Interactive College Algebra: A Web-Based Course

Davida Fischman, Terry Hallett, Dan Rinne, and Peter Williams
California State University, San Bernardino

Interactive College Algebra: A Web-Based Course is a dynamic, interactive online course designed to enhance the learning experience for the college algebra student. This innovative courseware is easy to use, requires no prior computer skills, and encourages students to actively engage in mathematics. By its very nature Interactive College Algebra incorporates technology into the classroom and serves as a powerful tool to help achieve a variety of educational goals. The Web-based content modules provide detailed explanations of topics. Java applets demonstrate algebraic concepts and allow students an infinite number of practice problems. Each module also includes a practice quiz so students can test the skills they’ve learned and their understanding of new concepts. With Interactive College Algebra students receive immediate feedback on their solutions in an individualized and non-threatening environment. This series of Web-based algebra modules brings material from a traditional college algebra course to the forefront of current mathematics pedagogy using modern technology as its medium.

Accompanying the Web site is a printed workbook-style Student Guide designed to help orient students and guide them through the online modules. The Interactive College Algebra Student Guide includes:

• the complete mathematical content available on the Web site
• additional written exercises on each topic
• illustrations of selected interactive exercises and demonstrations
• special instructions on using the interactive exercises
• ?How To? pages on typing and other technical aspects of using the modules
• additional exercises and word problems and selected answers
• simple and clear course design and navigation.

Packaged with the Student Guide is a CD-ROM containing all the material available on the Web, but in a format that students can use when they don’t have access to the Internet. A single-use access code printed in the Student Guide will allow students access to the Web site. Once they enter the site they create their own password which will guarantee them continued access to the online modules.

Ancillary materials for Interactive College Algebra include:

• Instructor Resources: Printed resources that include ideas for course planning based on scheduling options and topic coverage, instructions and objectives for each online module, teaching tips from the authors, and printed solutions.
• Test Generator: Test generating software developed by Renaissance Corporate Services offers advanced course management, performance tracking and scoring, Web assessment, and a bank of test questions unique to Interactive College Algebra. TestCheck software can generate multiple iterations of a single question and allows instructors to add to the test bank by creating questions of their own. With this extraordinary tool instructors can build quizzes and tests, post them to the Web for students to take and submit online, or print them for students to take in class or as homework. Additionally, when students submit their tests online this software can automatically score multiple choice answers and instructors can import students’ scores to their electronic grade book.
• Instructor Web Resource Center: This Web site is for instructors only and includes information from the printed Instructor Resources and answers to homework questions.

Call 888-877-7240 | Instructor Resources Available to Qualified Adopters

Call 888-877-7240 | Test Generator Available to Qualified Adopters