Rhetorical Analysis

Rhetorical analysis

Audience Analysis

1. Primary audience is students. These students will come with different backgrounds and computer skills. These are the main differences I see:
   a. language—some will have ELL issues
   b. computer skills—new to online learning
   c. computer access—DSL vs. dial-up connections
   d. confidence level—both in their computer skills and their writing skills
   e. perception of online class
2. Secondary Audience
   a. Other teachers
   b. Online course evaluation committee
   c. My own evaluators
   d. Guests

Purpose of site—to provide English 1301 instruction, collaborative opportunities and instructional support to students

• i. Why is the site being developed? To deliver class online
  ii. What response do I want from the users of the site? Ease of use, clarity of information, variety of learning opportunities, good resource materials (because of the differences in users this is what I am most concerned about)
  iii. What specific needs does the site serve? Instructional, communication, support
  iv. GOALS (Objectives)
  1. describe purpose and objectives of course
  2. provide contact information
  3. provide instructional materials
  4. provide opportunities for collaborative work
  5. provide resource materials
  6. design pages using UDL principles*

Contextual Issues and Constraints—

• i. Legal and ethical—
  1. provide legal disclaimers and copyright statements
  2. provide clear description of services
  ii. Cultural and social—
  1. foreign language translations (Spanish) of key information
  2. glossary?
  3. Cultural norms and values?
  iii. Usability and accessibility—
  1. test site using set of established accessibility guidelines for users with disabilities
  2. provide textual equivalents for audio and visual materials
  iv. Technical—
  1. develop site without the need for specialized viewers or software tools to maximize access to site