Overview: Introduction to the Course

Welcome to Technical Writing. Information on all assignments, weekly activities, and related resources for this course will be posted on Canvas. Check this site regularly for the details on what to do for the course.

As noted on the homepage, this course is designed to acquaint you with the concepts and modes of writing that you will encounter in the workplace. In terms of what you will be writing about and the genres you will be learning, you should expect this course to be very different from first-year writing (composition) and other courses in which you have produced written work.

This first module is designed to introduce you to the structure and the expectations for this course and to make you aware of resources that are available to you as a student.

Objectives

After completing this introductory module, you will be able to

• Identify the course policies, schedule, and expectations.
• Describe the course grading policies and standards.
• Identify the technology requirements for the course.
• Understand what learner support services are available to you, as well as identify privacy and accessibility policies and resources.

Readings & Resources

These readings are designed to orient you to the course plan, expectations, and grading standards, as well as to provide you with information about technology requirements, learner support, and privacy.

• Course Syllabus
• Course Schedule
• Course Expectations
• Course Logistics
• Tips for Success in an Online Course
• Grading Policies & Standards
• Daily Discussion Posts
• Writing Groups

Virginia Tech Policies & Resources

• Technology Requirements
• Learner Support
• Privacy
• Accessibility
• 360 Digital Studio & Online Tutoring

Activities for Evaluation

• Take the Syllabus Verification Quiz (A quiz in which you confirm that you have completed the introductory readings about the course.)
  • This quiz is designed to ensure that you have read the introductory material and know how to succeed in this course.
• Fill out the Fall 2018 Group Preferences Survey Links to an external site. so that I can arrange your writing groups.
  • Responses are due by 11:59PM Friday, August 24. The grace period for the survey ends at 11:59PM Monday, August 27. You will begin working with your group next week.
• Ask any questions about the course in the General Q and A Discussion in Canvas.
  • Asking a question is not required. You can also post questions in Piazza.

NOTE: You must earn credit for the Syllabus Verification Quiz in this section before you can access Module 2: Introduction to Technical Writing.