MASTER Math MTT 4 Developmental Mathematics Northern Virginia Community College Fall 2013 Section: 004A Course Number: 20245 Alexandria Campus Class: Thursday 8:30 10:10 am Lab: Tuesday 8:30 10:25 am Faculty Contact Information Instructor: Ms. Kate Yan Email: kyan@nvcc.edu Office: AA352 Telephone Numbers: Office 703-933-5047 Division 703-845-6341 Office Hours MW: 11 12:30, TR: 10:30 11:30 Instructor MASTER Math Lab Hours: T: 8:30 10:30am Textbooks / Supplies Introduction Content Delivery MyMathLab & MyLabsPlus For this class you must have a MyLabsPlus access code, ISBN: 0558927181 (This code provides access to an electronic copy of the textbook.) You may purchase a paper copy of the text, as well, but it is not required. If you choose to get a paper copy, the textbook is Math Essentials for College, second edition. Volume I (ISBN: 1256153389) covers Units 1-5, and Volume II (ISBN: 1256153745) covers Units 6-9. Do not purchase a textbook until your starting Unit is determined. Further, after completing Unit 1, you will need a hand-held, non-graphing calculator. You will also need a 3-ring binder to hold your notes and course checklist. The purpose of this course is to develop competency in the skills that are necessary to succeed in collegelevel mathematics courses. This course does not count as college credit, nor does it count toward any degree or certificate at NOVA. This is a personalized instruction course. It allows you to skip sections of material in which you can demonstrate competency and concentrate on the material in which you have difficulties. You work through a structured set of activities under the close guidance and support of an instructor and tutors. You meet with your instructor for 2 academic hours per week in a computer classroom and 2 hours per week in the Alexandria Campus MASTER Math Lab. To be successful, you will need to spend 8 additional hours per week working on the course activities, beyond these required hours. You are always welcome and encouraged to spend even more time in the Lab, where tutors and immediate help are available. Your success in this course will be enhanced by spending as much time as possible studying math, regardless of where you choose to do so. All course materials are delivered online via MyMathLab. You view all video lectures and PowerPoint presentations, work all the homework assignments, and take all quizzes and tests using MyMathLab. MyMathLab is delivered inside a web-based course delivery system called MyLabsPlus. MyLabsPlus is an online, textbook-based, diagnostic evaluation and tutorial program designed specifically for this course. It includes an electronic copy of the class textbook, a variety of multimedia instructional resources, unlimited practice exercises, self-paced learning modules, online testing and an individualized study plan. MyLabsPlus is supported by the publisher on their web server. Only standard browser plugins are needed to access this tool. The web address for NVCC MyLabsPlus is http://nvcc.mylabsplus.com. You are automatically registered in MyLabsPlus within 24 hours after you enroll in this course. Students new to MASTER Math have free access to MyLabsPlus from the first day of the semester until day 14 of the semester. Starting on day 15, all new students must use a purchased MyLabsPlus access code available at the bookstore for over $100. If the access code is not entered by that day, access to all course materials will be suspended. Returning MASTER Math students will be able to continue to use their previously purchased code. If you have questions or need assistance with MyLabsPlus, email helpdesk@nvcc.mylabsplus.com or call (888) 883-1299. Go to the MASTER Math Lab more than the required time every week! 1
Course Units Course Modules Exit Points Email Policy Calculator Policy Attendance and Participation Each Unit consists of a PreTest, three Modules, a Practice Test, a Review Homework Assignment and a PostTest. You start each Unit by taking a PreTest. If you achieve 80% or higher on this PreTest, you pass and immediately advance to the next Unit. If you score less than 80% on the PreTest, you work through the three Modules in the Unit. (Modules are described in the next paragraph.) After you complete all three Modules, you take the PostTest. You must score 80% or higher on the PostTest to move on to the next Unit. Each PreTest can only be taken once, but the PostTest can be taken multiple times until you score 80% or higher. If you do not earn 80% or higher within two attempts on the PostTest, you must take the Practice Test (non-proctored) and earn at least an 80%, and you must complete the Review Homework Assignment to 100% correct before you are allowed to attempt the PostTest for a third time. After the third attempt, you must consult with and work with your instructor before you can take the PostTest again. You must pass Units in order, that is, you must pass the PostTest for the Unit before advancing to the next Unit. All Pre- and PostTests are proctored. They must be taken in the MASTER Math Lab (or in the classroom, if your class meets for over an hour). Each Module consists of a Notes Outline, a PowerPoint presentation, video lectures, textbook sections, a homework assignment, a module review and a quiz. Start the Module by printing the Notes Outline. Then view the PowerPoint presentation, video lectures, and/or textbook sections, using the Notes Outline to take notes to assist you with the homework. (The Notes Outline for the Module constitutes the minimum amount of notes that should be taken. You may always take more notes.) At this point, submit the Notes Outline to be checked and graded by your instructor. (This counts toward your final grade.) Next, complete the homework. This might take you several days. You do not have to finish in one sitting. However, you must earn a score of 90% before continuing. (Homework problems may be reworked an unlimited number of times by using the Similar Example option: getting 100% on each homework assignment is only a matter of determination.) While you are required to complete 90% of the homework, we urge you to complete it to 100% mastery. Lastly, take the Module quiz. All quizzes are proctored they must be taken in class or in the MASTER Math Lab. If you do not earn 80% or higher on your first attempt, then you must complete the Module Review to 100% level before being allowed a second attempt at a Module quiz. If you do not pass on the second attempt, you must work with your instructor before you can take the quiz again. Finally, you must pass each Module, in sequential order, before going on to the next. At least one new Module should be completed every week. The number of Units you must complete in order to be allowed to enroll in your credit math class depends on your goal. You may have credit for some Units from the placement test and/or BSK 1. To Enroll in this Units Credit Math Class MTH 126 0-3 MTH 150, 151, 152, 157 0-5 MTH 115, 181 0-6 MTH 163, 166 0-9 You are required to check your VCCS student email account at least every other weekday. Use your VCCS student email account when you send email to your instructor. (This is NVCC policy.) Email messages that you send to your instructor between Sunday evening and Thursday evening will be answered with 24 hours. Email messages which you send to your instructor between Friday morning and Sunday afternoon will be answered by the close of business on Monday. Calculators are not permitted on any of the work for Unit 1. A hand-held, non-graphing calculator may be used for Units 2 9. Graphing calculators are not allowed at all. On quizzes and tests, you may not use a cell phone or PDA as a calculator. Attendance is recorded at every class meeting and at the Alexandria Campus MASTER Math Lab. To receive full attendance points for the week, you must attend all class sessions and all lab sessions. To be counted present in class or the lab, you must be on time and work until the class is dismissed. To be counted as present in the lab, you must sign in and sign out. Each week has eight possible attendance points, four for class meetings and four for the required hours in the MASTER Math Lab. Attendance points will be calculated on a weekly basis and cannot be made up unless the college is closed. Whether in the classroom or in the lab, using the computers for any purpose other than this course will result in a loss Go to the MASTER Math Lab more than the required time every week! 2
of all attendance points for that period. If you miss a class or lab, you are nonetheless responsible for all material, announcements and assignments. Two consecutive weeks of absence from class without consultation with the instructor may lead to administrative withdrawal from the course. In addition, if you have not attended any classes or labs by the last day to withdraw and receive a refund, you will be withdrawn from the course by your instructor and you will not receive a tuition refund. If you have not completed at least one Unit by the end of week 4, you may be withdrawn without a tuition refund. You may also be withdrawn by your instructor for non-attendance and non-progress at other times during the semester. Your instructor has the right to withdraw you for the above infractions, but not the obligation. You are ultimately responsible for withdrawing from this class. Tests Grades Quizzes and tests must be completed in one sitting once they are started. Tests and quizzes for this course may be taken during class or in the MASTER Math Lab (M-Th 8:30am to 9:30pm, Fri-Sat 8:30am to 4:30pm). If you are taking a quiz or test in the MASTER Math Lab, you must have your NOVA ID. Tests have about 25 questions and can be taken either in class or in the lab. Quizzes have about 12 questions and can be taken in the lab or in the classroom. You need to allow at least 45 minutes before the end of class or before the lab closes to begin a Quiz. You need to allow at least 1½ hours before the end of class or before the lab closes to begin a Test. Quizzes and tests are not timed. There is no time limit other than the ending time of class or the hours of the Lab. Your grade is S, R, or U, determined as follows: Grade Meaning Criteria S Satisfactory Completion of at least four Units and overall average of 75% R Re-enroll Completion of at least two Units and attendance grade of at least 90% U Unsatisfactory Did not meet the criteria above NOTE: A grade of U or R may affect your Financial Aid. Activity Wt Notes and Attendance 20% Homework 30% Quizzes 25% Tests 25% Total 100% Resources MASTER Math Lab To help you learn the material, MyMathLab contains an ebook, PowerPoint presentations, video lectures, homework help, sample problems and practice exercises. You can use the MyMathLab software at home, in class, in the Open Computer Lab and in the MASTER Math Lab. However, quizzes and Unit Pre- and PostTests are proctored, therefore they must be taken on-campus. Finally, do not forget that your instructor is there to help you over the difficult spots. Attend class or office hours and ask for assistance when you need it. Do not hesitate to ask questions! You are required to be in the lab during your scheduled hours and you are encouraged to work in the Lab any time it is open. In the Lab, you can ask for individual help from any math instructor or tutor on duty. You can take quizzes and tests in the Lab. However, you may only attend the lab at Alexandria campus where you are taking your MASTER Math class. The Lab is open Monday through Thursday 8:30 am - 9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday 8:30 am - 4 pm. Last Day The last day of online course work (notes, homework assignments, tests and quizzes) is December 17, 2013. After this date, no additional work will be accepted. Student Disabilities If you have a disability which has been diagnosed and documented and which may cause you to have problems with any part of this course, you must consult with the instructor as soon as possible so that suitable alternative arrangements may be made. Go to the MASTER Math Lab more than the required time every week! 3
Academic Honesty You are expected to observe Academic Honesty in all your work. You are encouraged to collaborate on many assignments, such as homework and notes. Instructors and tutors are available to assist you with this sort of work. Quizzes and tests, however, are individual work and you must complete them without unauthorized assistance of any kind, including help from instructors, other students, tutors or notes. You should not have any items on your desk when testing other than the testing paper, graphing paper and multiplication table that we provide. From Units 2 9 you may also have a hand-held, non-graphing calculator. You should not have any windows open on the computer other than the MyLabsPlus and MyLabsPlus Testing windows. During quizzes or tests, PowerPoints and any other study aid in MyLabsPlus are not permitted. Upon completion, you must turn in all quiz and test material. The following are all examples of Academic Dishonesty: attempting to bring work out of the testing area and/or share that work with other students; communicating during a test/quiz via texting device, phone or conversation; misrepresentation of attendance; falsifying records; cheating or lying. If you violate the Academic Honesty policy, you receive the grade of U in the course. Consider this your warning. If you are not sure if what you are doing is cheating, ask your instructor for clarification. Class Procedures Instructor not present for class or college is closed Notes Important Dates You are expected to be in class and lab on time and to be actively working on MASTER Math while you are in class and lab. Bring all needed supplies to class (3-ring binder, pencil, paper and calculator). You are expected to be respectful in class and lab (participate only in discussions relative to the class, turn off cell phones, etc). If any of the above is not followed, you will be asked to leave and marked as absent for that day. You must use NOVA computers in the lab and classroom, not your own. In the event your instructor does not show up for a class, you must wait 30 minutes before leaving. If a notice has not been posted in the classroom, please check with the Division Office before leaving to see if the instructor has left a message for students. If the college is closed due to inclement weather, you should continue to work on your assignments off-campus. 1. If you passed Math 1, Math 2 or Math 3 Summer 2011 or later at NOVA, please speak to your instructor. 2. If you receive Veterans Benefits, please speak with the Veterans Counselor about enrollment in this course. 3. If you need fewer than four Units, talk to your instructor to make sure you are in the correct course. Activity Date Last day of course work December 17, 2013 Last day to withdraw and receive a refund September 7, 2013 Last day to withdraw without a grade penalty October 31, 2013 Must have the first Unit completed by September 17, 2013 Go to the MASTER Math Lab more than the required time every week! 4
NOVA MASTER Math Lab Mission: Promote student success by maintaining a supportive environment where students focus on achieving their developmental mathematics goals. 1. Lab Attendance: a. Use your NOVA ID card to swipe in and out of the lab in order to receive attendance credit for lab time and have access to lab. Official exceptions may be made by the lab manager on a case-by-case basis. b. Students should not lock or shut down any computer. c. Lab hours may vary throughout the semester and will be announced and posted. (Spring Break, finals week, emergency closings, etc.) d. Guests are not allowed in the MASTER Math Labs: only currently enrolled MTT/BSK students may use the MASTER Math Lab. 2. General Policies: a. Keep cell phones and other personal electronics out of sight. b. Food, drinks, and tobacco products (including electronic cigarettes) are prohibited at the computers. c. Please be cooperative and respectful with Lab Staff. In particular, it is the job of the Lab Supervisors to manage staff and students as needed so that all students can be productive. We strive to be courteous and friendly and we ask that you do so as well. d. Visit only permitted websites. You may visit only MyLabsPlus and nvcc.edu websites which pertain to your MTT course. e. Please use the (flag, cup, hand) to get the attention of lab staff. They will come to your aid as soon as they are able. f. Maintain a studious atmosphere. Refrain from any behavior (non-math conversation, etc.) that may interfere with another student s work. g. Use of calculators: Non-graphing or scientific calculators may be used for Units 2 and above. Using a calculator on Unit 0 or Unit 1 is incident of Academic Dishonesty and will not be permitted without an official accommodation letter. You may not use any other personal electronic device as a calculator. You may sign out a borrowed calculator from the lab staff. h. Bring your own supplies. The lab is not responsible for supplying scratch paper or pencils to students. 3. Quizzes & Tests: a. You must have a NOVA ID card to take a test or quiz in the lab: there are no exceptions. The student handbook states, All NOVACard identification cards are provided for identification and access to campus services. b. A quiz must be started at least 45 minutes before the lab closes. A test must be started at least 90 minutes before the lab closes. c. Cell phones may not be on your person during testing. d. Testing Paper: Lab staff will provide the paper for your test/quiz. Please fill in the top of the paper as directed. Test papers must be turned in immediately after the test is submitted. e. Your desk must be clear except for testing materials. Lab staff may check any item on your desk during testing. f. Clothing: If you are wearing a hoodie or hat, we may ask that you remove it during testing. g. Proctored test area: All unit pre- and post-tests, and/or module quizzes must be taken in the proctored testing area on NOVA testing paper. No other work may be done in the testing area. Go to the MASTER Math Lab more than the required time every week! 5
4. While taking a test or quiz: a. Abide by the Academic Honesty Policy posted in the test area and in the NOVA student handbook. The following are considered examples Academic Dishonesty: i. Cheating on an examination or quiz, including giving, receiving, or soliciting information and the unauthorized use of notes or other materials during the examination or quiz. ii. Buying, selling, stealing, or soliciting any material purported to be the unreleased contents of a forthcoming examination, or the use of such material. iii. Substituting for another person during an examination or allowing another person to take your place. iv. Plagiarizing means taking credit for another person s work or ideas. This includes copying another person s work either word for word or in substance without acknowledging the source. v. Accepting help from or giving help to another person to complete an assignment, unless the instructor has approved such collaboration in advance. vi. Knowingly furnishing false information to the College; forgery and alteration or use of College documents or instruments of identification with the intent to defraud. b. Lab staff members are not permitted to answer content related questions during testing. c. Once a quiz or test is started, you must finish it. Leaving your computer station while taking a test or a quiz will be interpreted as having submitted the test or quiz. i. Lab staff may submit the test or quiz for you. ii. No bathroom breaks are allowed during a test or quiz. d. Suspicious behavior will not be tolerated. i. If suspicious behavior is observed (looking down in lap, hands in lap, viewing another student s work, etc.), the proctor may ask the student to stop the behavior. ii. Failure to stop the behavior will be treated as Academic Dishonesty. e. Recall that if you violate the Academic Honesty policy, you receive the grade of U in the course. If you are caught violating the Academic Honesty Policy in the lab your test/quiz will be submitted and you will be asked to leave the lab. Your instructor will be notified. 5. Additional Attempts for quizzes and tests: a. Lab supervisors will not review PreTests with students. b. If you do not get over 80% on a Module Quiz: i. After the first attempt, complete the personalized module review. ii. After the second attempt, lab staff will give you a list of study plan problems to complete. Once completed, you may retake the quiz. The lab staff may also review the quiz for or with you. iii. After the third attempt, the lab supervisor may review the quiz with you--however, only your instructor will provide additional attempts. c. If you do not get over 80% on a PostTest: i. After first and second attempts, the lab supervisor may review the test with you once the Practice Test and review problems are done. ii. After the third attempt, the lab supervisor may review the test with you and give you a fourth attempt. iii. After fourth attempt, the lab supervisor may review the test with you--however, you must see your instructor for additional attempts. d. During the last week of term ONLY, instructor permission for attempts beyond 3rd on quizzes and 4th on PostTests is not required: the lab supervisor is permitted to give these as long as the required review has been completed. Go to the MASTER Math Lab more than the required time every week! 6