S10 FEATURES AND COMPONENTS Additional Resources • Index of Accessible Activities • Audio Scripts & Audio Files • Digital Image Bank with textbook images • Grammar Slides & Scripts • Graphic Organizers: Tools to help students organize their thinking • Independent Reading Lists • Learning Objectives • Linguistic Contrastive Charts: Positive sound and grammar transfers for home languages that are the same or very similar to the sounds or grammar in English • Video Transcripts • Vocabulary Log Template • AI-Assisted Feedback for Open-Ended Activities © by Vista Higher Learning, Inc. All rights reserved. | 38 | Engage Writer’s Handbook Sample Compare-Contrast Essay Do you prefer online courses or in-person courses? This is a highly debated topic at college. With both types of classes offered, students must make a choice as to which format they prefer, and which format allows them to be more successful. My schedule this year contains a mix of both online and in-person classes, so I have experience with both. While there are differences in format, method, and location between online and in-person classes, I think that students can learn effectively in either environment . First of all, my online and my in-person classes are equally rigorous. I spend about the same amount of time studying and learning in each type of class. The difference is really only in where I do my coursework. If a class is in-person, physical attendance during class time is necessary. For an online class, however, the hours and location are flexible. Usually, students are required only to log in to their virtual classroom a certain number of times per week and complete the assignments posted by the assigned due date. Secondly, online and in-person classes are similar because they both require interaction between classmates, partner work, and group work. The difference is that in an in-person learning environment, students discuss topics and work together in class. Sometimes projects require out of class work, but students usually arrange a time and place to meet and continue their work in person. In an online learning environment, it is usually not possible for students to meet outside of class as they may not even attend the same school. All of their collaboration is done online through discussion platforms. Finally, both in-person and online courses require students to interact with the instructor. I find this somewhat easier in an in-person classroom because, if I have a question during class, I can simply ask the teacher to repeat or clarify something they have just said. In contrast, students in an online course must contact the instructor privately to ask a question about something they don’t understand. Although most instructors do respond in a timely manner, the response is not immediate. As you can see, in-person classes and online classes are similar in that they both involve a lot of time, effort, and interaction. They differ only in the format, method, and location of study. Students can learn effectively in each type of course as long as they follow the instructor’s recommended procedures. Purpose Point-by-point structure Words that signal comparison and contrast Central idea • Spanish Resources: List of English-Spanish Cognates and a Spanish Glossary of vocabulary in the textbook to support students who have Spanish as a home language. • Reading Guides: These guides are designed to scaffold students’ reading processes, promote deeper comprehension, and support text-based writing and discussion. • Writer’s Handbook: Guidance for students on the steps in the writing process, different genres, and helpful tips for all forms of writing. xxiv Features and Components
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