ESL 79

Dayamudra Dennehy Spring 2021

33218-006

1/19 - 5/26/21

Welcome to ESL 79!

The Spring 2021 Remote Edition.

I am so glad you are here.

I am Dayamudra.

I will be your instructor this semester. Ready? Let's go!

OUR COURSE STARTS TUESDAY!


I know there have been a lot of changes because of COVID-19. Maybe you're feeling worried, confused, excited?

So am! Don't worry. Together we will make this the best semester ever.

I am here for you and I want you to succeed. Together we will build a learning community. It's all brand new!

Please take two minutes to view my video and learn a little about me and our class. Then keep scrolling down to learn more. There are also linked pages in the Navigation Bar to other pages. I can't wait to meet you!


This video has no spoken soundtrack, only background music

HOW THIS COURSE WORKS


  • This is a 18-week, online course that starts on Tuesday, January 19, 2021.

  • This class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:40- 2 pm on Zoom. These Livestream sessions are required. The Zoom Room link is posted on Canvas.

  • You will be part of a learning community. This is NOT a self-paced course.

  • All activities and homework assignments are posted in Canvas.

  • Student Visiting Hours are weekly on Tuesdays 2-3pm and by appointment.

  • Deadlines for weekly assignments are Sunday by 11pm.

  • Assignments will lock after the deadline, so contact me before a deadline to arrange a late submission. Late submissions are accepted with a week after the deadline but only after making an agreement with me.

  • This class includes a variety of learning activities: listenings, videos, collaborative activities, individual and group presentations and a final digital portfolio project.

MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

I believe all learners should have access to Communicative English as a means of creatively expressing themselves in a variety of situations, making deep connections across global cultures and having limitless access to academic and economic opportunity.

MY COMMITMENT TO YOU

This is not an easy time to be a student. The stress of COVID-19, racial injustice, and political unrest in our country impacts all of our lives.

This makes it difficult to learn, manage our time, and juggle our many responsibilities.

Please know that I am committed to creating and supporting you in a safe and respectful learning environment.

I am constantly growing and learning as an educator, and I welcome your feedback. We are better together.

OUR INCLUSIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

As your Instructor, I understand that students represent a rich diversity of backgrounds and perspectives.

City College of San Francisco is committed to providing an atmosphere for learning that respects diversity.

While working together to build this community I request that we all abide by the following parameters:

  • Share our unique experiences, values and beliefs.

  • Have patience and a sense of humor with technology. Expect problems. (It's technology!)

  • Value classmates' opinions and communicate in a respectful manner.

  • Be open to the views of others.

  • Honor the uniqueness of your classmates. Appreciate the opportunity that we have to learn from each other in this community.

  • In this learning space, students of all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, language backgrounds, and sexual orientations are welcome. Together we create a supportive, fun, and encouraging environment.

If, at any time, you feel that you have been disrespected by a member of our community, you are encouraged to bring your concern directly and immediately to me. Clearly identify what has occurred with specific explanation and evidence. Your concerns will be addressed promptly and in an individualized manner.

WHAT TO DO WEEK 1

Due Dates for Week 1 Assignments

Put these three dates in your academic planner now.

Due Sunday, January 24th at 11pm

  1. Buy the course book. "Speech Communication Made Simple 2" 4th edition by Dale and Wolf (ISBN: 978-0-13-286169-4).This book is required. We will start using the textbook in Week 2.

  2. Complete the Getting to Know You Survey, posted in Canvas Module 1.This is our "check-in" assignment so that I can learn about you. By completing the survey, I know that you plan to complete our class. I will reach out to you by email if I see you haven't completed the survey to see if you plan to take the class. If not, your spot can be offered to a student on the waitlist.

  3. Post to the Discussion Forum.

  4. Respond to one classmate on the Discussion Forum.

You are encouraged to submit completed assignments before the Sunday night deadline for prompt feedback.


4 TIPS FOR SUCCESS

You'll have more opportunities to be successful if you follow these 4 tips:

  1. Be proactive. Log into our course every Sunday and prepare for the week ahead. Log into all our Tuesday and Thursday Livestream sessions.

  2. Plan for the unexpected. Life happens! Aim to have all of your assignments done by 24-48 hours before they are due. That way you will meet all your deadlines.

  3. Communicate with me. Contact me to set up a video chat . Don't get overwhelmed by unfinished work. I am willing to work with you to be successful.

  4. Use the Canvas To-Do List and Calendar. They are so helpful!

WEEKLY TIMETABLE

  • Our class meets twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays on our Zoom Livestream. These live sessions are required.

  • The week's overview and homework assignments will be posted for the new week by Sunday at 11am.

  • All assignments for the completed week are due by Sunday at 11pm and must be posted on Canvas. You are always welcome to to submit completed assignments before the Sunday deadline.

  • If you need an extension on any assignment, you must contact me before Friday at 5pm to make an agreement.

  • Once class begins, the best way to reach me is by messaging through the Canvas inbox.

  • You may also send a quick, but polite, text to your classmates on Canvas using Pronto. I may send spontaneous announcements on Pronto, but I will only correspond with you about your work through the Canvas Inbox.