Welcome to Week Two
College Algebra (MA107)
Weekly Content - Linear Equations
This week we'll be moving into algebra proper with a discussion of linear equations and how to solve them.
Weekly Motivation
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.[1]
-- John von Neumann
von Neumann's comment will be one of our topics in the discussion board this week. I think his approach sums up the way many people feel toward mathematics but it also points us toward an approach that you can use to improve your performance. They key to "getting used to" something is experience with it. The best thing you can do for yourself in a technical course like this one is working lots of problems. You should also be sure to ask questions when you come across problems you don't understand. I added the "What's Puzzling Me Thread" in the discussion board to give everyone a place to post those questions.
[1] Reply to Felix T. Smith who had said "I'm afraid I don't understand the method of characteristics." —as quoted in The Dancing Wu Li Masters: An Overview of the New Physics (1984) by Gary Zukav footnote in page 208.
-- John von Neumann
von Neumann's comment will be one of our topics in the discussion board this week. I think his approach sums up the way many people feel toward mathematics but it also points us toward an approach that you can use to improve your performance. They key to "getting used to" something is experience with it. The best thing you can do for yourself in a technical course like this one is working lots of problems. You should also be sure to ask questions when you come across problems you don't understand. I added the "What's Puzzling Me Thread" in the discussion board to give everyone a place to post those questions.
[1] Reply to Felix T. Smith who had said "I'm afraid I don't understand the method of characteristics." —as quoted in The Dancing Wu Li Masters: An Overview of the New Physics (1984) by Gary Zukav footnote in page 208.
Class Notes - Improving Your Grade
Week one's discussion grades should be posted by the end of the day on Monday. You should already be able to see your RealizeIt grade in the grade book. If you aren't satisfied with your grade, I've posted some suggestions in a post in this week's discussion board titled "Week Two Notes".
Class Notes - Late Assignments
The University's late policy doesn't allow for assignments to be submitted after the end of the week. More specifically, assignments can't be submitted late for partial credit. Assignments can only be submitted late if you have a documented emergency situation, e.g. a hospitalization or death in the family, that prevented you from completing your work. You must provide documentation that indicates the period that you were unable to work on your assignments. Your assignments will be due no later than five days after the end of the period indicated in the documentation. If there's a delay in getting the documentation or getting it to Student Services, complete the assignments anyway. I'll modify the grade when the documentation arrives. The five day window starts from the day indicated on the documentation, not the day you get the documentation to me. Under no circumstances will I grant an exception or extension without some kind of official documentation. Acquiring that documentation and getting it to Student Services is the student's responsibility.
In general, technology problems don't qualify as an emergency. I suggest you give some thought to a back up plan, e.g. a neighbor or relative with Internet access or a local public library, in case you have an unexpected technology failure.
Under no circumstances will assignments be accepted after the last day of class.
In general, technology problems don't qualify as an emergency. I suggest you give some thought to a back up plan, e.g. a neighbor or relative with Internet access or a local public library, in case you have an unexpected technology failure.
Under no circumstances will assignments be accepted after the last day of class.
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