Math 1231

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You will need to learn the software package, DataDesk, that came bundled with your textbook. We will rarely be calculating statistics by hand- we will instead use software to do involved calculations.
Rather than doing tedious calculations by hand, USE THE TECHNOLOGY (because this is what statisticians do). The tests and final exam will stress conceptual understanding and interpretation of the computer output - not pencil & paper manipulation of the equations.
Excel is not an acceptable substitute for DataDesk! Do NOT USE Excel for data analysis or graphs. Excel is not a statistical analysis package (even though some teachers use it as such) and it will make mistakes.
Use the software as much as possible when doing your homework.
If you work ActivStats as we go through the course, you will learn how to do most of the needed actions in DataDesk.
Do not expect to learn everything you need to know about DataDesk in class only. You must work through the ActivStats DataDesk activities as well.
Do not wait until the day before a test to learn DataDesk!
You are expected to read the text before each lesson!

Plan on working through Every Icon in ActivStats for the sections we cover, if at all possible. At an absolute minimum, work each icon listed here. Some of these are activities, some are video clips, short explanations of material, and some are tutorials to instruct you how to use the software package included with the CD.
If you have a paperback copy of the textbook, PLEASE do NOT store your CD in the textbook. We have had many broken CDs happen from students doing this.

You are expected to have your Clayton email set up and be able to access it.
You are expected to check your email daily. I send out emails to the class fairly regularly. If you miss an important announcement that was sent through email, that is your problem, not mine!
When emailing me, please include something in the title so that I know the email is coming from one of my students. Please feel free to email me with any questions about the class or the material!!
If you send a content related question to me via email, I reserve the right to forward it to the class. Also, you can expect to receive hints, not answers. I'll give you a gentle push in the right direction and you are free to come back with another question. Dialogue is good.
When writing a question about content to me or the class, it will be helpful if you follow two guidelines. First, assume I do NOT have my textbook handy. This means you have to give me an idea of what the scenario is all about. I don't want or expect you to re-type the problem. Paraphrase it so I'll have an idea of what is going on (I learn a lot about what your knowledge is and is not by this process). Second, please state YOUR problem. If you say, "I'm clueless," that doesn't give me enough information to help you out of you dilemma. Clearly state what your question is.
I will try to respond to emails as soon as I receive them.
You can call me at 678-466-4431.
Emails are the best ways to contact me, rather than leaving a message on voicemail.

Please don't be afraid to ask questions in class, no matter what. If only one or two students are having difficulty grasping a concept, I will ask that you come and talk with me after class or during office hours to get the issue cleared up. I will always be happy to spend however long with a student that he or she needs.
The only "bad" question is the one that goes unasked!
Please feel free to make use of office hours- they are there for your benefit. I'm happy to make appointments for other times as well!

Tests can not be made up without an excused absence!
If you have a valid excuse for missing the test, please let me know ASAP, and bring documentation (doctor's note, etc.). Do not simply wait until the next class period.
The majority of quizzes will be take-home and cannot be made up.

When writing about data, avoid words like "most" or "majority". These words mean different things to different people. Define what these would be mathematically. For example, instead of saying, "Most observations are between 2.8 and 5.3," write "64% of the observations fell between 2.8 and 5.3."
When writing up projects, do not tell me what you are going to do. For example, do not say, "Let's make a histogram." Use Data Desk to graph the data and then explain it (in context).

Your grade in this class is earned by you, not given by me.
If you do the homework problems and the reading assignments, pay attention in class, and talk with me about any areas you don't understand, you should be able to make an A or B in this class. This may not be easy for all, but it is achievable for those who want it and are willing to put in the hard work necessary!!