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November/December 2009

Developmental Math Student Success Initiative

In Fall semester 2010, LCC will become one of the first community colleges in the nation to begin including electronic textbook and learning software access for all students who enroll in developmental mathematics courses. This access, supported by a modest course fee, was proposed by a group of mathematics faculty and named the Developmental Math Student Success Initiative. Often students must postpone textbook purchases due to financial reasons. With this initiative, students who register for developmental mathematics courses will automatically receive access to an online version of their complete math textbook. Beginning on day 1 of the course, all students will have the tools to begin learning, which is particularly crucial in developmental mathematics classes. Not having access to learning materials often causes unnecessary anxiety for students who may already be reluctant about taking a math class.

In addition to electronic textbooks, the Developmental Math Student Success Initiative means that students will have access to extensive online homework systems, beginning on the first day of the semester. Online homework systems are already an important feature of many LCC mathematics courses and provide instant feedback for students. As with the text, having access to the online homework system from day 1 will help enable all students to begin to work on their developmental math courses on the first day of the semester.

Submitted by Dr. Kathy Burgis