Week 8 Student Learning Objectives

I would like to design an online elementary algebra class for community college students. This level of mathematics course is the most popular at the community college level because it the exit course needed to attain the AA degree. However, if you translate the level of math to our traditional grade level, elementary algebra is only 8th grade mathematics. The state of California is debating whether to raise this requirement to the next higher level which would be intermediate algebra, but that still only translates to 10th grade mathematics. It is hard to believe that one can graduate with a college level degree but only achieve 8th or 10th grade mathematics level.

Since elementary algebra is our most demanding course, my goal will be to create the most interactive online elementary algebra class so that many more students will be able to take this course and the school would not be restricted by lack of facilities or other issues.

Student Learning Objectives for Elementary Algebra would be:

• Perform arithmetic operations on real numbers and polynomial, rational, and radical expressions.

• Evaluate algebraic expressions.

• Solve equations involving linear, quadratic, rational, and radical expressions.

• Graph linear equations and inequalities given the equation and find the equation given the graph.

• Factor polynomials.

• Apply algebraic principles and techniques to the solution of applications.

• Use the symbols and vocabulary of algebra to communicate mathematical concepts.

These learning objectives would be achieved through the following topics:

1. Real number operations
2. Linear equations and inequalities in one variable with applications
3. Exponents and polynomials
4. Factorization of polynomials
5. Graphs of linear equations and applications
6. Radical expressions
7. Systems of equations and applications
8. Rational expressions and equations

Next week I will look at the design of the course to teach these goals.