The course is designed to be an individualized fast paced, computerized math program. It will utilize an online learning program called ALEKS. Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces is a Web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system. ALEKS uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn't know in a course. ALEKS then instructs the student on the topics she is most ready to learn. As you work through this course, ALEKS will assess you as you complete each Objective (or weekly) to see what your level of mastery is. Topics that are not mastered will be covered again as needed for future learning. This Individualized course will cover material ranging from Pre-Algebra through Intermediate Algebra and will allow students to ability to complete two developmental math courses in one semester. It will incorporate independent online learning with classroom and one-on-one professional instruction throughout the semester.

Textbook: Although there will be no textbook required for this course, each student will need to create an account with Aleks and register for the course.

Please see ALEKS Registration Instructions handout for Students for account set-up.

• Math Journal (spiral, composition).
• Pencils (preferred over pens)

NO NEED TO PURCHASE A CALCULATOR. ALEKS will determine when a calculator may be needed and will provide one onscreen. Beyond this integrated program tool, calculators and cell phones will be prohibited. Each student will be tested on and needs to understand how to use negative numbers, fractions, and decimals without a calculator.

In this class you will review and/or become proficient with signed numbers, linear equations and inequalities, fractions, decimals, percent problems, geometry, graphing, integer exponents, polynomials and factoring. Also, an introduction to the concepts of sequences, sets, radicals and quadratic equations is included. This class prepares students for Intermediate Algebra, or Math 1010 as well as Math 1030 and 1040.

You will not receive college math credit for this class, but for the purposes of financial aid, grants, etc., it is counted as a 4-credit class. You will, however, receive a letter grade on your transcript. It is important that you receive a grade of B- or higher in order to move on and be successful in the next math course.

Your letter grade will be based on the following percentages:

A: 94-100
A-: 90-93
B+: 87-89
B: 84-86
B-: 80-83
C+: 77-79
C: 74-76
C-: 70-73
D+: 67-69
D: 64-66
D-: 60-63
F: Below 60

Your course grade will be computed as follows:

ALEKS Module Time Goals – 10%

You will be expected to spend a specified number of hours each module (varies by module) actively working on your ALEKS Pie Progress. It is crucial for you to put in the required time to complete this course and to help lay a solid foundation for success in your next math class. Each module and its corresponding minimum required hours is clearly outlined in the Due Dates Calendar and posted to canvas. Pay close attention to due dates for each module as time goals reset at midnight on the designated due date and cannot be made up.

Module Written Assignments – 10%

A paper to pencil assignment will be provided for each module allowing you to demonstrate your understanding of the material presented within that objective. Take advantage of these assignments to truly ensure you understand the material. You are required to show all scratch work and no calculators are allowed on these assignments. Each written assignment is due at the end of the corresponding module as outlined on the Due Dates Calendar and posted to canvas. Failure to complete at least 80% of module written assignments may result in a UW course grade.

Last ALEKS Scheduled Knowledge Check (Must be Proctored) – 80%

There will be 4 Scheduled Knowledge Checks including Final administered on the dates clearly outlined on the Due Dates Calendar and posted to canvas. These are crucial in demonstrating your comprehensive knowledge of the 0970 material throughout the semester. Failure to take even one these scheduled assessments may result in a UW course grade.

All Scheduled Knowledge Checks will be proctored remotely using the Canvas proctoring software called Honorlock. Honorlock is free to SUU students but will need to be downloaded to a desk or laptop computer that will launch every time you take a scheduled knowledge check remotely. Honorlock will record your computer screen as well as your webcam while taking the exam. In order to utilize this option, you must have access to a working computer and webcam. Otherwise, you will need to schedule the exams through an onsite proctoring center. As an SUU student, you are allowed to use the testing center on campus during operating hours at no additional cost; paid for as part of your student fees. Please contact me directly to utilize this in-person option.

All Scheduled Knowledge Checks will test your knowledge of 100% of the material outlined in the course. This essentially means you are taking the same test 4 times. Because 0970 is a progress-based class, each time you take a knowledge check, your new overall pie progress will replace your previous knowledge check score. The last scheduled knowledge check taken counts for 80% of overall canvas grade. All 0970 students will be expected to receive at least 80% overall letter grade on canvas to pass the course. This means, students must receive at least 80% overall pie progress on a scheduled knowledge check to pass the class. This final Aleks knowledge check must be administered in a proctored format for the score to be valid.

Each module and its corresponding minimum required hours is clearly outlined in the Due Dates Calendar and posted to canvas. Pay close attention to due dates for each module as time goals reset at midnight on the designated due date and cannot be made up.

Each written assignment is due at the end of the corresponding module as outlined on the Due Dates Calendar and posted to canvas.

Since this is an online course, you will be expected to navigate the course remotely. All assignments and exams will be completed asynchronously within the bounds of course due dates as outlined on the calendar. Please refer to all course announcements throughout the semester for important class details and updates. I also expect you to keep a math journal throughout the course where you can take notes while you are learning the topics and where you can reference material when studying and learning in Aleks or reviewing for assessments.

The cost for this 11-week comprehensive program will be automatically applied to student fees (See SUU Registrar’s office for additional pricing).

As an SUU student, you are allowed to use the testing center on campus during operating hours at no additional cost; paid for as part of your student fees.

Initial Knowledge Check – After completing Aleks account registration, you will be prompted to complete an Initial Knowledge Check. This is not a test but rather a way for Aleks to assess your knowledge of the entire course material on day 1. The Initial Knowledge Check allows ALEKS to set a personalized learning path for you that is based on what you are most ready to learn. It is important that your do your best but don’t stress about the material you don’t understand as you will have the opportunity to learn all of it throughout the semester. Be sure to take the Assessment seriously and do NOT utilize any outside resources while completing the assessment to ensure the program understands exactly what you know personally, without the aid of other resources or a calculator.

Post Objective Knowledge Checks – At the conclusion of each module, Aleks will administer an automated Post Objective Assessment. These objective knowledge checks do not require a password to complete and do not get graded on your canvas grade. Treat these knowledge checks as practice tests and do your best without the aid of any outside resources. Any topics missed on these assessments will go back into your Aleks learning path return later in the course for you to re-master.

Module Time Goals - Aleks will clock all time spent actively working in the program and calculate these hours into required module time goals for each objective. You will be expected to spend time working in the Aleks program daily (about 2-3 hours per class day). As the instructor, I will be able to monitor all activity and time spent on Aleks and through canvas throughout the course. All time goal scores will be transferred over to canvas with a total requirement of at least 75 total hours working in the Aleks program. It is your responsibility to manage your time wisely and put in the necessary time for each module to understand the material and successfully complete the course. You will not be able to wait until the last minute to complete all the work required for this course if you want to receive a passing grade of 80%. When you are working on math, try to keep distractions to a minimum. This means cell phones, headphones, and other devices should be put away. This will help your brain focus on learning and retaining the information.

Assignments – In addition to required hours spent working in the ALEKS program, each module has a corresponding written assignment available for download on canvas or through the SUU bookstore in a preprinted packet. All written assignments must be submitted through canvas in a legible format by the specified due date. The purpose of objective written assignments is to demonstrate your understanding of each module outlined in the course. Do not copy as it will only hinder your progress in the course.

Use all of the provided resources!

Online Resources -- To help you understand the material ALEKS & your online ebook provide you with helpful examples, explanations, videos and other resources corresponding to each lesson. I would strongly encourage you to utilize them daily throughout the course.

Tutoring Center – SUU offers free tutoring all summer to help you succeed. The center is located on the 2nd floor of the ELC and is open to students Monday through Friday (limited hours in the summer). Math tutors and computers will be available for students to utilize during these times. Please take advantage of them as much as possible!

ALEKS Customer Support – For technical questions (not mathy ones), contact Aleks support: 18002582374 or for the fastest and most effective assistance.

KEEP IN TOUCH: Please let me know if you drop the class and why. Thank you.