Considering taking an online math class with Prof. Keely and
wondering what to expect? You've come to the right place!
Here is an overview of what you can expect in a Keely
online math class:
 | The class is totally online -- all class readings,
discussions, assignments, and assessments are available online. |
| A high-speed internet connection is strongly recommended. |
| The class structure is a collaborative learning model, so
there is plenty of interaction with your classmates and professor. Frequent
participation is required on the class discussion board (asynchronous, like a
newsgroup not a chat room). |
| There are daily requirements (M-F) that you must meet just
as in an on-campus class. This is not a self-paced independent study class.
|
| There is no particular time that you must logon to
class or complete your class work as long as you do so at sometime each day.
You can logon in the morning one day and the middle of the night the next,
whatever works for you. |
| Most texts are available as an interactive
online text with multimedia files and tracked tutorial exercises. |
| A typical day consists of reading brief online lecture
notes, reading a section in the online text, working interactive text problems
online, discussing homework and other math related issues on the class
discussion board. |
| Tests are open book open note multiple choice and short
answer online
quizzes/exams. Some classes have almost daily 5-question quick quizzes; some classes
have longer weekly or bi-weekly chapter quizzes. |
| You never need to come to campus; the entire class
including the final exam is conducted online. |
| I logon several times each day (including Saturdays and
most holidays) to answer questions and interact. Students typically answer
each others questions too helping each other out ... it is a true
collaborative learning community. |
| I am here to help you! I am available in a variety of ways
which may include: online office hours, online private real-time chat by appointment, campus
office hours, campus math help sessions, face-to-face study groups on or
off campus, and by email. |
What are the advantages to taking this class online?
| Access the course from any computer (portability) |
| Login to class at any time of the day or night
(flexibility) |
| An e-text is available for most courses (save $$) |
| Quizzes are available online, open book, open note (less
testing stress) |
| The only possible on-campus requirement is the final exam (no
parking hassles, save gas $$) |
| You will learn more about your instructor and classmates
than you ever could in a traditional class (friendly atmosphere) |
| The class may involve unique fun learning experiences
such as team projects, hyperlinks to explore, wiki resources, webquests, crossword puzzle reviews, and
audio-weblogs. Activities you typically won't find in a traditional campus math class! |
Should I take this class online or on campus?
Well, it is your decision! Online classes work particularly
well for students with multiple commitments, varying schedules, small
children, a long commute to school, etc. But be prepared for the same time
commitment as in a campus class. Being successful in an online class takes
self-discipline and determination. But if you are self-motivated, online is a
great way to go ... tremendous flexibility and there is lots of help available
to you! A whole classroom of online students to work with and a committed and
organized instructor who logs on several times a day. Plus you are welcome to
come to campus to meet with me, attend math help sessions, visit the tutoring
center, or meet with your classmates for a study group if you need help
face-to-face.
If you think taking math online will be easier since you
don't have to be "in class" everyday, you are mistaken, and may be setting
yourself up for failure. The online class has daily assignments and requires a
daily commitment from you just as a campus section would.
The
"Is eLearning Right for Me?" Self-Assessment may
help you to make the decision whether to take this class online or on-campus.
Also, discuss your options with your academic advisor, a math instructor, or
me before you enroll.
How much time will this class take?
As with a campus class, you are expected to put-in at
least 15 hours per week working just on this 5-credit course (18-30 during an
abbreviated summer term class). If you are new to computers or not very familiar
with the internet, it might take you a bit longer. Taking this course online
will certainly not be any shorter or easier than taking it on campus. Of
course, you save time not having to drive to campus or find parking!
Does this class have any
on campus meetings or requirements?
No. You never need to come to campus; the entire class
including the final exam is conducted online.
However, you may want to come to campus sometimes to seek
assistance from a tutor in math help sessions
(math help
session schedule), attend my campus office hour (office hours
schedule), or join a study group with your classmates (which could be arranged
at an off-campus meeting site like a coffee shop instead).
Do I need any special software to access the course
materials?
Please see the MathOL FAQs -
software requirements for details.
Are there any extra fees or financial savings related to
taking math online?
Clark does charge a $30 technology fee for each distance ed
class in addition to the regular tuition. This helps to cover the cost of
owning and maintaining the course management system, Blackboard.com.
To balance this charge, I have tried to offer some savings
to online students, e.g., by recommending the e-text rather than the hard copy
text for a savings of $20-$100 (depending on publisher).
Almost all math courses require a graphing calculator;
however, there are several graphing programs available online that work just
as well. Some are free; some require a minimal fee. I can share my favorite
sites with you in class. So by taking math online, you may opt not to purchase
a graphing calculator saving you about $80-160.
Plus, of course, you save the price of gas driving to campus
:)
What is the success rate of the online class compared
to on-campus?
I have found that my online math classes have a higher
early withdrawal rate than, but comparable (often higher) success rate to, my campus classes.
The higher withdrawal rate is usually due to not making the online class a
priority. However, if you are committed, motivated, and self-disciplined,
you can and will succeed! And I am here to help you do just that ;-)
What comments have previous MathOL students made
about Prof. Keely's online courses?
Here are both some positive and negative comments that I
have received from student feedback:
~ "I have taken several online classes before, but this was by far the most
organized. Prof. Keely is extraordinarily attentive and supportive."
~ "I'm shy about asking questions in class, but it was easy online. I even
built up enough confidence to answer other student's questions."
~ "Taking math online was great. I had time to contemplate the material and
understand each step, unlike in a fast paced lecture class."
~ "I chose an online class so I could do all my math on the weekend, but it
didn't work out that way. Prof. Keely requires that you interact online every
day. I just couldn't keep up and failed the class. If you are going to take
this class, realize that it is going to take at least as much time as a
regular math class - maybe more!"
~ "I didn't like having to participate on the discussion boards. By not doing
so, it really hurt my grade."
~ "I was apprehensive about the participation requirement, but the
online activity really paid off. Working through math problems on the
discussion boards with my fellow students turned out to be my favorite part of
the class."
~ "Although I had taken other classes online, I was anxious at first about
taking math online. But Prof. Keely was really nice and there to help at every
step of the way. I highly recommend this class and instructor!"
Originally written: 2002-05-12
Last revision:
2007-12-14 03:28 PM
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