LAB ONE-B

At this point, let’s spend our time getting comfortable (and efficient) at using the computers, and at the same time, we’ll get to know each other better! Don’t forget to help the persons beside you (or ask for help), and don’t hesitate to call me over. You are NOT graded on your computer performance, and you’ll have plenty of time to do the writing projects that count. Each lab sets out a number of activities, and you need only work steadily one at a time. You are not required to get to the end – just as far as you can, and then finish outside of the lab before the next class (unless the instructions say otherwise).

1. Routine Startup

1. Use the first browser to refer to instructions, and the second browser for carrying out the instructions
    
2. If working from on-screen instructions is too difficult, don’t hesitate to print them out (but on later occasions, try again to rely on the screen only).

2. Start your web-based email in a third browser

• Use the same email address for all your classwork

2. Classroom Mixer

Ask questions

1. Open "Classlist" on our course homepage and alternate with this window to follow the rest of the instructions.
    
2. Click on the column heading "Thread" (this sorts the list alphabetically).  If you don't see a column heading saying "Thread", make sure that "List View" is selected at the upper right.
    
   • confirm that you have the list running from A at the top to Z at the bottom (Sorted Ascending Order)
      
   • whenever you open a thread, you can return to this list when you are finished by clicking on "Forum: CLASSLIST" in the row of links at the top
      
3. Look at the column in the far right for Total Posts, and choose a student with the smallest number.  Click on the name and scroll down to read the entry.
    
4. If other students have replied to the introduction, you'll see a right arrow at the bottom.  Follow the right arrows until you've read all the posts for that student.
    
5. Return to the original introduction and click on Reply.
    
6. In the message box, ask a well-thought-out question that needs a developed answer (but not too long or too, too personal!).
    
7. Submit your post with the question.
    
8. Send an email to the student, using the address that follows the student's name.  For the Subject Line of the email, enter classroom mixer, and in the body of the email, ask the person to check the CLASSLIST to see (and answer) your question.
    
9. Repeat steps 3-8 for more classmates, including the next step (answering your questions), choosing students with the least number of Total Posts. IMPORTANT:  Refresh the screen before you choose, in order to see the latest listings. 

Answer questions

10. When you receive an emailed note that a question is waiting for you, add a reply to the CLASSLIST entry
     
    •  note that this will be a reply to the question, not a new thread
       
11. When you are asked to do so (not before!), move on to the Summary exercise.

3. Summary exercise

Read all of the following steps in this project before you begin (getting an overview of a task is a good habit to practice!). You will be writing a summary of one student's introduction -- your own choice of student. If your choice doesn't include questions and answers, use the information in the original introduction only -- that will give you enough material to work with.

1. Choose any student, preferably someone you don't already know, and preferably someone who has answered your question

2. In a new Word document, write a summary of the student's introduction, choosing the points that create the best profile you can, and paraphrasing as needed.  The summary should be no more than 150 words.

• save your document as summary_introlastname_yourlastname (e.g. summary_johnson_yourlastname) on your own flashdrive or on the desktop (as long as you send it to yourself at the end of the lab if you haven't finished)

3. Email your summary to me as an attachment

• Use the Subject Line: 308 summary

 

4. Work on Paper One

   Prepare as much as you can of the current writing project, Paper One: Reflection, during the lab. Your paper is due for the start of next class, brought on a flashdrive (best) or sent to yourself by email. Use the filename reflection_yourlastname