Erin Wilding-Martin
Associate Professor of Mathematics
Parkland College

Office:  M207
Phone:  (217) 353-2037
email:  emartin@parkland.edu

Online Math Classes

This page contains information about online math classes I am teaching next semester.  For information about courses taught by other professors or general information about online math classes at Parkland, go to the Mathematics Department Online Course Information website.

Prerequisites
Taking math online is difficult, so we have extra prerequisites for these sections.  You must have a cumulative 2.5 GPA or better and have received a B or higher in the prerequisite course (or have equivalent assessment).  If you are repeating a course, you generally will not qualify to take the online section.

Online Courses I Teach

MAT 108 Introduction to Applied Statistics
     This course has two course prerequisites:  Geometry and Intermediate Algebra
     Sample Syllabus  Syllabi may vary, but this gives you an idea what to expect.
*I am teaching this course Summer 2008.  For Fall 2008, Phil Bossaers will be teaching MAT 108 online.  The procedures below for requesting permission still apply.

MAT 124 College Algebra
     This course has two course prerequisites:  Geometry and Intermediate Algebra
     This course is not offered online in the summer.
     Sample Syllabus  Syllabi may vary, but this gives you an idea what to expect.
*For Fall 2008, Brian Mercer will be teaching MAT 124 online.  Click here for his information page.

Things to ask yourself before taking math online

1.  How many credits will you be taking, including this class?  Do not overload yourself, because an online math class takes a lot of time.  For MAT 108, allow 10-12 hours minimum each week (double in the summer).  For MAT 124, allow 12-15 hours minimum each week.  Some people may require more time.

2.  Do you have the ability to work independently?  There will be PowerPoint lectures (in my classes), but you must be able to learn by reading the lectures and the textbook.

3.  Do you have internet access at home?  You need consistent access to the internet, so you should not depend on access at Parkland or at the library.

4.  How fast is your internet connection?  Slow connections can cause you to take too long on exams and not finish.  Especially for MAT 124, you really need DSL or Broadband. 

5.  Why do you want to take an online class?  If you are unable to come to campus, this may be a good option for you.  But if you CAN take the class on campus, it is usually better to do so. 

6.  Are you able to come to campus twice during the semester, once for a midterm exam and once for a final exam?  If not, you will need to find a school near you with a Testing Center to proctor your exams. 

 

Requesting Permission to Enroll--Parkland Students
1.  Make sure you have a 2.5 GPA or higher.
2.  Make sure you have passed College Geometry, or that your geometry placement score shows placement into your desired course.
3.  Make sure you have passed Intermediate Algebra with a B or higher, or that your algebra placement score shows a strong MAT 108/124 placement.
4.  Contact an Advisor in our Counseling and Advising Center to request permission to enroll.
5.  Once you are enrolled, check your Parkland email about a week before the class starts for information.

Requesting Permission to Enroll--Students from other schools
1.  Make sure you have a 2.5 GPA or higher.
2.  Make sure you have passed College Geometry.  If you have passed a college-level math course, we will waive this requirement.  You can also take our geometry assessment test.
3.  Make sure you meet the prerequisite.  If you have passed a college-level math course, we can evaluate your transcript to see if that will count.  If you have not passed a college-level math course, you will need to take our mathematics assessment test.  Contact our Assessment Center to make an appointment.
4.  Contact an Advisor in our Counseling and Advising Center to request permission to enroll.  You can also contact them if you have any questions about prerequisites or assessment testing.
5.  Once you are enrolled, check your Parkland email about a week before the class starts for information.

 

Mathematics Department Home Page
Distance and Virtual Learning Home Page
Parkland College Home Page