Welcome to MA101/102 – Beginning & Intermediate Algebra

Why am I in this class? You may have low scores on the ACT or ASSET exam that indicate you are not ready for college level math classes. You may have a math background that does not include enough algebra. You may have been out of school for a while and need a refresher.

Meet the ALEKS program! We will be using the ALEKS software program throughout this course. ALEKS stands for Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces. It is a Web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system. ALEKS determines each student’s current level of skill and then helps them to increase their skill level through practice.

How is MA101/102 different from other courses? No textbook purchase required – The ALEKS software and all of its supplemental resources can be accessed online from any computer! Customized learning – Students work at their own pace (both in class and outside of class) on the material that they are ready to learn. ALEKS develops mastery – You aren’t just exposed to topics… you must demonstrate the skills you’ve learned by working problems in ALEKS and on written quizzes and exams. Constant feedback – You will always know exactly where you are and where you need to go!

MA101/102 and ALEKS are designed for YOU! ALEKS will identify what you know and what you are ready to learn. Then, you will practice new material in Learning Mode and build up your math skills one topic at a time. Instructors are on hand during class for one- on-one help when you need it. Periodically, ALEKS will assess your progress so you can see how much your skills have advanced.

Other features of MA101/102 You will use pencil and paper to do your calculations, then input answers into ALEKS. ALEKS provides a calculator when you need it, but you can also use your own calculator. See your syllabus for restrictions. An e-textbook and video supplements are also available for you to use outside of class. Using ALEKS will also help you develop your e-learning and computer skills!

How will this course work? ALEKS will give you an initial assessment to determine your current level of skill. You will then work (both inside and outside of class) through topics in each of the 10 units. Each unit has a due date. On that day, there will be a written quiz covering the most important topics of the unit. There will also be a midterm and final exam that will evaluate your understanding of the course material.

Your Initial Assessment

After the initial assessment… ALEKS will determine your starting point in the course and you will begin working to add topics to your pie chart. You will start from what you know and will work through the objectives ALEKS says you are ready to learn. The more time you spend working on the material, the more successful you will be in meeting the course criteria.

The ALEKS Pie Chart The dark portion is what you know. The light portion is what you will learn. This is how many topics are currently in the student’s pie.

Choosing Topics in Learning Mode

Working Problems in Learning Mode

Attendance Policy MA101/102 is considered a “developmental course” so class attendance is MANDATORY. Attendance will be taken each class period. If you accumulate the equivalent of one week of non-university sanctioned class absences you will receive a warning from your instructor. If you accumulate the equivalent of two weeks of non-university sanctioned class absences your name will be submitted to the department chair for withdrawal (drop) from the course.

Getting Started 1.Go to 2.Update Java (if necessary) 3.Download ALEKS plug-in (if at home) 4.Click “Sign Up Now!” to register 5.Complete the ALEKS tutorial 6.Complete the Initial Assessment Note: No two assessments are the same. High-speed internet is not required!

Everyone signs up as a new user, even if you’ve done previous work in ALEKS!