January 10th Greeting

Hello out there!

Class officially starts in one week, on Wednesday, January 17th.  Beginning then, you'll be able to access my Online Office posts.  Each week's Online Office will be found in that week's modules, along with the week's other tasks.  Most weeks, I'll post Online Office messages on Monday.  Some weeks I'll post a message on other days too.  I recommend you develop a regular routine.  Don't let multiple days pass without checking our Online Office.  The messages will share class business and highlight that week's material.  Along with our textbook and online readings, these Online Office messages will provide insights and tips to help you practice our class's skills.  

If you don't already have the textbook, you need to get it as soon as possible.  As a skills-oriented class, it will help to have multiple sources explaining our material.  Sometimes my Online Office messages will help you understand a concept.  Sometimes an online reading will.  Sometimes the textbook will.  You want to be able to take advantage of each as you're trying to learn our skills.  You'll be able to complete the first week's module without the textbook, but you'll want to have it when we start learning to "Recognize Arguments" in Week 2.   The college bookstore has the right edition. 

If you haven't already, start reviewing this Canvas-based class website too.  While there is no formula for how to take this class, I recommend a regular study routine spread out over multiple days.   It's usually good to have study periods spread out over three or more days.  It's usually better than to pack a long study session into one day.  Some people will spread their studies over three days.  Some over four days.  And, yes, some will manage with one or two days a week; but I discourage this, for you're likely to have some weeks that require more time.  I recommend you consider a three-day routine your minimum and be prepared to adjust your routine.  In the end, you will need to study as long as it takes to learn the course's skills.  Give yourself the time to do this.  To get a better idea of what that study routine will look like, review our Canvas-based class website.  Review the first week's module.  Review future weeks' modules.  Learn about the site's resources.  Learn about its readings.  Learn about its practice examples.  Learn about its assignments.  Most weeks, you'll read about some concepts, practice applying them to examples, and then take quizzes assessing those skills. 

Lastly, even if you already have, I recommend you review our syllabus.  It's found on the class website.  It establishes the class expectations and policies.  If you've ever watched a sport even though you didn't know the rules, you know it can be confusing.  Imagine trying to play the sport without knowing the rules.  Taking this class without learning the syllabus is like that.  Do yourself the favor.  Read the syllabus.  And ask me questions when something doesn't make sense.  

I'll be checking for messages at least once a day every weekday.  If you have a question, don't hesitate to ask.  I'll respond within 24 hours, usually much faster than that. 

And don't forget to have some fun.  Like a lot of things, learning our skills sometimes comes easily and sometimes is confusing.  Learning to navigate learning experiences can be frustrating. And it can be fun.  Experiencing yourself succeeding can even be joyous.  You can do this.

Michael  

P.S. The start of the semester reminds me of the start of a backpacking trip.  There's no getting around that some confusion and frustration await.  But also some learning experiences and hopefully some fun.