Q: Can I finish the course early?
A: Probably not. This is a 12 week course with quite a bit of ground to cover. In extreme circumstances, you may be able to work ahead a week or two, but only with permission of the instructor.
Q: How am I going to learn the material if there are no lectures?
A: You will use a combination of your textbook, Blackboard, video lectures, and online homework to learn the material in this course. All of these resources will be made available in a timely fashion.
Q: What if want to take a week long vacation during the semester?
A: Get ahead in the material, and take all quizzes and complete all homework assignments required during this period -- before you leave!
Q: What if I miss a test?
A: There will be no makeups for tests. Plan for the unexpected. Missed tests count for a zero in my gradebook. Providing makeups would be an administrative nightmare. Get one week ahead on your tests, and this will not be a problem.
Q: There was an emergency, that's why I couldn't take my test. Is there any way I can make it up? Please???
A: To accomodate true emergencies, I have enacted a "three late day" policy. This means, you have a total of three late days for the semester. You can use these three days any way you wish ... for example, you might take the first test one day late, and the second test two days late. But, be warned, I cannot offer you more than three days. Please don't ask.
Q: How soon will I know how well I did on my test?
A: You will take a test online, and your instructor will view your work and assign a numerical grade. You'll know your score within a week.
Q: I've always hated math. Should I take this class?
A: No!!!! Taking a math course online is very difficult! If you normally have trouble with math, this class will be a disaster!!!! Please sign up for a regular, classroom based course.
Q: I can't say that I love math, but I've always been pretty good at it. Should I take this class?
A: Yes, provided that you are disciplined enough to stay current with the material. The most successful students have a good base knowledge of algebra and are comfortable with technology.
Q: What are your office hours. How will I contact you?
A: My office hours will be listed on the Genesee Community College Faculty Website.
Q: How can I get help in this class?
A: There are lots of ways to get help with the material in this class. First and foremost, you should be taking advantage of the discussion boards embedded within the course. Post your questions about the material and I (or perhaps one of your classmates) will answer them. GCC also has tutoring available - visit the GCC Tutoring Center Web Site for more information. Finally, SUNY offers free online tutoring! More information available shortly!
Q: Is the MyStatLab homework the only homework I need to do?
A: It's the only homework that will be graded. However, you still need to do all (or most) of the other problems I assign from the textbook to do well in the course.