PART TWO ANALYSIS OF AUDIENCE, OUTLINE, AND MEMO Purpose: The boss is concerned about attracting the best talent to fill the position you hold. She/he asked you to make a comparison and give him/her your conclusion, backed up by research. This exercise helps you focus on your audience and on the main message you are communicating. The planning process is essential to the effectiveness of the memo. After you fill out the form, outline the memo. Then, write the memo. When you save this form, rename it by inserting your last name at the beginning of the file name. NAME: ASSIGNMENT: CAREER REPORT Please type your responses in this column. It will lengthen as needed. Proofread your responses carefully. COMPANY -Name the company that ’employs’ you in the entry-level position. ENTRY-LEVEL POSITION -Describe the position you are pretending to hold. Include the formal title. AUDIENCE -This is the person to whom you report-the boss who asked for the memo. Remember, entry-level employees rarely report to the CEO or top-tier executives. List the person’s name, title, and company. Identify the audience’s needs, priorities and values related to the issue you are addressing. How credible are you to the audience? How will you build your credibility? MESSAGE FRAMING State your message in one complete sentence (use no more than 20 words). This message will succinctly answer the boss’s question. BENEFITS List at least three benefits that your BOSS WILL RECEIVE as a result of reading your memo. The answer must illustrate what the BOSS (your audience) will gain from your message. p. 1, Revised April 2021 Before you start writing, outline your message. THE OUTLINE IS REQUIRED. Purpose: The boss is concerned about attracting the best talent to fill the position you hold. She/he asked you to make a comparison and give him your conclusion, backed up by research. Use this outline format. Use just enough words to express the idea. Think of this outline as the skeleton of your message. I. Opening Statement— Get the audience’s attention, tell the audience the reason you are writing, state the framing message. II. Body A. Supporting Point 1. 2. B. Supporting Point 1. 2. C. Supporting Point 1. 2. (the topic sentence) detail detail (the topic sentence) details details (the topic sentence) details details III. Concluding Statement— Reinforce your message (key idea) and overarching benefit. Restate your conclusion. The outline is graded. Remember to delete the instructions on the outline. Your instructor only wants to see your words. Now that you have finished the analysis and the memo outline, begin a NEW page and write the 1.5 page memo using appropriate business memo format. ”””’All margins are one-inch. The font is Times New Roman or Garamond, point size 10 The To/From/Date/Subject lines must be formatted in two columns, exactly as shown. The text is block left (no paragraph indentation), ragged right (no justified margins). All lines are single spaced. An extra line space is used between paragraphs. For the second page, in the header section, flush right, repeat the subject heading, followed by p. 2 Proofread your work! Grammar, spelling, and proofing errors will count against your grade. Three tools will help you catch errors: ? Grammarly (provided FREE to you) https://technology.gsu.edu/technology-services/itservices/training-and-learning-resources/grammarly/ ? The Word Editor (provided FREE to you) https://technology.gsu.edu/technologyservices/it-services/training-and-learning-resources/grammarly/ ? You! Read it out loud. Does it make sense? p. 2, Revised April 2021 To: From: Date: Subject: Boss’s name Your name Date In 3 -6 interesting words, explain purpose of this memo First paragraph -Get the audience’s attention, tell the audience the reason you are writing, state the framing message. (This is NOT a letter. Memos do not begin with ‘Dear Name….’) The body ‘Organize into short paragraphs, 5 -7 lines long. You have three key points, so you will have at least three paragraphs. Some key points will need more than one paragraph. ‘Begin each paragraph with the topic sentence of the paragraph. Only include details that support the topic sentence. ‘Include narrative source citation to support your case. Last paragraph -Reinforce your message (key idea) and overarching benefit. The memo is graded. Remember to delete the instructions on the memo. Your instructor only wants to see your words. p. 3, Revised April 2021

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.