Monday January 10 – Monday January 17, 2011

 

Happy New Year!

 

Welcome to Pre-Algebra (Math 074)!

 

This course is 95% online. That means you will attend classes via the Internet and take exams at the Learning Lab.

 

My name is Mr. Adam L. Cloutier and I am the instructor for this course. You may call me Adam, Mr. Adam or Mr. Cloutier.  You will communicate with me via email (alcloutier@hfcc.edu), and/or on the course discussion board in UCompass. You will need to visit HFCC's campus to complete four exams during the semester. You may visit me during office hours, or schedule on-campus office visits with me during other times if needed, however this is not required.  By the way, I love it when students come and visit me! 

 

An online course requires a certain level of commitment and self-discipline from you, the learner. To succeed you must participate in the course on a regular basis. Put time aside each week, just as you would if you were attending classes on campus, to attend your online course and complete the necessary work. It is very difficult to do well if you get behind.  Let me be honest – online classes are HARD!  You’ve basically have to teach yourself EVERYTHING!  Of course I’ll be here to help guide you and give advice, but really, you’ll be doing the learning at home with your book and/or computer!

 

If you're not sure you're ready for the commitment of an online course take the self-test on the HFCC UCompass login page, http://henryford.ucompass.com. Click the Student Resources link and then click "Is online for you?" to learn if your learning style and self-discipline is suited for online learning.

 

There are certain technical requirements for success in this course. You are responsible for the necessary hardware and software, as well as the ability to competently use both. You must have access to a computer with a CD-ROM drive. You must be able to access the Internet. To ensure that your computer is ready for online learning click "PC Requirements" in the Student Resources section of the UCompass login page, http://henryford.ucompass.com. The Technology Analysis at the bottom of the page will evaluate your computer to make sure you have the necessary software applications to access the course content. If you do not have the correct version of an application there is a link to a free upgrade page.

 

Should you need Technical Support with your UCompass course click the Tech Support link on the UCompass login page. Call the support numbers listed or submit your issue via e-mail and you will receive a timely response. 

 

There will be FOUR tests during the semester plus a comprehensive final at the end that will you will need to take at HFCC learning lab. 

 

It is your responsibility to keep up with the readings and the course work. Be sure to complete your work on time, early is preferred and recommended, because you may not submit late work.  In addition, if you submit email assignments early, I will generally reply and allow you to resubmit them if they’re not perfect – but it’s got to be before the deadline.

 

The text book for this course is Basic Mathematics through Applications, 4/E , Akst and Bragg
ISBN-10: 0321500113 ISBN-13: 9780321500113 Publisher: Addison-Wesley Copyright: 2009. 

 

            You do NOT need to buy the actual book, but you must make sure you purchase the MyMathLab (CourseCompass) student access code.

 

The access code can be purchased bundled with a new textbook from your bookstore, can be purchased separately from your bookstore, or may be bought online using a credit card or a PayPal account.  To order online visit the College Store web site: http://collegestore.hfcc.edu/

 

 

Here’s what we’ll be doing in our Math 074 class online:

 

We will be using two on-line programs for this course. They are UCOMPASS and CourseCompass (MyMathLab).

 

UCOMPASS will be used for Weekly Assignments, Discussion Board, E-Mail, and Grading.

Course Compass (MyMathLab) will be used for Multimedia lectures including video and PowerPoint, and online homework.

 

UCOMPASS

 

1.      To access UCOMPASS go to  http://henryford.ucompass.com.

 

2.      Log into Ucompass using your WebAdvisor username and the four-digit mmdd of your birth day as your password (if your birthday is July 4, your password would be 0704).  If you do not know your WebAdvisor username find it through the HFCC website http://www.hfcc.edu.  Click the blue WebAdvisor box, then click the link for Students and follow the prompts to display your username.

 

If you have trouble with your username or password contact the HFCC Help Desk, either via email at helpdesk@hfcc.net or telephone: (313)845-6345.  I can also look up usernames, but not passwords.  Thus, if you do not know your username, just ask!

 

 

CourseCompass

 

1.      To access CourseCompass go to http://www.coursecompass.com

The first time you go to the website you will have to register.  A brief description is below, for further information please visit the “CourseCompass (MML)” packet in UCompass.

 

2.      To register

a.      Click on register under the student tab on the left of the screen under Log In.

b.      Click on get access to a new course.

c.       Make sure you have a valid e-mail address

d.      Course ID is: cloutier35261

e.      A valid student access code which is in your book if you purchased the correct book with MyMathLab.

f.        Then follow the instructions and you should be registered into the course.

 

 

Check out the following video for a brief how to (please note that the courseID in the video is different than ours – it’s from my FALL 2010 semester!)::

 

 

 

The next time you enter CourseCompass you use the Log In button on the left. You do not have to register again.

 

What you need to do on or before January 10th, 2010:

1.      Purchase a CourseCompass (MyMathLab) access code. 

2.      Register for CourseCompass using YOUR student access code and the above course code. (www.coursecompass.com)

3.      Log into UCompass. (http://henryford.ucompass.com/)

4.      Go to UCOMPASS, on the left hand side click on Course Materials, then click on Packets, then click on Week #1 Packet.  Read, Read and Read some more!!!!  There are many files in this packet, and the one titled Week1 Assignments and Notes is what you’ll have to do for Week 1’s homework. 

Basically: Each week you’ll log onto UCompass, click on Course Materials, then Packets and then the applicable week to find your weekly assignments.

 

That’s it…………

 

You will get from the class exactly what you put into it. Contact me at any time with any questions or concerns you have (alcloutier@hfcc.edu). Communication is absolutely essential in an online course. Email or post ... just communicate! So ask questions any time you have them!

 

Best Regards,

Mr. Adam