Consistent Content between the Book and Connect is Key to Successful Implementation

Initially, the consistency between the Navidi/Monk Essential Statistics and the online problems in Connect is what caught Ryan Melendez’s eye. As he dug deeper into Connect, he was impressed with the screenshots showing how to use the TI calculator to solve homework problems, rather than providing the formula only as a learning aid.

He says, “Students appreciate the screenshots of the TI-84 calculator that help reinforce the keystrokes needed and verify the students are on the right path to solving the problem.”

We wanted a more consistent experience between the lecture and the homework system. Connect helps us achieve that with content that directly mirrors the content in Navidi/Monk Essential Statistics along with technology-driven learning aids.

Implementation

Course grade is determined by the following:
70% Exams (on paper)
20% Connect Homework
10% Final Project

Melendez uses McGraw-Hill Connect® as a homework system with assignments set up for each chapter in Essential Statistics, although some chapters are split into multiple parts. Students are given 1 to 2 assignments per week, and each assignment is about 1 chapter or half-chapter worth of content.

Each homework set contains about 12-15 problems and is due before the start of the next chapter. No homework set contains more than a week’s worth of content. He allows the students unlimited attempts for full credit, but no extensions after the deadline.

I like the vocabulary questions included with each section as the questions emphasize understanding the language used in class

Melendez’s lecture format did not change since he implemented Connect. He says, “My goal was to keep the same course structure, but simply update topics in my lecture notes to match the presentation style in Navidi/Monk Essential Statistics.” He kept his syllabus the same and matched his in-class activities and his exams to the Navidi/Monk textbook.

In Connect, Melendez uses the “Item Analysis” and “Student Details” report. He also uses the “Time Tracker” report to make sure his assignments are appropriate in length and to verify that students are spending an appropriate amount of time working in the course and not waiting until the last minute. “This information allows me to have a productive conversation with the student using specific feedback for increased success,”

Melendez says he has had fewer technology-driven questions because the learning aids integrate well into Connect. “With the detailed learning aids, students can answer many of their specific homework questions themselves within Connect.”

I made Connect and Navidi/Monk Essential Statistics fit a course structure that has already worked well for me. If an instructor has a course that works well, there is no need to start over; instead, allow the flexibility of Connect fit to your course model.

Conclusion

Consistency between the textbook and the digital product, in addition to learning aids within Connect, create a seamless implementation for instructors and students. The flexibility of Connect allows instructors to integrate Connect into their course model without starting over with new content. Screenshots show students which keystrokes are needed on the TI-84 calculators to solve their homework problems, and additional learning aids help students succeed.

The McGraw-Hill team has gone that extra mile to ensure consistency between Essential Statistics and Connect. I highly recommend giving Connect a look.

Digital Product in Use: ConnectMath
LMS Integration: Canvas
Course Name: STP 226 Elements of Statistics
Course Type: Face-to-Face
Credit Hours: Three
Program in Use: Essential Statistics, 2nd edition, by William Navidi / Barry Monk
Instructor: Ryan Melendez
Enrollment: 40 students per section; 2 sections; 2,300 year (university total)