Math 128: Applied Algebra (CRN 33169)

Who is this course for?

Welcome to Math 128 (Applied Algebra)! The purpose of this course is to prepare students for a non-STEM transferable course. [STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. If you expect to major in one of those fields, this is probably not the class for you.]  It is intended for students who plan to take Statistics, College Algebra or Math for Humanities, and is a pre-requisite for some programs (such as Nursing). If you are unsure if this is the right class for you, check in with your counselor or please don't hesitate to ask me. Sooner is always the best!

Instructor Contact Information

Name: Jodi Meyer

Email Address: jmeyer@cuesta.edu 

Instructor Contact Expectations: 

The best and fastest way to contact me is Pronto, and the second best way is email.  I will generally respond to your emails and texts within 24 hours during weekdays.  During busy times of the semester, the response time may increase to 48 hours.  On weekends, I will do my best to get back to you ASAP but I cannot guarantee an expeditious response. 

Course Environment:

This online course will be using a Web-based Learning Management System, Canvas as the method to disseminate information. Canvas provides the framework for the course including videos, student data files, the tools to receive and send course materials, and a grade book. Using the communication tools, you can communicate using Canvas messenger, and you can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion forums and Canvas messenger.

This class has once weekly Zoom meetings. They are Wednesdays from 10:00 - 10:50.  The first of these required Zoom meetings will be Wednesday, January 20th.  This will be an informational meeting, during which I will explain the course structure and policies, and you can take the opportunity to ask any questions you have.

Textbook/Materials

• Textbook -  Applied Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, by Jay Lehmann.  It is a custom Cuesta College addition, available through the bookstore.

• Computer - You must have access to a computer.
• Internet Connection -  You will be required to have a reliable internet connection. You will also need to have a backup plan in case your internet provider or computer goes down. All of practical assignments and tests will be submitted to me via Canvas. 
• Scanner Technology - You will be required to scan and submit documents as a PDF file in Canvas.  If you don't have a scanner then there are free phone apps that you can download and use. I have had people recommend Scannable by Evernote for Apple phones, and Genius Scan for Android phones.  I have also used CamScanner in the past.
• Scientific Calculator - I recommend the TI-30X IIS. It is solar and costs $9-15 (so shop around).  Phones are not acceptable as calculators.

 

Starting the Course:

The week prior to the start of  class, you will receive an email to your my.cuesta.edu address providing you with a reminder that class will be starting and recommending that you log into Canvas, the learning management system (LMS) used to deliver course content. You can access Canvas by logging into MyCuesta, then clicking on the Resources Tab, then clicking on Canvas in the Online Learning Channel, or by typing the Canvas address (https://cuesta.instructure.com/) into your browser address bar. Do not bookmark / favorite the canvas site after your login, or you will get an error message next time you try to log in. You must access the canvas log in directly.

If you are not familiar with logging into canvas, please refer to the Canvas Quick Reference Guide.Links to an external site. Once logged into Canvas you will be directed on where to get started. Be sure to read all the direction on the course home page.  

If you are having difficulty logging into Canvas and need assistance please email me or technical support at this email address: support@my.cuesta.edu. 

Online Learning: 

If you have never taken an online class or this is your first experience with Canvas, please be patient with yourself. Online classes are not inherently easier, although they may be much more convenient for many students. You should expect to spend at least as much time, if not more on this course as you would on a course that meets face to face. While there will be some days with scheduled lectures and group work assignments, most of this time will be self-directed and there will be a substantial amount of self-guided math practice. This is intimidating to some students, but can be the most effective way for others to learn. This is a 6 unit class, please be prepared to spend 12 - 18 hours per week on coursework for this class

Regular Effective Contact policy:

Regular and Effective Instructor Contact will be met through instructor initiated threaded discussion forums; weekly announcements to students; timely and effective feedback on student assignments; email, phone or messaging to individuals; and virtual office hours.

Students should expect to be logging in multiple times a week. I don’t care whether your work is done all in one sitting or not, but most students need to break their time up into several chunks in order to absorb the dense material most effectively - but you should be checking email and announcements often, to make sure you aren't missing any time-sensitive information.

Technical Support

Cuesta students are encouraged to direct all technical support inquiries to  support@my.cuesta.edu. If you are having issues with Canvas, you should contact the Canvas Support Hotline at (877) 921-7680, or click on the help button on the Canvas Navigation to report a problem.

If you are having difficulty viewing the course or logging in, it may be because you are not using the correct url: https://cuesta.instructure.com/ or you are using your phone or using an unsupported browser.

Your learning environment is best accessed from a desktop or laptop computer, using Firefox or Chrome.  This may solve your problem!  Please review the browser requirements and minimum computer specificationsLinks to an external site..

Accommodations:

This course is designed using an accessible Learning Management System, and course materials have been created with ADA compliance in mind - however there are many images and graphs that are inherently inaccessible. If you have a disability and might need accommodations in this class such as extended time on exams or other resources. Please contact the instructor as soon as possible so that you can receive appropriate accommodations in a timely manner. You should also contact DSPS (Disabled Student Programs & Services)Links to an external site. at 805-546-3148 or

College & Course Policies:

Academic Honesty Policy: Please note all students attending San Luis Obispo County Community College District at any district site and when representing Cuesta College in any off-campus activity, assume an obligation to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner compatible with the Student Code of conduct. Please review the Cuesta College Student Code of conductLinks to an external site..

Add / Drop Policy: Here are the Cuesta College policies:

• Add PolicyLinks to an external site.
• Drop PolicyLinks to an external site.

 

Waitlist Policy:  Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructionsLinks to an external site.