This module addresses communications skills, and requires active use of writing, speaking, and other forms of self-expression.
You should have the following skills prior to using this module:
If you feel you are lacking some of these skills, there are resources available at Penn State where you can go for help. Some of these resources include:
For more information about these resources, use the Penn State Web site, http://www.psu.edu, to search for the location of the University Learning Center at your location. Staff at the Learning Centers will be able to help you find the additional help you need. Your academic advisor can also help you locate resources for getting help.
The iStudy for Success! modules work in the Penn State course management system, ANGEL (http://cms.psu.edu) In order to log on to ANGEL, you will need to have activated your Access account. For more information about your Access Account, see http://aset.its.psu.edu/accounts/access.html.
If you are completing iStudy for Success modules as part of a class, your instructor will tell you which modules and activities to complete and how to access them. If you are completing iStudy modules on your own or with the help of a tutor at the University Learning Centers, directions for creating a group in ANGEL and importing modules are found at the iStudy Web site (http://istudy.psu.edu/access.html).
Each module contains activities designed to help you learn and practice the concepts presented. Reflective questions help you recall what you already know about the topic as well as to work through new ideas and concepts. Worksheets and tip sheets supplement the instruction and give you an opportunity for additional practice. Quizzes provide yet another means for you to practice as well as to check to be sure you have read and understand the materials.
The modules all have a standard layout. When you import a module into your ANGEL group, a folder with the module's name will be added under the "Content" tab (ANGEL group). This folder can be moved and placed within another folder if desired.
To start the module, you should open the first file in the list inside each module's folder. This file has the word lesson as part of its name and contains the links to other parts of the lesson.
Open the first file in the module folder to begin the lesson.
This "master" file contains descriptions of the purpose, goals, and objectives, as well as instructions for completing the module, references to materials used in designing and developing the content of the module, a summary of the important points in the module, and a survey for you to complete after finishing the module. (Survey results are available to editors in the group or course through the on-line grade report tool.) If you are completing the modules as part of a course, you instructor will tell you if you are to complete the survey or not. If you are completing the modules on your own or with a tutor in the Learning Centers, you do not need to compelte the survey.
The rest of the files in each module's folder are accessed through links embedded within the content. As the you read the content and complete the activities, other files from the module will be used. Some students may become confused if they try to complete the module by working their way down the list of files, viewing each file without really reading the accompanying materials. This is not the way the module was designed to be completed.
Note: The module will only work correctly if you begin with the "master" file and work through the activities using the embedded links.
Scores for quizzes are recorded in ANGEL and can be accessed through the on-line grade report tool. Responses to reflective questions using the "My Notes" tool are accessible only to the person who types them - they are not available to the group or course editors. Your instructor may ask you to use a word processor instead of the "My Notes" tool to record your responses so you can submit the work for grading.
You will need to access supplemental sites prior to writing your autobiography. Information gained from these resources will be used in completing the assignments. you should complete some or all of following:
Links to these sites are found on the opening page of the module, "Writing and the College Experience Lesson." you should keep the results from these sites to include in your autobiography.
The web now has a number of resources for writers, called Online Writing Lab Sites (OWLS). OWLS contain information ranging from punctuation rules to suggestions for fiction writers. They are an excellent resource for weak writers. Some links for OWLS can be found on the opening page of this module, "Writing and the College Experience." You should access these sites prior to and while writing your autobiography. You may also need to access additional reference materials to strengthen your writing skills.
Because these supplemental resources are links to external Web sites, they can "break" easily and may no longer be available. Doing a search using a Web search engine should produce usable alternatives.
Following are the assignments embedded in the Writing and the College Experience module:
Activity 1: Complete self-assessments
Activity 2: Investigate OWLS
Activity 3: Read about virtual students
Activity 4: Complete brainstorming activities, "Families, Photos, etc.," and "When I Grow Up"
Activity 5: Write your autobiography