This is a flexible self-paced course, allowing the student to work through topics as they are introduced in their particular Math 242 class. Instead of attending classroom lectures, the student will work independently using a browser-based tutorial on their computer (either over the internet or on CD-ROM). Without the structure and routine of attending a traditional class, it is very important that the student be self-motivated, disciplined, and keep on schedule! Students who tend to procrastinate and complete assignments at the last minute rarely do well on the quizzes and do not get credit for the course. Click here for further information on the attributes of a successful distance-learning student. Expect to spend between 1-3 hours per week on this course.

If at any time you feel you need to drop the course, please notify me by e-mail. Then officially drop the course through the admissions office or myCuesta. Do not assume that I will do so for you. The deadline to drop the class without a "W" on your transcript is September 13. The deadline to withdraw from the class with a "W" grade is November 8.

Students are STRONGLY advised to enroll in Math 242 (Precalculus Algebra) concurrently with this course.

Students must have access to e-mail and the internet. A CD-ROM drive is optional. The course is entirely browser-based, so no additional software is necessary. Internet Explorer 5.0 or Firefox 1.0, or higher, are recommended. See the Course Requirements page for more thorough details.

Text. Because this course is meant to supplement Math 242, the textbook for that class, Precalculus (Seventh Edition) by Larson/Hostetler, is strongly recommended.

You may drop by my office during scheduled office hours, call me on the phone, or send me an e-mail message. I will try to reply to all e-mail within 24 hours, with the exception of weekends and holidays.

In myCuesta there is a message board available for this class so that you may communicate with other students. You can use the message board to make comments, ask questions, or touch base with your fellow classmates. To reach the class message board, log in to myCuesta. Click on the Student tab, and then click on the link in the My Courses channel. Under Courses I'm Attending, click on Math 142G. Finally, in the left column under Course Tools, click the link for Message Board.

As part of your orientation assignment you are required to post a reply to the Introductions thread. See the Online Orientation page for more details.

Remember that this class will take time in addition to your other classes, so make sure you have set aside enough time (between 1-3 hours) in your schedule each week for this class!

Both parts of this assignment are explained in the Online Orientation page. Your orientation assignment is worth 100 points. Your e-mail must have ALL of the required information and it must all be CORRECT! This assignment is due by Noon Friday, September 5, 2008. Students who have not completed the required orientation by this deadline will be DROPPED FROM THE COURSE!

There will be seven online quizzes that are tied to your Math 242 text. Each quiz will cover the topics from the tutorial corresponding with certain sections of the textbook. The required sections for each quiz are listed on the Quizzes page. Because each Math 242 instructor will vary in how the course is taught, there may be some topics required for an online quiz that were not covered in your class. You are still responsible for these topics, so be sure you work through ALL required topics in the tutorial listed for each quiz!

To be prepared for the online quizzes, you should be able to work any of the example problems or practice quiz problems without referring to the tutorial and without mistakes. All students are expected to complete each quiz without outside assistance of any kind, and solutions submitted by e-mail are to be the sole work of the student. You may take an online quiz whenever you like. However, you may submit each quiz only ONCE, so do not attempt a quiz until you have studied and feel prepared!

To make sure you are progressing at an acceptable pace and are participating in the course as expected, there is a mid-semester quiz deadline. At least three of the seven quizzes (any three) must be submitted by Noon Friday, October 24. Students who do not meet this requirement by the deadline will be DROPPED FROM THE COURSE!

All seven online quizzes must be submitted by Noon Friday, December 12. NO quizzes will be accepted after this deadline!

There is no final exam for this course. Instead, you will be asked to complete an online survey about your experiences in this class. This survey is MANDATORY to receive credit for the course. The link to the survey can be found on the Quizzes page. The survey can be submitted any time between December 12 and Noon, December 17. The information you provide will be used to make improvements for next semester, and to give future students advice about the course and how to be successful in it. Please consider giving your consent to "publish" your comments anonymously.

Your grades will be posted on the Grades page throughout the semester. Your student ID for this class is the last six digits of your Cuesta student ID number. The Grades page will be updated at least weekly.

Keep On Schedule.  Spend as much time as necessary to keep up with your Math 242 class. Submit quizzes on a regular basis. This should be an easy class to pass, but students who procrastinate rarely get credit for the course.

Web Page. The course Home Page (separate from myCuesta) provides links to the welcome page, online orientation, online tutorial, course requirements, schedule and syllabus, quizzes, FAQs, instructor home page, and relevant internet resources.

All students enrolled in this course are expected to complete each quiz or exam without outside assistance of any kind, and solutions submitted by e-mail are to be the sole work of the student. Cheating is a serious breach of ethics and will be dealt with severely if an occurrence arises. Possible consequences include a failing grade for the course and/or expulsion from the college.

If you have a disability and might need accommodations in this class, please contact Disabled Student Program & Services in Building 3300 as soon as possible to ensure that you receive the accommodations in a timely manner. You may also discuss your need for accommodations with me.

Although every effort will be made to adhere to the policies, procedures, and schedules outlined in this syllabus, the instructor reserves the right to revise any information without prior notice.