DSPM 0800
Elementary Algebra
3 Credit Hours

Course Information

Course Description:
Fundamentals of elementary algebra: operations on real numbers,  evaluation and simplification of expressions and formulas,solution of first-degree equations, ratio and proportion, applied problems, graphing linear equations in two variables, the slope and equations of a line, operations on polynomials, factoring, and laws of exponents.

Course Objectives:
When you have completed this course you will be able to: 
  1. Review operations with fractions
  2. Review order of operations
  3. Translate words to math symbols
  4. Evaluate Real Number Expressions
  5. Simplify Algebraic Expressions
  6. Evaluate Algebraic Expressions
  7. Solve Linear Equations
  8. Solve Application Problems
  9. Solve linear inequalities
  10. Graph linear equations in two variables
  11. Find and use the slope of a line
  12. Write the equation of a line
  13. Perform Operations with Polynomials (Add, Subtract, Multiply, and Divide)
  14. Use Rules for Exponents
  15. Factor Trinomials
  16. Solve Quadratic Equations by factoring

Prerequisites and Co requisites:
Basic Mathematics or demonstrated proficiency on the placement examination.
CREDIT HOURS: Three (3) credit hours. However, these cannot count toward a degree.

Course Topics:
  • Operations on real numbers will be reviewed. 
  • Simplification of expressions and formulas
  • Solution of first-degree equations
  • Ratio and proportion
  • Applied problems
  • Solve linear inequalities
  • Graphing equations of a line
  • Operations on polynomials
  • Factoring
  • Laws of exponents
  • Solve Quadratic Equations by factoring

Specific Course Requirements:
Know how to work with fractions.
Know how to work with decimals.
Know how to work with integers.

Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements

Required Textbooks:

 Please visit the Virtual Bookstore to obtain textbook information for this course:
http://rodp.bkstr.com

Supplementary Materials:

 A scientific calculator such as TI30x IIs or a graphing calculator such as TI83 Plus.

Hardware Requirements:

 Please see Hardware and Software Requirements @
http://www.tn.regentsdegrees.org/students/hardware_software.htm

Software Requirements:

Please see Hardware and Software Requirements @
http://www.tn.regentsdegrees.org/students/hardware_software.htm

In addition to the RODP software requirements you must be able to install the following plug-ins and players to view and interact with the multimedia content in your course textbook:

1.  MathXL® Player
The MathXL Player requires Windows/Internet Explorer. 
The MathXL Player is an ActiveX control and is required for doing practice exercises and homework online.

2.  RealNetworks™ RealOne™ Player
You need the RealOne Player to play video content.

3.  Macromedia® Flash® Player
You need the Flash Player to view animations, and, in some courses, the multimedia textbook.
The required version of the Macromedia Flash Player is version 7.0 or higher.

4.  Adobe® Reader®
You need Reader to view Acrobat files, including the multimedia textbook.
The required version of the Adobe Reader is version 4.0 or higher.

5.  Macromedia® Shockwave® Player
You need the Shockwave Player for interactive activities.
The required version of the Shockwave Player is version 8.5.1 or higher.

NOTE:  Most campus computer labs will not allow you to download software.  Therefore, you must have access to your own computer to install the software needed to access the multimedia in your textbook and to do the required homework.  There is an Installation Wizard included with the purchase of your textbook.

Instructor Information

To find instructor contact information as well as a statement of virtual office hours and other communication information please refer to the link in your Course Menu, 'Professor'.

Instructor Response Time:
This course will be attended daily Monday thru Friday.
If your instructor does not reply to your emails in WebCT within 24-36 hours, please contact your RODP Campus Administrator .

Assessment and Grading
 It is your responsibility to plan around trips and to locate an alternate internet access when yours is not available.
Access to quizzes and exams will be reset ONLY when the TBR server is down on a due date. 

Testing Procedures:
  • Quizzes
    • Online and have TWO attempts.
    • Highest attempt score becomes grade.
    • Second attempts can only be entered 24 hours after the first attempt. Therefore, you can NOT wait until the last day to take both attempts.
    • Allow 48 hours between attempts if you want to have instructor comments added.
    • Access is denied at 11:50 pm CENTRAL time on the due date. 
    • Timed.
    • There are NO MAKE-UPS for quizzes.
    • Grades can be viewed as soon as quiz is submitted.
    • Complete solutions are posted after the deadline dates.
  • Chapter Exams 
    • Online and have ONE ATTEMPT ONLY. 
    • Access is denied at 11:50 pm CENTRAL time on the due date.
    • Timed.
    • First make-up has no penalty.
    • Additional make-ups receive a 10 point penalty.
    • Make-ups will be made available for only 3 days past the original due date.
    • Grades can be viewed as soon as quiz is submitted.
    • Complete solutions are posted after the deadline dates.
  • Midterm  and  Final Exams 
    • Proctored Exams 
    • Together they count  60% of your grade.
    • These exams are taken online at a TBR approved testing center.
    • YOU  must contact your closest college or university testing center to make arrangements for your proctored exams.
    • Your proctored site must have a computer with an internet connection to access your course.  
      Browser must be Internet Explorer to view math symbols correctly.
    • Calculator may be used.
    • No notes, textbook, or outside help may be used.
    • Late Midterm or Final Exams will receive a 30 point penalty.

Grading Procedure:

Course grades are measurements of the course objectives. As such, they directly relate to the learning objectives stated above. Your course grade is based on your totals from the following:

Topic Points Activity Total Value

Orientation

1 @ 20 points

 Tour your course and do the Orientation Assignment listed in the course. Total:
20 points 
2% of grade

Quizzes

12 @ 10 points
each

 Taken  online and must be submitted by the deadline date.  If you do not make the deadline a zero will be given.

Total:

120 points 
12% of grade

Practice Tests

5 @
0 points each

 These tests are required, but do not receive a grade.  You must receive a score of 80% or higher before you go on to the next material. You may take them as many times as needed.   Total:

0 points
0% of grade

Chapter Exams

5 @ 30
points

 Taken  online and must be submitted by the deadline date.  If you do not make the deadline a zero will be given. Total:

150 points
15% of grade

PROCTORED
Mid-Term Exam

1 @ 300 points

 Taken at an APPROVED TBR
Testing Center.		 Total:

300 points
30% of grade

PROCTORED
Final Exam

1 @ 300 points

 Taken at an APPROVED TBR
Testing Center.		 Total:

300 points
30% of grade

Homework

16 @ 5
points

 These will be based on the assigned problems.  Only homework completed with 80% accuracy will be accepted for a grade. Total:

80 points
8% of grade
Discussions
3 @ 10
points
 Topics will be posted on the Discussion Board. Total:
30 points 
3% of grade
   

TOTAL

 1000 pts
 

Grading Scale:

Your grade will be based on your total points earned using the following scale:

Percent Points Grade
90 - 100%
900   -  1000
A
80 - 89.9%
800   -    899
B
70 - 79.9%
700   -    799
C
< 70%
Below   700
F

Students cannot earn a  D in a DSP course and there are no audits.
An  F  grade  indicates that the student  has not fully mastered the course materials sufficiently to move into Intermediate Algebra.    
You must re-register for Elementary Algebra.

Assignments and Participation

Assignments and Projects:
The course is divided into five (5) modules.

Each module includes:  online quizzes (graded), homework assignments(graded), online practice tests (no grade), and online exams (graded).   The modules are divided into several lessons.  Within each lesson, you will find lots of  examples, practice problems, and cumulative review exercises.  Summaries, review exercises, and practice tests are at the end of every chapter. 

Quizzes are taken online in WebCT and will have two attempts. 

Assigned  problems from your textbook are worked through MyMathLab.  You must purchase an access code to your textbook and be able to download the software listed in the software requirements above. Homework is accepted only if the problem set is completed with 80% accuracy.

There is one online Exam for each module.   They are one(1) attempt only.  They are timed.

Included in each module is a Practice Exam with answers.  These exams serve only as a study guide and will not be counted in your grade.

There will be 3 Discussion topics posted during the semester.  You will be required to write on a posted topic and post by the due date.

There will be two Proctored Exams.  These are taken online at an approved TBR Testing Center.

GRADED ACTIVITIES:
Within your course, there will be a schedule that gives the  DEADLINE DATES  for all graded activities.
All online Quizzes and Exams expire at 11:50 p.m. Central Time on the Deadline Date listed.
There is a range of time that each item is available.
It is your responsibility to plan around trips and to locate alternate internet access when yours is not working.
Public Libraries are a good place for free internet access when you are out of town.

 

Class Participation:
You are expected to log in to your course at least three times a week, read your e-mail, check the calendar for due dates, and check the discussion board for announcements.
You should use WebCT e-mail to contact your instructor about personal questions.
You should use the Discussion Board to ask for help on course material.  This way the entire class can see the reply.
You will be expected to complete all homework assignments.
You will be expected to take all online quizzes on time.
You will be expected to take all online exams on time.
You will be expected to take a mid-term and final exam on time at an approved proctored site.

Punctuality:
You are to observe all deadlines and dates as listed in the Deadline Dates document in your course.

How Much Time is Needed?
The amount of time you will need to spend on this course depends on several factors, including your previous background in algebra.  It is recommended that you spend a minimum of two (2) hours on each lesson or an average of 10 hours per week.   
In organizing your time, you should plan for unforeseen problems or emergencies as NO work will be accepted after the deadline dates.

Course Ground Rules

Possess  reliable access to computing resources.  Have the minimum hardware, software, and browser.

Understand basic personal computer operations.  (operating system, file management, word-processing, internet, and e-mail) Taking an online course is not a way to learn computer skills.

Be familiar with the Internet.  Know how to browse, search, download, and unzip files and solve problems involving personal computer settings and internet.

Read for information quickly, effectively, and follow instructions.   There is more  reading in an online course than other modes of instruction.  If you read slowly and have trouble following instructions, you will find this course frustrating.

Have an external e-mail account and check it at least weekly.

Learn to use Course Tools from the tutorials and help screens provided.  This course requires the use of e-mail and  bulletin board.   It is your responsibility  to learn how to correctly use these tools.

Actively and persistently communicate with your Instructor about problems you are experiencing.

Willing to make weekly progress on the activities and assignments of the course.

Prepared to spend at least 10 hours per week for each week of the term working on this course.  Online courses are generally more time consuming and complicated than other modes of instruction.  The big difference is that you have more freedom and control over doing the work.

REMEMBER, to be successful you should set up a schedule to practice and study the assigned problems on a regular basis.  You cannot cram at the last minute in a math course.

DO NOT FALL BEHIND.  
Email me immediately if you are having any problems.
There is free tutoring available at most campus locations.
Call your campus to get their current schedule.

Guidelines for Communications

Email:
  • Always include a subject line. External emails must include your full name.
  • Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
  • Use standard fonts.
  • Do not send large attachments without permission.
  • Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
  • Respect the privacy of other class members
  • Emails will be acknowledged within 24-48 hours.
  • All non-WebCT assignments will be confirmed by email upon receipt. 

Discussion Groups:
  • Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant.
  • Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
  • Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other’s ideas.
  • Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
  • Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
  • Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
  • Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.
  • Use the Discussion Board to ASK QUESTIONS on problems in the course.  Replies can then be made by classmates and I will post detailed explanations that everyone can review.

Chat:  (Will not be used this semester.)
  • Introduce yourself to the other learners in the chat session.
  • Be polite. Choose your words carefully. Do not use derogatory statements.
  • Be concise in responding to others in the chat session.
  • Be prepared to open the chat session at the scheduled time.
  • Be constructive in your comments and suggestion

Web Resources:

Academic Misconduct

Plagiarism, cheating, not doing your own work and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. A student guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, is immediately responsible to the instructor of the class. In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed through regular College procedures as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign an "F" grade or a zero for the exercise or examination or to assign an "F" grade for the course. 

Library

The Tennessee Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in the Regents Degree Program. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading must be included in all courses. 

Students With Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Help Information

For HELP with:

  • TECHNICAL PROBLEMS please visit the AskRODP Customer Support web page at http://askrodp.custhelp.com 
    or call the "RODP Technical Support Help Desk" at 1-866-550-RODP (1-866-550-7637)
  • REGISTRATION PROBLEMS contact your home school RODP Campus Contact
  • TBR-RODP RELATED ISSUES contact "RODP Student Services Help Desk" at 1-888-223-0023

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the right to make changes in the syllabus if necessary due to time constraints or other unforeseen events.   If this is necessary, members of the class will be notified as soon as possible BY E-MAIL and posted on the BULLETIN BOARD.