Are You Ready for Internet Math?
Online Math 124: Math for Liberal Arts
Suzanne Miller, Instructor

The Survey
Is an online math course for you? How well will it fit your circumstances and your lifestyle? Choose and record an answer for each question, score the evaluation as directed, to assess how well Online Math 124 would fit your needs.

Questions
1. My need to take this course now is ...
A. high - I need it immediately for transfer, degree or job.
B. moderate - I could take it on campus later.
C. low - it's a personal interest that could be postponed.

2. Feeling that I am a part of a class is ...
A. not particularly necessary to me.
B. somewhat important to me.
C. very important to me.

3. I would classify myself as someone who...
A. often gets things done ahead of time.
B. needs reminding to get things done on time.
C. puts things off until the last minute.

4. Classroom discussions are ...
A. rarely helpful to me.
B. sometimes helpful to me.
C. almost always helpful to me.

5. When an instructor hands out directions for an assignment, I prefer ...
A. figuring out the instructions on my own.
B. trying to follow the directions on my own, then asking for help as needed.
C. having the instrucions explained orally first.

6. I need faculty comments on my assignments ...
A. right away, or I get very frustrated.
B. within a few days, or I forget what I did.
C. within a few weeks, since I can review what I did.

7. Considering my professional and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on this Math 124 course is...
A. more than enough for a campus class.
B. the same as for taking a class on campus.
C. less than for taking a class on campus.

8. When I am asked to use VCRs, computers, fax, voice mail or other technologies that may be new to me ...
A. I look forward to leaming new skills.
B. I feel apprehensive, but try anyway.
C. I put it off or try to avoid it.

9. As a reader, I would classify myself as ...
A. good - I usually understand the text without help.
B. average - I sometimes need help to understand the text.
C. slower than average.

Scoring
Add 3 points for each A that you circled, 2 points for each B, and 1 point for each C. If you scored over 17, Online Math 124 is a real possibility for you. If you scored between 8 and 17, Online Math 122 may work for you, but you need to make a few adustments in planning your time and using technology to succeed. If you scored 8 or less, Online Math 124 may not be a suitable option for you - talk to me or a counselor before you enroll.

Please consider:
1. Distance learning coursework can be neglected because of personal or family circumstances, unless there are compelling reasons for completing a course.

2. Some students prefer the independence of distance learning; others find it uncomfortable.

3. Distance learning courses like Online Math 124 give you greater freedom to schedule your work, but they also require more self- discipline.

4. Some people learn best by interacting with other students, but courses like Online Math 124 do not afford as much opportunity for this type of interaction unless you arrange it with a study group.

5. Distance learning courses require you to work from written directions, without face-to-face explanations by the instructor.

6. Online Math 124 requires at least as much time per week as attending class and completing assignments for the corresponding campus course.

7. Online Math 124 uses technology for teaching and communication. You will need to be comfortable receiving your assignments via the Web and email as well as with delivering your work via fax, or email.

8. Web pages are the primary source of directions and information in Online Math 124. There will be five 3 hour campus meetings for orientation exams and to introduce each module. Only in special cases, such as students who are severely disabled or incarcerated, can exams can be taken with a proctor.

Math 124 Overview / Index/ Module Topics/ Math 124 by Week


Online Math 124: Math for Liberal Arts, A Practical Course © Copyright 1997 by Suzanne Miller
smiller@dvc.edu