Course Syllabus

Mathematical Foundations MOOC – Course Syllabus

 

Instructor:

Dr. Carol Warner, Mathematics Coordinator and Associate Professor

School of Professional And Career Education (PACE)

Barry University, Miami Shores, Florida

cwarner@barry.edu

 

Course Description:

The PACE Mathematical Foundations MOOC is an online course designed to enhance your mathematics skills in the areas of Algebra, Geometry, Number Theory, Probability and Statistics. This MOOC is designed to help you develop the skills needed to be successful in college-level mathematics. Other aspects of the Math MOOC include access to online videos and discussion forums with other MOOC participants. This free course is non-credit and cannot be used to satisfy program requirements in any curriculum at Barry University.

Prerequisite: None

Required Textbook:  None

 

Course Goals:

• Enhance knowledge and skills in areas related to ratios and proportional relationships, expressions and equations, geometry, probability and statistics in real world and mathematical situations
• Determine college mathematics readiness
• Serve as the PACE Mathematics Placement Assessment

 

Course Material:

This online course will be conducted through the Canvas platform. You can access the course material at the following link: https://barry.instructure.com/courses/1556094.

 

Relationship of Course to University Mission:

This course helps students to pursue knowledge and truth as they learn the basic quantitative skills that prepare them for achievement in undergraduate study and research, and eventually in their professional endeavors. The entire Barry University Mission Statement can be accessed at:

http://www.barry.edu/about/mission/

 

PACE Philosophy:

The School of Professional and Career Education supports the Barry Mission by addressing the unique needs of adult learners. PACE recognizes the rich experience adult learners bring to the classroom by incorporating that experience into the curriculum. PACE provides adult learners with research tools and analytical strategies with which to connect their experience to a broader body of knowledge and truth. Finally, PACE encourages adult learners to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world solutions in their careers, their families, and their communities.

 

Course Design:

In order to receive the most benefits from this course, participants should

• Dedicate focused time toward online learning materials and videos
• Attend online review sessions
• Practice homework assignments
• Complete all online quizzes

 

Pre-Test and Post-Test:

Before the online course officially begins, participants are asked to complete an online diagnostic test. At the end of the course, a similar diagnostic test will be given. These tests are used to show participant growth over the course of the Math MOOC, as well as, provide information related to college mathematics readiness.

 

Course Overview:

The Mathematical Foundations MOOC is comprised of 8 modules that have been aligned to specific learning objectives. These modules all have similar components as outlined below. The course components are also designed for you to select the learning tools that are best suited to your needs. It is highly recommended that you examine all course components below.

• Introductory videos
• Lecture podcasts
• Online review sessions and peer discussions
• Pretests, quizzes and final assessment

In order to meet the course objectives (see below), it is recommended that you complete the module components. The mandatory 5 to 10 question quizzes are designed to measure your progress towards the stated module learning objectives. To move on to the next module you must score at least 70% on the module quiz.

These assessment instruments are constructed to assess your understanding of the course material. You will have unlimited opportunities to demonstrate your mastery of the specified learning outcomes for each module.

 

 Learning Outcomes:

Module 1: Operations on the Real Number Line

1. Perform operations with real numbers
2. Find the absolute value of a number
3. Add and subtract negative numbers
4. Multiply negative numbers

 

Module 2: Understanding Decimals

1. Write decimals in words and in standard form
2. Round decimals
3. Conceptualize decimals

 

Module 3: Natural Number Factors & Real Number Arithmetic

1. Find all the factors of a Natural Number
2. Apply the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic
3. Reduce fractions to their lowest terms
4. Add and subtract fractions
5. Multiply and divide fractions

 

Module 4: Operations Involving Exponents and Square Roots

1. Evaluate exponents
2. Evaluate square roots

 

Module 5: Evaluating Expressions and Solving Linear Equations

1. Apply the Order of Operations
2. Use substitution to evaluate expressions
3. Use the distributive property to rewrite an expression
4. Solve linear equations

 

Module 6: Geometry and Geometric Shapes

1. Apply measurement formulas to model and solve geometric area and perimeter problems
2. Solve problems involving special triangles including the relationship between sides and angles.
3. Apply the Pythagorean Theorem to solve real-world problems related to right triangles
4. Identify polygons by the number of sides

 

Module 7: Histograms and Statistical Measures of Center

1. Interpret a Histogram
2. Find the mean, median, and mode of a set of data

 

Module 8: Principles of Probability

1. Apply the laws of probability
2. Express the degree of likelihood as a probability value

 

Learning Methods:

As this course is delivered fully online, you will be expected to self-direct your learning and progress throughout the course. A variety of teaching and learning techniques will be used including streaming video lectures, reading materials, online quizzes, and a final comprehensive assessment exam.

 

Pacing:

The course is designed to

1. Allow you to move at your own pace.
2. Provide you with the support that you need to achieve your goals.

 

Grades & Certificate of Completion:

This course is intended to better prepare participants to engage in college level mathematics. There are no college credits offered through Barry University for this course. Participants will receive a Certificate for the following achievements based on the final assessment:

• Certificate of Completion: 70-100%

Certificates will be emailed to participants upon completion of the course.

 

Canvas Tools:

Below are the tools in the course, how we will be using them, and expectations associated with each.  Take time to familiarize yourself with the tools.

 

Topic	Description	You Should…
Announcements	Announcements: Used to post day-to-day course details	Check the “Announcements” regularly, ideally every time you log-in to the course for items such as the status of and directions for assignments, discussions and content; additional information or summaries are posted as needed.
Syllabus	Course Syllabus	Read it, understand it, refer back to it, and ask questions about it if you have them!
Modules	Modules: Contain the module lectures, learning objects, links to discussion forums, Khan Academy, and all other links for each module.	Check this area at the start of each module and check back to the resources while completing assignments and quizzes.
Discussions	Categorized Discussions provided as an area for class discussion about a particular module and collaboration amongst participants.	Check discussions frequently to read and respond to posts. These discussions will allow for participants to connect with individuals of similar interest and background.
Quizzes & Assessments	Used to release course quizzes and pre- and post-diagnostic assessments.	Click this area when the course schedule indicates a quiz or a test.
Grades	This is the section where grades from quizzes will be entered.	Check this section regularly to review grades.
Online Review Sessions	This is a location where online review sessions will take place.	Throughout the course, there will be online review sessions scheduled to receive assistance from mathematics tutors. Participants are encouraged to attend the Review Sessions.

 

Technology Requirements and Support:

This online course will be conducted through the Canvas Open Course Learning Environment.

 

The following basic technology requirements are necessary:

• Have access to a computer and internet connection.
• In addition, Adobe Flash Player (http://www.adobe.com/) is needed to view the online modules, and Java (http://www.java.com) is needed to participate in the online rooms.

 

Netiquette:

Netiquette is internet etiquette. Please adhere to the following class netiquette rules.

• Use appropriate language for an educational environment in all email correspondence, participation in online office hours, and postings on the course discussion board.
• Be considerate of others in the course and respect your classmates’ privacy.

 

 

Accessibility:

If you have any particular needs or questions, please post your question on the discussion board or contact the instructor at cwarner@barry.edu.