Item 6201, CMATH 085 A, Computer-Based Introduction to Elementary Algebra
Spring 2015
7:30-9:20am, Building 18 Room 201, 5 credits
Instructor
Natalya Strand( Manko)
Contact Info
Email: nmanko@tacomacc.edu
Message Phone: (253) 460-2000, Ext. 7022
Office hours: 8:30-9:00am, Bldg 18, Rm. 202
Catalog
Description
A self-paced, computer-based course covering the same material as MATH 085. Topics
include introduction to variables and signed numbers, solutions to linear equations and
inequalities, simplification of algebraic expressions, evaluation and manipulation of formulas,
with an emphasis on word problems and graphing of linear equations.
Course Overview
Welcome to CMATH 085, a self-paced version of MATH 085 where you will do your learning
on the computer! Many students find that the pace of their math courses doesn’t work for
them. Some students want to move more slowly and some want to move more quickly.
Working at your own pace lets you take the extra time when you need it to understand each
topic. If you catch on to an idea right away, you can move ahead as soon as you are ready.
Program
Learning
Outcomes
The Math Department Program Learning Outcomes referred to in the course learning
objectives below are:
1. Create, interpret, and analyze graphs and charts that communicate quantitative or
relational information.
2. Determine, create, and use appropriate and reasonable mathematical constructs to
model, understand, and explain phenomena encountered in the world.
3. Determine and carry out an appropriate algorithm to solve problems that are
amenable to mathematical solutions.
4. Communicate mathematical information formally, using appropriate math notation
and terminology, and informally by using everyday language to express ideas.
5. Use technology to analyze and solve mathematical problems and to effectively
communicate solutions to problems, particularly those that cannot be solved
efficiently by other means.
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Course Learning
Objectives
Course Objectives Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
(Corresponding Program Learning Outcome is listed in parentheses)
1. Interpret the concept of a variable as an unknown quantity. (2, 4)
2. Translate expressions and equations from words to algebra. (2, 4)
3. Perform operations with signed numbers. (3, 4)
4. Apply the order of operations algorithm to algebraic expressions. (3, 4)
5. Solve linear equations and inequalities using a vertical format. (3, 4)
6. Apply the commutative, associative and distributive properties. (3, 4)
7. Evaluate algebraic expressions and formulas. (3, 4)
8. Solve formulas for a specified variable. (3, 4)
9. Solve basic application problems algebraically. (2, 3, 4)
10. Represent and interpret information numerically, algebraically, and graphically.
(1, 2, 3, 4)
11. Create a linear graph given an equation or data points. (1, 2, 3, 4)
12. Use a scientific calculator appropriately. (5)
13. Write clear and complete solutions to mathematical problems, including correct
notation and written explanations when appropriate. (4)
Instructional
Methods Used
This course is computer based. You will learn by reading explanations, watching videos of
examples, and doing practice problems on the computer using ALEKS software
(www.ALEKS.com). An instructor will always be available to answer questions during class
time. Note: ALEKS does not work well in MS Explorer. Please use Firefox or Chrome
as your browser.
Textbooks &
Supplemental
Materials
There is no textbook for this course. An access code for the ALEKS software is required.
This may be purchased from the TCC Bookstore or online at ALEKS.com. You may
purchase basic ALEKS access, or for an additional $15 (approximately) you may purchase
“ALEKS 360,” which will include an interactive textbook, videos, and animations not available
in the basic access.
Supplies
You will need headphones or earbuds to use the videos and animated examples in ALEKS in
the classroom and notebooks for working problems that require paper and pencil.
Calculator Policy
ALEKS will provide you with a calculator only if you are working on a problem for which it is
appropriate to use a calculator. You are NOT allowed to use any calculator in class or for the
final exam unless ALEKS provides it.
Technology
Most of the instruction for this course comes from computer software, so you need to have
access to a computer with high speed internet for at least two hours a day. If your computer
does not have high speed internet access, computers are available on campus at the MARC
(19-22), the Information Commons (Building 16), and the library (Building 7).
Attendance
To be successful in this course, you must work steadily. You are expected to attend class
daily and work ten to fifteen hours a week on ALEKS.
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Course Structure
You begin this CMATH course by taking the ALEKS assessment for CMATH 085, which will
determine what you might already know about CMath 85 and what you still need to learn.
The assessment takes 45 minutes to an hour, and the results are displayed in a pie chart. If
you need to leave the computer before you have finished the assessment, ALEKS will save it
so you can return to it.
You will learn the course material by reading explanations and examples, watching videos
with more examples, and practicing on-line. Your instructor is always there during class time
to help too. ALEKS will give you assessments on a regular basis to evaluate your learning.
These assessments may result in losing or gaining portions of your pie. Your instructor may
require you to take an assessment during class time. When you master all the material in
the course, the pie chart is completely full, and you take the Goal Completion Assessment on
ALEKS.
All coursework and login hours, aside from the final exam, must be completed by the last
regular class day of the quarter (this quarter, that date is Monday, June 8)
Evaluation
Criteria &
Grading
Standards
CMATH 085 must be taken on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis.
End of the Quarter Outcomes: There are three possibilities:
1. You have successfully completed the course.
a. You have completed your pie, and
b. you have taken the ALEKS Goal Completion Assessment, and scored 100% on it,
or scored below 100% and completed the pieces that were re-entered into the
pie, and
c. You have passed the final exam with 70% or better.
In this case, you are given a grade of “S” in MATH 085 and are dropped from
CMATH 085 You may then take MATH 090 or CMATH 090.
2. You have made sufficient progress in the course but have NOT completed your
pie.
a. You have worked a minimum of 90 hours and have added 112 topics to your pie
or
b. You have worked a minimum of 120 hours and have added 78 topics to your pie.
In this case, you are given a grade of “S” in CMATH 085 and may re-take CMATH 085
to finish the course, or you may take a classroom section of MATH 085.
3. You have NOT made sufficient progress, which means you have not met criteria 1 or
2 above. In this case, you are given a grade of “U” (unsatisfactory) in CMATH 085 and
must register for MATH 085 retake the ACCUPLACER . You may not register for any
other CMATH course.
For Returning CMATH students: Students may have up to two full quarters to
complete their CMATH work for a given level, as long as during their first quarter they
make sufficient progress and put in the required number of hours. If this is your 2nd
quarter working on the same CMATH level as a previous quarter, you must complete
your pie and take your final exam by the end of the quarter. If you do not complete your
pie by the end of this quarter, you will not be allowed to take the same CMATH level for a
3rd time.
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Final Exam
The final exam will be given within ALEKS.
 A passing score on the final is 70% or better.
 You may take the final a maximum of two times.
 If you complete the pie and the ALEKS Goal Completion Assessment before the
beginning of the last week of classes, special arrangements will be made to take your
final exam early.
 If you completer the pie and the ALEKS Goal Completion Assessment by the last
class day of the quarter, your final is offered on the day indicated on the TCC Final
Exam Schedule.
 Second attempts at the final may be made on the last day of final exams.
Withdrawals &
Incompletes
TCC policy states that anyone can withdraw from a class on or before May 22, IF the student
fills out the necessary add/drop form and turns it in to registration. After that, you need the
instructor’s permission. THAT MEANS: you need to tell me your reasons for wanting to
withdraw (warning: “I’ve run out of time,” is not reason enough to get a withdrawal after
Friday , May 22. In general, if you have been making satisfactory progress at the time of your
request, a WI grade will be given. If not, a U grade will be given (exceptions may be made,
depending on the circumstances). Students who simply stop coming to class will receive a U.
Because of the structure of CMath, Incomplete (I) grades will generally not be given.
Academic
Dishonesty
The TCC Academic Dishonesty policy states: Students are expected to be honest and
forthright in their academic endeavors. Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication or other forms of
academic dishonesty corrupt the learning process and threaten the educational environment
for all students. In this course, sanctions for academic dishonesty will be as follows:
If the first instance is before the final exam, the student will be given a warning. The second
instance will result in the student being given a grade of “U” in CMATH 085. The student
must then register for MATH 085 or retake the ACCUPLACER . The student may not register
for another CMATH course. Any academic dishonesty on the final exam will result in the
student being given a grade of “U” in CMATH 085. The student must then register for MATH
085 or retake the ACCUPLACER . The student may not register for another CMATH course.
Accommodations
Students with Special Needs: All students are responsible for all requirements of the class,
but the way they meet these requirements may vary. If you need specific auxiliary aids or
services due to a disability, please contact the Access Services office in Building 7 (253-5665328). They will require you to present formal, written documentation of your disability from
an appropriate professional. When this step has been completed, arrangements will be made
for you to receive reasonable auxiliary aids or services. The disability accommodation
documentation prepared by Access Services must be given to me before the accommodation
is needed so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
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Classroom
Policies
Please be sure that cell phone/beepers are on vibrate. If you need to take a call, please take
it out in the hallway.
Because we are in a computer classroom, food and beverages are not allowed in class.
Since we are a very diverse group, please be respectful of each other. Help each other when
you can, but keep non-productive talk to a minimum.
Dispute
Resolution
If you have questions or complaints about your grade or any other aspect of the class, please
follow the steps below:
1. See the instructor and present your case in a professional, unemotional manner.
Instructors are always willing to listen to a good argument and respond considerately. If you
are not satisfied, go to step 2.
2. See the Mathematics Department Chair, Carol Avery, in Building F2, Room 7. If you are
still not satisfied, go to step 3.
3. See the Dean of the Math, Science, and Engineering Division, Mike Flodin, in Building 15.
Resources for
Tutoring
The Al-Kwarizmi Math Advising and Resource Center (The MARC): The MARC is located
in 19-22, and has a computer lab where you can access ALEKS.
The MARC has math tutors and math instructors available to answer questions. For best
results, bring specific questions or problems you are working on to ask about. Even if you do
not have any problems, the Math Center is a pleasant place to study. You are always
welcome there!
The Writing and Tutoring Center: The Tutoring Center is located in building 7, room 221.
Student tutors are available by appointment for one-on-one tutoring. The hours during which
tutoring is available in specific subjects may vary from quarter to quarter. Call the Tutoring
Center at (253) 566-6032 to find out what their current schedule is. Drop-in tutoring is
available on Friday afternoons.
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