ALGEBRA Course Materials

I am done with the basic arrangement of my course materials in ALGEBRA. In the past week, I have been looking at what I have, arranging them, and converting some to OpenOffice.org Writer. I am still doing some conversions but the list of topics and materials available is fairly complete. For the topics, I have:

• Module 1 - The Real Numbers, Algebraic Expressions, Special Products
• Module 2 - Factoring Polynomials, Algebraic Fractions, Rational Exponents and Radicals
• Module 3 - Linear Equations in One Variable, Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables
• Module 4 - Quadratic Equations, Linear Inequalities in One Variable

I will include the topics on Integer Exponents and Complex Numbers in Module 1. Integer Exponents is discussed a bit later in the mother syllabus and Complex Numbers, which the students will encounter in the topic on Quadratic Equations, was not mentioned at all. I will also try to touch on Rational Exponents and Radicals in Module 2, although that topic has been removed from the mother syllabus.

As for the materials, I currently have handouts, problem set items, and lots of multiple choice type questions (great for Moodle). I also have some old major examinations and worked out exercises from which I can build online or written exercises/examinations. I placed them on four new clear file folders.

And by the way, I also checked the locker they assigned to me in the SMS Faculty Room. I lost mine when they renovated the place and I have not had anything there since the Summer of 2003. This afternoon, I deposited some things and placed a lock. And my goodness, the trip gave me that butterfly-in-the-stomach feeling.