ESL 182
Intermediate Academic ESL
Prof. Dayamudra Dennehy
78273-501 Fall 2020
Welcome to ESL 182!
The Fall Fully Remote Edition.
I am so glad you are here.
I am Dayamudra and I will be your instructor this semester.
Ready? Let's go!
I know there have been a lot of changes because of COVID-19. Maybe you're feeling worried, confused, excited? So am I!
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!
HOW THIS COURSE WORKS
This is a 18-week, fully online course that starts on Monday, August 17, 2020.
You will be part of a learning community. This is not a self-paced course.
Your learning interaction will be a combination of asynchronous (online/not "live") and synchronous ("live"/on Zoom) activities in Canvas.
There will be livestream video sessions on Zoom. These will be Mondays and Wednesdays 6:30 - 8pm. You are not required to be on video if you do join.
I will host Student Visiting Hours after the Livestream, from 8-9pm Mondays and Wednesdays and also by appointment.
By Wednesday of Week 1, you will be expected to login to Canvas and complete the Getting to Know You Survey so that I know you plan to complete the course.
This class is organized into eighteen weekly modules that open each Monday morning. Deadlines for weekly assignments are Wednesday by 11pm and Saturday by 11am. Assignments will lock after the deadline, so contact me before a deadline to arrange a late submission. Late submissions are accepted one week after the deadline but only after making an agreement with me.
Each module includes a variety of learning activities: listenings, videos, and collaborative activities and projects.
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 and the racial injustices 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
Our first livestream will be in Zoom on Monday at 6:30 pm. I strongly encourage all to attend. It will be an opportunity to meet me and your classmates, learn about the class more personally, and ask any questions. We will be on video together until 8:00 and then I will be available for questions until 9pm.
Due Dates for Week 1 Assignments
Put these dates in your calendar now.
Wednesday, August 19 at 11pm
Complete the Getting to Know You Survey 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.
Post to the Discussion Forum.
Saturday, August 22nd at 11am
Complete the Remote Learning Success Plan. This is an assignment to help you set clear goals for the semester and strategies to meet those goals. You will be sharing your plan with your classmates so that you can inspire and encourage one another.
Submit Week 1 Review Quiz
Post a Reply to a classmate on the Discussion Forum.
4 TIPS FOR SUCCESS
You'll have more opportunities to be successful if you follow these 4 tips:
Be proactive. Log into our course every Sunday and prepare for the week ahead.
Plan for the unexpected. Life happens! Aim to have all of your assignments done by 24 hours before they are due. That way you will meet all your deadlines.
Communicate with me. Contacting me . Don't get overwhelmed by unfinished work. I am willing to work with you to be successful.
Use the Canvas To-Do List and Calendar. They are so helpful!
There are 3 books for the class. Order them now. We will start using them in Week 2. You may order them from the CCSF Bookstore or anyplace else where you buy your books.
Look for another message from me before Monday's class. I look forward to working with you this semester!
If you have any questions at all before Monday, please mail me: adennehy@ccsf.edu. I am always happy to hear from you!
Once class begins, the best way to reach me is by messaging through the Canvas Inbox. You may also send a quick text to the class on Canvas using Pronto. Everyone in the class will be able to see your Pronto messages.
I return students messages within 24 hours Monday to Friday and within 48 hours on the weekend. I do not work on Sundays.
