivation, and time management. The Cuesta College Distance Education web site has a summary of the attributes necessary for a distance learning student and an online survey that will assess your likelihood to be successful with this type of course. You can also take a different online survey to determine your primary learning style and make sure it is compatible with a distance learning course.

Please visit the Welcome Page for an introduction to the course and further instructions.