Introduction to the Hawkes Learning Systems Environmentfor Math 2205, Statistics

What is it?Computer-based coursewareKind of like MyMathLab by

Pearson Education, as used here at Darton State College for Math 0097 and Math 0099

Some differences from MyMathLabDifferent publisher

◦Hawkes Learning Systems and Quant Software do math and only math

Better graphics and navigation (in my opinion)

Less expensiveHome use does require software

installation; it’s not entirely in the web browser

Why are we using this?Troubles with the traditional Math 2205

◦Expensive textbook◦Pencil and paper homework◦Limited time/space for homework

comments◦Did anyone read my written feedback

anyway?My dissatisfaction with the results

◦Some lousy pencil-pushing homework handed in

◦Or asking for help a week too late

How to fix those shortcomings?I asked for permission to try this and the

Dean said “You have my support.” (exact quote)

Advantages ◦Help and “Tutor” are built into the software◦You get immediate feedback on right/wrong◦No more agonizing over partial credit grading◦Sliding scale for credit for late homework◦You can work ahead if you want to◦Did I mention the price?

Things you need to do to get startedPurchase an access code

◦Unless already included in software purchase

◦Direct from publisher’s web site is cheapest

If you’re going to use it at home◦Download the software (if you don’t

have the CD)◦Install the software

Follow instructions on the handout

Using the softwareTable of contents – chapters and

lessonsEach lesson has buttons for

◦“Instruct” – like a textbook presentation

◦“Practice” – practice doing problems◦“Certify” – do problems without help

for credit“Web Test”

◦Examinations that cover a chapter or more

Instruct and Practice and Certify

Start with INSTRUCT if math is difficult for you.• Click through their

pages• Read what they say• Listen to the audio,

too, if that’s helpful to you.

But remember there are some shortcuts in my slides.

“Instruct”Like a textbookUsually about 10 screens in a lessonSometimes animations and interactionsVoice available

◦Helpful if you believe you’re “an audio learner”

If math is hard for you, then take time to go through the “Instruct” at least once!

Also watch the video at www.hawkestv.com

Instruct and Practice and Certify

PRACTICE gives you some problems to do. The TUTOR with its show-me-how is available in PRACTICE mode.

If the current lesson is “not easy” for you, consider spending some time in PRACTICE before trying to CERTIFY.

“Practice”“Practice” is to practice problems before

you attempt to “Certify”The “Tutor” and all the helps are

availableIt is pretty good at anticipating common

errors and diagnosing them specifically.

BEWARE, again, about some cases where their help leads you through long formula calculations instead of my shortcuts.

“Practice”There are different levels of

“Practice”◦“Pre-Certify” (that should be the default)◦Also can switch to easy, medium, hard◦If you’re having a rough time, maybe

switch to an easier level and work your way up

If math is not easy for you, then take time to do the “Practice” !!! Do not skip “Practice” !!!

Putting their help in its right placeDon’t automatically click the Help

on every problem and assume “that must be the way to do it”.

Use my notes and handouts, too.

If you aren’t sure, ask. Visit. Send e-mail. Find out for sure before diving into a deep pool of unnecessary tedium.

Instruct and Practice and Certify

CERTIFY is how you get credit for doing the homework.

You can skip INSTRUCT and PRACTICE if you’re pretty confident about the lesson.

“Certify”“Certify” is the way to get credit

for a lessonThe helps are not availableYou have to get a certain number

rightIf you get too many wrong, it

dumps you back into “Practice”

*Examinations look a lot like the

homeworkPractice Test – strongly

recommended!◦At least a click-through to see the

problems.◦And try as many as you think you

should try

www.hawkestv.com - LessonsClick on link for “Beginning Statistics”It’s near bottom of the left-hand columnThe video window is a pop-upThere is a lesson-by-lesson menu of

videos to choose from there in the pop-up menu.

Spring 2013 – reviews were mixed. Too short, too shallow.

Fall 2013 – I wonder if they redid the videos for the new 2nd Edition? Someone tell me…

www.hawkestv.com - OrientationThere is a link for “Student

Training”It’s at the top of the right-hand

columnThe pop-up window has several

videos to choose from.The first one is “Student Training

Video”, 20:19

www.hawkestv.com - OrientationThere is a link for “Student

Training”It’s at the top of the right-hand

columnStudent Training en español near

bottom of list

Also at top of right-hand column is Mac installation video (4:29)

Assignments – to be done Promptly! These cannot be delayed.

1. Obtain your access code…2. …and get enrolled in the

Hawkes course.3. If you plan to use your home

computer, install the Hawkes software.

See handout: The Student_Directions.pdf handout

*

Recommend: sort it by due date

• It shows all the assignments, the due dates, and your scores.

• And all the scores from Exams (WebTest)• Bonus (Extra Credit) ones are listed at

the bottom.• To get the full credit, complete the Certify

before the due date, which is before the next meeting.

• After that, the point values gradually decline.