|
Welcome
Listserv I
| |
[What Is It and Why?] [How
to Join] [How to Post] [Read
Archives]
The listserv is an email discussion list that serves those who
sign up to it. Only those who are subscribed to the
list can post to it or access the
archives. A
listserv benefits the class in the following ways:
 | It provides a peer-based forum for discussing and analyzing the concepts
and assignments covered in class. Have a question about how to write an essay?
Post to the list and someone in the class will probably be able to offer some
advice. Confused about a reading? You have a chance to "talk it out" at your
leisure. |
| It offers an opportunity for developing the writing skills required by a
different medium--the online environment. Writing for email is much different
than writing a research essay, but writing for the web is a necessary skill.
Some people are comfortable with writing informal emails, and other people
barely know how to switch on the computer, but few have adapted their writing
skills to academic- or business-based online writing. Many of the emails I
receive in business (yes, I have a "real" job in the "real" world) require a
follow-up phone call simply because the message was too vague, too confusing,
or just plain incomprehensible. This is a waste of time and resources. Now is
the time to learn how to compose effectively for an online environment. |
| It may be the quickest way to get a response. We are in class a total of
approximately 45 hours each semester (3 hours per week x 14 weeks). I provide
a total of 45 hours meeting time (a.k.a. Office Hours) for each class I teach.
Because I am an adjunct, my university phone number (203-392-6721) does not
physically ring anywhere; it's voice mail ONLY, which I check periodically. If
I'm not on campus and you have a question, you can post to the list. If I'm
not immediately available to respond, others may have the answer for you. |
| It hones your online research skills. Many of the assignments for the
listserv require that you complete web-based research, synthesize the results,
and provide your analysis (in your own words) in your post. You will need to
get used to searching online and finding reputable sources as well as writing
about your research. |
| Subscribe
to the English101 Listserv. Follow the subscription directions.. You will
receive an email in response (check your bulk email box, if your mail service
provides one); simple click on "reply" to confirm your subscription. |
| Once you've subscribed, you may post to the list by simply emailing
eng101ab@lists.southernct.edu.
Check out the sample listserv post in The St. Martin's Handbook. |
|
Review our English101 Listserv Archives to get an understanding of the list |
| All posts are expected to:
 | Have an appropriate subject line (e.g., "Paolo Freire and Marxism" --
not just "Freire" not simply "Class," and definitely not "English 101" [all
posts from the listserv are automatically tagged ENG101 so that you can
notice them when they come in to your mailbox.] A subject line that means
something makes searching and reading the archives much easier.) |
| Be signed by the author. You may think everyone knows who MKDW4eva@
hotmail. com is, but chances are we won't. Tell us who you are. How can
we respond to you civilly otherwise? |
| Use proper grammar and spelling. I would think that would be obvious,
but the number of posts that read along the lines of, "r u ready 4 class? im
not sure what the profeser wants anyone do the reading n can tel me what its
about?" leads me to think otherwise. |
| Remain courteous and focused. If you disagree with someone's point of
view, pinpoint and analyze the differences in your opinion; calling the
other party names, questioning his or her parentage, and making comments to
the effect that he or she needs a heavy dose of laxative are not effective
modes of academic debate. On the internet it's called "flaming,"
and if you do it once too many times (though sometimes once is enough),
you'll be labeled a "troll."
[See the Twelve
Commandments of Flaming] |
|
Remember-- you're welcomed and encouraged to post questions and initiate
conversations concerning class and readings. Keep conversations on-topic and
class-related.
|
