Welcome to English for Special Uses, Basic Computer Skills – Level 1, at Mt. Sac College, with Instructor Sersea, aka Maestro Sersea.
LESSONS AND ACTIVITIES FOR WEEK 1
1. Typing.com Account Set-Up
If you were absent last week, please register for a free typing account. Make sure you write down your username and your password in your notebook.
If you were here last week, please sign in to your online typing account.
2. Lesson 1: Writing and Responding to E-Mail Messages
Writing and Responding to Email Messages
Introduction
Welcome, students! In today’s digital world, knowing how to write and respond to emails is an important skill. Let’s learn how to communicate effectively through email.
Parts of an Email
- Subject Line
- Keep it short and clear
- Tell what your email is about
- Example: “Homework Question” or “Birthday Party Invitation”
- Greeting
- Start with “Dear” or “Hello”
- Add the person’s name
- Examples:
- Dear Mrs. Smith
- Hello Mr. Johnson
- Hi Tommy
- Body
- Keep it polite and clear
- Use complete sentences
- Stay on topic
- Use proper spelling and grammar
- Closing
- End with a friendly phrase
- Sign your name
- Examples:
- Thank you,
- Sincerely,
- Best wishes,
Sample Email
To: teacher@school.com
Subject: Missing Assignment
Dear Mrs. Johnson,
I was sick yesterday and missed the math homework assignment. Could you please tell me what pages I need to complete?
Thank you,
Sarah Smith
How to Respond to Emails
- Read carefully
- Reply in a timely manner
- Answer all questions
- Keep the same polite tone
- Check your writing before sending
Email Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Use proper spelling and punctuation
- Be respectful
- Keep it simple
- Read before sending
Don’t:
- Write in ALL CAPS (it looks like shouting)
- Share private information
- Use emoji in formal emails
- Forward without permission
Practice Exercise
Write an email to your teacher about:
- Asking about a field trip
- Explaining why you’re late with homework
- Requesting a meeting about a project
Remember: Always have a grown-up check your emails before sending them to stay safe online!
Email Safety Tips
- Never open emails from strangers
- Don’t click on unknown links
- Keep your password private
3. Lesson 1 Article – https://vesl.us/blog/2025/02/24/mastering-e-mail-communication-writing-and-responding-effectively/
4. Lesson 1 Activity
5. Lesson 2: Exploring the World Wide Web: Understanding Different Types of Websites
Exploring the World Wide Web: Understanding Different Types of Websites
Welcome, ESL students! Today, we’re going to learn about the different types of websites you can find on the internet. The internet is like a giant digital library with millions of websites, each serving different purposes.
What is a Website?
A website is a collection of web pages that you can visit using a web browser (like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox). Each website has its own special web address called a URL.
Common Types of Websites
- Educational Websites
- These help you learn new things
- Examples:
- National Geographic Kids (www.kids.nationalgeographic.com)
- NASA Kids’ Club (www.nasa.gov/kidsclub)
- BrainPOP (www.brainpop.com)
- News Websites
- Share current events and information
- Entertainment Websites
- Provide fun activities and games
- Reference Websites
- Help you find information
- Examples:
- Dictionary.com
- World Book Online
Fun Facts About Websites
- There are over 1.7 billion websites on the internet
- New websites are created every day
- The first website was created in 1991
- Many websites end in .com, .org, or .edu
6. Lesson 2: Article – https://vesl.us/blog/2025/02/24/navigating-the-web-understanding-website-types/
7. Lesson 2: Activity
8. Typing Practice
Please sign-in and complete Beginning Level Typing Lessons
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