Welcome to Week Three
Introductory Algebra and Unit Conversions (MATH103)
Weekly Material
This week we're going to be covering two different topics. The first half of the readings cover some basic algebra techniques that can be used to solve equations; the second half discusses ratios and proportions and how they can be used to solve real world problems like converting between units.
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
Assignment Schedule
Discussion (Measurements Systems) The discussion of measurement systems will be our only required discussion this week.
MML Homework/Quiz You have a homework assignment and a quiz that must be completed on the MML website. This homework assignment can be attempted multiple times so if you aren't satisfied with your grade on your first attempt, you should continue working on the assignment until your grade gets to where you want it to be. The quiz can only be attempted once.
Portfolio Project This week we're going to start working on the PowerPoint presentation that you'll submit as your final project. You can find a summary of what's due for each week in the Week 2 Activities area. I've put some additional information on this week's part of the assignment in the Week Three Notes post in the discussion board.
MML Homework/Quiz You have a homework assignment and a quiz that must be completed on the MML website. This homework assignment can be attempted multiple times so if you aren't satisfied with your grade on your first attempt, you should continue working on the assignment until your grade gets to where you want it to be. The quiz can only be attempted once.
Portfolio Project This week we're going to start working on the PowerPoint presentation that you'll submit as your final project. You can find a summary of what's due for each week in the Week 2 Activities area. I've put some additional information on this week's part of the assignment in the Week Three Notes post in the discussion board.
Technical Issues
If you're having technical issues with accessing or using Blackboard, you should contact the Bryant & Stratton University help desk at 585.563.8401 (long distance charges may apply) or at http://smartipantz.perceptis.com/bryantstratton/content/default.aspx. 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. You can find more information about support services by clicking on the FAQs button on the left side of this page.
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 and from 8:00 - 9:00 PM ET and on 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: gwallen@bryantstratton.edu
Website: http://www.whitecraneeducation.com
Location: Skype: prof.gregory.allen
Phone: 813.995.8622