Take a course online this spring through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, to earn graduate credit toward a Master of Arts for Teachers degree from the UNL Department of Mathematics. For teachers whose busy schedules require flexible scheduling in order to make taking graduate courses possible, mathematics courses are offered online by the UNL Department of Mathematics on a regular basis.
This spring, the department will offer two courses for secondary mathematics teachers to choose from: Math 805T: Discrete Mathematics and Math 814T: Linear Algebra for Teachers. See the descriptions below. These courses count toward the Master of Arts for Teachers degree. Expect each online course held in the spring to cost about $1,000.
Spring registration is now open. If you are interested in taking a course, we recommend registering for only one class per term. ***The UNL spring semester begins January 8, 2018. ***
Course Option 1:
MATH 805T: DISCRETE MATHEMATICS, section 700
Class Number for Registration: 25916
This course is designed to deepen knowledge of discrete mathematics as it relates to topics covered in middle through high school curricula. Many of the course topics are introduced through "hands-on" explorations (which characterize discrete mathematics) through which various problem-solving strategies are emphasized. The course also develops an understanding of the role of precise mathematical language, reasoning, and proof in the development of discrete mathematics. The exploratory exercises in the course provide useful vehicles for promoting communication as groups will collaborate to explore problems and present various solutions to the class. The Standards and Principles of School Mathematics published by the NCTM notes that "As an active branch of contemporary mathematics that is widely used in business and industry, discrete mathematics should be an integral part of the school mathematics curriculum." The topics included in the course, vertex -edge graphs, counting techniques, iteration and recursion, provide connections to other disciplines as well as to other topics within mathematics. Discrete Mathematics is part of the Math in the Middle curriculum and has been successfully taught to middle level and secondary teachers.
Course Option 2:
MATH 814T: LINEAR ALGEBRA FOR TEACHERS, section 700
Class Number for Registration: 7354
Linear Algebra is intertwined study of linear equations and linear transformations. The geometry of lines and planes mixes with the practicalities of communicating in a noisy environment (such as talking to the Mars rover), planning production, and understanding data. We’ll learn how all these threads are linked together.
There are also a number of education courses from the Department of Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education offered in person in the evenings, or online, in the spring that may interest you: http://cehs.unl.edu/tlte/graduate-student-resources/
Taking courses online allows teachers the flexibility to accommodate their busy schedules. Additionally, the online environment can be very rewarding. Other teachers who have taken online courses had this to say:
* "Great quality of instruction! It was challenging, interesting and informative. I learned a lot in this class."
* "I have learned many new and interesting things in this course throughout the semester. Many of the topics will help me in my current teaching position, while others have helped to deepen my understanding and enhance my perspective in the math field."
* "I was a little worried about taking an online class since there is little direct instruction, but the course was well designed and since we were able to work with groups and attend the office hour, the tasks were very manageable."
To register for courses at UNL if you have not taken a course in the past three terms (summer, spring or fall):
1. Go to the Teach Nebraska Web site at: http://www.unl.edu/gradstudies/teachneb
2. Click on the blue "Apply” link at the top of the screen.
3. If you remember your NU ID from being a past student, please enter it. If you do not have or remember your NU ID, please check the box indicating as such.
4. For the question, "Which of the following best describes your purpose in enrolling at UNL at this time?" select, "None of the above, therefore Non-Degree, Post-Baccalaureate"
5. Course Registration box: Enter the course number, class/call number, section number and 3 credits
Once you've completed the above, certify the statements and submit your application. The Office of Graduate Studies will certify your application, admit you to the University, and register you for your courses. If you do not hear from UNL in three business days, please contact Graduate Studies at mashbury3@unl.edu. The bill for the course will be due Feb. 12, 2018. Note: If you drop after January 16, you will not receive a full refund.
If you have taken a course in the past year, use the instructions here for how to enroll in MyRED: http://registrar.unl.edu/registration-procedures.