Assignment 2: Written Communication Due: Week 6 Points: 110 Skill Being Assessed: Communication Criteria for Success: In this assignment, you will: ? ? ? ? ? Clearly identify and fully accomplish the purpose of the communication. Compose a professional email aimed at the correct audience. Use an appropriate tone for an email and in consideration of the audience. Include all information necessary to inform the customer of how the error will be addressed. Professionally format the message as an email with proper grammar, spelling, logic, and clarity. What to submit/deliverables: Email submitted in Chapter 6 of the webtext. What is the value of doing this assignment? This assignment gives you an opportunity to practice your communication skill by writing a professional email. You will demonstrate that you can use all four of the components of written communication—purpose, audience, tone, and structure. You’ll also have a chance to practice your self and social awareness skill as you consider how to craft these four components of written communication. Communication is a skill that you will develop each time you have an opportunity to write. This assignment asks you to use what you’ve learned in Weeks 4, 5, and 6 of the course about written communication in the workplace. Worried about where to start? The good news is that you’ve already laid the foundation with the webtext activities in Chapters 4 and 5. This assignment will use what you wrote in those practice activities to help you submit your email. Your goal for this assignment is to: Practice your communication skill. You will do this by using what you’ve learned about professional written communication to write a professional email message that includes information relevant for a specific audience and purpose, emphasizes important points using style mechanics, and uses appropriate tone and language for a specific audience. In Chapter 6 of the webtext, submit your assignment using the following steps: STEP 1: Revisit the scenario and voicemail message from your boss, which are both located in the webtext. STEP 2: Review your notes summarizing the main points of your boss’s voicemail that you wrote for Assignment 1. STEP 3: Based on your notes, write an email message to Printables using the email template in the webtext. Your message should be limited to no more than 12 sentences or 200 words. STEP 4: Review your message using the email template in the webtext. If needed, edit your message to make sure: ? ? ? It includes information relevant for the customer. It emphasizes important points using style mechanics common in professional writing. It uses professional language and tone appropriate for a response to an important customer. (Refer to Weeks 4, 5, and 6 in your webtext to get information about professional written communication that uses appropriate structure, language, and tone for your audience and purpose.) This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. For assistance and information, please refer to the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left-hand menu of your course. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. STEP 5: Submit your response to the Week 6 assignment using the email template in the webtext. Please note: You must click the blue Submit for Grading button to submit your assignment! Grading for this assignment will be based on the following rubric: Points: 110 Assignment 2: Written Communication Criteria Unacceptable Below 60% F Needs Improvement 65% D Satisfactory 75% C Competent 85% B Exemplary 100% A 1.Clearly identify and fully accomplish the purpose of the communication. Does not identify or accomplish an identified purpose, or student did not submit. Identifies a purpose, but it is incorrect or the email does not accomplish the stated purpose. Email partially accomplishes the purpose of the communication. Clearly identifies and partially accomplishes the purpose of the email. Clearly identifies and fully accomplishes the identified purpose of the email. Audience is unclear, or student did not submit. Email is aimed at an incorrect audience. Email is professional but not specific to the correct audience. Email is clearly aimed at the correct audience. Email is clearly aimed at and acknowledges the correct audience. Tone is inappropriate for the audience, or student did not submit. Tone is mostly inappropriate for the audience. Tone is satisfactory for the audience but would benefit from revision. Tone is mostly appropriate for the audience. Tone is appropriate for the audience. Does not include the necessary information in the email, or the information is unclear. Includes little necessary information in the email for the customer. Includes some necessary information in the email to the customer. Includes most of the necessary information in the email to the customer, specifying how the issue will be addressed. Includes all necessary information in the email to the customer, specifying how the issue will be addressed. Message is wholly lacking in logic, clarity, and/or consistent formatting. Contains many spelling and/or grammatical errors. Message lacks logic, clarity, and/or consistent formatting. May contain more than four spelling and/or grammatical errors. Message shows partial logic or clarity and/or inconsistent formatting. May contain 2-4 spelling and/or grammatical errors. Message is formatted as an email with logic, clarity, and mostly consistent formatting. May contain few or no spelling and/or grammatical errors. Message is professionally formatted as an email with proper logic, clarity, and consistent formatting. Contains no spelling or grammatical errors. Weight: 20% 2. Compose a professional email aimed at the correct audience. Weight: 20% 3. Use tone appropriate for an email to the audience. Weight: 20% 4. Include all information necessary to inform the customer of how the error will be addressed. Weight: 20% 5. Professionally format the message as an email with proper grammar, spelling, logic, and clarity. Weight: 20% New Shipment of Jeans Available! Subject line Dear Mr. Aarons, Greeting First paragraph I recently received an email from one of your employees, who informed me that you manage a department store that has recently ordered a new line of jeans from our company and that this order isn’t enough to cover the demand for them. I’m writing to let you know we will happily ship more. Middle paragraphs We began receiving similar emails at the beginning of the month and soon after requested that our factories increase production. I can have double your initial order shipped and delivered to you by Tuesday of next week. I am also pleased to offer you a 5% discount to express our gratitude for your business. We will continue increased production from our factories, so if you need another order in the near future, please let us know. I hope that what I have offered in this email can accommodate your increased need for our new line of jeans. I will await your reply before I send an invoice your way and have the order shipped out to your store location. Ending paragraph Sincerely, Closing Jeremy Gonzalez Production Coordinator

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.