Math 123 Distance Learning WELCOME and Are you in the right place??
Instructor: Sonja Manor                                                                                Spring 2010

Thank you for your interest in Elementary Algebra Distance Learning.  
My name is Sonja Manor and I will be your guide in the upcoming Math 123 distance ed class. 
Distance learning brings education to your doorstep.
It is an excellent opportunity, but also a huge responsibility. It only works for people who are highly motivated and like to work independently. 
Please read through all of the following information before you complete your registration.

Is Distance Learning for you?  Before you enroll in a distance learning class,  you should really take an honest look at whether you possess the appropriate level of personal discipline and independent learning style that this course requires.  You will be working on your own and teaching yourself algebra with the help of computer software, email questions, and office hours.  You have to enjoy working with computers and be willing to come in and get help.  I invite you to take the following exploratory Self assessment survey.

If the only reason you are considering taking this course is because not having to come to class appeals to you, I strongly suggest you reconsider.  A face to face class is easier for most people.  A face to face course usually will take less time and has a higher success rate than a distance learning class.  I have found that the students who have been successful in this class are those who have a strong motivation to finish the course, but their work schedule or family obligations  make it very difficult to attend class regularly. Successful students are independent learners and are very self-disciplined.

Course Pre-requisite. The prerequisite for this course is completion of Math 7 (Pre-Algebra) with a grade of C or better, or the equivalent. If you have not taken the pre-requisite course within the last year, you are strongly encouraged to take the placement test offered by the counseling office.

Algebra expands the basic processes of arithmetic; therefore it is very important that you be comfortable with arithmetic before starting this course. If you are not comfortable performing operations by hand with decimals, fractions, or percents, you should sign up for Math 7 (Pre-Algebra) rather than this course.

Necessary Computer Equipment.   You must be equipped with an IBM compatible computer with internet access and e-mail. The following technical specifications are required to run the course software. 

Please note you can work on the software without being connected to the internet, but you will need an internet connect to register your work and access the class web page.

Class Requirements.  You will be working through a series of online lessons with a software package called Hawkes Learning System.  These will serve as your lectures.  You will take online quizzes and homework and work problems from a text book that comes with the software. You can expect to spend at least 10 hours a week on the course (Some students will need more time).  The only time you will need to come to campus is to attend the orientation,  take 4 tests and 1 final, and if you need help.

Mandatory Face to Face Meetings.  This course requires that you attend a face to face orientation at the beginning of the semester.  At that time, there is a software orientation and course procedures are reviewed.  You are also required to take 5 face to face exams. The face to face exams are given on the SLO campus during a one and a half hour block usually on Tuesday evenings.  

Cost of the Course.  There are two fees associated with this course:  the cost of the book: $100 and a cost of the units: $18 per unit (a total of $90 for 5 units).  You will pay for the units when you register for the course.  You will buy the book, which comes with the software, in the bookstore.  You should come to the orientation before you purchase the book.  Once the book is opened, it is nonrefundable. 

If you have any questions prior to the orientation, please feel free to e-mail at smanor@cuesta.edu.  Otherwise, I will see you at the orientation.  I look forward to meeting you and working with you.

Sincerely,

Sonja Manor