Final Post

To: Future English 314 students
From: Melissa Palmer
Date: August 9, 2005
Subject: The Key to Success in Technical Writing

Heading into an online course most students expect that they will be able to complete assisgnments at their own pace; however, English 314 meets at a specific time each week. The key to success in this course is to make sure that you can meet at the scheduled time. This weekly meeting is your main time to ask questions and recieve guidance about your assignments. Participation is the key to understanding your assignments and communicating with members of your group. Working as a team on your group web site is also very important. Realize that being a dependable team player requires offering your help when others need it, and asking for help when you need it. English 314 teaches more than technical writing skills. The main purpose of the course is to guide your actions after graduation from Clemson. Through creating resumes, writing memos, or communicating with people you've never meet, English 314 requires students to complete practical assignments that will help you continue your education or get a job. Every student will learn valuable skills that they can take into the "real" world. The most important benefit is that I started to figure out the direction I want to head with my career and what actions I will have to take to achieve my goals.

If a student puts effort into their work, Enlgish 314 is a very rewarding course. English 314 requires students to contact professionals in their field and create a resume. These two assignments can greatly benefit students applying for grad school or searching for a job. Introducing yourself and selling your skills to a potential employeer could earn you a job quickly after graduation. Take time to complete the reading assignments. The information in both required books can benefit a studnet in future classes, as well as in their future profession.

In addition, when you enroll in this course make sure you have a reliable internet connection and computer! Computers are notoriuos for being difficult; therefore, I would suggest taking English 314 when you are close to Clemson's campus.