Math 1231 Department Page

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GETTING STARTED IN MATH 1231 

1. Purchasing MathXL

   If you need to purchase a stand-alone version of MathXL, click here  and select Buy Now.  You will need a credit card to finalize the purchase.

2. Installing the ActivStats CD:   As you try to install ActivStats CD, some of you will get a message to install Quick Time.  If you get this message, you MUST load the version of Quick Time that is on the CD, NOT your hard drive.  The disk all ready has access to the version of QT that is on your hard drive and it's not compatible with the CD.  There are two ways to install Quick Time.  First Method:  Double click on My Computer.  Once the contents of your computer are displayed, left click ONCE and then RIGHT click once on the ActivStats icon (or folder).  Select Install Quick Time 30.   Second Method: Open Windows Explorer (either right click on the start button and select Explore or go to Start > Programs> Windows Explorer).  Once Explorer is open, scroll down to the d: drive.  SINGLE click on ActivStats d: and the contents of the disk will be shown on the right hand  display.  Double click on Quick Time 30 and it will install.

3. The first time you use your ActivStats CD, you should be given the opportunity to choose a textbook from a list of about 15 texts.  Under Supplementary Text, select IntroStats, DeVeaux, Velleman, Bock. DO NOT CHOOSE AP STATISTICS, Bock, DeVeaux, Velleman. These are the same authors, but this is a different book.

4. For students with Windows XP:  Depending on the year of your CD, ActivStats and Data Desk may not be fully compatible with Windows XP.  The device driver for ActivStats program MIGHT unable to complete a drawing operation.  You may have to download an updated driver from http://support.microsoft.com.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. All electronic correspondence must follow Etiquette Rules for Communication.

2. Plan on working through EACH ActivStats icon that's listed on the assignment sheet.  Some of these are activities, some are video clips, others are short explanations of material, AND tutorials to instruct you how to use the software package included with the CD.

3. 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."

4. BEGIN TO LEARN DATA DESK ASAP.  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 makes mistakes.  Also, do not do calculations by hand unless we have done them class.  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.

5. 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.  

6. 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 gently push in the right direction and you are welcome to come back with another question.  Dialogue is good.