Dyscalculia and Sophia.org Algebra and Stats

[retro]

I've read other threads that seem to indicate that Sophia.org is the "last best hope" for individuals with dyscalculia to pass Algebra and Stats. Can someone please spell it out for me as to why this is the case? What makes Sophia.org's special in this regard? Thanks!

[Pach]

In my case, as someone who has taken all the math courses on Sophia, it comes down to not being pressured. It is not proctored, and they give more than enough time on the milestone tests. Also, the practice tests are similar to the actual milestones, so you're better prepared to take them.

[rachel83az]

Sophia is open book. This means that, short of asking someone else to do the work for you (which, obviously, you should not do!), you are permitted to use any and all resources at your disposal. Graphing calculators, spreadsheets, whatever. The exams (Milestones) also have pretty generous time limits. Because there is no proctor, during the Milestones you can listen to music, hang upside-down, chew gum, whatever helps you to concentrate/focus and allow you to get a better score.

They're also pretty short for being Algebra/Stats classes. They focus on the essentials so that you don't have to spend weeks on topics that frustrate you.

If you have dyscalculia, it's still not going to be easy. It's still math. It's still a math class. (Or classes.) But it'll be some of the easiest and most straightforward math that you'll ever see at the university level.

[retro]

Sophia is open book. This means that, short of asking someone else to do the work for you (which, obviously, you should not do!), you are permitted to use any and all resources at your disposal. Graphing calculators, spreadsheets, whatever. The exams (Milestones) also have pretty generous time limits. Because there is no proctor, during the Milestones you can listen to music, hang upside-down, chew gum, whatever helps you to concentrate/focus and allow you to get a better score.

They're also pretty short for being Algebra/Stats classes. They focus on the essentials so that you don't have to spend weeks on topics that frustrate you.

If you have dyscalculia, it's still not going to be easy. It's still math. It's still a math class. (Or classes.) But it'll be some of the easiest and most straightforward math that you'll ever see at the university level.

Hypothetically, how long do you have to complete the entire course?

[rachel83az]

You have as long as your subscription is active. You may be able to finish in a couple of weeks. It may take you a few months. It will cost more money if you take longer, of course, but you'll have completed the course(s)!

[bjcheung77]

Another option is CSM Learn, they're also non-proctored, you go through a series of 'belts' until you get that down... I like CSM as you pay for the course and it's not a subscription, you can take your time to completing the course, little by little until you've got it all completed.  CSM Learn/Sophia.org are a select few that are open book and use the Honor Code of not using any outside help... It also depends on what you need/want to learn.

One other reason Sophia.org is amazing for your particular use is because of the content/learning material, it's clear, neat, nicely done.  Having open book exams are just that, you can use their resources on another screen and the quizzes on your main monitor.  Many times I don't recall 'formulas' and need that extra help/review.  Again, these systems use Biometric/IP metrics for everything, it's not invasive proctoring like other alternative providers use.

[rachel83az]

CSM Learn is good. It really depends on what kind of degree a student is wanting, though. For someone who wants a TESU BSBA, they'll have to do all three: CSM Learn, Algebra, and Statistics. But it's not as bad as it sounds. Even students with dyscalculia should be able to get a TESU BSBA with the help of Sophia & CSM Learn.

[Avidreader]

I am terrible at math, but Sophia's Statistics was totally doable. Took me a good 3 weeks to finish the class (I did it slowly to avoid math burnout). First module felt super easy. Most are logic questions such as: you are given a deck of playing cards. Which fraction is the probability that the first card on the deck is a hearts face card? And then they show different fractions as possible answers.

The fourth module was also a breeze for me. I felt the pie chart and Venn diagram questions to be fun. The 2nd and 3rd modules were pretty difficult. Practice milestone exams were rather easy while the real exam was hard to pass on the 1st try. I soon realized it was best to go slow on this course, retry the practice milestones several times and never do two milestone exams on the same day to avoid mental block.

While it was a slow ride, it made me feel more comfortable when I did the final exam.

I started the algebra course, but my subscription ended before I could do the first milestone exam. I planned on going slow on that course as well.

[staceydiane]

I am terrible at math, but Sophia's Statistics was totally doable. Took me a good 3 weeks to finish the class (I did it slowly to avoid math burnout). First module felt super easy. Most are logic questions such as: you are given a deck of playing cards. Which fraction is the probability that the first card on the deck is a hearts face card? And then they show different fractions as possible answers.

The fourth module was also a breeze for me. I felt the pie chart and Venn diagram questions to be fun. The 2nd and 3rd modules were pretty difficult. Practice milestone exams were rather easy while the real exam was hard to pass on the 1st try. I soon realized it was best to go slow on this course, retry the practice milestones several times and never do two milestone exams on the same day to avoid mental block.

While it was a slow ride, it made me feel more comfortable when I did the final exam.

I started the algebra course, but my subscription ended before I could do the first milestone exam. I planned on going slow on that course as well.

I'm horrible at math but I was able to get a C in Sophia's Statistics.

[Avidreader]

I'm horrible at math but I was able to get a C in Sophia's Statistics.

A pass is a pass! Good job!