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MOOC: College Writing (Email)
Module 2: Writing an email
Description:
This module helps students to compose effective professional emails in English.
Objectives:
1) Students will be able to improve their email writing skills in English
2) Students will be able to identify the differences and similarities among
different email formats
3) Students will be able to write effective subject lines and main body in email
4) Students will be able to correct common errors in email
Content:
1) Introduction of different types of emails:
- Business
- Academic
- Apology
- Request
2) Hypertext:
[Link]
3) Discussion Forum:
- What are the differences and similarities between writing a letter and an
email?
- What are the possible advantages of using an email for communication?
4) Educational Video 1:
- Introduction of the purpose and feature of email.
5) Educational Video 2:
- The basic components of email and avoiding the common errors in email
writing (punctuation and capitalization).
6) Document:
- [Link]
7) Quiz:
- Multiple choice questions or correct wrong emails
8) Assignment:
- Write a professional email in English including four parts (subject line,
greeting, body, closing). Provide the useful advice you have learnt in this
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module.
9) Additional Resources:
- [Link]
communication/ (The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill)
- [Link]
Alphabetical-List-of-Guides/Professional-Writing/Emails (The University
Writing Center, Texas A&M University)
- [Link]
business-email-writing-skills-in-english/ (7 Steps to improve email writing
skills)
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Suggested Procedures for MOOC Module Development
Tasks Module Activity Estimated Time (mins)
Task 1 Module Overview 30
Task 2 Module Questionnaire 10
Task 3 Hypertext 1 40
Task 4 Educational Video 1
Task 5 Quiz 1 10
Task 6 Hypertext 2 40
Task 7 Educational Video 2
Task 8 Quiz 2 10
Task 9 Discussion Forum 20
Task 10 Summary 20
(opt. Glossary of Vocabulary
with Definitions)
180
Details of the Tasks
Module Overview (30 mins):
Before the module starts, Ts (teachers) may need to prepare a module overview
to Ss (students). The purpose is to explain the course requirements and the
estimated time they will spend on each activity.
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Module Questionnaire (10 mins): （the understanding of the
topic, a warm-up exercise, lean-in ）
The purpose of the MOOC Questionnaire is to access the students’ thoughts,
opinions, and comments about the selected topic at the beginning of each
Module. The questions may include some general understanding questions or
open-ended questions towards the topic. For the questionnaire, there should be
around 10-12 questions.
Two Educational Videos (3-4 mins each):
Ts may use online video recording software (Zoom, Screencast, MS Teams,
and PowerPoint) to make two educational videos. Ts can add their narrations
and explanations on their lectures.
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Two Hypertext (30 mins each): Ts may provide additional online reading
materials for students. Ss are expected to read the materials before they can
complete the quiz. The hypertext should be chosen form university writing
center, online articles, or credible journals. Teachers need to provide complete
APA citations whenever they are using any secondary sources. (articles from the
university writing centres)
Two Quizzes (10 mins each): （Ss must pass the quizzes, 70
points will be the passing marks）
The online quizzes should be created and related to the educational video and
selected hypertext. The quiz should be around 10 minutes with several multiple-
choice questions. The aim is to check the Ss’ understandings towards the lecture
materials.
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Discussion Forum: Assignment-Based Discussion (20 mins)
Ss answer the prepared question in the discussion forum. Ts may need to set the
questions. Ss are requested to participate in the discussion and apply their
knowledge and ideas to the assignment.(Tronclass discussion)
Summary (15 mins):
Ts may prepare a summary of the module and highlight the main points of the
module. A glossary list can also be created for the Ss.
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Glossary of Vocabulary:
Teachers may provide a list of definitions for some key vocabulary about the
module topic.