Course Compass and MyMathLab

Online courses at SVC use Course Compass and MyMathLab for instruction, homework and quizzes. MML offers the following features:

• online homework assignments
• online exams
• complete online course content
• guided mathematical instruction
• multimedia learning aids
• student study plan
• free tutoring from the Math Tutor Center
• To check for system requirements, visit: http://www.mymathlab.com/system.html

To use MyMathLab you will first need to create a Course Compass account. To do so, you will need the following:

1. A valid E-mail Address - (we will communicate via e-mail so you will need to have a working e-mail address in CourseCompass when you sign up. It's best if you use the MySVC email created for you when you registered.)
2. Course ID (see your course syllabus for the course ID code)
3. A student access code (this is either provided when you purchase a bundled book at the book store, or can be purchased online. Access codes look something like: ABACUS-CANAL-PRIDE-STONY-MOULD-LUCKY.)
4. School Zip Code (Mount Vernon: 98273)

After you create a Course Compass account you should see your specific course listed. Click on your course and lok around. If you have not used MML on your personal computer please click on the Installation Wizard button on the lefthand panel in MML.

Tips for Taking Online Courses

Online courses present unique challenges compared to traditional on-ground classes, and online math courses often present even greater challenges still. The best way to ensure success in an online math course is consistent and steady progress. Due to the nature of online classes, it's easy to put off assignments until the weekend, or until just before an exam. Although this habit may suffice in getting points for homework assignments, it doesn't prepare you well for the exams, and it doesn't give you long term knowledge.

Reading is key

Remember that you won't have all those non-verbal cues that you get in a physical classroom and neither will your instructor. Information concerning concepts, examples, and math hints allmust come from reading. Read (and sometimes reread) each section of the text before attempting the homework problems.

Communication

As always, effective communication is critical to success. It's even more important in the online environment because your instructor can't see your frown, or hear the question in your voice. Here, you'll be responsible for initiating more contact, for being persistent and vocal when you don't understand something. Your instructor wants to help -- please write your question and send it along, express your confusion, your concern, and be direct! You will save a lot of time, and both you and your instructor will know better what you intend. Also, unlike a classroom, you won't usually get an immediate response to a particular question or request; be patient.

Do's and Dont's

• Do take time to use the help material available (videos, worked examples, etc)
• Don't read material just once. Multiple reading, line-by-line reading are among the keys to understanding mathematics.
• Spend some time just navigating your way through the class and making sure you can figure out what the buttons are for.
• Don't expect too much, too soon. Study and then re-study.
• Manage your time. You will find that your time management skills will be critical in an online class. Why? Because it's very easy to spend either far too little time, or far too much time on the class. Set designated blocks of time to work on the class. This will help you stay up with the assignments and progress smoothly.
• Print out homework problems for reference and review away from the computer.
• Set priorities and pay close attention to due dates; they are intended to help you succeed.
• Try hard to solve problems independently before you ask for help. Too often students simply mimic a worked out example and never fully understand what they are doing or learning.
• Don't give up. Mathematics can be very, very challenging, particularly when you are alone. If you haven't had a mathematics course lately, the first part of the course may be daunting. This will ease.

Also, many online math courses require a traditional paper-and-pencil final examination taken on campus. These exams typically only allow a calculator, and a pencil. Keep this in mind when completing homework assignments and online tests. Try to complete the questions without needing to refer to the textbook, or requesting hints when solving problems.

Enjoy your class and make it a positive experience!!