In order to raise the level of academic success in an online learning environment, Universities and Colleges implement very stringent assignments and requirements in order to make the school seem academically viable. Well, Online learning is academically viable all on its own without having to force the issue. Oftentimes, the results of student polls bring forth doubts about instructional effectiveness, especially when the student comments pertain to unclear or dubious course requirements outlined by the instructor. In order to fulfill the goal of developing sound curriculum and effectively facilitating our courses, a writing assignment requirement should be mandatory in every course set forth by the University or College. However, it is imperative to define this requirement clearly and without any ambiguities. It is important to convey to students that well meaning and well-written communication requires practice.

Instructors should encourage and provide reasons how writing improves students academically and professionally. When adding a writing assignment to the course assessment, instructors help students in a number of ways. Students learn to:

• Develop good thinking skills for organizing thoughts
• Develop skills to synthesize and analyze information
•  Self express and reflect
• Research  reliable literature
• Use appropriate writing guidelines (i.e. APA)
• Develop their own personal voice by making an argument and supporting it
• Utilize the writing skills effectively in their professional world

The different styles and modes of writing suggest many variations and finding the right assessment technique is critical since some techniques are discipline specific such as a Marketing plan and SWOT analysis. Nonetheless, there are generic writing assignments that can be applied to any discipline. These assessment techniques could include research and term papers, essays, journaling, minute papers, chapter summaries, case studies, annotated bibliographies, analogies, or projects. There are many other assessment techniques for writing to develop the students’ writing skills.

Remember, helping students to explore new learning behaviors is the essence of delivering a quality education. Encouraging to excel at this process is a win for the instructor. So, what are the benefits of developing good writing skills at an Online University or College? The instructor provides another means for their students to succeed and bring success to themselves.

The desire to write grows with writing. ~Erasmus