Student Writing Lab

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If you want to work at home, you might find some of these resources useful.

Decisive Writer

This companion website for The Decisive Writer, contains additional grammar and punctuation exercises, as well as readings, and links to other sites.

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MLA Style

If you need additional help with MLA style, you can find it here on the Modern Language Associations website.

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Arcadiana Moo

The acronym MOO stands for Multiple user dimension Object Oriented. A MOO is an online chat-room-like environment originally created for Dungeons and Dragons gamers. MOOs are now commonly used by composition teachers and educators as a tool to aid in the teaching of writing and language. MOOs use text to create a sense of place, making an online environment, or space, completely composed of text.

Why Use MOOs?

Many composition classes are moving toward a computer-based classroom; MOOs are a way for students and teachers to meet synchronously online. This works logistically because the teacher and students do not have to be in the same room, building, or city. MOOs enable distance learning, of course. MOOs provide an environment that requires students to interpret, navigate, and create writing in order to participate in a class discussion. Simply put, MOOs immerse students in text and the writing process that produces such text.

Will I Be Able to Do This?

You need not be a computer or technical wizard to use a MOO. You can navigate most MOOs with a few simple commands. Students usually catch on very quickly to MOOs, since they associate the virtual world of a MOO with the virtual world of video games. They associate video games, of course, with fun. MOOs provide an engaging learning space for both teachers and students.

How do I access Acadiana MOO?

  1. Go to: http://acadianamoo.org/MOOca/index.html
  2. If Acadiana automatically loads, go to step 5. If Acadiana doesn't automatically load, go to step 3.
  3. If Acadiana doesn't automatically load, click on the "Java download page" to download the current version of Java Runtime.
  4. Click "Download Now" and follow the installation prompts.
  5. Go to: http://acadianamoo.org/MOOca/index.html and type "guest" in as both your name and password. Welcome to Acadiana!
  6. Follow this link to learn some simple MOO commands: http://www.decisivewriter.com/MooQuickstartGuide.htm

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Counseling and Testing

If we feel that you have a learning difference that we might not be able to address effectively, we might refer you to the Counseling and Testing Center. The staff is trained to diagnose learning differences and offer students strategies for mastering their course work. If you would like to contact the center, either call or login to their website:

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Office of Disability Accommodation

If you have been diagnosed with a learning difference such as dyslexia, or if you need physical accommodation, the Office of Disability Accommodation will make sure you receive the support you need to succeed at UNT. If you would like to register with the ODA office, or determine whether or not you are qualified to register, you can contact the office by phone or online:

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Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities

The Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities (CSRR) is responsible for addressing student conduct, enforcing university policies and procedures, and providing students with the resources necessary to resolve their own personal disputes. The CSRR administers student disciplinary procedures in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct and maintains official disciplinary records.

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Assessment of College Readiness in Texas

If you need to know how to fulfill the Texas Success Initiative writing skills requirements for academic coursework before you enroll in College Writing I, the Program for Academic Readiness can help you.

For more information about THEA: Texas Higher Education Assessment, visit their website. www.thea.nesinc.com

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Readings

Sometimes it can be very helpful to read another essay on the same topic that you have chosen. Below is a list of essays written in response to the "Writing Picks" from The Decisive Writer. We have sorted them by category, so you can find what you need quickly:

Writing to Share A Personal Experience

Writing to Share to Information

Writing to Solve a Problem

Writing to Evaluate

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