Welcome to Week Three
Polynomials (MA107)
Weekly Content - Polynomials
Last week our discussion focused on linear equations, i.e. algebraic expressions where the biggest exponent was one. This week, we're going to expand our understanding to include expressions with higher exponents.
Weekly Motivation
[I do not] carry such information in my mind since it is readily available in books. ...The value of a college education is not the learning of many facts but the training of the mind to think. [1]
-- Albert Einstein
Think about how Einstein's observation applies to your own education. Most students who are working on a college degree are doing it for the specific goal if improving their job prospects but Einstein's comment encourages us to think about the bigger picture. What do we get from education beyond mere factual knowledge? How can we benefit from taking classes that aren't immediately relevant to our short term goals? What can we do to position ourselves for a future whose needs we can't predict?
[1] In response to a question about not knowing the speed of sound, Einstein: His Life and Times (1947) Philipp Frank, p. 185</font>
-- Albert Einstein
Think about how Einstein's observation applies to your own education. Most students who are working on a college degree are doing it for the specific goal if improving their job prospects but Einstein's comment encourages us to think about the bigger picture. What do we get from education beyond mere factual knowledge? How can we benefit from taking classes that aren't immediately relevant to our short term goals? What can we do to position ourselves for a future whose needs we can't predict?
[1] In response to a question about not knowing the speed of sound, Einstein: His Life and Times (1947) Philipp Frank, p. 185</font>
Class Notes - Support Services
The first two weeks are behind us and the grade book will be up to date later today (Monday) with all of last week's grades. If you're concerned about your grade, please take a look at the syllabus and review my office hours. I'll be glad to discuss the week's material with you during those times. The classroom even has a live discussion area that includes a white board where we can get together.
The University also offers a free tutoring service that you can access by clicking on the Resources tab at the top of this page. If you can't be available during my scheduled office hours, I'll be glad to work with you to schedule a time that's convenient for both of us or you can check out the range of hours that the tutors are available.
The University also offers a free tutoring service that you can access by clicking on the Resources tab at the top of this page. If you can't be available during my scheduled office hours, I'll be glad to work with you to schedule a time that's convenient for both of us or you can check out the range of hours that the tutors are available.
Technical Issues
If you're having technical issues with Blackboard, e.g. uploading files, downloading files or viewing the grade book, you should contact the Herzing University Helpdesk. I'll be glad to answer any questions you have about the course's content but faculty don't have the training or access to do any kind of tech support.
Contacting Me
There are a number of ways for you to reach me during this course:
- E-mail: gallen@herzing.edu
- Telephone: 813.995.8622 (office hours only)
- Skype: prof.gregory.allen
Office Hours
I will have three virtual office hours for each week of the course, with time allocated during the week to focus on the assignments and their due dates. I'll be available every Tuesday from 8:00 - 10:00 AM ET, Tuesday from 8:00 - 9:00 PM ET and Thursday from 8:00 - 10:00 PM ET.
Outside of those hours, Skype is the best way to get a hold of me. I'm usually online working in the afternoon and early evening so those are great times to get a hold of me if you have a quick question on a problem or assignment.
Outside of those hours, Skype is the best way to get a hold of me. I'm usually online working in the afternoon and early evening so those are great times to get a hold of me if you have a quick question on a problem or assignment.
Professor Gregory Allen
Email: gallen@herzing.edu
Website: http://www.whitecraneeducation.com
Location: Skype: prof.gregory.allen
Phone: 813.995.8622