Getting Started in Eng121


Hi Writing Student,

 

 I am sure you have many questions and concerns. This should be an interesting experience for all of us; I will do my best to assist your learning and expect you will do the same. Let's work together to make this as enjoyable and educational as possible.

  • A quick request before beginning
    PLEASE LET ME KNOW IMMEDIATELY, If you find any typos, broken links, incorrect spellings etc., so I can make the appropriate corrections
    This course is linked to a vast website I created containing assignments, linked resources, videos, and all other course documents that I am continually updating and editing. I would greatly appreciate if at any time during the semester you  find any errors, typographical problems, misstatements, or dead-end links, you let me know, so I can make corrections.

  • Also, notify me immediately if an assignment does not open (become available to you) on time.
    Thanks much!

  • Before we begin be sure that you can handle online learning
    A    n online course is very different than those conducted in a traditional classroom environment. Along with the freedom of learning when it is convenient and not having to drive to the college comes added responsibilities and expectations that students taking traditional on campus courses may not experience.

Consider your skills and attributes listed here; be sure online learning is for you.

 
TAKE THIS CLASS

       If You.....

  • agree to abide by the class policies
  • are comfortable with English
  • have basic knowledge of grammar
  •  write primarily accurate sentences
  • are comfortable with paragraph structure
  • have the time to frequently log on to this class to keep abreast of all developments.
  • are self motivated and rely on yourself for learning
  • are able to follow and use helpful links
  • are able to follow directions
  • are punctual with assignments
  • have basic computer competency
  •  have a reliable Internet connection
  • are able to work with "Canvas"
  • are able to submit assignments in MS Word
      


DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS

If You....

  • cannot follow the class policies
  • are not comfortable with English
  • need much help learning grammar
  • have difficulty writing accurate sentences
  • are not comfortable with paragraph structure
  • do not have the time to frequently log on to this class to keep abreast of all developments.
  • need motivation and rely on the teacher a lot
  • have difficulty following and using helpful links
  • have difficulty following directions
  • are not punctual with assignments
  • are not very computer competent
  •  do not have a reliable Internet connection
  • are unable to work with "Canvas"
  • cannot submit assignments in MS Word

Some preliminary comments
I put a lot of effort into creating a smooth and efficient online learning environment. Assignments are designed to help you become a better writer, organizer, and college student which will ultimately increase your chances of enjoying a successful college experience. Work in this class is carefully scheduled to facilitate necessary feedback for learning and to allow you lots of time to do it. As you, I have a busy schedule; I allot and schedule many hours for this class. I give my full attention and sincere effort when assignments arrive and usually return them the same day they are due. After that I attend to the other parts of my life and return to this class when the next assignment is due. I have no time nor desire to deal with late or incorrectly submitted assignments. This class should not be a source of stress nor create undue hardship for you or me. I would like it to be enjoyable and educational. For this to happen assignments must be submitted on time and correctly. To this end, your participation is required as follows:

 

What to do in this class
      Submit assignments on time.
      Submit work labeled and completed correctly as asked.
      Be familiar with and adhere to all class policies.
      Be sincere, and think like a writer not a student trying to satisfy a professor to get a good grade.

What not to do in this class
      Do not ask for late or emailed assignments to be accepted. (see Late Work Policy on the Syllabus)
      Do not ask to have work that is not submitted correctly accepted.
      Do not ask for special consideration for lack of or failed Internet connection or any other reason.

Simply put
      Do not ask for special or preferential treatment of any kind for any reason!

      Follow and adhere to the class policies. To be fair to everyone, they apply to all students at all times, There are no exceptions.

Before beginning the class do the following:

  • Read the Syllabus: (the syllabus link is available from the class Home Page - left side links.

  • Check out Eng121.net the Online Text, Resources, & Video Guide.

  • Look around our Class Home Page on canvas and get familiar navigating it.

  • View all 4 General Info Videos assigned for week 1 (accessible in module 1 on our course Home Page)
 If you enter the class after it begins
 Do not ask for make up work; you may only do what is on the schedule. Whatever you missed is just missed

        To access Canvas

NOTE:
The graphic examples for the college website have changed, and they may appear differently than  shown below; however, the process is still the same.

          Go to mjiddlesexcollege.edu  in upper right corner click:

 

 

Then  click

    

 

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Then Click

 

 

Then Log In with your supplied ID and password, and enter Eng121. You will be taken to the course Home Page.

 

Finding Assignments & Week 1

 

Once on the Home Page click  the "Modules" link on  the left menu. This will take you to 15 Modules that correspond to the 15 weeks of the semester. Each Module has assignments due for that week of the semester. Once on the Modules page, see Module - Week 1 for assignment's) due the first week.  Click each link for each assignment. This brings you to directions & requirements

 

The first week, there are Videos to watch to get acquainted with this class, and a  Self Introduction to write.

  • General Information Videos  - watch 4 General Information Videos

  • Self Introduction - We will introduce ourselves to the class.

  • Optional Zoom Meeting - 8/4. If you plan to attend, please be prompt. I will only remain in the Zoom Room while students are present.

Note
For each week of the semester go to the corresponding Module to see what is due. The Schedule on our Home Page has all semester assignments listed, when they open (are available) , and when they close (are no longer available). All this is explained in the videos you will watch.
 

 

 
     IMPORTANT ISSUES TO KEEP IN MIND
  • Read Directions completely and carefully
    Assignments have different directions and procedures; they are not all the same. Submitting an assignment that does not adhere to the directions for submission will most likely result in an unacceptable assignments. Directions for assignments are not that difficult; CAREFULLY  READ AND FOLLOW THEM.
     
  • Completely read all my communications (emails, announcements, message board posts etc). After each assignment I return and provide comments, suggestions, and guidance. To get the most information, READ ALL MY COMMUNICATIONS.
     
  • Everything, except when noted in directions, you submit for this class must be in 3rd person. I provide links to learn about person on assignments in the BRB on Eng121.net. LEARN TO WRITE and THINK IN 3RD PERSON.

 

Note:

Our Zoom Room will be available every Monday & Wednesday: 4:30pm - 7:30pm
All students can use it to meet with classmates. Enter any time you wish.
Throughout the semester if you would like me (Prof. B)  to joinin, let me know vial email with adequate notice prior to the meeting time, and I will attend.
To access our Zoom Room, click this link on our class home page.

 

   

YOUR CODE NUMBER
    Expect an email, providing your personal CODE #. For info about using your Code# see " Remaining Anonymous" on the Syllabus.
    REMEMBER: NEVER put your name on anything submitted for this class - use your Code# (except for Discussion Boards)
                         NEVER put your Code# or your Name on a Discussion Board. (your name is automatically attached to Discussion
                         Boards)

 

      OK - that should get us started.

      Let's relax, get familiar, and learn something.
      I will do all I can to make this as pleasurable and productive as possible. I expect that you will do the same. 

 

      Prof. B