MA101 – Intermediate Algebra
The Dawning of a New Way to
Develop Skills in Mathematics
Spring 2009
How is MA101 different?
No textbook – Learn from an online
software product called ALEKS
Still use pencil and paper to do your
work, but you input answers into
ALEKS
ALEKS provides a calculator when
you need it
Using ALEKS will help you develop
your computer skills
ALEKS at Southeast Missouri State
Assessment and LEarning in
Knowledge Spaces
Web-based, artificially intelligent
assessment and learning system
Individualized format with oneon-one instruction
Possible to finish the course
before the end of the semester
How does it work?
ALEKS will determine what you know
and what you are ready to learn
Working at your own pace, you work
in class and out of class on topics
you are ready to learn
Individual help while in class from a
team of instructors
ALEKS will work with you to help you
master the skills you need to be
successful in future math classes.
ALEKS – Getting Started
www.aleks.com
Java and ALEKS plug-in
High-speed internet not necessary
Self-registration
Answer Editor Tutorial
Initial Assessment
No two assessments are alike. The
questions cannot be predicted. Each
question depends upon how you
answered the previous one.
ALEKS
Students are neither bored by working on
concepts they have already mastered nor
frustrated by studying those for which
they are not yet prepared.
Everyone starts from what they know and
works through the objectives as their own
pace
The more time students spend out of
class working on the material, the sooner
they can finish the course.
ALEKS
Time on task
Automatic Assessments
In-class Assessments
ALEKS – End of the semester
Take an end-of-course assessment
(End-of-course) – (initial) 80
objectives, then grade of CR, enroll
in MA102 next semester
Number of objectives 170, then
grade of CR and Intermediate
Algebra requirement met, enroll in
Logical Systmes
Fail course, retake MA101
Missouri Western Student
Comments
ALEKS is much less intimidating than
actually going into a traditional classroom
feeling like you are dumb because you
don’t know what the teacher is talking
about. You can work at your own pace.
The fact that ALEKS figures out what
areas you are weak in and works on that
with you, is a big plus compared to
having to sit in a lecture about something
you are already familiar with.
Missouri Western Student
Comments
I didn’t really like the idea of an entire
math course on the computer when I
started the class. After only a few days I
found that it was very helpful and I
actually learned more than I think that I
would have in a regular course.
What I liked most about ALEKS is that it
wouldn’t move on if I didn’t understand
something. That’s what was hard about a
normal math class, I would get so far
behind because we would move on to
something new each day even if I did not
understand what was going on.
Missouri Western Student
Comments
I believe the developmental math
program allows all of us to learn the
way that is best for us. For example,
I learn best by working it out
myself, rarely asking for help.
Others need someone to show them
the problems, and that is also
available to them. It’s a great
program.
www.aleks.com