Advice from past Math 126 students taking this class online in 16-weeks

I wish I knew that there would be so much to do! I also wish I knew that lots of things that I learned in math 64 showed up a lot in this course. Its online so its going to be difficult. I wish I would have reviewed my algebra. Formulas like midpoint, distance etc. For those of you who plan on taking this course you should definitely brush up on your algebra. The best thing to do to succeed in this class is to try and get way ahead of the homework. That way you get the most time to study the practice exams, which are 70 plus questions. Also another thing I would recommend is to keep your homework next to you always. I would sometimes write the question, what its asking, and then show the work. Helps so you when you know what exactly they want for certain problems. There are problems where the work is the same but they are asking for different things.  Be prepared to study a whole lot for each exam. Future students should not fall behind on their homework. Getting ahead of the due dates for homework is the best thing to do! 

Dear future Math 126 students.

Before I began this class I wish I studied a bit more of the prerequisite material or expected knowledge, from classes I had taken in the past. Because I took the majority of my math classes over 2 years ago this class was a big shock to me in terms of content. I think something I got out of this class was the skill of getting help (yes I believe this to be a skill) I made sure to get tutoring help 3 times a week, but unfortunately only started doing this the second half of semester and at this point I was playing a bit of a catch up game. Online classes I have realized are not for me moving forward, however that isn't to say they are not for you. Be sure to stay up to date and even better ahead of schedule on your homework and quizzes so you can get started on test prep early and usually the actual tests are fairly similar to the practice ones that the professor posts. I hope these tips help some of you and better prepare you for the course.

You should have very strong algebra skills; especially the knowledge of all the formulas so that you can apply that knowledge to more complex problems that we face in this course. Before the course begins, practice these formulas. Even begin to read the textbook, even if you don't comprehend; it may soak in so when you practice the problems it makes more sense. Practice your word problems they are always on the test and hold significant value. Oh man, I really wish I took the time to practice in this class! This is great advice because people think you can wing through this class, but that's not the reality. Math wise, in order to get better it's practice, practice, practice! Don't procrastinate and don't take this course lightly and you will succeed beyond your expectations: with the help of Mrs. A, the math lab, and the free tutors!

Dear Future Students,

This class will require a lot of your time! Read the teacher's syllabus very carefully; she has done a great job of laying out the expectations. Since it is online, take advantage of the numerous tools at your disposal in order to check your work. Use the textbook, lecture, practice problems and HW "Help Me Solve This" examples simultaneously to ensure you are following the correct steps to solve a given problem. Also, you must write everything down algebraically, step by step! The tests are written, so practice your HW and note taking this way. It will go a long way on the in person tests. 

Personally, I had to do a lot of catching up on my basic algebra skills in the beginning of the class. It had been a couple years since my last math class. Your success is dependent on these basic skills! Order of operations, factoring, long division, etc are all necessary to do well in this course. It will make things much easier on you to "catch up" sooner than later.

Also, make sure your personal computer can open the HW and materials long before your first assignment is due. I had to switch computers on the day of my first HW assignment which was quite stressful. Of course your campus is a great option, but since this is online it makes sense to have the materials available at your home.

Best of luck and keep studying!

Sincerely,

Dear Future Math 126 students,

KNOW DUE DATES, CREATE A SCHEDULE!! I can't express to you guys just how important this is. I was not organized and I constantly found myself struggling to make sure I completed assignments on time because of my busy and demanding schedule. Without a set time period to do your work, you end up rushing and not learning the information and principles that are essential for success on tests and quizzes. I wish I had known about the effect that the discussion board postings had on my grade, and I wish that I had organized my time better.

If you want to know what not to do, then just do just as I did. Forget to plan ahead, never respond to discussion boards right away, rush through your assignments(Don't pay attention to key rules and theorems), and enjoy scraping up every last extra credit point you can get to pass. 

If this does NOT sound appealing to you, then I suggest you do the opposite of what I did.

Even now I am posting this extra credit after it was due, and now I'm going to go finish a couple assignments that are past due now.

BEST OF LUCK TO ALL OF YOU!

Dear future 126 students,

This class has been very beneficial for me and in helping me reach my major in computer science. However, there were few things I had to learn and achieve while taking this class. Before starting this class I wish I had known how much time this was actually going to take. I thought this would be an easy class since it is online and wouldn't take up much time but I was wrong. This class requires lots of time and patience. To help me prepare for this class, I wish I had been more organized with my planning. I work and that was hard on my schedule so I wish I had been more organized with my timing as well. In order to be successful in this class, you have to be extremely organized and diligent with your time. Even though it is online, you have to treat it like a class you would take on campus. You have to write down the schedule and deadlines and make sure you are following them. The biggest mistake I made was falling behind with the lessons because I was out of town and did not look ahead. If you have plans coming up, make sure to do the homework ahead of time so you do not miss anything. Do not think that it is an online class and the deadlines do not matter. They do matter and cannot be changed. Over all, this is a wonderful class that has great lessons and is easy to follow. If you put in the hard work and do the best you can, you will do great in this class. 

Best Wishes,

Dear students of the future 126,

This class has been beneficial for me and is assisting me reach my major in Accounting. However, there are a several things I had to learn and persevere through while taking this class. Before this class I had an idea of how much time it would take due to the nature of learning each section then practicing it on your own rather than with an instructor. I also thought that it would be easier than in person, since it is online but I was wrong. This class requires lots of time, patience and attention to detail and directions. To prepare for this class, I had to be more organized with my planning. Treat it as if it were an on campus class and you had to find somewhere where you are able to focus for the duration of section, use the eBook or your book as well as the other resources in the multimedia library as they are helpful if you seem stuck on a step solving a problem and write everything down, good notes are key.
In order to be successful in this class, you must be extremely organized and diligent with your time. You must be aware of the schedule and deadlines and make sure you are following them, most of us have smart phones that are capable of setting reminders, so take advantage of that or get a planner and write it in there, either way you must be disciplined to keep up with deadlines. The biggest mistake I made was falling behind with the lessons because I was out of town and did not look ahead or simply forgot. If you have plans coming up, make sure to do the homework ahead of time so you do not miss anything and are then able to properly review. One advantage is if you are progressing fairly quickly, you are able to work ahead and finish future assignments well ahead of time but don't rush through, these concepts need time to develop and gain understanding. Do not depend on your calculator for the answer, learn to do it algebraically by hand first then use the calculator to check your work, you'll fair a lot better on the exams and quizzes. If you are using a calculator I recommend using a TI-84plus or newer, I have a TI-83 plus as well and entering exponents on the 84plus is much simpler and more easily distinguished when entering equations. You can get one used on eBay or Amazon for far less then a new one from a Retail Store and it'll be useful for several years to come after you graduate.
Do not think that it is an online class and the deadlines do not matter. They do matter and cannot be changed. Over all, this is a wonderful class that has great lessons and is easy to follow. If you put in the work and try, you will do great in this class. Also, read the instructions in properly entering your answers because I can recall several occasions where I lost points entering the correct answer incorrectly. One last thing, use the math center, they reserve computers for you to do your math on, and ask the people who work there for help.

Best of Luck

Dear future Math 126 students,

I wish I would have known the amount of time I would need to study for this class. Math classes generally require an ample study time and practice; however, I feel online class requires even more time and effort to understand material’s than learning in a classroom. While I enjoyed flexible time, I found that it was easy to put things behind, ending up with a hard time to catch up.

I also wish I would have reviewed algebra concept more before taking this class. I took a previous math class almost a year ago and I forgot some of the concepts. Refreshing my memory of algebra before taking this class would have helped me make a greater start and keep up with new concepts easier. It has been hard to find time to review materials that are required for this class since the semester began.

So, I would recommend few things to be successful in this class:

1. Refresh your memory of algebra concepts that you learned in a previous math class. If you are uncertain about some concepts, make sure you understand them before taking this class.

2. Make yourself familiar with a graphing calculator before the class begins or at least within the first few weeks because you will use it a lot.

3. Once this class starts, keep up with all of assignments. Doing extra practice is highly recommended. The practice test is very helpful to sense difficulty and know what type of questions are on tests.

4. Take an advantage of all extra credit opportunities.

5. Use resources – office hour, math learning center, one-to-one tutoring – as soon as you feel a challenge with materials. 

This class might be challenging but will prepare you well for more advanced math classes. Once you feel comfortable with the materials, you should be fine. I wish you the best!!

To Future Students,

Be prepared for a good amount of math work and the studying that comes along with it. I wish I had known about the exact material we were going to cover before the class started so I could have focused on those sections and written a bit more notes. I would say your best bet to do well in the class is to try and get the math book ahead of time before the class starts and start taking notes on each chapter and work out problems. This will get you warmed up for future work and let you see beforehand how well you grasp the concepts. If you do not grasp concepts well in your pre-semester studying it will give you plenty of time to practice and get good at it. When class finally starts make sure you do your work in a timely manner. Watch ALL of the videos provided by the professor and the ‘publisher’s website videos’. And make sure you pay attention to everything the videos are trying to show you even if you think you know how to do the problem well. Sometimes the videos will show you techniques that will be very useful for future problems or they may explain a concept that will help you understand the material on a deeper level than you did before. When it comes to the big tests try to start your studying at least 5 days before you schedule it. Go through the practice test material WITHOUT using any notes as this will help to simulate testing conditions and will assess your understanding of the material. However after you are done, grade your practice test, take notes on areas you had trouble with, study your notes then take the practice test again WITHOUT using notes and repeat this process until you are comfortable with the material without using any external help. One of the most important things I can say not to do is to wait until the last minute to complete your work or study for test. If you fall behind you will get overwhelmed very quickly. Just stay at pace with the class or a little ahead and you will do great.

Good luck to all.

Here are several tips for success in Math 126.

1)      Personally, I wish I had known how to use a T-84 graphing calculator prior to taking this class. A good way of preparing for this class would have been to buy the calculator far in advance, and to have learned more about using it before the class even began. As it was, I spent much of my time during the first few weeks of class simply trying to figure out how to use the calculator, and as a result, was not able to spend as much time studying the actual class material as would have been ideal.

2)      In order to be successful in this class, students to need devote a lot of time to this class. It’s necessary to spend at least four hours every day on studying and doing the assignments. This is non-negotiable. If you don’t devote enough hours to study, it might be difficult to even pass the class. This class is intensive and has to be treated like a part-time job.

3)       If you take this class online, it is very important to make sure that you are familiar with every part of the class website. Click on every tab, explore, as early as possible. Read everything, and read the syllabus several times.

Dear future 126 student, 

If you are planning to take this online math class, I have some helpful advice for you!
1. Before I started the class, I wish I knew that my access code also came with an electronic version of the textbook! I usually do better when working from a physical book, but I have found that I've relied heavily on the ebook. Both the online course and the ebook give you a ton of extra problems if you feel that will benefit you. Save yourself some money by only purchasing the access code, unless you learn better from working out of the book. You can also save some money by downloading the Ti-84 on your phone through wabbitemu
2. Before you begin this class, there is some preparation that might be helpful to you. If you've been away from math for a while, consider brushing up on your skills. I found that Kahn Academy has some very helpful tutorials and problems. Also, take some time to get familiar with your graphing calculator, especially if you are like me and have never needed to use one before this class. 
3. In order to be successful in this class take advantage of the resources that are available to you. The additional lecture videos and the practice tests have been incredibly helpful. The practice tests can be intimidating because they are so long, but the actual tests are much shorter. If you can get through the practice tests a couple of times and feel comfortable with the material, then you will do well on the test! 
4. There are also some things you should avoid if you want to be successful! Avoid procrastinating at all costs! Sometimes it can't be avoided, but having a planner and scheduling the time you need to study will keep you on track. Also make sure to get help, or ask questions, as soon as you have them. Working on assignments in the Math Learning Center is awesome, because if you get stuck on a problem all you have to do is raise your hand and someone is there to help. 

I hope this advice is helpful to you!

Dear future students,
This class is the real deal! Everything stated on the syllabus is 100% correct and should be taken to heart. This class really should be considered your "second job", due to the time and dedication it requires to achieve the success you are looking for. What I wish I would have known about the class before it started is how to find the practice tests that Mrs. Apalatea puts up during the week of the test, I didn't find this out until after a couple of tests were already done! Doing these are a great help and will really assist you in honing your skills prior to the exam. I really wish that I would have mentally prepared myself before starting this class, and probably shouldn't have taken another math class along with it.. If you want to succeed in this class, REALLY put your heart and dedication into the material, and you will do fine. DO NOT procrastinate with homeworks and/or quizzes, forgetting one or two of them can easily turn into much more, and is not easy to catch up on and stay on par with the class. Also, read over the syllabus multiple times! Things to avoid in this class is failing to review material on a daily basis, get help when you need it (such as the Math Learning Center, great resource) and try and communicate with the professor in person if you can, you'll do great! Best of luck!

Dear Future Math 126 Student,

Hello prospective student. My name is **** and I feel it to be my duty to warn you and encourage you about this course. Professor Apalatea is an amazing professor. She truly cares about your education and will support you in any way she can to learn. She, through the My Math Learning Lab software, will teach you amazing pre-calculus concepts. You will be amazed at how much you learn in this course, especially if you haven't taken a math class in awhile. In the process of learning, however, you will be pushed hard. The 5-6 hours a day, 6 days a week statement in your syllabus can, at times, be pretty accurate. I, unfortunately, was forced to endure a very difficult problem in my life concurrently with this course and it has made focusing on the material close to impossible. This software is very helpful though and I have been able to learn in my own way with its functions. Professor Apalatea includes links to numerous videos explaining how to solve different types of equations, there are many practice problems to solve prior to completing homework which include a "show me how function", there is online text, and there are discussion boards available to discuss your confusion in.

Before this class had started, I wish I known that this course required so much work. Yes, I read the syllabus but I expected the warning about the workload to be an exaggeration. I wish I had KNOWN it would be like that.

I wish I had spent some time in the library studying this material prior to taking this course. It would have really been helpful to at least have seen it before trying learn it all.

If you want to be successful in this class you have to keep with it. Don't quit, ever. It is a tough course but the benefits outweigh the sacrifices. Professor Apalatea will always work with you as long as it means you are doing your best and learning.
Furthermore, success lies in using the different resources available to you on the software till you find what works for you. For example, reading the text, watching a video and working the practice problems helped me learn the material.

I hope this has persuaded you to take this course and prepared you for what that commitment means. Take care and good luck!

Dear Prospective Math 126 Student,

First off, let me start by saying that I have actually learned a lot about MYSELF through this class. I went into this class not knowing what to really expect considering it would be my first online math class. I have learned that I procrastinate too much, but always somehow manage towards the end, and that I can do whatever I set my mind to. Considering this class is not like your typical traditional classroom with an instructor and blackboard, I gained a lot of confidence through taking this class online because it required me to teach myself most of the time.

Some things that I wish I knew about the class is how much time was actually required for this class. I know that it states how much time is required in the syllabus but for some reason I underestimated it. I think that may be because I figured that since it was online, it would be multiple choice.. But that is certainly not the case! I also wish that I had a much better knowledge about CourseCompass and how to navigate through the website. It is pretty easy to get through but I feel like knowing more about it would have made this experience smoother.

I wish that I had thoroughly looked at the calendar and deadlines for this course. If I had done that, I probably would have been able to prepare for the course more adequately. I also wish that I had known more about the Math Learning Center before taking this course so that I would know where to get help easily.

The main thing that you should not do is not study or do the homework!!! Homework is EXTREMELY important in order to be successful in this course. Without it, you aren't going to learn anything. Take the time to write out the problems and work them up in your notebook. The extra practice proves to be beneficial. Before when I was simply guessing the problem or figuring it out in my head without writing it down, I realized that i wasn't fully grasping the lesson. Once I started to write things out I understood things more and the test wasn't as much of a surprise.

Good luck and I hope this helps!

Hello future,

         I wish I knew, rather understood that this is a very time consuming class. Reading about it is one thing and actually realizing that it takes a good amount of time every day to study for this class is another.
         To prepare for this class I started a good notebook. I have looked at all of the chapters ahead. I have also started doing my Homework 2 weeks before my class officially started.
         In order to succeed in this class I would suggest to take very good notes, all organized into sections. Watching videos and taking Pre-tests early. Doing a Practice Test helps, and doing the full test instead of just sections of it (what I did). Always ask if anything is unclear.
         Number one do not is to not wait until the last minute to do your Homework, Quiz or Practice Tests. (I've done it and it turned out for the worst). Never leave homework undone. Don't skip Practice Tests.

Good luck!

Dear future online Math 126 student,

This is an exciting time for you. This class offers incredibly useful equations and functions that are used in everyday life. This is not a class of useless math that you'll never use. This class will open your mind to the reality that everything around us in our functional lives can be made into a mathematical equation that gives accurate real world answers. Imagine being able to create an equation that you can use to create the most delicious cupcakes ever!

As a new student in this class I encourage you to brush up on your algebra and focus on problem areas if you have any. I know by experience how easy it is to fall behind. This class is very fast paced and any advantage you can give yourself would definitely pay off in the end.

In conclusion I will say that you must stay on track and on pace. This class moves fast and trying to play catch up with material as complicated as this is extremely difficult and stressful. If you've ever played any type of sport or competed in any fashion, you know that a mind that is flustered and panicked will lead you to make crucial mistakes that will land you in the loser column. Stay focused and on pace and you will be successful in this class.

Good Luck!

Dear future online Math 126 students,
         Choosing this class this semester may not be the best idea unless you are incredible good at math or incredible motivated to succeed. There is a lot of stereotypes about how online classes are easier but this is not the case with this class. This class is very demanding as the syllabus states so if you do not have at least 15 hours a week to work on this class you may want to consider dropping right now while you can still get your money back. If none of this scared you away, please read on.
         One of the things I wish I knew about this class is how demanding the tests are. Mrs. Apalatea does a job good at mixing up the questions and combining concepts. If you are the kind of student that like to double check their work before turning in the test you may not be able to. When I read the syllabus and saw that we had a 2 hour time limit I thought, no problem. Then when I took the first test, I felt like I had to do math like a maniac to even complete it on time.
         If you are still reading this is what you need to do to be successful in Math 126 online. You need to watch the majority of the videos Mrs. Apalatea provides. You also need to take the practice quiz at least 2 times. Answering math questions on a computer can be tricky and you want to make sure you do not make silly typo mistakes on the actual quiz. You should also create a calendar with important quiz and test dates. Another must is do every problem on the study guides at least twice without cheating and looking at your notebook.
         Thing you should not do to be successful are wait until the last minute to do the quizzes, forget about making testing appointment, and not watch the videos. If you are still ready to take this course, you are in luck because I believe Mrs. Apalatea is preparing us for the next level. Good luck!

It has been a few years since I last took any math class, so I often felt as though I should have spent more time reviewing before the class started. I felt as though the material we covered went at a good pace, however, and as long as I kept up with my hw, I didn't have a problem grasping the topics.
All students need to be able to stay on top of their assignments and be constantly looking ahead to plan for tests.
If you find yourself stuck on a topic, try working it out in the practice exercised. That was a big help to me. Also if you have a specific question, Mrs. Apalatea is really great about getting back to you with help. I had a few times this semester where I was really stuck, but the discussion board posts are really helpful when that happens. Don't be afraid to use all the resources you're given!!

It's a good idea not to wait to the last day to take a quiz, especially if it's your first try. Also, as math requires an eye for details and, therefore, requires good focusing, it really makes a difference if you're tired or well rested. If possible, take the quizes early in the day; late at night you're so much more likely to make a lot of silly mistakes and the computer won't give you credit for good trying.

Span out your math work, trying to pile it all in one day is next to impossible, which is why i liked that the teacher had due dates for each individual assignment instead of like a chapter at the end of the week, it forced me to stay on top of the homework.

Stay on top of all the homework, take notes while doing homework, and always do the practice test!!!
i use a highlighter when doing homework to highlight any important parts, so when i review i can easily spot them.

As I near the completion of my second online course, and first ever in mathematics, I would like to share with potential future students a few highlights of what I learned.
--To better prepare yourself for this course, use whatever means of technology you are dependent upon to keep you up to date in the course. I recommend either syncing or adding the timetable of assignments from the Assignment Dashboard to a personal computer and or mobile calendar that allows you to set reminders. Even with the announcements, it is helpful to plan for a quiz is the amount of work rather than wait for the professor's reminder.
--Complete all of the study guide questions and not just the homework. Keep reworking homework questions that you don’t get correctly the first time without the CourseCompass prompt (even if the answer was correct and just not written in simplified form or with the correct amount of decimal places).
--Do NOT try a quiz the same day it is due. Much too stressful and you are more likely to make simple errors because of nerves even though you comprehend the material.
--Aim to work on one section of the chapter per day and complete the pre-test two days before the test. Then you have a full day to review specific topics that you are either unclear on or need a refresher.
--I like to print out the homework text and then actually write out all of the Check Points on that page. Then when I am going through Study Guide questions that I don't understand, I use the "Help Me Solve This Problem" button and write out the problem and step-by-step on the back of the printed out text. This way I can keep all of my material together. Also, I use the back of old printed paper as my scratch paper to write out the problems (and recycle afterward of course).

One thing to keep in mind before the class is started is that this class will run off of MathLab. This means the cost of the "book" is something that will be more than people will expect and there are only a few options to avoid it. This also a nice warning that the book is very inaccessible and you'll be in front of a full PC if you intend to do anything in the class including the reading. No PDFs or E-Book readers allowed.

In terms of preparing for the class I'd recommend to fresh up on some basic parts of the TI-83. It had been quite awhile so the first assignment or two involved me trying to remember where certain functions were found in the menus.

Students should do would involve keeping your own calendar for certain events. If you work ahead you could easily over look a small reminder on the assignment dashboard about a discussion board deadline as they tend to blend in since there is one posted on the due date of each assignment, and there are around 40 of those posted through the semester.

What students should not do is go easy on one test. Even if you think you have a good feeling on the exam one aspect from the section or previous sections could appear and with the exams being timed that could prove disastrous. Since there is no exam dropped from the final grade you have to keep all exam scores high and consistent otherwise your grade will suffer.

This class is extremely time-consuming; even though it is supposedly a 5-unit class, it feels more like 7 or 8 units. So be aware that you won't have much time left for other commitments.
This class offers several ways of studying and practicing with textbook sections, videos, practice exercises and homework. It's very unlikely that you will have time to do everything before you start your homework. So figure out early in the semester what works best for you and stick with it in order to save time. I for example read the textbook and do the homework simultaneously, but I skip the videos and refer to the practice exercises only in a pinch.
In this class you will revisit many concepts you have already studied, so the more you remember the faster you will get through the material. If it has been awhile, you will still get an excellent review studying the textbook, but it'll be time-consuming.
If you know about yourself that you are an independent learner with a high frustration tolerance and are experienced in online classes, this class might work for you. If you like to have somebody nearby for feedback and to answer questions, take an onsite class or you'll be lost and won't be able to keep up, as it is very time-consuming to get help when you take an online class.
If you like to push yourself to the limit, this is your class. Once you succeed, you will have mastered a tremendous amount of material and can be very proud of yourself!

I knew a lot before this semester started because I had already taken the class. I now know why I failed the first time. I would work on weekends, and I would not do any homework on weekends, thats a big chunk of time that I wasn't using to pass the class. I think math is something you need to keep practicing, and the first time I took it I was way out of practice. So, when I transfer to northridge next semester I will take calculus right away, while I'm in practice.

Future students need to plan to spend a lot of time on this class, and to stay on task and be on time with assignments, that helps a lot and gives a lot more time to study for the tests.

There wasn't really anything I wish I had known about the class before it started. This wasn't my first online class, and it wasn't my first online math class, so while Statistics was certainly different, I was still used to dealing with proctors, having to do assignments on my own, etc. If this is your first online math class or first online class, definitely familiarize yourself with the format and website.

There wasn't anything I wish I had prepared for either. It had been several years since I had had a math class, but it was math that prepared me for the level of this course. I guess the important thing is to be strong in your basics. It's also helpful if you know what your style of learning is. I learned between the first two tests that taking detailed notes and writing out the problems I had trouble with helped a lot, because I could review them easier. Practice with the site: learn how to quickly enter answers, learn exactly what it's asking for. I was really thankful that the exams were on paper, because I didn't have to worry if "simplify" meant 11/7 or 1 4/7, like I did on occasion with the site.

Get used to showing your work. Write out EVERYTHING. If you keep on getting something wrong, wait a bit, and go back with a clear head. Keep your notes somewhat orderly. I'm the queen of disorganized random notes, but I actually started keeping a special notebook and used markers to highlight examples and make tables, and it made things much easier.

If you can, get ahead. It helped me out a LOT when something came up and I didn't have time for a couple of weeks. That said, if you get behind on the homework, don't freak. It's important to have everything done before a quiz. And it's wise to have the homework done before the exam (though since the test isn't in the system, you don't *have* to). But this class is a lot of work and if you realize that something clicks for you, or you have a bunch of free time, get ahead. In reverse, if you're really busy for a couple of days, don't worry. Use the weekend or next free time to get caught up.

Really, I think the most important thing is to keep a cool head and not get hung up on anything. Yes, this is a time consuming class. Yes, some of the stuff is not easy. But it is definitely doable. Manage your time, get organized, figure out the best method for you -- and stick to it.

As for what not to do, I don't know. Panic, I guess, going with what I said above. Don't blow off the work.

Pre-Calc is not easy, but I don't think it's that hard either. You don't have to be a math genius to do well. Just recognize both your strengths and weaknesses and work with them. I'm sure you'll do great. Good luck!

What you need to know about taking Math 126 Online:

1. Make sure you are disciplined to keep up with an online class (gotta keep up)

2. Make sure you know what you are getting yourself into ...read they syllabus
a. Print out the syllabus
b. Put that in a binder for reference (I put my in clear plastic holders in my binder)
c. Highlight important areas for you

3. Make sure you have the "time" to learn and study the material.
a. Do not try to get through homework...learn it.
b. The quizzes will be a true reflection of your knowledge of the material and it will allow you to know where you are for the test over this material

4. Go online and become familiar with Pearson as soon as you can (don't waste time to figure this out)
a. If you have taken an online class using Pearson, go over every area...from Assignment Dashboard to All Discussion Boards on the menu...because each instructor fills in each area a little differently
b. I didn't know that there was answer key last semester until I was almost done...that would have helped me alot

5. If you have been taking online classes, you may not be that familiar with the campus...make sure you go one day (not a day you have to take the test) and know where you have to be, look at the "operation hours" on the door, know where the restrooms are, etc.

6. Find out the tutoring schedule, even if you think you won't need it..this way, you are prepared, just in case you want something shown to you or if you want to talk to a tutor about the problems or concept you are missing.
a. You can email online and ask a ? in the discussion boards, but sometimes you may need to have "interaction" to get a concept clear in your head

7. Get a calculator that can graph. You will have to use this during part of the exams...you need to know how to use one.
a. Using the online is handy...but you will be given a real calculator for the exams on campus

8. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE
a. I would write formulas over and over again to get them in my head
bc. The day of exam...I would write out the formulas on the exam...before I even started to make sure I had them ready

9. Parking
a. You get 3 free parking permits during one semester, if you need to go for more than 3 exams, buy your parking permit now...that way, you won't have to deal with it later
b. My last online class...I didn't need a parking permit (we only had 3 exams)...this semester, I purchased a parking permit

10. Plan the semester
a. Print out monthly calendars
b. I labeled the deadline of everything from homework, postings, quizzes to exams
c. This way...I knew what was coming up...

11. If it's been awhile since you have taken any Math classes...I recommend taking a pre-req class before this
a. You may think that's another semester, it's a whole lot better than struggling or failing
b. If it's easy...then you can go ahead and finish early
c. If it's hard...then you can get the basics you need and be ready for the next class
d. Either way, it doesn't hurt you

12. If you get distracted easily then...
a. Do an hour of Math and stop of an hour - back and forth
b. Get it over with...do your Math as soon as you can in your day (don't let it hang over your head)
c. Get colored pens or markers...so when you draw graphs or write out formulas...it's interesting and if you use the same colors to write things over again...that sorta helps to get it in your head

13. Always take both practice quizzes
a. Practice makes perfect

14. Always take the practice exam at least 5 times
a. You get concepts in your head
b. You also get the "paper and pencil" style down back in your head again - it's transition from the online Math

15. Label all your notebooks from the first chapter you start working in to the one you stopped in that notebook...
a. So if you need to look at your homework, you can find it easily

16. Do quizzes and exams in separate notebooks that are also labeled

17. If you have over-extended yourself in a day and your homework is due...but you are way too tired...you can't keep your eyes open.
a. Don't sacrifice your sleep time
b. Go to bed
c. Do your homework the next day when you are rested
d. Let that be your lesson to stay on track and maybe cut out some other activities (or if you had a tough work schedule...reorganize yourself)

18. If you have medical issues that you are dealing with and need to take medication - plan accordingly
a. If you take medication and know it really affects you...get your homework, etc done early...so when that time comes...you are not worrying that you can't concentrate on homework because you are out of it.

19. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE

20. Go into this wanting it...knowing that it will help your future
a. Attitude is everything...you decide if you work through something roughly or if you will get through it knowing that the result will allow you to move forward and it will only be a benefit for you.
b. Because no matter what you do or what classes you take...you will always come out better for it...always

Good Luck.

I would definitely say that the best advice I can give to future students is to STAY ON TOP OF EVERYTHING. And I mean everything. Stay organized when you are keeping track of what's due and when it's due. At the beginning of each week, it helps me to write down on a post-it note (that I stick in my planner) the schedule for the week. Anything that has a definite due date (like discussion boards), I highlight it. Of course we all make mistakes even when we try to stay organized as I explained, but when you do make mistakes...learn from it :) Well, that's the bottom line for me, I hope it helps you!! Oh, and do all of your homework ;)

Dear Prospective Student,

Be aware, very aware! This class is not you typical Math class…Its is the toughest class on campus and taking the class online makes it even more of challenge. I would recommend to any student that you read the syllabus twice before signing up. Pay close attention to the section where it states: “You should be treating this class like you would any other math class and putting in a minimum of 4 hours per day 6 days a week.” I’ll be honest, I knew taking this class online would be a serious time commitment but I did not initially believe it would be a 4 hours per day 6 days a week commitment. And, wow…I was wrong! Just staying current with homework is about 2 to 3 hours a day. This class will be a very large commitment…you must be prepared for this! Let me repeat…you must be prepared for this…words I wish I took to heart before I took this class!

In preparations for this class I would make sure you not only have a strong internet connection but a strong math connection. If you received a low grade in Algebra this class will be a struggle. And, if you cannot connect to the internet or your internet is sporadic…this will make the class even more difficult. Be prepared!!!

To achieve success in this class, diligence with keeping a schedule that produces 20 hours plus of dedicated work on the material a week is key. I also think taking advantage of the practice quizzes and tests help aid in increasing ones score/grade tremendously. Additionally, purchase an older version of the text book on amazon.com (for about $5) and use that to read as a supplement. Reading the chapter and taking notes first before watching the video instruction helps tremendously in developing the understanding of the material. Learn what you can on your own and use the videos to answer questions.

Lastly, use spring break to get ahead and not fall off the wagon. I made the mistake of leaving the material alone for spring break, and the following week, and paid dearly on my following exam. Staying up to date and current is tremendously important. Take every chance you can to get ahead and dedicate time to the material and you too can pass this class.

Best,

Dear Future Math 126 Student:

Before you take this class, you should read everything the professor has posted and be willing to accept that you will need to be serious about this class if you want to do well. Personally, for me it was not as time consuming as anticipated, but the class was relentless in needing attention. The convenience and flexibility was worth it for me.

I took Math Analysis in high school and tested into Calculus at Miracosta. However, after starting Miracosta Calculus (Math 150), I dropped it and enrolled in Math 126 instead. I felt prepared for Math 126 and in fact a lot of the class was review of concepts I studied over a year ago. But I needed the review and now I feel prepared for Calculus.

If you would like to be successful in this class and receive and A, I recommend that you do the following. You should watch all the videos in the beginning and decide which ones work best for you. The videos prepared by the book publisher were the only ones I used after the first couple of weeks. I did all the homework and all the practice quizzes and tests. If I missed anything on the practice quizzes or tests or was at all unsure, I went back and did further review.

Do not take this class if you want to be spoon fed the material. You will need to be self-directed and consistent. I do not know how I would have done if I did not do all of the work.

Go for it and good luck!

Dear future Math 126 student:

Be prepared to have your mind blown, because this course will definitely load your brain up with myriad of information. Before I started the class, I wish I knew how truly intense this course actually was. You will learn a lot in Math 126 and it will certainly challenge your time management skills; get ready to devote at least 3 hours a day for homework and study. I also wish I had reviewed material from previous semesters (this was my first math class since Spring 2008), as I had a pretty difficult time remembering previous concepts when it came time to do homework.

Here is a list of things you should do to be successful in this online class:

•        Do assigned homework, every day.
•        Don’t allow yourself to get behind.
•        Take great notes and watch every video lecture that is posted.
•        Use every resource possible to get the help you need (tutoring, online research, etc.)
•        Take study breaks, don’t get burned out.


Here is a list of things you should not do while taking this class online:

•        Allow yourself to get distracted
•        Assume the homework will be easy
•        Do the minimum amount of homework allowed just to progress
•        Procrastinate
•        Cheat
•        Not follow directions carefully

And honestly, this course is the most difficult course I’ve taken at community college thus far, weighing in the time spent studying and difficulty of material. So, in parting words, all I have left to say is be prepared, be confident, and be willing to learn a lot in a relatively short period of time.
Good luck!

I would highly recommend keeping a organizer of some sort and making it your life. My biggest regret in this course was allowing myself to be side-tracked, and since there is no specific time meeting, it is very easy to let it wander from your mind, only for you to remember a few days after a deadline. I was highly organized at the beginning of the course, but I let it slip. I advise that you learn from my example and stay focused throughout the entire course. It takes a high amount of discipline to do well. Reviewing the day before an exam is not going to help. Take good notes the first time, so you are flipping through the online book last minute, looking for that table. One of the advantages of it being online is that you can literally print screen helpful images from the textbook and print them out for your notes. Above all, keep to it.

I am glad you have made it to math 126. After taking this course i feel confident in going into calculus. I only wish i had known that i should set aside EXTRA time for this math class. I thought that this online class would give me more time to spend on other areas of school, but it turns out that online classes require more time than actual classes on campus. I would have gotten a large binder for all of the homework and lecture notes i would be taking, over the course of the class i found that i blew through a ton of paper getting all of the information sorted out. For you the future student of this class, i suggest you complete all your homework assignments, and do practice problems to make sure you prepare for your tests. The tests make up a huge majority of the class, so prepare yourself for them well. Do not get behind in your class, stay on top of all the assignments, and even if you get ahead, check your math 126 home page to see if there were any assignments or notices that you may have forgotten about. Good luck to you!

Hello,

I had a lot of experience with online classes before I entered into this course, but there are things you should know.

The practice exams are really helpful!!! I probably would have done better if I took more time with them in the beginning. Math comes somewhat easily to me, so If I would have done the course again I probably would have been working out the problems in great detail along with the homework. The practice problems are great for practice, but I probably would have spent more time on the practice exams.

Future students should find out what works best for them, and change things if you think you can do better...This is a great learning tool and everyone learns in different ways. If practice is your thing, then the practice problems are for you...etc.

Future students should not take this as a easy 5 unit class, but as a normal 5 unit would be. It is time consuming.

Hope it Helps

Ok so you've decided to take the class online. i hope you don't think it's going to be easy!
First) set aside time for reading and note take on top of the time you plan to spend doing hw!
Second) buy a note book just for notes. i'd recommend writing formula's down and doing a few practice problems written in your own writing and done how you understand them so you can reference them during the hw.
Third) make sure in the notes to INCLUDE vocabulary
Last) make sure you understand all the above so when a question is asked your confident in knowing what they're asking for. vocab plays a big part here because as the class progresses you'll be able to do a lot of different things with the given data, so you want to make sure your giving the correct response not just a right answer. i hope this last part makes sense. if it doesn't know it will because if your anything like me this is hard!
Good luck and don't forget to set aside extra time for reading and note taking on top of your hw time!!! trust me this will make the difference between a C and an A!

Dear future online Math 126 Students,

Online math can work out well for you if your schedule is hectic and you can’t make it to class however it can also hurt you if your schedule is hectic and you can’t keep up with the online work. Online math class expects you to do more on your own. In the syllabus it does state that you need to devote 4-5hrs a day six days a week to this class and let me tell you that is correct. This is because you will need to learn much of the course on your own which can work out well if you have that kind of time. If you don’t you should take the class in a traditional setting. I am an older student who has a family and a full time job (50+ hours a week) so the on line class was a challenge for me this semester. I feel I would have done better if I was in class and have questions answered immediately.

I highly suggest going over what you learned in prior classes, making sure you understand the fundamentals before taking this class since you will be using this in Pre-calc. I think this would have helped me better in this class. In order to succeed in this class you will need to stay on top of the homework if you fall behind and have to play catch up it will hurt you on time since this class moves really fast.

I want to stress again that it does take a good amount of discipline on your part to keep up with the class. The tests are taken in the Academic Proctoring Center which I felt was challenging since you can’t use any of your own things (pencils, calculators, etc.) to take the test; these are supplied by the center. That gave me a bit of a challenge when I took the first two tests since I wasn’t familiar with the scientific calculator they provided. You only get 1 ½ hrs to take the tests so struggling with how to use the calculator took time away from the test. It’s good if you go to the proctoring center and find out what they use and purchase that calculator so that you can be familiar with it.

Overall this class can benefit the right student and only you can know if this type of class setting will work out for you.

Hello Pre Calc Students,
We’ve all had those online classes that don’t take too much effort in order to do very well, this class does not fall in that category. Mrs. Apalatea puts together some great information on how to be successful in the course in the syllabus. I took math online a couple of years ago and I really wish I had taken some notes as opposed through rushing through the material as I could have really benefited from reviewing some of the material, especially for the later parts of the course.
I have a fulltime job that easily consumes 60 hours of my week which made it pretty difficult to balance this course and a chemistry course. It’s crucial to stay on task and on schedule or ahead of schedule, the weeks I managed to convince myself that I could catch up over the weekend were the toughest weeks for me. What I found helped me the most was to study the practice exam thoroughly as outlined by Mrs. Apalatea. My lowest exam score was on an exam that I did not have the opportunity to review the practice exam.

Good Luck

Dear future student,

         You have found yourself in the position of either being enrolled in online Math 126 or are thinking of taking it. I am in the position of having gone through what you yourself will possibly soon start. The first thing that must be known is that an online class is not a joke version of the on campus class. You must have a mind set as if you were going to class on campus. At times it may be even more challenging then an on campus class because you are responsible for your own work and due dates. Though this class was challenging at times I still had a fun learning experience.
         There was really nothing that, after the class started, I wish I had known before the class started. I should definitely had taken the syllabus more serious though. I read it and was forewarned of the amount of time that must go into this class to be successful but I did not take it serious until further along in the semester. As long as you read the syllabus and take it serious then you should be prepared for what to expect out of yourself.
         There was really only one thing that I wish I had done to prepare for the class before it started. That the one thing was going back and reviewing math a little bit. I had not taken a math class in a couple semesters and I found myself a little rusty in the beginning of the class. I should have gone back and found either old notes or old textbooks just for a quick reminder.
         As a future student there are a couple things you must remember to do to be successful in this class. The first thing is to go over the notes and possibly the practice exercises until the concepts from that certain chapter are familiar. The second thing is to do the homework until a hundred percent is attained. The homework is good practice on the concepts; that actually gets graded. The third and most important thing for future students to do to be successful are the practice tests. The practice tests are essential to getting desired grades on the tests. Though they may be time consuming it is completely worth it to take the practice tests.
         The most important thing you should not do to be successful in this class is procrastinate. In this class it is important to keep up with the schedule. Students that fall behind find themselves in holes too deep to climb out of. Everything that is done in this class is done on a schedule because it is a step for the next section or concept. Students who have fallen behind may find that they are having a hard time with concepts and material being covered.
         Though it was challenging and difficult at times I still had a good semester taking this class. I needed to take an online class due to my schedule and I am happy with the choice that I made. I hope you have a great semester.

Best wishes

I wish I knew how different this online math class would be from any of the others. Be prepared although this is a math course, some writing is involved and you have a limited amount of time to complete the tests. I wish I would have opted for this course on campus. Honestly, future student, the best advice is luck. Somehow in previous math courses I excelled, I didn't even have to study, in this course try your best on the assignments, take notes, and get some extra study time in.