Getting Started with Self-Paced Math 141-142

1. Register for the course (141 section XW or 142 section XW), either through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Center for Distance and Online Learning or through the Registrar's Office.
   
   
2. Read the Course Description for your class (Math 141 or Math 142). Familiarize yourself with the structure of this web site, and the information it contains. If you then have additional questions, contact the instructor by email.
   
   
3. You will need to make special arrangement to take the exams in the presence of a designated procpor. See the proctor arrangements page for details.
   
   
4. Buy the textbook: Precalculus, 8th edition, by Michael Sullivan, published by Prentice Hall, 2008, with Student Study Pack (includes Student Solutions Manual and access code for the Prentice Hall Tutor Center) and CD Lecture Series, ISBN #0132422956.
        Textbook packages will be available through the Iowa State University Bookstore online at http://www.isubookstore.com or by telephone at 1-800-478-0048.
        (As another option, you may buy a used copy of either the 7th or 6th edition of the textbook if you want. Homework assignments will be available for all three editions. If you decide to buy one of these older editions, then you should also buy the Student Solutions Manual that corresponds to that edition.)
   
   If you are having trouble obtaining the textbook in time for the beginning of the course, contact the instructor.
   
   
5. You will need access to a computer with an internet connection and a recent version web browser (for details, see the online testing notes). However, note that AOL will NOT work well with the online testing system.
   
   
6. Start your coursework with the Detailed Schedule page for your class (Math 141 or Math 142).
   • Make sure you notice the deadlines for the unit exams and the dates for the midterm and the final exam. It would probably be a good idea to print out this page and post it where you can easily refer to it.
   • The Detailed Schedule page will first take you to the Online Testing Practice, followed by the study guidelines for Unit 1 and the Unit 1 exam description. Follow the instructions given on those pages to learn about the computer testing system and how to complete the Unit 1 Pretest and the Unit 1 Exam.
     
     
7. If you need help with your coursework, take advantage of the resources listed on the Help page.
   • Pay attention to the three important guidelines listed on the Help page, and make sure that you plan enough time in your schedule to devote to this course.
   • Register with the Prentice Hall Math Tutor Center. You can receive tutoring on examples, exercises and problems in the texbook by phone, fax, or e-mail.

1st Week Checklist

During the first week of the course, you should do the following:

• Arrange for an exam proctor.
• Buy the textbook.
• Print out the Detailed Schedule page for your class (Math 141 or Math 142)..
• Begin work on the course material in Unit 1.
• Familiarize yourself with this web site and with the online testing system.
• Take the Online Testing Practice assignment.
• You can also complete the Unit 1 Pretest and the Unit 1 Exam (proctored), and proceed to Unit 2.

self-paced Math 141-142 home page