Welcome to Integrated Reading and Writing (INRW) 0305! I hope you're ready for a great semester. To help you orientate yourself to the course and Canvas, we'll begin with introductions and common questions about this class.

First:

My name is Lisa Smart.

Need to contact your instructor? Don't be shy! Message me via the Inbox. Or, email me at lsmart@nctc.edu.
Cell Phone #: 940-231-2939 If you urgently need to reach me, don't forget to leave your name and course. I generally don't answer numbers that I don't recognize.
I am on the Gainesville Campus - 500 Building Office #502.

How much time should you expect to spend on this course? You should plan to spend several hours each week preparing for class in addition to the 3 hours of classroom time.
Do I need a textbook? Yes, we will use Joining the Conversation: A Guide for Writers and custom NCTC text available at the bookstore. Textbooks are expensive--yes. BUT, the textbook is used for INRW, ENGL 1301, and ENGL 1302. You only need to buy the textbook once as long as you finish the sequence in an academic year. The theme and custom portions will change each Fall. So, for example, take INRW in the Fall; ENGL 1301 in the Spring; and ENGL 1302 in the summer and you will not need a new book.

How much writing and reading should you expect to produce in this course? Keep in mind that this is a writing and reading course; therefore, your grade in the course will be primarily based on your writing and reading. You can expect to write approximately 1/2 - 1 page each week. Sometimes, you might write and read a bit more; occasionally, a bit less. I also provide student models for many of the assignments. These models are merely examples of how other students successfully approached the assignment. They are not perfect, and they are not the only way to complete the assignment.

How much computer knowledge should I have? You don't need to be a computer expert for this course. However, you will need to use Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

But, what if I don't know how to do something in Word or Google Docs? At a minimum for this course, you should understand how to navigate Canvas, how to find your way around word processing and presentation software like Word, and how to attach a document. If you don't know how to do something, you can teach yourself. There will be times when you are uncomfortable in this course and don't know how to do something. F1 and Google will be your friend.

What kind of feedback can you expect from me in the course? Your success in this course is my ultimate goal; therefore, I will give you feedback on most of your writing assignments. Sometimes writing comments on each student's assignment can take a couple of days, so please be patient. (There are many of you and 1 of me.) I aim to evaluate and provide feedback on your assignments within two weeks, and I will post an announcement when all assignments are evaluated. In return, I expect you to read, reflect upon, and apply my comments to your future writing assignments. I also promise to respond to your emails promptly (within 24 hours, at the latest).

What Time are the Assignments Due? You will have weekly assignments that will be due on Monday night at 11:59 p.m.

How should we respond to each other and the instructor? You are expected to communicate with your classmates and me with civility and respect when communicating via email or in discussion postings. Posts and emails that are rude, culturally insensitive, or hostile will be deleted, and students may be reported to administration. (In other words, just be nice to each other. We're all learning here.)

Getting Behind? I understand that sometimes things come up, so send me an email letting me know when to expect your work and I'll look for it then. I don't close the drop boxes or quizzes, so if you turn in your assignments a bit later on Monday or Tuesday, you won't be penalized. Try not to make it a habit and don't get too far behind. I want you to be successful in this course, so keep me informed if you need an extension or just a bit more support.

Next:

How do you get started? While the course might seem overwhelming at first, it's helpful to use the Modules tab and proceed through the course using the "Next" button.