1 Introduction to Unit 1: Writing on the Island
Welcome to Writing on the Island, an open educational resource textbook created for TAMUCC students by TAMUCC faculty. While there are a lot of “paid textbook” options available, one of our primary goals was to offer a textbook with no additional cost to students. That does not mean that this is the bargain-bin version of a textbook, but a collaboration and collection of resources that can be revised and updated without additional cost. This means that this textbook will only keep getting better, with you, the student, at the center of this OER endeavor.
If you are reading this, your instructor probably assigned you this textbook, and you are dreading yet another boring reading experience. While I cannot promise that this book will be as exciting as any of your other favorite reads, I can assure you that a lot of care went into creating a book with you in mind.
Here are some key features of this textbook and how to use them:
- Some text will have embedded links that connect you to other readings or resources or other areas in the textbook. To get the most out of this textbook, click the links and watch the videos. If you explore as you read, you will get a more immersive and comprehensive experience.
- Chapter 1.6 has reading strategies to employ as you go, so skipping ahead may benefit you, especially if you are unfamiliar with navigating academic texts.
- You or your instructor may choose to jump around when reading or utilizing this textbook, and that is perfectly fine. Some sections work well as stand-alone sections, and several will give brief overviews of some larger concepts in case you need a review or were not assigned the section on the larger concept.
- Each unit will have a “Be Proactive” section at the start, for pre-reading guidance. Each unit will also have “Think-About-It” sections at the end of the unit with questions or activities that can help you reflect and put the knowledge from the readings into practice. You do not have to read all of the chapters from a unit to complete the “Be Proactive” or “Think-About-It” challenges.
- The end of this unit has some resources that may benefit you early on. We put them at the end, since not every instructor may choose to use them, and not every student may want or need them, but we recommend that you investigate them before getting too far into the course. They include tutorials on how to use Microsoft, information on inclusion technology, and videos on procrastination.
Be Proactive
Road Tripping:
Are you ready to take a 15-week trip through writing? Time to prepare to explore, get to know your travel buddies, and maybe we will hit up Bucc-ee’s (metaphorically).
- Get to know and trust your driver – Your professor is your guide on this trip. – Sometimes they’ll take you down a road that you don’t quite understand, but you have to trust the journey. However, trust in relationships is built on communication, so knowing their name, expectations, asking questions, going to office hours, and staying engaged in the course will go a long way towards getting to your destination.
- You have a map, tools, and means of communication; use them!
- MAP: Read the syllabus carefully, so you can make plans for detours and gassing up.
- Keep track of your progress by writing down due dates and checking grades often.
- Tools: Canvas, Microsoft Office, Email, and other online and campus resources will help to keep track; learn to use them.
- Your email and Canvas communication are vital to your success; You can’t expect to succeed if you cut off communication with your guide, so check them daily.
- Be prepared! – Flat tires, traffic jams, can and will happen! Plan ahead. Give yourself plenty of time to reach those milestones. Leaving things to the last minute can result in a pileup or take you off course.
- Come to class!!!
- Make sure you are ready to participate.
- Do your readings, write your drafts, and complete your research.
- If there is an emergency, contact roadside assistance.- Your professor is a guide and is your primary point of contact, but you also have access to the Dean of Students and other assistance. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
- Everyone chips in for gas and snacks! – This is a collaboration. Writing is not created in a vacuum. You write for an audience; your peers review your work, and your professor assesses your materials, offering feedback. For this to all work, you must be willing to collaborate and engage with your classmates and your instructor.
- Don’t be Afraid to Explore! – The point of a road trip is to see scenery and tour destinations you otherwise wouldn’t see, by helping your peers in their writing and their destination, you might see new things.
- Speak up. Ask Questions. (don’t just go along for the ride, help direct your journey).
- Take Risks: It is ok to be nervous about a new destination, but travel bravely.
While you may not know what to expect from this class, we have the same destination in mind: You completing this journey a better, more informed writer than when you began.
