Learning Activity Summary
Readings
This week you will read:
Discussion
Be prepared to discuss each of the readings this week in seminar.
Seminar
Introduction
This week we will investigate the vast collection of “shared” content on the Web. (You will find that you can truly “stand on the shoulders of giants!”) We will also discuss the nature and concept of a weblog or blog as it is more commonly called. Blogs exert considerable influences in areas you may already know and many that may surprise you.
Learning Outcomes
Be able to compare and contrast three different repositories for shared content on the Web
Be able to critique the influences of a blog and how those may be applied effectively in your own situation
Reading
Reading 1: Read the description of each of three collaborative content repositories -
Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each within the educational environment. Reflect upon these questions as you read:
Reading 2:
Deconstruct the author’s argument. Be sure to read the synopsis of the referenced Pew report. Formulate you own response to
the question “Are blogs dead?”
While you are reading this, consider other populations that may also have blogs specific to their needs.
While you are reading this, consider your own reaction to knowing a blog may be sponsored. Do you think this rationale also
applies to educational blogs that are sponsored by such organizations as ITSE Connects, Education World, PBS Teachers
blog, Education Week, and others? Compare these to ones who are not sponsored such as the ones listed here.
Read this in light of the author’s own statement: “Bloggers should finally realize the level of responsibility we now enjoy and
think twice when publishing something that may influence people into making a decision they later regret…” Then consider
your own responsibility, that of your faculty, and ultimately the students.
This one is long, so skim it. It is also the only one of the readings that is in a peer-reviewed journal. Consider these authors
findings in relation to the readings listed above. Emphasis is on:
This one I think you will find the most “fun.” Although the author proclaims it to be validate as far as study protocols, there is
nothing to back this up. It is offered for your consideration as an interesting, loosely researched-based opinion piece. What
other areas could have been investigated?
Discussion
This week our discussion will occur in seminar. We will be reviewing the syllabus and a course overview will be presented. We will also discuss your experiences with Wallwisher and Wordle. Be prepared to compare and contrast this to introductory activities your have participated in in other courses.
Seminar
Access to the Elluminate Town Hall will be through the Blackboard coursesite. You are strongly encouraged to use this time to be sure that you have "set up" Elluminate to run on your computer before the first scheduled meeting (see email). You can find out how to do this in the Technology Orientation - found by clicking on the sidebar to your left on the Blackboard coursesite.
Your grade will be predicated upon the following rubric:
To do |
Points |
Quality participation in Wallwisher/Wordle discussion |
6 |
Offer quality, reflective commentary regarding copyright and its place in an educational environment |
6 |
Use appropriate discussion board etiquette |
4 |
Arrive on time and stay for entire session |
4 |
Weekly Assignment
This week you will create a blog which will focus upon our course text, They Snooze, You Lose by Lynell Burmark. In order to set it up and create your two entries, follow the steps below:
To do-
Your grade will be predicated upon the following rubric:
To do |
Points |
Create Blogger account. |
5 |
Offer an insightful, quality evaluation of your learning experience with copyright |
20 |
Create Slideshare account |
5 |
Embed presentation. |
5 |
Link to assignment page and professional wiki. |
5 |
Congratulations - you have just finished week 2!
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