Online Math 1106 Information

This is an online course that will be delivered using Web CT Vista. There are no scheduled “class meetings”, but there will be two proctored exams (a midterm and a final) that must be taken on campus on fixed dates. Students who have a conflict with these scheduled times must contact me well in advance to make other arrangements. I will consider allowing tests to be given off campus by a qualified proctor, but it will be the student’s responsibility to make these arrangements and to obtain my approval.

Course Requirements

In addition to the two proctored exams, there will be online quizzes to complete each week, assignments to submit for grading, group assignments that will require electronic interaction with other group members, and requirements for participation in an electronic discussion forum. Weekly assignments and deadlines will be posted on Friday of the week before they are to be completed. All assignments and quizzes must be submitted by Monday of the following week at midnight (unless there is a school holiday on Monday). Thus you will always have a full workweek and weekend to complete your assignments. You can work whenever you want to as long as you meet the posted deadlines for all quizzes and assignments. Keep in mind that you will be accountable for learning the same material and at the same level as students who are taking the course on campus.

Available Help

You will be able to contact me and the other class members using either the Web CT discussion board or email. In addition, I will maintain regular office hours for face-to-face meetings and I will also be available by telephone (770-423-6096). Homework assignments should be submitted electronically using the assignment tool. Since most of the homework will involve mathematical formulas, equations, and graphs, you may prefer to FAX the assignments (770-423-6629) or simply bring them to my office (Science Building 532).

Technical Requirements

You will need a computer with internet access. Web CT Vista requires the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 1.4.2_07 or higher to be installed on your computer. JRE Version 5(1.5_05) is strongly recommended. When the wrong version of Java is installed, the web browser can lock up. To obtain the correct version of Java, you can go to http://java.sun.com/products/archive/j2se/5.0_05/index.html. In addition, the lessons will be in a format that requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is a free download. You can find it at www.adobe.com.

 

Virus Protection software is highly recommended for any computer accessing the internet. While all course files have been scanned for viruses, during this course you will likely visit other websites and possibly exchange files with other students.

Textbook and Calculator Requirements

The textbook for the course is Earth Studies, Applied Calculus, by Schaufele and Zumoff. You will also need a TI-83, 84 or equivalent graphing calculator. Both of these items can be purchased at the KSU Bookstore.

Accessing the Course

You will be able to access the course on the first day of classes. To access the course,

  1. Open a web browser and go to http://vista.kennesaw.edu
  2. Click on Login to Web CT-Vista. At this point you can click on the Run a Browser Check link to see if your web browser is compatible with WebCT Vista.
  3. Login with your NetID. If you see a messaage about popups, click on the yellow bar and then Always allow popups from this site. If you are asked about security certificates, click Yes.
  4. You should arrive at your MyWebCT page; select Math 1106.
  5. There will be an Orientation assignment to complete, which will let me know that you have successfully found your way into the course.

Note: If you register for the course during the drop/add period, there may be a delay until after the end of that drop/add period before you are placed in the Vista course. In this case you should contact me by email at msims@kennesaw.edu.

Student Expectations

Before you register for this course, it is important to recognize that online learning is not for everyone. In an online course, the learner's role becomes more complex and more active than in the traditional classroom. The student must take more responsibility for his own learning. In order to be successful with online learning, you must actively participate in the course and meet all deadlines. You will be expected to read the assigned material, work through the online lessons, and complete weekly assignments. Quizzes will be given online and will be based on the material covered during the preceding week. 

Following are some guidelines for success in this online course:

  1. Participate actively in the course activities and discussions; 
  2. Manage time effectively to complete assignments within the set timeframe; 
  3. Be ready to learn and to persist through unfamiliar technology as well as the subject matter itself;
  4. Be proactive and inform the instructor when you don't understand what to do with the technology or when you don't understand a course assignment.

Dr. Leon Combs in the Department of Chemistry at KSU has on his web site a series of “self tests” which can help you determine whether or not you are well suited for an online course. To access these self-tests, go to erkki.Kennesaw.edu/skills

Click here to see the course syllabus.

If you have any questions about this course, please contact me by phone(770-423-6096) or email (msims@kennesaw.edu).