Writing Resources You Need This Semester
Online students need strong writing skills. Much of the work in an online degree program depends on clear communication.
No matter what your schedule looks like this semester, expect a fair amount of writing. If you need help, look for support before you start an assignment.
Spelling and Grammar
Spell check will not catch every error. It will not stop you from using 'weary' when you mean 'wary.' To check word use, spelling, and synonyms, visit Merriam-Webster Online.
That site also gives grammar and punctuation help as you edit and revise.
Mechanics and Citation
From the other Lafayette, Purdue University's Online Writing Lab offers general writing help for grammar, punctuation, process, and academic writing. It also gives research and citation guides for MLA, APA, and AMA styles, along with subject-based writing support.
The Excelsior Online Writing Lab helps students with college-level writing. It offers many practice areas for research, grammar, and more. It also has a section on Online Writing and Presentations.
Avoiding Plagiarism
Once again, Purdue's Online Writing Lab is a good place to start if you are trying to learn what counts as plagiarism. It includes examples and exercises that make the rules easier to follow.
Grammarly also offers some insight into how to avoid this costly mistake. How costly? Review the UL Lafayette Academic Honesty policy.
One-on-One Support
As a student in UL Lafayette online degree programs or online courses, you can submit your papers to the Writing Center for review. The UL Online Writing Center is available through Moodle by self-enrolling in the UL OWC (Online Writing Center) course.
This is a useful option for online writing tutoring and extra feedback.
Citation Deep Dive
If you want to take your citation knowledge further, follow the APA Style Blog on Instagram. You will still need the blog to learn how to cite Instagram.
If you want to know more than you ever needed about MLA, visit MLA Online for quick guides, practice templates, and more. There is even a newsletter.
For more student resources, including online tutoring and paper help, review our Student Support section or Take Advantage of These Resources.
Q&A
Question: Why might spell check not be enough when proofreading an assignment?
Short answer: Spell check can miss a word that is spelled correctly but used the wrong way. Resources like Merriam-Webster Online can help students check meaning, usage, spelling, and synonyms.
Question: Where can students find help with citation styles like MLA, APA, and AMA?
Short answer: Purdue's Online Writing Lab offers research and citation guides for MLA, APA, AMA, and other styles. Students who want a deeper look can also follow the APA Style Blog or use MLA Online for quick guides, templates, and documentation help.
Question: What resource is available for UL Lafayette students who want one-on-one writing support?
Short answer: Students in UL Lafayette's online courses can access the UL Online Writing Center through Moodle by self-enrolling in the UL OWC course.
Question: Why is it important to review plagiarism guidance before submitting assignments?
Short answer: Plagiarism can have serious academic consequences. Purdue's Online Writing Lab offers explanations, examples, and exercises to help students understand what counts as plagiarism. Students should also review the UL Lafayette Academic Honesty policy for possible penalties.
