Business Math - Overview of Course Information

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Orientation

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As with all web-based college courses, Business Mathematics is an instructor-supported course requiring the participating student to utilize the on-line material as well as the textbook as the primary sources for the learning process. A tremendous amount of responsibility in completing this educational process lies with the student. This is certainly true for all web-based college courses; but, is greatly compounded by the fact that the course is a mathematics course.

Mathematics, unlike many other academic disciplines, is most always learned by watching and listening to someone "do" the mathematics. This is virtually eliminated with web-based instruction. It is the accomplished self-learner with adequate mathematical skills who will be successful at any web-based mathematics course.

Additionally for Business Mathematics, many examples of "real life" examples and anecdotal comments are normally given in the traditional classroom in order to enhance the learning experience for the student. These are absent for the most part in web-based instruction.

Further, as a web-based education program, Nashville State Technical Institute has established the following as specific skills related to computers, the internet and Web CT:

Skills Needed for WebCT® Courses

Basic Computer Skills

Identify and use important parts of the window (scroll bars, dialog boxes, buttons, and pull down)
Manipulate windows (open, close, minimize, and move windows)
Use the mouse to point, click, and drag
Format a disk
Use Windows Explorer
Identify the CD-ROM drive
Make a backup copy of a disk
Change the screen resolution

Internet Skills

Understand parts of the browser window
Access browsers and enter URL addresses
Set favorites or bookmarks (bookmark the WebCT site)
Determine the browser version
Print and save Web pages
Download and install Web browsers
Download browser plug-ins
Download a file from the Web

WebCT Course Skills

Set browser options for WebCT™ courses
Accessing my WebCT
Understand the course layout
Use WebCT Bulletin Board
Use WebCT Private Mail
Take a quiz in WebCT

In Summary, Web-based Business Mathematics is appropriate for students who cannot attend a traditional class on campus for whatever reason and who possess the following personality traits and abilities:

Motivated to learn in any educational environment due to a commitment to self-development
Self-directed and disciplined to complete work on a regular basis to meet deadlines
Possesses adequate mathematical ability consistent with two years of high school algebra
Possess adequate written communication skills. In particular, those skills needed to become proficient at mathematical methods learned from reading alone as opposed to the traditional method of classroom instruction.
Possess adequate computer, internet and WebCT skills to utilize the on-line delivery system.

Web-based Instruction Components:

A required orientation session scheduled and conducted by the Coordinator, Distance Education, with a subsequent orientation session with the instructor.
Basic course material including course content, examples, sample exams, sample exam with solutions, worksheets, and other pertinent material provided on-line.
Access to the instructor for clarification, questions, etc. via e-mail, phone, fax or in person.
A textbook which is the same textbook as used in the traditional on-campus course.
Five tests, a problem set and Final Exam to be completed per the schedule as given:

Spring Term 2007
Item	Completed By
Test 1	February 12
Test 2	February 26
Test 3	March 23
Test 4	April 13
Test 5	April 25
Problem Set	April 25
Final Exam	May 1

All tests will be administered by the Testing Center on the White Bridge Road Campus or, appropriate Distance Education Site. All tests are open book to allow students access to tables in the text. No notes or sample exams allowed during tests. Calculators are essential for testing and for homework problems. The problem set can be mailed, faxed, or personally turned in to the instructor. All of the 5 semester tests and the problem sets will be returned to the student via U.S. mail unless the student indicates an acceptable alternative.

6. Special Notice: Please note the following requirements:

(A) The student must contact the instructor at least once every two weeks with an update on progress. Failure to do so will result in a WF grade for the student.

(B) Failure to comply with the completion schedule as given above will result in a WF grade for the student.

(C) Do not expect immediate response to your communications. You will receive a response as quickly as possible; but be aware that the instructor has many other duties that require effort and attention. The instructor is not always waiting at the computer or phone for your communication.

(D) Do not wait until the last two weeks to start on the Problem Set. The Problem Set is rather challenging and requires considerable effort.

(E) Pay close attention to the calculation examples returned with your first test.

(F) The course material gets more difficult conceptually and methodically with compound interest and annuities. The most difficult part of the course is Test 4, Test 5 and the Problem Set.

Grading System and Policy are:

5 Tests (drop lowest)	400 points (maximum)
Problem Set	150 points (maximum)
Final Exam	200 points (maximum)
Total	750 points (maximum)

Cumulative points	Final Grade
675 - 750	A
600 - 674	B
525 - 599	C
450 - 524	D
Below 450	F

All five tests must be taken even though the lowest grade is dropped. The final exam is comprehensive and must be taken by each student.

To get to the Business Math Web Site: http://ww2.nsti.tec.tn.us/math1075-100

User Name - 1^st three initials and last four digits of Social Security Number

Password - Two middle digits of SSN and the date of birth - mmddyyyy (2 digits month, 2 digits day, and 4 digits year)

Example: John Michael Harris
SSN: 123-45-6789
Date of Birth: January 1, 1968

User Name: jmh6789
Password: 4501011968