Distance Calculus is offering a new course: Distance Precalculus!

Precalculus is the course before the main (engineering/science) Calculus sequence. In terms of equivalency, the Precalculus is equivalent to:

• in most U.S. high schools: Trigonometry + Math Analysis
• in most U.S. colleges: College Algebra + Trigonometry

• Precalculus - 4 Credits - Math 121 [Detailed Syllabus]
  

  Topics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Analytic Geometry, Sequences/Series

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• Precalculus - 3 Credits - Math 120 [Detailed Syllabus]

  Topics: Algebra, Trigonometry only.

Totally Innovative Approach There are many Precalculus courses taught on-line throughout the world, which mainly consist of using Blackboard to host the course, problems are assigned from a paper textbook, quizzes are multiple-choice, and you can email your instructor if you have questions. Our Distance Precalculus is a completely different course. We do not believe paper textbooks and multiple choice answers are educationally beneficial. Such courses may be easy to "pass", but we do not feel such courses prepare you for future Calculus study, which is the core reason why you take a precalculus course. We are taking Distance math education to the next level: Video study and student video creation, coupled with high-powered computer algebra software, following a dynamic and exciting curriculum. If you have a Video iPod, then this course may be an even more exciting experience for you with the availability of all Lecture Movies ready for iPod Podcast! Watch your Precalculus lectures on your Video iPod while working out, in the library, hanging out in a coffeehouse, or while in another (less interesting!) course lecture! Distance Precalculus is taught using the following methodologies: Asynchronous Studying This means that the course happens on your schedule, not at fixed times. You may work as intensely as you wish, take a break for a week or two, and then resume, all on your needs. Mastery Learning The student will learn the current module of material thoroughly before moving on to the next topic. This eliminates the "slippery slope" problem of not mastering a previous topic when faced with a new topic. Synchronous Communications The majority of communcation between the student and the instructors will occur via Instant Messenger, so that problems, questions, issues, that come up are solved in real time. Pen/Paper Video Video presentations of problems solved using paper and pen, "by hand", providing the basis of the classical study of precalculus topics. Example Videos requires iTunes/QuickTime Example Video #1 Example Video #2 Computer Algebra Video Video presentations of problems solved using the computer algebra system LiveMath, providing the basis of the modern study of precalculus topics. Example Video #3 Written Solution Sets Students will complete written solution sets, scan them to PDF, and turn them in on-line for grading. These problem sets will be from the classical side of the precalculus curriculum - the "math you need to be able to do by hand." Video Solution Sets Students will complete Video Solutions of various problems, and turn these videos in on-line for grading, thus reinforcing the "math you need to be able to do by hand" goal. Computer Algebra Notebook Solution Sets Students will complete notebook questions in using LiveMath software dealing with more modern types of questions in Precalculus requiring technological approaches. Quizzes Quizzes will utilize all three technologies: written on paper, video recorded of solution with audio commentary, and computer algebra notebook problems for more technologically based questions.

Official Course Description for Distance Precalculus

Mathematics 121 - Precalculus

A review of topics in algebra, trigonometry and analytic geometry intended for students needing one additional semester of preparation before taking calculus.

Prerequisite: At least 3 years of high school mathematics. 1 term - 4 credits

Technical Requirements for Distance Precalculus Students Due to the innovative approach of the Distance Precalculus course, the student will need the following computer equipment to be able to enroll in the course: New-ish Computer Windows XP [SP2] or higher, 1GHz Processor speed minimum or Macintosh OSX 10.3 or higher, 500MHz Processor speed minimum Also, 10-20GB disk space available for the movie files; i.e. you should have some room on your hard drive; if your hard drive is full, you may need to upgrade it to a larger hard drive. If you are not sure if your computer meets these requirements, write to us. High Speed Internet Connection Due to the video component of the course, the student must have a high speed internet connection - cable modem or DSL or similar. Phone dial-up will not be sufficient (even if you are really really patient). Adjustable Webcam This webcam will be used to record the Video homework movies. This webcam does not need to be expensive, nor fancy, but the student will need to configure it to be able to record written computations on paper on a desk. Distance Calculus will furnish you with a webcam setup in case you do not already have such equipment - either for rental or inexpensive purchase. A camcorder can also be used for this purpose. Scanner A scanner for scanning in your homework solutions and sending them to us electronically in PDF format. Scanners are very inexpensive - about $40 will suffice. If you do not have a scanner, we will order one for you and have it shipped to your location (the fees for this will be added to your Textbook/Software fees). You do NOT need a Video iPod All video lecture movies are also available in a larger screen version (which often is better than the little iPod Video screen) playable in iTunes without an iPod. Of course, if your aunt or uncle or grandparent has offered to help you with your studies, then saying that a Video iPod would help you in this course would be justifiable!

Similar to our Distance Calculus course structure, this course is based upon heavy amounts of communication between the student and the instructional team. All assignments are based upon the mastery learning model, and turned in recursively back-and-forth between student and instructor until 100% mastery is achieved.

This is an excellent course for the computer novice. Even if checking your email is a not a "natural" activity for you, the Distance Precalculus course is an excellent way to simultaneously prepare for Calculus, and conquer whatever computer "phobia" fears you may have. By the end of this course, you won't be nearly as scared of your computer as you had been at the start - you might even like your computer.