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The Online Writing Lab (OWL) is an essential tool for UTSA business students to enhance their written communication skills in a professional environment. Through a structured curriculum of 4 core modules and 6 supplemental modules, students can improve their mechanics, composition, writing style, critical thinking, reports, presentations, resumes, cover letters, emails, and citations. Accessible through Blackboard Learn, OWL provides instructions, tests, and study modules to help students boost their daily executive communication, leadership, and success in 10 learning modules. It is crucial for students to dedicate time wisely to complete tests and modules, and follow success tips to avoid common pitfalls such as technical issues or last-minute rush. Assessments are available for practice and improvement, while maintaining integrity by allowing only one attempt at quizzes. By utilizing OWL effectively, students can sharpen their writing skills and excel in business communication.
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WHAT IS THE OWL? Business Communication & Professional Development
PURPOSE: To give students A tool to increase communication skills in a business environment.
Formal Mission Statement “To provide UTSA business students resources and instruction to develop and improve their business written communication skills.”
What is the OWL? • Online Writing Lab on Blackboard Learn - Online Instruction & Testing - 4 Core Modules, 6 Supplemental Modules -- Core – Pre-test, Study Module, Post-test -- Supplemental – Study Module, Post-test
ACCESSING THE OWL Log into your Blackboard Learn course link. Click on “OWL: Online Writing Lab” (left side of page) Review the various OWL links
WHY THE OWL? • Daily Executive Communication - 90% of time • Reading, Writing, Speaking, & Listening • Communication skills are the #1 requirement for leadership success.
LEARNING MODULES • Total of 10: 4 Core and 6 Supplemental • Primary Differences • Core: • Pre-test (What did you know before OWL?) • Study Module (Learning) • Post Test (What do you know now?) • Supplemental: • Study Module (Learning) • Post Test (What do you know now?)
FOUR CORE MODULES • Mechanics Module • Composition Module • Writing Style Module • Critical Thinking Module
SIX SUPPLEMENTAL MODULES • Report Module • Presentation Module • Résumé Module • Cover Letter Module • Email Module • Citation Module
TIME DEDICATION • Core • Tests: 20 minutes max (Pre and Post) • Module: Unlimited study time – designed to take 1 ½ hours to comprehend fully • Supplemental • Test: 10 minutes max • Module: Unlimited study time – designed to take 1 ½ hours to fully comprehend
Important Notes Points Are Usually Lost Because: • Doing Core Module pre-tests, but not the post-tests • Last day computer crashes, Internet loss • Incompatibility issues; can’t access UTSA server (usually over the weekend, or holiday)
ASSESSMENTS (Tests/Quizzes) • You may access the study module for as long and as often as you wish • Assessments may only be taken ONCE
OWL EXAMPLE Accessing Critical Thinking Core Module
SUPPLEMENTAL MODULES • From the “Get Started” Page:
SUCCESS TIPS • Use Explorer or Firefox Browser • Always have a 2nd browser available • Plan Ahead – Syllabus Deadlines lurk • Read all Instructions • Don’t Stop Once Assessment is Started • Use Table of Contents, Breadcrumbs, Course Menu, Drop Down Menu, & Icons • Contact OWL for Assistance
SUCCESS TIPS 2.0 • Something ALWAYS goes wrong, so take tests early. • “My computer crashed,” “I had a power outage,” “I had a connection problem,” BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH. • These are quibbles—NOT legitimate reasons for failing to complete OWL assignments on time.
