TW Homework Update: Minor Assignment 3

Dear Class,

The range of topics in our class this year is, I think, the best ever, and that must say some really positive things about how each of you are approaching Theme Writing. Very well done!

I spent quite some time reading and thinking about your research proposal, and then to write my response to you. Overall, proposals were thoughtfully written and very instructive. Your proposal really helps me understand your topic, your ideas, and your position, and then of course to try and help you in the best way I can. For many of you, I have called for you to revise your thesis statement. The thesis statement controls the ideas in your paper and may very well mean minor or major follow-on changes to your Working Outline. I have asked you to post your revised thesis to your e-portfolio & then to let me know when I can check it for you.

For your working outline, the changes many of you make to your thesis will mean that your outline is now somewhat out of date. Therefore, I will check that your outline is complete and was on time. My comments on your research proposal should be read to cover the ideas and their organisation in your outline as well, so please, you should not expect long comments on your outline. However, if I have not asked you  to revise your thesis, there may be some points more I could help you with.

To read my comments on your Response Proposal,  please go to TW: My Record of Work.

A couple of students' Record of Work is not up to date. This is an important responsibility because it lets you and I know what you have done, and tells me when I need to check your portfolio for new work - in other words it helps me help you.  As well, as with everything you do, it is part of my evaluation of you in Theme Writing. Please keep your Record of Work seriously.

Thank you, bye for now, Owen.

Research Collection: Video - Social Bookmarking in Plain English

TW Homework Update: Minor Assignment 2

Dear TWers,

Lots of really good work, well done. 13/16 were satisfactory, but I really want us to aim for 16/16 every time. If Minor Assignment 2 was not satisfactory this time, look ahead to the next assignment and do you best. To see this homework update, please go to the TW: My Record of Work page.

Also from the Homepage, 2007 Students' Class Blogs (one-page view) you are able to now see everyones' e-portfolios on one page. Some advantages of publishing your work online include being able to see the work of other students when you feel unsure of what to do or how to do something, you can also contact anyone in class by leaving a comment to offer advice or ask for their help. It is quite difficult to do these things when assignments are paper based only, so I do encourage you to look at your classmates' work as a way of helping yourself and to help classmates with advice or even just to give them some encouragement, 'Wow, I really enjoyed reading your ideas, I had never thought of it like that!"

Thank you, see you on Monday, Owen.

TW Homework Update: Minor assignments 1 & 2

Dear TWers,

A positive start by nearly everyone, good! Minor assignment 1 has been checked and you can see your evaluation and my comments on TW: My Record of Work.

Minor Assignment 2 is due before class tomorrow, at the latest sometime tomorrow. Continue your good start. If you missed Minor Assignment 1, please do not let it worry you now, keeping moving ahead and focus on the next thing.

Thank you, see you tomorrow, Owen.

TW Homework Update: Minor Assignment 1 - Scratch Outline

Dear TWers,

In Course Information [Homepage->Course Information] the Schedule of Assignments calls for your first assignment to be posted to your e-portfolio today and last lesson this was narrowed down to before class today. At this time ( 4.41 pm), Scratch Outlines have been posted [Homepage->Students' Class Blogs (one-page view)] by Miki, Mari, Yohei, Izumi, Nozomi, Noriaki, Marie, Hanako, & Yasutake . Thank you, I will check the quality of your assignments tomorrow.

'Timeliness of Assignments' states that Minor Assignments 1-4 must be completed by their due dates.

As this is the first assignment and because you have also needed to set up your course technology tools, I can be a bit lenient. So Marina, Yuta, Ikumi, Kanako, & Shunsuke if you cannot post your Scratch Outline sometime today, you really must contact me (james@icu.ac.jp) and let me know what the problem is. Then we can fix it quickly and get you back on track.

If you do not post your assignment though and I do not hear from you, the statement on 'Timeliness of Assignments' explains that a 'late' assignment does not count towards your grade .

I might seem especially strict at present, but one of the main reasons some students have trouble in Theme Writing is because they do not start well and I am very concerned that all students in my class start out well. It is much easier to continue a good start than it is to make major changes later, and sometimes by then it is too late.

So my message is to everyone is, 'Start out right.'

Thank you, Owen.

TW Information: Sunday night homework update

Dear TWers,

Rushing right now, but currently the TW: My Details page currently appears as below - nearly everyone, which is great! But it is missing details from 4 students and it is most important that you all have the tools you need to participate and do your work. I will check Minor Assignment 1: Scratch Outline on your e-portfolio tomorrow, before class (Research Orientation, ILC 106).

What To Do
1. Kanako, Yuta, Minako, and Rina, if you have set up your e-portfolio, but are unable to post it to the DIY Textbook, just send me your URL and I can do it for you. However, you will need to learn to add information here to the DIY Textbook each week, so this is just a temporary fix.

2. Kanako, Yuta, Minako, and Rina, I do not have classes Period 1 or 2 tomorrow, so I want you to come along to my office (ILC 275) and we will get you going with the technology and then it is done. If you can post your details to the TW: My Details page or send the URL in an email to me before then, then that is the most important thing done. However, you should still come if you have a problem using the DIY Textbook.

Thank you. Bye for now, Owen.

1.Mari	http://themewritinge-portfoliomari.blogspot.com/
2.Marina	http://marinasthemewriting.blogspot.com/
3.Noriaki	http://noriakitw07.blogspot.com/
4.Yohei	http://yoheitw07.blogspot.com/
5.Izumi	http://izumiad07.blogspot.com/
6.Yasutake	http://yasutake-tw-0708.blogspot.com/
7.Hanako	http://hanakotw07.blogspot.com/
8.Miki	http://mikiscicu07.blogspot.com/
9.Marie	http://scicu07.blogspot.com/
10.Nozomi	http://nozomitw07.blogspot.com/
11.Shunsuke	http://shunsuketw07.blogspot.com/
12.Ikumi	http://ikumi-tw-07@blogspot.com/
13.Kanako
14.Rina
15.Minako
16.Yuta

TW Information: Homework update

Dear Theme Writers,

Links: TW Homepage http://twicu.blogspot.com/. Go to Course Information.

It is 2 o'clock Friday now, and by the end of the day today, your homework calls for you to have set up your blog as your e-portfolio for Theme Writing. It has been a very positive response so far. Well done and thank you to everyone below. Follow the instructions carefully and view the screencasts (videos) and everything will go well.

Bye now, Owen.

1.Mari	http://themewritinge-portfoliomari.blogspot.com/
2. Marina	http://marinasthemewriting.blogspot.com/
3.Noriaki	http://noriakitw07.blogspot.com/
4.Yohei	http://yoheitw07.blogspot.com/
5. Izumi	http://izumiad07.blogspot.com/
6.Yasutake	http://yasutake-tw-0708.blogspot.com/
7.Hanako	http://hanakotw07.blogspot.com/

How to register for the DIY Textbook

This five minute video will walk you step by step through joining the DIY Textbook as a registered user. Originally created for my ARW and Sophomore English students, the video explains the basic process involved in registering, simply change the details you use to register as a student in TW.

**PS**Please ignore all the posts below, since they relate to last year's TW class**

2/21 TW tutorials, please go ILC 275

Dear TWers,

Today's tutorials will be in my office as usual, ILC 275, not H-157 as I mentioned on Monday. I am sorry to cause any confusion.

Best,

Owen.

TW: Final tutorial session Wednesday February 21

Dear Class,

As we organised in class today, Wednesday's lesson will now be an extra tutorial session. Please visit the Homepage and sign up as usual on the Tutorials Calendar.

Looking forward to seeing you then, Owen.

TW weekly message 2/18

Dear Theme Writers,

Welcome to the final week of TW.

This message is mostly to confirm with you that the Syllabus calls for you to come to class tomorrow. It also calls for attendance on Wednesday, but depending on class discussion tomorrow, it is possible that Wednesday could be used for tutorials instead.

For class tomorrow, you need to print and bring an up-to-date version of your Works Cited.

Looking forward to seeing you then,

Owen.

TW Weekly Message: Final Draft is due 22/1, MUST be submitted on that date.

Dear Theme Writers,

Homework due Wednesday 21, February
Main Assignment - Final Draft 50%
Post the final draft of your research essay to your blog. From the Syllabus: 1500-2000 words, MLA style. Use 8+ sources (mix articles, books, WWW), the majority must be English sources. Use subheadings for each section. Final paper requires Header, Outline, Student Information, Title, Final Draft, and Works Cited. Please see the sample paper: Sample research paper (PDF). Click "Download", then "open" or save a copy.

**Please note: The due date for the Main Assignment is Wednesday, 21 February. Your paper MUST be submitted on this date. The Syllabus allows for submission of minor assignments up to one week after the due date, but this rule does NOT apply to the Main Assignment.

Tutorials
It would be most wise to take a tutorial on your Full-length Draft, before or after you submit it as a minor assignment, so tutorials should be very busy this week. It would be taking an unnecessary risk to submit a Final Draft that has not been reviewed at a tutorial at the stage of the Full-length Draft.

Record of Submitted Assignments
Your record of submitted assignments was updated most recently Sunday, February 11. You should check this carefully. If you suspect an error in your record, you must check your blog, then the Syllabus requirements for the assignment, and the due date. Then, please contact me with the details of your problem. I promise to review your case carefully, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Minor Assignment 8
Full-length Draft (1500) + attached peer review checklist

If you have not submitted your Full-length Draft yet and need to review the details, you must always check the Syllabus first and the same details are repeated in the weekly homework message. The Syllabus does allow you to submit minor assignments up to one (1) week late, so this means that you must finish your Full-length Draft by this Friday, February 16.

Firstly, complete and post your Full-length Draft to your TW blog. Please use the title 'Minor Assignment 8: Full-length Draft.' Secondly, use the peer review checklist to review your partner's essay. STEP ONE: Print a copy of the checklist. Check each question on the peer review checklist by circling "Yes" or "No" on the paper copy. STEP TWO: Make a digital copy of the checklist. Click peer review checklist . Select the whole text on the screen (click & drag your cursor) and copy the text (go to the Edit menu on your browser, click Copy). STEP THREE: Communicate your feedback. Go to your partners blog and scroll down to the bottom of their full-length draft. Click the Comment button (it looks like 0 comments OR 0 コメント ). Paste the peer review checklist into the Comments box (Edit menu, click Paste). Record your feedback by removing "Yes" or "No" next to each question in the peer review checklist. When you have finished, click the button "Publish Your Comment."

If you are not in contact with your peer-review partner, you can contact them by leaving a comment on their blog. Or, by sending them an email from the TW Homepage: Click Discuss Theme Writing, click + new post , write your message, and click Post Message. (Your message will be sent to everyone in class, but that is OK.)

Be sure to contact me if you have any questions.

Have a great week,

Owen.

TW homework due Friday 9 February

Dear Theme Writers,

Homework due Friday 9, February
Minor Assignment 8 - Full-length Draft (1500) + attached peer review checklist

Firstly, complete and post your Full-length Draft to your TW blog. Please use the title 'Minor Assignment 8: Full-length Draft.' Secondly, use the peer review checklist to review your partner's essay. STEP ONE: Print a copy of the checklist. Check each question on the peer review checklist by circling "Yes" or "No" on the paper copy. STEP TWO: Make a digital copy of the checklist. Click peer review checklist. Select the whole text on the screen (click & drag your cursor) and copy the text (go to the Edit menu on your browser, click Copy). STEP THREE: Communicate your feedback. Go to your partners blog and scroll down to the bottom of their full-length draft. Click the Comment button (it looks like 0 comments OR 0 コメント ). Paste the peer review checklist into the Comments box (Edit menu, click Paste). Record your feedback by removing "Yes" or "No" next to each question in the peer review checklist. When you have finished, click the button "Publish Your Comment."

If you are not in contact with your peer-review partner, you can contact them by leaving a comment on their blog. Or, by sending them an email from the TW Homepage: Click Discuss Theme Writing, click + new post, write your message, and click Post Message. (Your message will be sent to everyone in class, but that is OK.)

Works Cited
Minor Assignment 7 - Works Cited: If you have submitted already, thank you and well done. The due date as you know was Friday 2/2 and so far Emi A, Emi E, Nami, Sho, & Takashi have submitted. If you have not submitted yet and need to review the details, you must always check the Syllabus first and the same details are repeated in the weekly homework message. The Syllabus does allow you to submit assignments up to one (1) week late, so this means that you must finish your Works Cited by this Friday, February 9.

Tutorials
Last week Nami, Yusuke (2X), Sho, Momoko (2x), Rie, Takahiko, and Emi Y took a tutorial. It would be most wise to take a tutorial on your Full-length Draft, before or after you submit it as a minor assignment, so upcoming tutorials should be very busy.

Be sure to contact me if you have any questions. I am sorry I am late posting this message this week, it has turned out to be fairly long and taken more time than I expected.

Have a great week,

Owen.

Homework due Friday 2 February

Dear Theme Writers,

Homework due Friday 2, February
Minor Assignment 7 - Works Cited*
Write and post the first draft of the Works Cited to your TW blog. This assignment is useful now because you also need to include an up-to-date version of your works cited in your final draft. Post your assignment to your blog, please use the title 'Minor Assignment 7: Works Cited.'

To guide you in formatting and organizing your works cited, refer to the Syllabus:

1. SGW: The Works Cited Page pp. 61 - 64.
2. AWR: MLA list of works cited: MLA-4b; p. 348-367
3. Shared Research Collection:

• Reference: Works Cited MLA Style - Pearson Education

• Works Cited activity (PDF file)

• Works Cited activity_answers (PDF file)

Revised Working Outline
Thank you and well done on Minor Assignment 6 - Revised Working Outline.* The due date as you know was Friday 1/26 and I received work from about half the class. If you have not completed your revised outline yet, the Syllabus does allow you to submit assignments up to one (1) week late. However, this means that you must finish your Revised Working Outline by this Friday, February 2.

Tutorials
Last week Rie, Emi Y, Yusuke, Marie, Koichi, Emi A, Satoru, & Nami took a tutorial. If you did not take a tutorial last week, I definitely recommend you take a tutorial as we move into the final four (4) weeks of semester, so tutorials should be even busier than last week.

Be sure to contact me if you have any questions.

Have a great week,

Owen.

Homework due Friday 26 January

Dear Theme Writers,

First Draft
Thank you and well done on the 750+ first drafts submitted so far. The due date as you know was 1/19 and I received seven (7) out of thirteen (13). If you have not completed 750+ words yet, it is not a problem, the Syllabus allows you to submit assignments up to one (1) week late. This means that you have until this Friday, January 26 to finish your first 750+ words.

Tutorials
Last week Rie, Satoru, Koichi, Sho, and Yusuke took a tutorial. If you did not take a tutorial last week, I definitely recommend you take a tutorial on your First Draft, so tutorials this week should be busier than last week. I would also like to clarify with you that tutorials are the main way to receive feedback in Theme Writing. I do visit your blogs regularly and as your paper begins to develop over the next few weeks I will leave comments on your blog as often as my time permits. However, my written comments on your blog are in addition to tutorials, they are not a replacement for tutorials. Therefore, you must always use tutorials as the main forum to discuss your ideas and your writing. In other words, please do not ask me to check you blog unless you also book a tutorial to then discuss your writing.

Homework due Friday 26, January
Minor Assignment 6 - Revised Working Outline*
Review the sample Working Outline and the included instructions. For extra support you may wish to review SGW: 4.5.4 The Title, Thesis Statement pp. 31-32, and 7.7 Your Outline.`As you research and write about your topic, your thinking deepens and your ideas change. Therefore, taking an effective approach to writing requires you to regularly update your Working Outline to reflect your current thinking and ideas. This assignment is also useful because you need to include a n up-to-date version of your outline in your Final Draft. Revise and post your assignment to your blog, please use the title 'Minor Assignment 6: Revised Working Outline.'

Be sure to contact me if you have any questions.

Have a great week,

Owen.

Homework due Friday January 19

Just a quick reminder about homework due Friday:

Minor Assignment 5
First Draft (750) - Introduction, Body, & Conclusion + attached peer review checklist

From the Syllabus you may need to/want to review:

SGW: 7.8 Writing an Introduction to Your Paper, 7.9 Your First Draft, 7.10 Writing a Conclusion for Your Paper

AWR: Citing sources MLA-1a through MLA-3c; p. 331-340. Sample MLA research paper p. 371 (does not include the outline required in your final draft)

Online: See the Sample Essay as a basic guide & the Sample Research Paper for more detail (click Download button, then click "Open" to view or "Save" to download. This is a PDF file and opens in Adobe Reader on ICU computers. Reader is free to install on your home computer).

Tutorials January 15-19

At this stage, with the First Draft (750) of your essay due on Friday, tutorials should be busy, busy, busy!

1/7/ 2007 updated Record of Submitted Assignments