Freewriting
I've now read over all the research materials, and I'm about ready to start my paper. First I have to come up with my thesis. Let's see. I don't have to make much of an argument that DL is good, but it might be good to have a paragraph on that at the beginning. Mainly I want to say what I think they should do with it. Like what? OK, have lots of training for teachers and for students in how to use the technology. All the reports say that technology problems happen a lot with DL especially at the beginning. Also, the teacher needs support, which I think means they need time to plan these classes, technical support for running them, that kind of thing. Set up a program where there's lots of interaction, where students and teachers can talk with each other, where you can have discussion using e-mail. But also set it up so that the student can access it anytime they want, like the 3 am in the basement thing one of the articles talked about. Also, not everything can be done this way, so choose the courses for DL carefully. And pay attention to the students – ask students what courses we want, what kind of access we have to the technical stuff, that kind of thing.
OK, so can I make this into an argument? It should be a recommendation kind of thesis.
No, that doesn't get to the details.
That's the idea, but it seems kind of complicated. I'll ry again.
It's still too long. Maybe I should take some of the details out.
OK. That would work. Now for the rest of the plan.
Thesis: To develop a good distance learning program, YSU should pay attention to the needs of students and teachers.
YSU should develop a distance learning program
Pay attention to teachers' needs
Developing the Thesis and Supporting Argument
Using Sources Fairly and Accurately
E-mail your comments and suggestions to the YSU Grant Team (cardcat@bgnet.bgsu.edu).
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