Elementary Algebra

MS 1023
Spring 2015
Instructor Information: Follow this link for Shaun Andersons Instructor Information.
Credit Hours: Three
Off Campus Website: http://remote.icanlearnonline.com
Location Code: 387-nix7
Revision Date: 01/15/2015
Course Description
Elementary Algebra is distance education course offered online and through Blackboard. The sequence
consists of five modules which collectively cover all of the arithmetic and problem solving skills needed
to prepare students for intermediate algebra.

Course Prerequisites/Co-requisites
MS 1013-- Pre-requisite: 0-48 on COMPASS pre-algebra or 34-41 on ASSET Numerical Skills.

Required Texts and Materials

Computer Access
3 ring binder and notebook paper
I Can Learn access code
Headphones
I Can Learn Textbook (you will receive this in the mail)

PCCUA Core Competencies

The five core competencies (STACC) are incorporated within the context of the subject being
taught. The competencies address skills the College has committed to developing in all
students.
1)
Social and Civic Responsibility
2)
Technology Utilization
3)
Analytical and Critical Thinking
4)
Communication
5)
Cultural Awareness

Student Learning Goals for General Education

Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in a written and oral
manner. (GOAL 1)
Students will be able to demonstrate mathematical knowledge and skills. (GOAL 3)
Students will be able to demonstrate skills in problem solving and scientific reasoning. (GOAL 4)
Students will be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills. (GOAL 5)

Workplace Success Skills Acquired

Perform arithmetic and mathematical operations.

Solicit the views and opinions of others for solving problems and improving procedures.
Think critically, make decisions, and solve problems.
Extract and interpret information presented in a graph or chart format.
Work effectively with others.
Recognize information most relevant and important to a situation.
Absorb and apply new information.

Course Level Objectives

At the end of this course students will be able to:
(1) formulate and reason about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in
bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear
equations;
(2) use functions to describe quantitative relationships;
(3) analyze two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and
congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.

Grading Scale
A => 90 % - 100 %
B => 80 % - 89 %
C => 70 % - 79 %
D => 60 % - 69 %
F => Below 60 %
A => 499 - 555 points
B => 444 - 498 points
C => 388 - 443 points
D => 333 - 387 points
F =>

0 - 332 points

ICL Quizzes
Each lesson will be followed by a quiz that is open book/notes and may be repeated. Students may not
receive help from another student, tutor, or instructor during the quiz. A minimum score of 80% is
required on the quiz in order to proceed to the next lesson.

ICL Cumulative Exams

Cumulative exams will be given after a student completes 5-8 lessons. The cumulative exams are
highlighted in gray on your lesson order sheet. A minimum score of 70% is required on the cumulative
exam. Students who do not make 70% or higher will be required to retake the exam.

Individual Blackboard Projects

Individual projects will be assigned throughout the semester. These projects will be posted and
explained in the lessons and assignments section in Blackboard.
Collaborative Blackboard Projects
Collaborative (group) projects will be assigned throughout the semester. These will give you
the opportunity to work with and communicate with your peers. These projects will be posted
and explained in the lessons and assignments section in Blackboard.
Student Notebook
Each student should have a 3 ring binder for all class materials and class work. This notebook should
include presentation notes and problems you have worked, including those for quizzes and exams. To
set up notebook:
Begin each day on a new page of your notebook and date it in the top right corner.
You should make a note for the days you are absent from class explaining why you could not
attend.
Write the lesson number and objective you will be working on at the top of each page and then
label appropriately: DIAGNOSTIC TEST (DT); PRE-TEST (PT); LESSON PRESENTATION (LP);
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE (IP); QUIZ (Q); CUMULATIVE TEST (CT). Show all notes taken or
problems worked under each section and number your problems.
Make sure you maintain your notebook in a neat and orderly fashion. Scratch work is not a
neat and orderly way of keeping a notebook.

Computer Guided Lessons

At the beginning of each lesson you will be given a ten question PRE-TEST. Students who score
at least 90% on this test will be able to skip the lesson and proceed to the next PRE-TEST.
Pre-test grades should be recorded on the lesson order sheet. Students scoring below 90% on the
pre-test will continue the lesson.
The LESSON PRESENTATION section will follow. Record all of the important definitions, rules,
and examples that are presented in your notebook.
The INDEPENDENT PRACTICE (homework) section follows. Copy the problem numbers that are

assigned and work the problems BEFORE entering them into the computer. The online
homework counts 10% of your grade. If you make below 80% on the homework you must rework it.
The next section is the QUIZ. You may not receive help from a classmate, tutor, or instructor
during the quiz. You must score an 80% on the QUIZ in order to proceed to the next lesson. IF
you score below 80% on the QUIZ, you will return to the lesson for review and more practice.
After 2 unsuccessful attempts, you will be notified that you must consult with your instructor
before proceeding. Have your student notebook open to the appropriate lesson so that your
instructor may look over your work and make the appropriate suggestions for success: 1) watch
the lesson presentation again 2) receive special tutoring 3) work additional problems from the
textbook 4) rework the problems missed on the quiz and retake the quiz.
CUMULATIVE TESTS are given periodically. They are highlighted in gray on your lesson order
sheet. You must turn your notebook in to your instructor before you begin this test. You must
make a 70% or higher on the CUMULATIVE TESTS in order to proceed. If you do not make a 70%
or better you will take the test again.

Instructional Methods and Minimum Requirement

This will be a computer-based learning classroom using the I CAN Learn Education Systems in
conjunction with Blackboard. Students are expected to complete at least 3-4 lessons per week, not
including cumulative tests. Completing a lesson means testing out of a lesson or lessons as a result of
the diagnostic test; passing the pretest with a grade of at least 90%; or showing mastery on a quiz with a
grade of at least 80%.
Technical Difficulties
For information regarding technical difficulties with the I Can Learn System click ICL Technical Support.

For technical assistance with Blackboard, contact the Blackboard Help Desk at (479) 575-6804 or
bbhelp@uark.edu. When emailing please include (1) your name, (2) the name of the course, (3) the
instructor's name, and (4) a description of the problem.
Phone hours are:
Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
If Blackboard is not responding after hours, call (479)-575-2904 to alert staff. Limited technical support
and troubleshooting is also available after hours.
All online students are automatically enrolled in a Blackboard Student Tutorial, where they can practice
learning how to use tools in this learning management.

Academic Honesty
Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. Plagiarism can be defined

as unintentionally or deliberately using another persons writing or ideas as though they are ones own.
Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, copying another individuals work and taking credit for it,
paraphrasing information from a source without proper documentation, mixing ones own words with
those of another author without attribution, and buying or downloading a paper from the Internet.
The penalty for academic dishonesty in this course is a "0" for the assignment with notification of the
infraction to the Dean of Instruction. A second instance of academic dishonesty will result in a failing
grade for the course and may also result in disciplinary sanctions including probation or suspension from
the college.

Campus Support Services

Phillips Community College/UA provides student support services that assist students in achieving their
educational objective. Those services include advising, financial aid, counseling and guidance, and safety
and security.

ADA Policy
Scott Post is the Vice Chancellor for Student Services and serves as the ADA Compliance Officer. If you
have a disability please contact the Student Disabilities Coordinator for your campus.
DeWitt-Phyllis Fullerton (870) 946-3506 ext. 1610
Helena-George White (870) 338-6474 ext. 1135
Stuttgart-Terry Simpson (870) 673-4201 ext. 1809
The process of student referral under the Americans with Disabilities Act can be found in the Student
Handbook.

FERPA Policy:
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas complies with the Family Educational Rights
and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. A student has the right to inspect and review all of his/her records that
meet the definition of educational records. No third party has the right to review student records
without the students permission, with very limited exceptions. For more information contact the
Registrars Office.

Insurance
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas does not provide insurance for its
students. The college does encourage each student to secure his/her own insurance, and for
that reason, the college has contacted an insurance agency to assist any student with individual student
insurance coverage. Forms for this insurance are available in the Registrars office.

ACTS
The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) contains information about the transferability of courses
within Arkansas Public Colleges and universities. Students are guaranteed the transfer of applicable
credits and the equitable treatment in the application of credits for the admission and degree
requirements. Course transferability is not guaranteed for courses listed in ACTS as No Comparable
Course. Additionally, courses with a D frequently do not transfer and institutional policies may vary.

ACTS may be accessed on the Internet by going to the ADHE Website and selecting Course Transfer.
http://www.adhe.edu/ then click on Arkansas Course Transfer System

Disclaimer
This syllabus represents a proposed plan to execute the above policies and objectives according to the
included school and class calendar. However, under certain circumstances (e.g., bad weather,
mechanical problems in the facilities, etc.) changes may be required.