ESL 75A

Dayamudra Dennehy Spring 2021

33290-831

Welcome to ESL 75A!

The Fall Fully Online Edition.

I am so glad you are here.

I am Dayamudra and 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 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 6-week, fully online course that starts on Tuesday, January 19, 2020.

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

  • Your learning interaction will be fully asynchronous, meaning online/not "live", with all activities in Canvas.

  • I will host Student Visiting Hours weekly on Tuesdays and by appointment. We will also have our own tutor in this class!

  • By Friday 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 6 weekly modules that open each Sunday morning. Deadlines for weekly assignments are Wednesday by 11pm and Saturday by 11am.

  • This is not a self-paced course. 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, 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 Dayamudra. 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

  1. Since we started on Tuesday this week, all assignments are due on Saturday.

Saturday, January 23rd at 11am

  1. 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.

  2. Post to the Discussion Forum.

  3. Complete the Welcome Module and Week 1 Activities. These assignments will help you settle into the class and begin. our Editing and Proofreading activities.

  4. Complete the Grammar Review Quiz

  5. Post your response to a classmate on the Discussions Forum

  6. Complete the Reflection Journal


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.

  2. 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.

  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

Look for another message from me before Week 1 begins. 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.