Faculty FrontDoor

Is EVERYTHING online or will I have to come to campus at times?

Students enrolled online courses during the Summer 2020 semester will be completing all assignments online via either Pearson's MyLab software (MyMathLab or MyStatLab) or the Canvas system. There will be a combination of homework and quizzes in MyLab and other weekly assignments such as reading questions, discussion posts or projects in Canvas. There will be at least two exams during the semester as well. Due to the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19, students may be required to use online proctoring restrictions from home which may require the use of webcams or lockdown browsers. More details will be provided at the start of the semester but you may feel free to contact me for more information at any time. Each exam will be open for a period of 5-7 days and the dates of all exams will be provided at the very beginning of the course so that students may plan accordingly.

Do I have to purchase a textbook?

No, you do not need to purchase a physical textbook. The MyLab software that we will be using for this course comes with access to the electronic version of the textbook (e-book) we will be using for this course. HOWEVER, I do require and expect that students will be reading along in the textbook and viewing examples, etc. So if you prefer to read and work from a physical textbook, I STRONGLY recommend that you purchase either a new textbook bundled with the MyLab student access kit or purchase the student access kit and then buy a used textbook (via the bookstore, amazon.com, etc.). Please note that if you are taking classes at the Downtown Campus those course materials will not be listed in the Valencia College Online Bookstore nor be available at any other Valencia Campus Bookstore. Please use this website to locate your Downtown Campus course materials: https://ucf-vc.bncollege.com/shop/ucf-valencia/home

Isn't taking math online hard?

Short answer? YES. But, it is the most difficult for students who assume an online course will be easier simply because it is online. Or, for those who do not have a plan in place to manage their time wisely. Many students who take online courses are taking them due to busy or complicated schedules. However, an online course requires that you be more self-disciplined because there is no regular class meeting time to remind you that you had work to do or to help keep you on pace. You will have to do that yourself. A detailed course calendar is provided from the very start of the course to help you stay organized and on schedule. You are free to work ahead at any point. All assignments are open from the first day, with the exception of the exams. However, you must stay on pace as deadlines are NOT extended and late assignments are NOT accepted. The course is organized by week with all assignments and useful resources laid out in each week's folder. As a registered student you can take advantage of free online tutoring for help (https://libguides.valenciacollege.edu/distancetutoring) or visit my virtual office during virtual hours for additional help. There are videos and other resources available within the Pearson MyLab software and also provided by me within the Canvas online environment. You have what you need to be successful but you have to put it all to use!