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I'm so glad you're considering my Online STAT 243Z class!

As a Statistics & Data Science teacher, I'm confident that everyone can learn to understand the Statistics and Probability methods we will explore in our class. You're here as part of your academic journey and I hope that we can work together to deepen and expand your statistical understanding this term.

Please know that I am here to support you and I appreciate you reaching out anytime you have any questions, be it a question related to our class, to you being a student º£ÌÄÖ±²¥, or anything else I can help and support you with.

In this WEB class, it is important that you read the corresponding sections of your textbook . Additionally, you will need to log in to D2L to complete discussion postings, submit some assignments, and read your email (as I will send emails in D2L several times a week), as well as complete weekly assignments using the Achieve interactive practice problems (an online homework system). 

Please keep the following in mind as you contemplate registering for an online math course:
Online math courses are much harder than on-campus classes.
It is a common misconception that an online math class will be easier. The time that would have been spent in class is instead spent watching the pre-recorded lessons, reading your textbook, and practicing the problems.

This course will require a significant amount of time.
You should plan to spend 5 hours a week watching, pausing, and reviewing the lessons. In addition, you should plan on spending 8 to 12 hours a week reading the textbook, practicing problems, and completing your assignments.

This class is NOT self-paced.
There are specific due dates each week and I do not accept late work. Additionally, you cannot expect to do all the work each week in one sitting or even in one day. If you want to do well, you should plan to study at least every other day.

To be successful in this course,
you MUST be an independent learner, be comfortable with technology, understand that learning a new concept will take time and perseverance, be willing to ask your instructor or fellow students for help, and be able to communicate effectively in writing.

There are multiple due dates each week.
     Each module begins on Thursday morning.
     Online homework (Achieve) is due Wednesday at 11:59 PM.
You can always work ahead, but late work is not accepted.

Virtually Proctored Exams: All PCC MTH / STAT courses use proctored exams to assess student learning, with exams usually proctored in-person at a PCC campus and/or testing facility. Our class, however, will utilize Virtual Proctoring that is being run in collaboration with Math and the Testing Center. The exams in this class will be proctored virtually in Zoom with me, your instructor, on the following dates and times:

• Midterm date TBD (to be determined)
• Final date TBD (to be determined)

Virtually proctored exams involve the following technology requirements: 1) Access to a modern computer system with a supported operating system (OS) installed, 2) a broadband internet provider or mobile carrier with LTE or better service, 3) a microphone, and 4) a detachable webcam and/or mobile device (such as a smartphone, tablet, etc.). 

Should you prefer to take your exams in-person, alternative proctoring arrangements can be made with a testing center (which may involve a nominal student-paid fee if the testing facility is outside of PCC). In the rare event of an unavoidable scheduling conflict, please contact me as soon as possible. With adequate notice, alternative proctoring arrangements can be made. 

Contact me if you have any questions or concerns about virtually proctored exams. 

*Virtual proctoring means having your exam proctored by an approved proctor on Zoom on a specific day and time. It is the student’s responsibility to find a quiet, isolated, and well-lit location.

**In-person proctoring means having your exam proctored by an approved proctor at a PCC in-person testing facility on a specific day and time.

Please email me at: bret.rickman@pcc.edu if you have any questions about our course.

You need to have computer and internet access at least several times per week. You will need to make sure to have the following (further details/instructions are given during the first week):

• a PDF reader (such as Adobe Acrobat Reader) to read the PDF handouts, Microsoft Word (or Google Docs) and MS Excel (or Google Sheets) and internet browser (such as Google Chrome),
• a desktop and/or laptop computer with webcam, speakers, and microphone - along with Zoom (free) software,
• a way to print PDF files for your written assignments (as needed),
• a way to view videos,
• familiarity with file management, email, and uploading documents.

Electronically submitted work may need to be printed, completed by hand, scanned, and uploaded to D2L. There are other possible options for submitting your work. Please contact your instructor if you would like to use an alternate method of submission.

Web conferencing for office hours is available through Zoom.