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Assignment 1: ​Using Digital Tools to Virtually Communicate

Skill(s) Being Assessed:​ Technology
What to submit/deliverables: ​Microsoft Word document that addresses all assignment requirements

(submitted in Blackboard – Week 5).

What is the value of doing this assignment?​ We communicate virtually all the time—through email, text messages, web conferences, etc. Attending online classes makes it even more important to find ways to connect with your professor and to use the right tools to do it. This assignment gives you an opportunity to practice the digital proficiency process (DPP) by using digital tools to communicate with your professor. You can also use your digital proficiency skills to empower you at work and in life!

Your goal for this assignment is to:​ Use digital tools to draft, format, and edit a five-paragraph letter to your professor about your experience as a college student so far.

Steps to complete: ​In Week 5, complete and submit your assignment in Blackboard using the following steps:

Step 1:​ ​New Word Document

• Open Microsoft Word.
• Create a new blank document.
• Type your name at the top of your letter.
• Type the date below your name.
• Address your letter as “Dear Professor,”.
• Save your letter in your Documents folder. (​Note:​ It’s important to save your file before
  getting too far into your writing so that you don’t inadvertently lose any work. ​Then, Word will autosave for you—if you have Word set to autosave, that is!)

Step 2: Navigate, Select, and Use ​(Paragraphs 1–4)

Remember:​ Your goal is at the center of the DPP because it’s what each step in the process (Navigate, Select, Use, and Review)​ is working toward. Before beginning the first step of the DPP, you need to identify your goal, which is provided for you above in the “Your goal for this assignment is to” section.

• Paragraph 1:​ Share a little bit about yourself. (2–4 sentences)
• Paragraph 2:​ Share your experience, thoughts, and feelings about being a college student so far. ​What have you liked? What have you wished was different? What are you learning across your courses so far? ​(3–4 sentences)
• Paragraph 3:​ Share any lessons learned or goals that you have as they relate to
  pursuing a college degree. (2–4 sentences)

Paragraph 4:​

​Search the Internet for two digital tools that are used for communicating virtually—​one web conferencing tool and one instant messaging tool.​ Describe both tools and make sure you also share links to both websites. (2–4 sentences)

Step 3: Review ​(Paragraph 5)

• State how learning the digital proficiency process has helped you to think about and use technology. (2–3 sentences)
• Conclude your letter with “Sincerely,”.
• Add 4 blank lines and then type your name.

Step 4: Use – Formatting

• Right-align your name at the top of your letter.
• Right-align the date in the paragraph below your name.
• Left-align the rest of your letter.
• Single space the paragraphs of your letter.
• Bold the date of your letter.
• Select all of the text and change the font to Times New Roman.
• Select all of the text and change the font size to 12.

Step 5: Use – Editing

• Use the Check Document feature in Word to find and correct any spelling errors.
• Proofread your letter and correct any grammar or capitalization errors.
• Save your letter.

Step 6: Submit Your Assignment

• Navigate to Blackboard (​Week 5 – SUBMIT​ section), upload your document, and submit your assignment.