MAT 0012 -- Pre Algebra Syllabus
Mediated Learning Classes
 St. Petersburg College
Clearwater Campus

Disclaimer
This generic syllabus provides information about class policies and procedures that are generally accepted college-wide for Academic Systems classes.  However, your instructor may amend this syllabus with additional policies or changes to these policies.  Consult with your instructor if you have questions about any college or classroom policies.

Introduction
This class is taught on campus using a software program called Interactive Mathematics (IM), which is a multimedia interactive full course curriculum designed and delivered by Academic Systems Corp., a division of PLATO Learning.  Your instructor will not be giving any in-class lectures as the subject matter is delivered by your interaction with the computer software.  Keep in mind this is neither a self-paced nor an independent study class; it is a guided student-centered, computer-delivered full course curriculum which fosters early completion of a course.  As it is your primary instruction for this course, you are expected to follow the sequence of modules within each lesson and complete your lessons and tests by following the Lesson & Test Schedule.   Be sure not to fall behind this schedule as it is difficult to catch up. There are deadlines established to assist you in completing this course in a timely manner.

Prerequisite
Appropriate score on the CPT mathematics placement test.

Required Course Materials
    Textbook -- Interactive Mathematics -- Pre Algebra which must be purchased at an SPC bookstore
    Client Install CD (version 11) with a 10-digit access code on the sleeve needed for validation by Monday of the 3rd week of class
    Two Lesson CD's which contain read-only lesson content and thus do not store any of your work -- your work is stored on the college server
    Notebook for taking notes in the lessons and for writing down all quizzes and tests procedural work

Calculator Usage
There is no calculator requirement for this course; however, the preferred graphing calculator for future courses is the TI-83.  A TI-30Xa is certainly an adequate scientific calculator for your work.  There are links under the Tools tab within the software lessons to a very complete scientific calculator and an adequate function grapher.  Some instructors may not permit the use of calculators in class; be sure to check with your instructor.

Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend all class meetings and complete assignments on time.  If a student misses more than the equivalent of two weeks of class, the instructor has the right to withdraw that student from the class roll.  It is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor in advance of any absence.  There is an online withdrawal form available at http://www1.spcollege.edu/onlineforms/rfwForm.htm if you should find that circumstances require you to withdraw prior to the deadline for student-initiated withdrawals.

College Calendar
For a look at the college wide calendar, including dates the college is closed and the last day for a student-initiated withdrawal, follow this link:  http://www.spjc.edu/webcentral/admit/dates.htm.  Any student who has not withdrawn by that last day to withdraw will receive a letter grade (A, B, C, D, F, or N) that reflects his/her work in the course.   It is your responsibility to keep track of this date and assess your progress by that point in time.

Class Schedule
Students are responsible for following the class schedule in the document entitled Lesson & Test Schedule located at this course site.  It is a good idea to print the schedule so that you can be apprised of the sequence in which to complete the lessons, suggested dates for the written tests, and the date for the final exam.  A copy of this schedule is posted on the classroom wall.

Extra Help
Your instructor is available for questions and assistance in their office on the Clearwater Campus of SPC.  Free tutoring is available for all SPC students in the Learning Support Centers on every campus.  Additionally, the college has purchased an online tutorial sit which can be accessed 24/7.  Go to http://spjc.academic.com and self-register in order to use this service.  You will find help at this site in other disciplines in addition to mathematics help.

Technical Support

    SPC technical support:    1-727-341-4357 or  onlinehelp@spjc.edu  or  http://www.spcollege.edu/helpdesk/

    ASC technical support:    1-800-681-4357  or  http://support.academic.com

Online Quizzes (Evaluates)
At the end of each lesson in the Academic Online curriculum, there is a computer quiz called an Evaluate.  You may retake the Evaluate quiz (if your score is below an 80) after reviewing the lesson; however, the computer will average the higher of your three scores.  It is advisable that you complete the practice Evaluate in your text first before attempting the quiz online.  You may not use your book nor your notes during the Evaluate.  Any lesson Evaluate not taken by the last day of class will be assigned a zero (0).  Many instructors require that first-time evaluates be taken in class only, so be sure to check with your instructor.

Written Tests
You will be taking 4 written tests according to the class schedule.  It is your responsibility to be apprised of the available dates for those tests which is found in the Lesson & Test Schedule.  You may not use your book nor your notes during the tests.  Many instructors do not permit calculators on written in-class tests.

Final Exam
Only if all IM lessons and all written tests are completed and passed will you be allowed to sit for the Final Exam.  For all students, the Final Exam must be taken by the scheduled date according to the class schedule.  This exam is a timed (1 hour 50 minutes) exam given in your classroom during the time announced by your instructor.  You will need to purchase a scantron #20052 for this exam.  The final exam must be passed in order for you to get a passing grade in this course.   If you do not pass the final exam, your grade in this course will be in accordance with your instructor's policy.

Grading Policy