Hello Class!
This will be my final post to this blog *sheds a tear*. I hope that you have learned a bit over the course of the semester. My students never cease to amaze me. I think I learn just as much from my students, if not more, than my students learn from me. In short, I have had a great time with you this semester, and wish each of you a relaxing and happy summer.
Once I post the Group Facilitation grades to Blackboard, you should be able to easily calculate your grade on Blackboard. I will update grades on Blackboard and return your graded papers tonight. Simply add up all of your points and find your total on the following scale:
A 950-1000
A- 900-949
B+ 870-899
B 840-869
B- 800-839
C+ 770-799
C 740-769
C- 700-739
D+ 670-699
D 640-669
D- 600-639
F 600 and below
I will post grades at some point tomorrow, but I don't think they will be released for a day or two. The mysjsu system will release grades at its own pace.
I will check the class email address until Friday. After Friday, if you need to contact me, please do so at my SJSU email account, which can be found on my faculty webpage. I will no longer check the class email address after Friday, please make note of this!
Again, I have had a great time with you all this semester, and hope that you have a wonderful summer!
Signing off for the last time.....
The Blogging Prof
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Grades Posted for the Discussion Week of May 9th - 15th
Hello Folks!
I have posted the discussion grades for May 9th - May 15th. Please take a look at your score and let me know if you have any questions.
Your Group Facilitation Papers should be returned to you via email in the middle of the week, so look out for that.
I will post one more time to this blog in the middle of the week (Wednesday or Thursday), to end the semester.
I hope finals week is kind to you.
:)
Carol
I have posted the discussion grades for May 9th - May 15th. Please take a look at your score and let me know if you have any questions.
Your Group Facilitation Papers should be returned to you via email in the middle of the week, so look out for that.
I will post one more time to this blog in the middle of the week (Wednesday or Thursday), to end the semester.
I hope finals week is kind to you.
:)
Carol
Friday, May 21, 2010
Final Exam Grades Posted - and Reminders
Hello class!
This morning I posted your grades for the final exam. As expected, some groups did better than others, but overall no one failed (wooohooo!). ;)
I will post the grades for the final discussion week sometime next week. Please DO NOT delete your blog yet. I will post a few more times, and will let you know when it is ok for you to delete your blogs.
Have a great day!
:)
Carol
This morning I posted your grades for the final exam. As expected, some groups did better than others, but overall no one failed (wooohooo!). ;)
I will post the grades for the final discussion week sometime next week. Please DO NOT delete your blog yet. I will post a few more times, and will let you know when it is ok for you to delete your blogs.
Have a great day!
:)
Carol
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Final Paper
Hello Folks!
It was a pleasure to finally meet you all in person.
I should have your final exam scores uploaded sometime this weekend. I will post a note on my blog when I have those tests scored and the scores uploaded.
I will have your papers returned to you next week by the end of finals week.
Have a great night! :)
It was a pleasure to finally meet you all in person.
I should have your final exam scores uploaded sometime this weekend. I will post a note on my blog when I have those tests scored and the scores uploaded.
I will have your papers returned to you next week by the end of finals week.
Have a great night! :)
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Final Exam
Hello Folks!
Tomorrow evening is your final exam. Here is some information that you will need:
When? 5:15pm - 7:30pm
Where? HGH 122
What? Final exam
What should I bring? Your Epstein textbook and any notes you would like to use.
Are we doing anything else besides the test? Yes! You will complete the SOTE evaluation for Comm 41.
It's around dinner time, can I bring snacks? Yes, please bring whatever you'd like as long as it's not in the family of tuna sandwiches, Taco Bell, onion salad, hard boiled eggs, or anything else that might have a strong scent or distract your colleagues while taking the test.
Can I leave after I'm done with my test? Sure!
What if I take longer than the others to complete my test? I will stick around. No worries, I won't leave until every person is finished with the exam.
Is the test multiple choice, true false, essay and/or fill in? The exam is multiple choice - nothing more, nothing less. And let's face it, you don't want to write another essay, and I sure don't want to read another essay. ;)
If there are any other questions, please email me TONIGHT. I may or may not have access to email tomorrow morning. I will be on campus all day for meeting prior to the final exam and will most likely not be able to check my email. However, if you need to contact me in case of an emergency, please send an email and I will check it a few minutes before the final exam if possible (although I can't promise that I will have internet access before the final exam).
Tomorrow evening is your final exam. Here is some information that you will need:
When? 5:15pm - 7:30pm
Where? HGH 122
What? Final exam
What should I bring? Your Epstein textbook and any notes you would like to use.
Are we doing anything else besides the test? Yes! You will complete the SOTE evaluation for Comm 41.
It's around dinner time, can I bring snacks? Yes, please bring whatever you'd like as long as it's not in the family of tuna sandwiches, Taco Bell, onion salad, hard boiled eggs, or anything else that might have a strong scent or distract your colleagues while taking the test.
Can I leave after I'm done with my test? Sure!
What if I take longer than the others to complete my test? I will stick around. No worries, I won't leave until every person is finished with the exam.
Is the test multiple choice, true false, essay and/or fill in? The exam is multiple choice - nothing more, nothing less. And let's face it, you don't want to write another essay, and I sure don't want to read another essay. ;)
If there are any other questions, please email me TONIGHT. I may or may not have access to email tomorrow morning. I will be on campus all day for meeting prior to the final exam and will most likely not be able to check my email. However, if you need to contact me in case of an emergency, please send an email and I will check it a few minutes before the final exam if possible (although I can't promise that I will have internet access before the final exam).
Monday, May 17, 2010
Office Hours
Hello Class!
I will be holding online office hours tomorrow from 9am to 11am. I will also be on campus on Thursday in case you want to drop by my office. If you want to meet with me in person, please send me an email so we can schedule a time to chat.
I hope you all are doing well during this very short, last week of classes.
I will be holding online office hours tomorrow from 9am to 11am. I will also be on campus on Thursday in case you want to drop by my office. If you want to meet with me in person, please send me an email so we can schedule a time to chat.
I hope you all are doing well during this very short, last week of classes.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Week of May 16-17
Hello Folks! Welcome to your last two day of class. The only responsibility you have this week is to study for the final exam. I will post more about the final exam on Wednesday.
I will be available through email all week. My office hours this week will be posted to this blog tomorrow.
Have a great evening!
I will be available through email all week. My office hours this week will be posted to this blog tomorrow.
Have a great evening!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Group Facilitation Paper
Hello Class!
I will send confirmation emails that I have received your project at some point tomorrow. I will not be online at midnight (at least I hope I won't be), so the replies will have to wait until tomorrow.
I hope you all have fabulous night!
I will send confirmation emails that I have received your project at some point tomorrow. I will not be online at midnight (at least I hope I won't be), so the replies will have to wait until tomorrow.
I hope you all have fabulous night!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Final Exam Date/Time/Location Reminder
Hello Class!
Our final exam is quickly approaching. The final exam for our class is scheduled for Thursday, May 20th @ 5:15pm and should last no later than 7:30pm. We will meet in Room HGH122. Please arrive early.
The exam is open book/open notes, so please come prepared. The test will cover everything we have learned throughout the semester, so make sure to review the book, websites, etc.... that I have provided you with throughout this course.
Remember to bring a pen or a pencil, your book, and any notes you think you may need.
I look forward to meeting you all in person on May 20th @ 5:15pm in HGH122.
REMINDER: Your Group Facilitation Paper is due by Friday, May 14th @ 11:59pm. Submit your papers early to avoid late penalty. (To review the late work policy, please see the syllabus).
Our final exam is quickly approaching. The final exam for our class is scheduled for Thursday, May 20th @ 5:15pm and should last no later than 7:30pm. We will meet in Room HGH122. Please arrive early.
The exam is open book/open notes, so please come prepared. The test will cover everything we have learned throughout the semester, so make sure to review the book, websites, etc.... that I have provided you with throughout this course.
Remember to bring a pen or a pencil, your book, and any notes you think you may need.
I look forward to meeting you all in person on May 20th @ 5:15pm in HGH122.
REMINDER: Your Group Facilitation Paper is due by Friday, May 14th @ 11:59pm. Submit your papers early to avoid late penalty. (To review the late work policy, please see the syllabus).
Monday, May 10, 2010
Grades Posted for the Week of 4/25-5/1
Hello Folks!
I posted grades for the week of April 25th to May 1st. Please take a look at your grade and email me if you have any questions.
Check my blog tomorrow for a post about the FINAL EXAM!
Have a great evening!
I posted grades for the week of April 25th to May 1st. Please take a look at your grade and email me if you have any questions.
Check my blog tomorrow for a post about the FINAL EXAM!
Have a great evening!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Week of May 9 - May 15
Hello Class! I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend so far. Here is what's on the Schedule and Participation Pages for this week:
*Read Chapter 14: Generalizing
*Participate in Week 16 discussion
*The Group Facilitation Paper is due by Friday, May 14th @ 11:59pm. Please submit your papers early to avoid late penalty. Remember, this assignment is worth a full 20% of your final grade!!!
Class Discussion: Answer one in each of your three posts, at least 12 hours apart:
1). Pick one concept from Chapter 14 that you found useful or interesting.
2). Discuss some of the things you learned throughout the semester in this course.
3). Pick one other concept in the book (any chapter) that you feel needs further discussion?
Remember to post 3 responses to your colleagues blogs during this discussion week.
***This is your final week of discussion - let's make it a great week!
REMINDER: Thursday, May 13th is a furlough day.
*Read Chapter 14: Generalizing
*Participate in Week 16 discussion
*The Group Facilitation Paper is due by Friday, May 14th @ 11:59pm. Please submit your papers early to avoid late penalty. Remember, this assignment is worth a full 20% of your final grade!!!
Class Discussion: Answer one in each of your three posts, at least 12 hours apart:
1). Pick one concept from Chapter 14 that you found useful or interesting.
2). Discuss some of the things you learned throughout the semester in this course.
3). Pick one other concept in the book (any chapter) that you feel needs further discussion?
Remember to post 3 responses to your colleagues blogs during this discussion week.
***This is your final week of discussion - let's make it a great week!
REMINDER: Thursday, May 13th is a furlough day.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
More Group Facilitation Questions
Hello Class!
I have been receiving some interesting questions from students across both of my Comm 41 classes about the final project in the course. Here is some additional information:
1). Read through the entire assignment carefully.
2). When you gather your group of 5-7 people (not including yourself), you will act as the facilitator and observer. You will NOT participate in the decision making process. Rather, you will be observing and asking questions.
3). Hand out the LAST page of the assignment sheet. (My apologies for including an additional "tip" at the top of the page. Tell your group to ignore that, as it is for you and not your group.)
4). Your group will then, INDIVIDUALLY, rank the people in order of who they would offer the job to first. This means that #1 on the list will be the most qualified candidate to each individual person. Have them write down, in descending order, who would qualify the most.
5). Have them write down "WHY" or a rationale for their decisions.
6). Have a group discussion about their ranking order and their reasoning.
7). You will then discuss the case as a group, and have the group make a decision about who is the most qualified. Make sure to focus on the discussion aspect of the assignment. This is where you will get examples of 'reasoning' and 'arguments'.
8). After a decision is made, and everyone agrees (by majority vote of course - not every single person has to agree), you will then have a discussion about HOW the group interacted. Follow the list of questions on the assignment sheet. Feel free to ask more questions though. Do not feel limited by what I have written down for you.
9). Right after the facilitation, while everything is still fresh in your mind, write down some notes. This is CRITICAL so you do not forget the arguments and reasoning. Remember to record sound reasoning as well as flawed reasoning.
10). As the assignment sheet states, you will need to include at least 4 concepts from the Epstein text, and at least 2 from the Small Group Communication text.
11). FOLLOW the grading sheet when writing and editing your paper. That grading sheet is EXACTLY how I will grade your essay.
Let me know if you have more questions about the final assignment. Remember, the final assignment (and video/audio/CD/DVD) needs to be submitted NO LATER than Friday, May 14th @ 11:59pm.
I have been receiving some interesting questions from students across both of my Comm 41 classes about the final project in the course. Here is some additional information:
1). Read through the entire assignment carefully.
2). When you gather your group of 5-7 people (not including yourself), you will act as the facilitator and observer. You will NOT participate in the decision making process. Rather, you will be observing and asking questions.
3). Hand out the LAST page of the assignment sheet. (My apologies for including an additional "tip" at the top of the page. Tell your group to ignore that, as it is for you and not your group.)
4). Your group will then, INDIVIDUALLY, rank the people in order of who they would offer the job to first. This means that #1 on the list will be the most qualified candidate to each individual person. Have them write down, in descending order, who would qualify the most.
5). Have them write down "WHY" or a rationale for their decisions.
6). Have a group discussion about their ranking order and their reasoning.
7). You will then discuss the case as a group, and have the group make a decision about who is the most qualified. Make sure to focus on the discussion aspect of the assignment. This is where you will get examples of 'reasoning' and 'arguments'.
8). After a decision is made, and everyone agrees (by majority vote of course - not every single person has to agree), you will then have a discussion about HOW the group interacted. Follow the list of questions on the assignment sheet. Feel free to ask more questions though. Do not feel limited by what I have written down for you.
9). Right after the facilitation, while everything is still fresh in your mind, write down some notes. This is CRITICAL so you do not forget the arguments and reasoning. Remember to record sound reasoning as well as flawed reasoning.
10). As the assignment sheet states, you will need to include at least 4 concepts from the Epstein text, and at least 2 from the Small Group Communication text.
11). FOLLOW the grading sheet when writing and editing your paper. That grading sheet is EXACTLY how I will grade your essay.
Let me know if you have more questions about the final assignment. Remember, the final assignment (and video/audio/CD/DVD) needs to be submitted NO LATER than Friday, May 14th @ 11:59pm.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
FAQ's about the Small Group Facilitation Project
Here is a re-post from my blog on April 14th. These are FAQ's about the Group Facilitation Project. Email me if you have additional questions, and I will post more FAQ's as they come in.
Hello Wonderful Students! I have come up with a frequently asked questions list to answer some questions that have come up over the last week or so about the Small Group Facilitation Project. Here they are:
1). Do I have to gather 5-7 people at the same time?
Yes - this is THE culminating project in this class and will cover concepts from both texts. Because it is a small group project, you will need to gather 5-7 people to make that happen. You can gather family, friends, folks from church, etc... to help you with this project. Promising people food is always a motivator.
2). Am I a part of the project?
Yes and No - You act as the facilitator of the project (see assignment sheet), but you will not be a part of the small group itself. You will ask probing questions to find patterns of small group communication, critical thinking, reasoning, arguments, etc.... but you will not be a part of that process. Rather, you will facilitate the process. Then you will write about what concepts emerged in the required essay.
3). What is the due date of the project?
The due date is no later than May 14th @ 11:59pm. Any submissions after 11:59pm (even one minute) will result in a 50% deduction. Since this project is a full 20% of your grade, make sure to turn it in early to avoid a FULL LETTER GRADE deduction.
4). I can't upload more than 10 minutes to youtube, what do I do?
You can do a number of things. You can split up your video into multiple parts and upload it that way. You can find another free video hosting website and upload it there. You can copy the facilitation onto a DVD and turn it into the Communication Studies Office. As long as I can verify that they facilitation took place with the minimum number of folks required, I will accept it.
5). I can't find 5-7 people. All of my friends are busy. What do I do?
You are more than welcome to work with a partner from the class to facilitate your projects. By this, I mean that you can work together on the facilitation ONLY. Your papers will be completely separate entities.
6). If I submit an audio tape will I get it back?
No. I cannot return the audio tapes.
7). What type of probing questions should I ask my group when I'm facilitating the discussion?
Whatever types of questions you would like. You might want to think it through ahead of time to possibly be prepared with some questions before your group arrives to your facilitation activity.
8). Since this is a small group project, will I be working with the same group from class?
No - this is an individual project that encompasses a small group component. You will gather 5-7 family members, friends, acquaintances and facilitate the group project. If you are having a hard time finding 5-7 people to join you for the group portion of the project, you can work with a classmate and facilitate the project together.
9). How are you going to grade the essay?
There is a grading sheet attached to the assignment sheet. Please review the grading sheet in its entirety before beginning the project, and refer to it often while writing your paper. There should be NO ambiguity when it comes to how I will grade this project.
10). I don't have a tape recorder and I don't know how to post a video to youtube.
Well, to be honest, you're just going to have to figure this one out. You are required to turn in an audio tape, video tape, or youtube video so I can verify that your facilitation took place. You wouldn't believe how many people will try to fake a project like this.
Hello Wonderful Students! I have come up with a frequently asked questions list to answer some questions that have come up over the last week or so about the Small Group Facilitation Project. Here they are:
1). Do I have to gather 5-7 people at the same time?
Yes - this is THE culminating project in this class and will cover concepts from both texts. Because it is a small group project, you will need to gather 5-7 people to make that happen. You can gather family, friends, folks from church, etc... to help you with this project. Promising people food is always a motivator.
2). Am I a part of the project?
Yes and No - You act as the facilitator of the project (see assignment sheet), but you will not be a part of the small group itself. You will ask probing questions to find patterns of small group communication, critical thinking, reasoning, arguments, etc.... but you will not be a part of that process. Rather, you will facilitate the process. Then you will write about what concepts emerged in the required essay.
3). What is the due date of the project?
The due date is no later than May 14th @ 11:59pm. Any submissions after 11:59pm (even one minute) will result in a 50% deduction. Since this project is a full 20% of your grade, make sure to turn it in early to avoid a FULL LETTER GRADE deduction.
4). I can't upload more than 10 minutes to youtube, what do I do?
You can do a number of things. You can split up your video into multiple parts and upload it that way. You can find another free video hosting website and upload it there. You can copy the facilitation onto a DVD and turn it into the Communication Studies Office. As long as I can verify that they facilitation took place with the minimum number of folks required, I will accept it.
5). I can't find 5-7 people. All of my friends are busy. What do I do?
You are more than welcome to work with a partner from the class to facilitate your projects. By this, I mean that you can work together on the facilitation ONLY. Your papers will be completely separate entities.
6). If I submit an audio tape will I get it back?
No. I cannot return the audio tapes.
7). What type of probing questions should I ask my group when I'm facilitating the discussion?
Whatever types of questions you would like. You might want to think it through ahead of time to possibly be prepared with some questions before your group arrives to your facilitation activity.
8). Since this is a small group project, will I be working with the same group from class?
No - this is an individual project that encompasses a small group component. You will gather 5-7 family members, friends, acquaintances and facilitate the group project. If you are having a hard time finding 5-7 people to join you for the group portion of the project, you can work with a classmate and facilitate the project together.
9). How are you going to grade the essay?
There is a grading sheet attached to the assignment sheet. Please review the grading sheet in its entirety before beginning the project, and refer to it often while writing your paper. There should be NO ambiguity when it comes to how I will grade this project.
10). I don't have a tape recorder and I don't know how to post a video to youtube.
Well, to be honest, you're just going to have to figure this one out. You are required to turn in an audio tape, video tape, or youtube video so I can verify that your facilitation took place. You wouldn't believe how many people will try to fake a project like this.
Cutting Office Hours Short
Hello Folks!
If you need to contact me, please do so through email. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I have to cut my office hours short today.
My deepest apologies!
If you need to contact me, please do so through email. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I have to cut my office hours short today.
My deepest apologies!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Week of May 2 - May 8
Hello Class! I hope you all are enjoying the beautiful weather today.
Here is what's on the Schedule and Participation Pages for this week:
*Read Chapter 13 - Numbers?
*Take Test#4 in the class on Chapters 8-10, 12, 13 & 15 by 11:59pm on Saturday
*Continue to work on your final project in this course. Remember, your Group Facilitation Projects are due by May 14th @ 11:59pm. Please submit your projects early to avoid late penalty. As you will notice on the syllabus, the penalty for late submissions is 50%. As a reminder, this project is worth 20% of your grade, so please work on it diligently over the next couple of weeks.
REMINDER: May 6th is a furlough day. I will not be holding office hours on Thursday, May 6th.
Here is what's on the Schedule and Participation Pages for this week:
*Read Chapter 13 - Numbers?
*Take Test#4 in the class on Chapters 8-10, 12, 13 & 15 by 11:59pm on Saturday
*Continue to work on your final project in this course. Remember, your Group Facilitation Projects are due by May 14th @ 11:59pm. Please submit your projects early to avoid late penalty. As you will notice on the syllabus, the penalty for late submissions is 50%. As a reminder, this project is worth 20% of your grade, so please work on it diligently over the next couple of weeks.
REMINDER: May 6th is a furlough day. I will not be holding office hours on Thursday, May 6th.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Grade Updates - Blackboard
I have updated grades on Blackboard. As the semester winds down, please continuously check your grades on Blackboard for updates. You should know where you stand in the class at all times, and your current grade, as well as your grade at the end of the semester should not be a surprise.
If you have questions about the most current grade update, for the discussion week of April 11th - April 17th, please email me immediately. Remember to include in your email the following:
Dates/Times/Word Counts of the posts to your blog
Dates/Locations/Word Counts of the comments you made
I find that if students keep records of this information on a continual basis, the grades really speak for themselves. However, if something is ever ambiguous or unclear, I am always available to chat over email, yahoo messenger and the phone. Please do not wait until the last week of class to question a grade, be proactive and keep track!
I will be available on and off throughout the weekend over email. Have a fabulous day!
If you have questions about the most current grade update, for the discussion week of April 11th - April 17th, please email me immediately. Remember to include in your email the following:
Dates/Times/Word Counts of the posts to your blog
Dates/Locations/Word Counts of the comments you made
I find that if students keep records of this information on a continual basis, the grades really speak for themselves. However, if something is ever ambiguous or unclear, I am always available to chat over email, yahoo messenger and the phone. Please do not wait until the last week of class to question a grade, be proactive and keep track!
I will be available on and off throughout the weekend over email. Have a fabulous day!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Cause and Effect
Hello Folks!
I was going to write a post about this weeks reading, but I think the websites Mission Critical and the Cause and Effect websites do a magnificent job of covering the material. Be sure to read both websites, as they are pretty important to the course.
I will post an update again tomorrow morning.
Have a great night everyone!
I was going to write a post about this weeks reading, but I think the websites Mission Critical and the Cause and Effect websites do a magnificent job of covering the material. Be sure to read both websites, as they are pretty important to the course.
I will post an update again tomorrow morning.
Have a great night everyone!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Week of April 25 - May 1
Hello Class! I hope today finds you well. Here is what's on the Schedule and Participation Pages for this week:
*Read Chapter 15 - Cause and Effect
*Read and complete Cause and Effect exercises - CLICK HERE
*Read through Mission Critical - CLICK HERE
*Participate in Week 14 discussion
*Continue to work on assignment #3 - Group Facilitation (due on Friday, May 14th)
Class Discussion: Answer one in each of your three posts, at least 12 hours apart:
1). What was useful about the Cause and Effect website reading and exercises?
2). What was useful about the Mission Critical webiste?
3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading (chapter 15), that we have not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
Remember to post 3 responses to your colleagues blogs during this discussion week.
*Read Chapter 15 - Cause and Effect
*Read and complete Cause and Effect exercises - CLICK HERE
*Read through Mission Critical - CLICK HERE
*Participate in Week 14 discussion
*Continue to work on assignment #3 - Group Facilitation (due on Friday, May 14th)
Class Discussion: Answer one in each of your three posts, at least 12 hours apart:
1). What was useful about the Cause and Effect website reading and exercises?
2). What was useful about the Mission Critical webiste?
3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading (chapter 15), that we have not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
Remember to post 3 responses to your colleagues blogs during this discussion week.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
On Campus
Hello Folks!
I will be on campus tomorrow. I should be in my office, HGH 216, from approximately 11:30am to 12:15pm. If you would like to come by and meet me in person, you are more than welcome to. Please email me first so I can make sure I am in my office at the time you will be stopping by.
I hope to see some of tomorrow! :)
I will be on campus tomorrow. I should be in my office, HGH 216, from approximately 11:30am to 12:15pm. If you would like to come by and meet me in person, you are more than welcome to. Please email me first so I can make sure I am in my office at the time you will be stopping by.
I hope to see some of tomorrow! :)
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Reasoning by Analogy
Chapter 12 covers the topic of reasoning by analogy. While I have taught this course before, the texts that I have chosen have covered many forms of reasoning, not just one or two. I used to use a book called "Everyday Argumentation", but have since switched over to the Epstein text for a number of reasons.
Other forms of reasoning I cover in my other classes are:
1). Reasoning by Analogy
2). Sign Reasoning
3). Causal Reasoning
4). Reasoning by Criteria
5). Reasoning by Example
6). Inductive
7). Deductive
You can click on the links above to take you to another webpage that explains different types of reasoning. While I do not encourage students to use wikipedia as a source on formal papers (at least until more regulation is in place for wikipedia), it is a great place to start research. The bottom of most wikipedia pages will have a list of resources. That list is a students best friend, not the wikipedia page itself.
There are also a couple of different types of links listed above.
You are more than welcome to apply any of these types of reasoning to your final projects in this course. Since you must apply a number of course concepts, feel free to use this list of reasoning when writing about your group facilitation's.
Other forms of reasoning I cover in my other classes are:
1). Reasoning by Analogy
2). Sign Reasoning
3). Causal Reasoning
4). Reasoning by Criteria
5). Reasoning by Example
6). Inductive
7). Deductive
You can click on the links above to take you to another webpage that explains different types of reasoning. While I do not encourage students to use wikipedia as a source on formal papers (at least until more regulation is in place for wikipedia), it is a great place to start research. The bottom of most wikipedia pages will have a list of resources. That list is a students best friend, not the wikipedia page itself.
There are also a couple of different types of links listed above.
You are more than welcome to apply any of these types of reasoning to your final projects in this course. Since you must apply a number of course concepts, feel free to use this list of reasoning when writing about your group facilitation's.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Week of April 18 - 24
Here is what is on the Schedule and Participation Pages for this week:
*Read Chapter 12 - Reasoning by Analogy
*The discussion this week is canceled due to furloughs. (Wow, I can't wait until that word is no long in the collective vocabulary at SJSU).
*Continue working on the final project in the class. It is worth 200 points, or 20% of your total grade in the class and will incorporate all of the concepts you have learned so far this semester. This will include both the Epstein book and Group Communication Book. In essence, you will apply ALL course concepts learned in the paper. The final project is due by May 14th @ 11:59pm. Please submit your papers early to avoid late submission penalty (late work policy is located on the syllabus. The deduction for turning in a an assignment late is fairly hefty, so plan ahead and turn your papers in early).
NOTE: Thursday, April 22nd is a furlough day and I will not be holding office hours.
*Read Chapter 12 - Reasoning by Analogy
*The discussion this week is canceled due to furloughs. (Wow, I can't wait until that word is no long in the collective vocabulary at SJSU).
*Continue working on the final project in the class. It is worth 200 points, or 20% of your total grade in the class and will incorporate all of the concepts you have learned so far this semester. This will include both the Epstein book and Group Communication Book. In essence, you will apply ALL course concepts learned in the paper. The final project is due by May 14th @ 11:59pm. Please submit your papers early to avoid late submission penalty (late work policy is located on the syllabus. The deduction for turning in a an assignment late is fairly hefty, so plan ahead and turn your papers in early).
NOTE: Thursday, April 22nd is a furlough day and I will not be holding office hours.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Grade Updates - Blackboard
Earlier yesterday afternoon I updated Blackboard with grades. Your News & Politics paper and your Social Organization paper grades are uploaded to Blackboard. You can now view your grades up to date for the semester so far.
In order to calculate your current grade, log into Blackboard and click on "My Grades" on the left hand side. A screen should pop up with all of your points earned. To calculate your current grade, here are the point values so far:
Midterm - 100 points
Plagiarism Tutorial - 50 points
Webpage Creation - 10 points
Disc. 1/31 - 2/6 - 30 points
Disc. /7 - 2/13 - 30 points
Test #2 - 50 points
Disc. 14/31 - 2/20 - 30 points
Disc. 2/28 - 3/6 - 30 points
Disc. 3/21 - 3/27 - 30 points
News & Politics - 100 points
Social Org - 100 points
Total: 560 points possible so far
Divide your total point value by 560, and you should have your grade percentage in the class so far. I recommend that you check your grade often, especially towards the end of the semester to keep track of your standing in the course.
One of the beautiful things about online classes is the fact that you can see and calculate your grade at any point.
Please calculate your grade and let me know if you have any questions.
Have a fabulous evening! :)
In order to calculate your current grade, log into Blackboard and click on "My Grades" on the left hand side. A screen should pop up with all of your points earned. To calculate your current grade, here are the point values so far:
Midterm - 100 points
Plagiarism Tutorial - 50 points
Webpage Creation - 10 points
Disc. 1/31 - 2/6 - 30 points
Disc. /7 - 2/13 - 30 points
Test #2 - 50 points
Disc. 14/31 - 2/20 - 30 points
Disc. 2/28 - 3/6 - 30 points
Disc. 3/21 - 3/27 - 30 points
News & Politics - 100 points
Social Org - 100 points
Total: 560 points possible so far
Divide your total point value by 560, and you should have your grade percentage in the class so far. I recommend that you check your grade often, especially towards the end of the semester to keep track of your standing in the course.
One of the beautiful things about online classes is the fact that you can see and calculate your grade at any point.
Please calculate your grade and let me know if you have any questions.
Have a fabulous evening! :)
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Final Exam Clarification
Just to clarify, the final exam will be in-person on the SJSU campus. It will be on Thursday, May 20th at 5:15pm to 7:30pm. SJSU has yet to assign us a classroom, but I will be sure to email the class once the location is set. My apologies for the confusion.
Have a wonderful night!
Reminder: Read the posts below this one as well. :)
Have a wonderful night!
Reminder: Read the posts below this one as well. :)
FAQ's about the Small Group Facilitation Project
Hello Wonderful Students! I have come up with a frequently asked questions list to answer some questions that have come up over the last week or so about the Small Group Facilitation Project. Here they are:
1). Do I have to gather 5-7 people at the same time?
Yes - this is THE culminating project in this class and will cover concepts from both texts. Because it is a small group project, you will need to gather 5-7 people to make that happen. You can gather family, friends, folks from church, etc... to help you with this project. Promising people food is always a motivator.
2). Am I a part of the project?
Yes and No - You act as the facilitator of the project (see assignment sheet), but you will not be a part of the small group itself. You will ask probing questions to find patterns of small group communication, critical thinking, reasoning, arguments, etc.... but you will not be a part of that process. Rather, you will facilitate the process. Then you will write about what concepts emerged in the required essay.
3). What is the due date of the project?
The due date is no later than May 14th @ 11:59pm. Any submissions after 11:59pm (even one minute) will result in a 50% deduction. Since this project is a full 20% of your grade, make sure to turn it in early to avoid a FULL LETTER GRADE deduction.
4). I can't upload more than 10 minutes to youtube, what do I do?
You can do a number of things. You can split up your video into multiple parts and upload it that way. You can find another free video hosting website and upload it there. You can copy the facilitation onto a DVD and turn it into the Communication Studies Office. As long as I can verify that they facilitation took place with the minimum number of folks required, I will accept it.
5). I can't find 5-7 people. All of my friends are busy. What do I do?
You are more than welcome to work with a partner from the class to facilitate your projects. By this, I mean that you can work together on the facilitation ONLY. Your papers will be completely separate entities.
6). If I submit an audio tape will I get it back?
No. I cannot return the audio tapes.
7). What type of probing questions should I ask my group when I'm facilitating the discussion?
Whatever types of questions you would like. You might want to think it through ahead of time to possibly be prepared with some questions before your group arrives to your facilitation activity.
8). Since this is a small group project, will I be working with the same group from class?
No - this is an individual project that encompasses a small group component. You will gather 5-7 family members, friends, acquaintances and facilitate the group project. If you are having a hard time finding 5-7 people to join you for the group portion of the project, you can work with a classmate and facilitate the project together.
9). How are you going to grade the essay?
There is a grading sheet attached to the assignment sheet. Please review the grading sheet in its entirety before beginning the project, and refer to it often while writing your paper. There should be NO ambiguity when it comes to how I will grade this project.
10). I don't have a tape recorder and I don't know how to post a video to youtube.
Well, to be honest, you're just going to have to figure this one out. You are required to turn in an audio tape, video tape, or youtube video so I can verify that your facilitation took place. You wouldn't believe how many people will try to fake a project like this.
I will add more to this list as students send me questions.
1). Do I have to gather 5-7 people at the same time?
Yes - this is THE culminating project in this class and will cover concepts from both texts. Because it is a small group project, you will need to gather 5-7 people to make that happen. You can gather family, friends, folks from church, etc... to help you with this project. Promising people food is always a motivator.
2). Am I a part of the project?
Yes and No - You act as the facilitator of the project (see assignment sheet), but you will not be a part of the small group itself. You will ask probing questions to find patterns of small group communication, critical thinking, reasoning, arguments, etc.... but you will not be a part of that process. Rather, you will facilitate the process. Then you will write about what concepts emerged in the required essay.
3). What is the due date of the project?
The due date is no later than May 14th @ 11:59pm. Any submissions after 11:59pm (even one minute) will result in a 50% deduction. Since this project is a full 20% of your grade, make sure to turn it in early to avoid a FULL LETTER GRADE deduction.
4). I can't upload more than 10 minutes to youtube, what do I do?
You can do a number of things. You can split up your video into multiple parts and upload it that way. You can find another free video hosting website and upload it there. You can copy the facilitation onto a DVD and turn it into the Communication Studies Office. As long as I can verify that they facilitation took place with the minimum number of folks required, I will accept it.
5). I can't find 5-7 people. All of my friends are busy. What do I do?
You are more than welcome to work with a partner from the class to facilitate your projects. By this, I mean that you can work together on the facilitation ONLY. Your papers will be completely separate entities.
6). If I submit an audio tape will I get it back?
No. I cannot return the audio tapes.
7). What type of probing questions should I ask my group when I'm facilitating the discussion?
Whatever types of questions you would like. You might want to think it through ahead of time to possibly be prepared with some questions before your group arrives to your facilitation activity.
8). Since this is a small group project, will I be working with the same group from class?
No - this is an individual project that encompasses a small group component. You will gather 5-7 family members, friends, acquaintances and facilitate the group project. If you are having a hard time finding 5-7 people to join you for the group portion of the project, you can work with a classmate and facilitate the project together.
9). How are you going to grade the essay?
There is a grading sheet attached to the assignment sheet. Please review the grading sheet in its entirety before beginning the project, and refer to it often while writing your paper. There should be NO ambiguity when it comes to how I will grade this project.
10). I don't have a tape recorder and I don't know how to post a video to youtube.
Well, to be honest, you're just going to have to figure this one out. You are required to turn in an audio tape, video tape, or youtube video so I can verify that your facilitation took place. You wouldn't believe how many people will try to fake a project like this.
I will add more to this list as students send me questions.
Final Exam Date
Hello Folks!
As some of you have already inquired, the final exam date on the Syllabus and Quizzes Page says TBD. I have scheduled the final exam for Thursday, May 20th @ 5:15pm to 7:30pm.
Please check your schedule to make sure there is no schedule conflict with your other finals. This date and time complies with the SJSU Final Exam Schedule, so there should be no conflict. However, if you do have a schedule conflict, please email me by the end of the week (Saturday @ 11:59pm). If I do not hear from you by Saturday, I will assume that you will be able to make the final exam.
Have a great day folks! :) scheduled the final exam for
As some of you have already inquired, the final exam date on the Syllabus and Quizzes Page says TBD. I have scheduled the final exam for Thursday, May 20th @ 5:15pm to 7:30pm.
Please check your schedule to make sure there is no schedule conflict with your other finals. This date and time complies with the SJSU Final Exam Schedule, so there should be no conflict. However, if you do have a schedule conflict, please email me by the end of the week (Saturday @ 11:59pm). If I do not hear from you by Saturday, I will assume that you will be able to make the final exam.
Have a great day folks! :) scheduled the final exam for
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Week of April 11 - 17
Hello Class! Here is what's on the Schedule and Participation Pages for this week:
*Read Chapter 10, Too Much Emotion.
*Participate in Week 12 discussion.
*Start working on Assignment #3 - Group Facilitation Project. As a reminder, this project is due on May 14th by 11:59pm. Please submit your paper early to avoid a late penalty. See the Syllabus for the late work policy in this class.
Discussion: Answer one in each of your three posts, at least 12 hours apart:
1). Discuss the idea of Appeal to Emotion. There are different aspects of Appeal to Emotion, which type of Appeal to Emotion strikes you, and why?
2). Pertaining to page 195, complete objective 1, 2, 3, 6 or 7.
3). Pick one concept, idea or exercise from the assigned reading, that we have no already discussed, that you found useful or interesting, and discuss it.
***Remember to post 3 responses to your colleagues blogs.
NOTE: I am scheduled for jury duty on Tuesday, April 13th and will not be holding office hours. However, I will be available by email all day.
*Read Chapter 10, Too Much Emotion.
*Participate in Week 12 discussion.
*Start working on Assignment #3 - Group Facilitation Project. As a reminder, this project is due on May 14th by 11:59pm. Please submit your paper early to avoid a late penalty. See the Syllabus for the late work policy in this class.
Discussion: Answer one in each of your three posts, at least 12 hours apart:
1). Discuss the idea of Appeal to Emotion. There are different aspects of Appeal to Emotion, which type of Appeal to Emotion strikes you, and why?
2). Pertaining to page 195, complete objective 1, 2, 3, 6 or 7.
3). Pick one concept, idea or exercise from the assigned reading, that we have no already discussed, that you found useful or interesting, and discuss it.
***Remember to post 3 responses to your colleagues blogs.
NOTE: I am scheduled for jury duty on Tuesday, April 13th and will not be holding office hours. However, I will be available by email all day.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Social Organization Paper
Hello Folks! I will return your second paper to you either tomorrow or Monday at the latest. Some groups will receive their papers back tomorrow, other groups on Monday. I apologize about the delay - Spring Break and furloughs have been wreaking havoc on my grading schedule. From what I have read so far though, you guys have done well on this second round of papers.
Until then, let me know if you have any questions. I will be around on an off all day tomorrow.
NOTE: Office hours are canceled on Tuesday, April 13th. I am scheduled for jury duty that day and may not be around.
Have a great evening! :)
Until then, let me know if you have any questions. I will be around on an off all day tomorrow.
NOTE: Office hours are canceled on Tuesday, April 13th. I am scheduled for jury duty that day and may not be around.
Have a great evening! :)
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Furlough Day
Hello Folks!
As a reminder, today is a furlough day for me. While I will not be holding office hours, I will be checking my email on and off throughout the day today. It may take me a little longer to respond since it's a furlough day, but I will get back to you.
Have a wonderful day everyone!
As a reminder, today is a furlough day for me. While I will not be holding office hours, I will be checking my email on and off throughout the day today. It may take me a little longer to respond since it's a furlough day, but I will get back to you.
Have a wonderful day everyone!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
What's the Point?
Hello Folks! There have been numerous objectives to be met in this course. To reiterate the point of the assignments: Blogging weekly, quizzes, readings, Critical Thinking in News and Politics, Critical Thinking in Social Organizations, Group Facilitation, etc..... I have listed out some ideas for your review answering the question WHY? Why are we writing papers? Why do we blog every week? Why do we interact so much with our classmates? Why do I have to do so much reading? It all comes down to the goals of the course, and the goals/requirements of the University. Expanding diversity on multiple levels within this class is a big goal. Read the list below and let me know if the purpose and goals of these assignments are still ambiguous. As you can see, each objective is aligned with University goals. So this list should answer the "WHY?" question.
1). These objectives give you opportunity to see what other folks in the class are writing about and discussing.
2). Some of these assignments allows you to give your opinion about your colleagues writing.
3). The variety of assignments and different requirements will diversify your grading.
4). Each of these assignments are intellectually challenging.
5). The assignments increases diversity in the class on multiple levels.
6). Each assignment provides meaningful feedback, not only from the instructor, but from others in the class, thus diversifying grading, and understanding!
7). The assignments establish an atmosphere of community and enhanced learning.
8). Reinforces relevant course material from a number of different perspectives.
9). Helps you analyze complex and abstract ideas as presented by others relating to course material/content.
10). Applies course content in a real-world setting.
As always, I am available to chat with you over email, Yahoo Messenger, and my personal favorite - over the phone! I am committed to each student in this class, so if you need some extra help, please contact me ASAP.
I hope this list of objectives clarifies the "WHY?" question! Some folks go through classes while never truly understanding the point of their assignments. I will post this list a few more times before the end of the semester, just as a reminder of 'what it's all about'.
I hope you each have a fabulously happy Wednesday evening!
1). These objectives give you opportunity to see what other folks in the class are writing about and discussing.
2). Some of these assignments allows you to give your opinion about your colleagues writing.
3). The variety of assignments and different requirements will diversify your grading.
4). Each of these assignments are intellectually challenging.
5). The assignments increases diversity in the class on multiple levels.
6). Each assignment provides meaningful feedback, not only from the instructor, but from others in the class, thus diversifying grading, and understanding!
7). The assignments establish an atmosphere of community and enhanced learning.
8). Reinforces relevant course material from a number of different perspectives.
9). Helps you analyze complex and abstract ideas as presented by others relating to course material/content.
10). Applies course content in a real-world setting.
As always, I am available to chat with you over email, Yahoo Messenger, and my personal favorite - over the phone! I am committed to each student in this class, so if you need some extra help, please contact me ASAP.
I hope this list of objectives clarifies the "WHY?" question! Some folks go through classes while never truly understanding the point of their assignments. I will post this list a few more times before the end of the semester, just as a reminder of 'what it's all about'.
I hope you each have a fabulously happy Wednesday evening!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Grades Posted for the Week of 3/21-3/27
I posted grades this morning for the discussion week of March 21st-27th. Please look over your grade and email me with any questions. When you email me please include the following:
1). Dates/Times/Word Count of the posts to your blog
2). Locations/Word Count of the comments you made to your colleagues blogs
I tend to find that if students keep track of their posts and comments (locations, dates, times, word counts), grades are somewhat self-explanatory. However, if there are every ANY questions, I'm here to chat about your grade.
Grades in this course should be clear! If there are ever any questions about how something is evaluated, please email me immediately so I can clarify the grading process for you. If a question is posed by a student, I will usually post to my blog about it in case others have the same question.
NOTE: I really enjoyed reading your posts about Chapter 8, General Claims. I hope you liked the openness of the discussion during the week of 3/21-3/27 instead of answering preset questions. In a future blog I will ask for your individual feedback about which type of discussion you like better. After all, this is YOUR class, and if the majority of you liked the openness of last week's discussion, we can certainly more weeks of that rather than preset questions.
(Nerdiness alert.......) I really miss reading your posts during the weeks we do not have discussion. I think students can bring great diversity and richness to the virtual classroom setting, and I miss that when y'all have a week of from discussion. I can't wait until your next discussion week. Have a fabulous day everyone! :)
1). Dates/Times/Word Count of the posts to your blog
2). Locations/Word Count of the comments you made to your colleagues blogs
I tend to find that if students keep track of their posts and comments (locations, dates, times, word counts), grades are somewhat self-explanatory. However, if there are every ANY questions, I'm here to chat about your grade.
Grades in this course should be clear! If there are ever any questions about how something is evaluated, please email me immediately so I can clarify the grading process for you. If a question is posed by a student, I will usually post to my blog about it in case others have the same question.
NOTE: I really enjoyed reading your posts about Chapter 8, General Claims. I hope you liked the openness of the discussion during the week of 3/21-3/27 instead of answering preset questions. In a future blog I will ask for your individual feedback about which type of discussion you like better. After all, this is YOUR class, and if the majority of you liked the openness of last week's discussion, we can certainly more weeks of that rather than preset questions.
(Nerdiness alert.......) I really miss reading your posts during the weeks we do not have discussion. I think students can bring great diversity and richness to the virtual classroom setting, and I miss that when y'all have a week of from discussion. I can't wait until your next discussion week. Have a fabulous day everyone! :)
Monday, April 5, 2010
Grade Updates - Blackboard
Hello Class! I hope today finds you well.
I will update Blackboard with the blogging grades for the week of March 21st - 27th by tomorrow morning. I will post to my blog when that is complete. Once the grades are updated, please check your grades and let me know if you have any questions.
I hope you all have a fabulous night! :)
I will update Blackboard with the blogging grades for the week of March 21st - 27th by tomorrow morning. I will post to my blog when that is complete. Once the grades are updated, please check your grades and let me know if you have any questions.
I hope you all have a fabulous night! :)
Group Facilitation Project Uploaded
Hello Class! As some of you probably noticed, the Group Facilitation Project was not available on Blackboard. I had some issues uploading the assignment, but was finally able to get it uploaded this afternoon.
Please go to the "Essays" page on Blackboard to download the final assignment. You will notice that this is an INDIVIDUAL project but that it encompasses concepts from both course texts - Small Group Communication AND the Epstein text.
The project is worth 200 points, which translates into 20% of your total grade in this course. Please read all directions prior to starting your Group Facilitation as there are some good reminders and notes on the assignment sheet.
Email me with any questions you might have. Remember, I'm here to help! :)
Please go to the "Essays" page on Blackboard to download the final assignment. You will notice that this is an INDIVIDUAL project but that it encompasses concepts from both course texts - Small Group Communication AND the Epstein text.
The project is worth 200 points, which translates into 20% of your total grade in this course. Please read all directions prior to starting your Group Facilitation as there are some good reminders and notes on the assignment sheet.
Email me with any questions you might have. Remember, I'm here to help! :)
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Week of April 4 - 10
Welcome back from Spring Break. I hope your Spring Break was as restful as mine was. I am very glad we have a week of during the spring semester, because I'm sure each and everyone of you could use a bit of time off to catch up on assignments.
Here is what is on the Schedule and Participation Pages for this week:
*Read Chapter 9 - Concealed Claims
*Read Truth Tables: Pages 359 - 372
*Read Aristotelian Logic: Pages 373 - 383
*Start working on the final project in the class, which is an individual project rather than a group project. It is worth 200 points, or 20% of your total grade in the class and will incorporate all of the concepts you have learned so far this semester. This will include both the Epstein book and Group Communication Book. In essence, you will apply ALL course concepts learned in the paper. I will post the project to Blackboard on Sunday.
NOTE: Thursday, April 8th is a furlough day and I will not be holding office hours.
Here is what is on the Schedule and Participation Pages for this week:
*Read Chapter 9 - Concealed Claims
*Read Truth Tables: Pages 359 - 372
*Read Aristotelian Logic: Pages 373 - 383
*Start working on the final project in the class, which is an individual project rather than a group project. It is worth 200 points, or 20% of your total grade in the class and will incorporate all of the concepts you have learned so far this semester. This will include both the Epstein book and Group Communication Book. In essence, you will apply ALL course concepts learned in the paper. I will post the project to Blackboard on Sunday.
NOTE: Thursday, April 8th is a furlough day and I will not be holding office hours.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Week of March 28 - April 3
This week is Spring Break. Have a wonderful and relaxing week.
I will still be available by email on and off all week. My response time may be a bit longer this week, but I will still be around.
See you next Sunday!
I will still be available by email on and off all week. My response time may be a bit longer this week, but I will still be around.
See you next Sunday!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Furlough Day Reminder
As a reminder, Thursday, March 25th is a furlough day for me. I will not be holding office hours. I will however, be checking my email on and off, but not consistently. I will resume checking my email consistently on Friday.
Gosh I can't wait until this furlough stuff is over......
Until Friday......
Gosh I can't wait until this furlough stuff is over......
Until Friday......
Recap of Discussion
The discussion week of Feb. 28 through March 6th was very interesting. I was hoping folks would come up with a variety of advertisements to discuss, and you did just that. I noticed quite a few diverse advertisements, and the discussion you all had about them did not disappoint.
I truly hope this weeks discussion will be equally as interesting, considering I have given you much more freedom. I'm sure you all will do great this week. But I must remark, the week of Feb. 28th through March 6th was one of the most active discussions we have had in our class. There was more participation during that week, mostly about the 'seductive' advertisements, but it was lively participation nonetheless.
Side Note: I must comment on your discussions over the course of the semester so far. Some of the concepts covered in the text have been quite difficult to grasp. Each of you have done a magnificent job of understanding the course concepts and explaining them on your respective blogs. Even when there is ambiguity in the book, you all have rallied together, read over each others blogs and understood the concepts fairly well. I keep reading comments like, "I was unclear about the concept until I read your post. You did a great job of explaining the concept". YES YES YES!!! This is exactly what this blogging thing is all about. It is about creating community, engaging in diverse ideas and helping each other out to understand difficult concepts. This is EXACTLY what I had hoped for my Comm 41 courses. Both of my Comm 41 classes has impressed me. Good job everyone!
I truly hope this weeks discussion will be equally as interesting, considering I have given you much more freedom. I'm sure you all will do great this week. But I must remark, the week of Feb. 28th through March 6th was one of the most active discussions we have had in our class. There was more participation during that week, mostly about the 'seductive' advertisements, but it was lively participation nonetheless.
Side Note: I must comment on your discussions over the course of the semester so far. Some of the concepts covered in the text have been quite difficult to grasp. Each of you have done a magnificent job of understanding the course concepts and explaining them on your respective blogs. Even when there is ambiguity in the book, you all have rallied together, read over each others blogs and understood the concepts fairly well. I keep reading comments like, "I was unclear about the concept until I read your post. You did a great job of explaining the concept". YES YES YES!!! This is exactly what this blogging thing is all about. It is about creating community, engaging in diverse ideas and helping each other out to understand difficult concepts. This is EXACTLY what I had hoped for my Comm 41 courses. Both of my Comm 41 classes has impressed me. Good job everyone!
Grades Updated
Hello Folks!
I have updated grades. Please log onto Blackboard and check your grade. Do this often to avoid contacting me at the very end of the semester with questions about your grade.
I will blog again later.
Until then......
I have updated grades. Please log onto Blackboard and check your grade. Do this often to avoid contacting me at the very end of the semester with questions about your grade.
I will blog again later.
Until then......
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Week of March 21 - 27
Hello Folks!
We are going to try something a little different this week to enhance the diversity of the ideas we are covering in the class. I am going to give you free reign to chat about whatever you would like this week as it pertains to Chapter 8 - General Claims. See the questions below for what to blog about.
*Read Chapter 8 - General Claims
*Participate in Week 9 Discussion
*REMINDER: Critical Evaluation of a Social Organization is due this Friday by 11:59pm. Please submit early to avoid late penalty.
Class Discussion: Answer one in each of your three posts, at least 12 hours apart:
1). Discuss one concept in Chapter 8 that you found useful. Please explain the concept and give a personal example or personal story.
2). Discuss the usefulness of the first or second major course assignment. Use specific examples.
3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that has not already been discussed during this discussion week, that you found useful or interesting, and discuss it.
Remember to post 3 responses to your colleagues blogs during this discussion week.
We are going to try something a little different this week to enhance the diversity of the ideas we are covering in the class. I am going to give you free reign to chat about whatever you would like this week as it pertains to Chapter 8 - General Claims. See the questions below for what to blog about.
*Read Chapter 8 - General Claims
*Participate in Week 9 Discussion
*REMINDER: Critical Evaluation of a Social Organization is due this Friday by 11:59pm. Please submit early to avoid late penalty.
Class Discussion: Answer one in each of your three posts, at least 12 hours apart:
1). Discuss one concept in Chapter 8 that you found useful. Please explain the concept and give a personal example or personal story.
2). Discuss the usefulness of the first or second major course assignment. Use specific examples.
3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that has not already been discussed during this discussion week, that you found useful or interesting, and discuss it.
Remember to post 3 responses to your colleagues blogs during this discussion week.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Week of March 14 - 20
Hello Folks! I hope you all are adjusting to the time change.
This week you have only one thing due - the MIDTERM! The midterm is available from 12:01am on March 14th and ends on March 20th at 11:59pm.
Please log on to Blackboard and go to Assessments on the left hand side of the page. You have 75 minutes to complete the midterm which consists of 50 questions.
Review the Exam Page prior to starting the midterm for the quiz and tests parameters (I am not referring to past quizzes, rather the page marked "Exam" when you first log into Blackboard from the homepage) . The Exam Page also contains the chapters that are included on the midterm. Feel free to use any notes and the book during your exam.
Please do not give out any test questions or answers. You can review the Academic Integrity Policy on the SJSU website.
It will be a bit quiet around my blog this week, but please stop by anyway in case I post something about the midterm or the class.
Good luck on the Midterm, and as always, I'm available to chat over Yahoo Messenger during office hours, to answer emails and to chat over the phone if needed.
Have a good week everyone! :)
This week you have only one thing due - the MIDTERM! The midterm is available from 12:01am on March 14th and ends on March 20th at 11:59pm.
Please log on to Blackboard and go to Assessments on the left hand side of the page. You have 75 minutes to complete the midterm which consists of 50 questions.
Review the Exam Page prior to starting the midterm for the quiz and tests parameters (I am not referring to past quizzes, rather the page marked "Exam" when you first log into Blackboard from the homepage) . The Exam Page also contains the chapters that are included on the midterm. Feel free to use any notes and the book during your exam.
Please do not give out any test questions or answers. You can review the Academic Integrity Policy on the SJSU website.
It will be a bit quiet around my blog this week, but please stop by anyway in case I post something about the midterm or the class.
Good luck on the Midterm, and as always, I'm available to chat over Yahoo Messenger during office hours, to answer emails and to chat over the phone if needed.
Have a good week everyone! :)
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Spring Forward!
Hello Folks!
Please remember to turn your clocks forward and hour tonight.
I will post again tomorrow morning. Have a fabulous Saturday!!! :)
Please remember to turn your clocks forward and hour tonight.
I will post again tomorrow morning. Have a fabulous Saturday!!! :)
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Week of March 7 - 13
Here is what's on the Schedule and Participation Pages for this week:
*Read Chapter 6: Compound Claims
*Read Chapter 7: Counterarguments
*Meet with your small group to work on Assignment #2 - Critical Evaluation of a Social Organization. Since there is NO DISCUSSION this week, it is HIGHLY SUGGESTED that you meet with your groups about the second assignment. I will post tips about writing the second assignment to my blog this week.
*Complete the Argument Mapping Tutorial: CLICK HERE to go to the tutorial.
MIDTERM: As a reminder, the midterm exam is next week. It will cover chapters 1-7, 9 & 11. Please start studying early. You are more than welcome to study in groups, but the midterm is AN INDIVIDUAL EXAM. Please do not share questions/answers with anyone - you must work alone on the exam.
REMINDER: March 11th is a furlough day. I will not hold office hours, answer emails or conduct other SJSU business on that day.
*Read Chapter 6: Compound Claims
*Read Chapter 7: Counterarguments
*Meet with your small group to work on Assignment #2 - Critical Evaluation of a Social Organization. Since there is NO DISCUSSION this week, it is HIGHLY SUGGESTED that you meet with your groups about the second assignment. I will post tips about writing the second assignment to my blog this week.
*Complete the Argument Mapping Tutorial: CLICK HERE to go to the tutorial.
MIDTERM: As a reminder, the midterm exam is next week. It will cover chapters 1-7, 9 & 11. Please start studying early. You are more than welcome to study in groups, but the midterm is AN INDIVIDUAL EXAM. Please do not share questions/answers with anyone - you must work alone on the exam.
REMINDER: March 11th is a furlough day. I will not hold office hours, answer emails or conduct other SJSU business on that day.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Friday
Hello Folks! I will return your first assignment by Friday night. I want to look them over one more time to make sure I'm grading fairly across the board.
Expect an email by 11:59pm tomorrow, hopefully much earlier, but probably in the evening sometime.
Until then.......
Expect an email by 11:59pm tomorrow, hopefully much earlier, but probably in the evening sometime.
Until then.......
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Grades Posted for 2/14-2/20
Hello Folks!
I have posted discussion grades for the week of 2/14 to 2/20. Please look over your grade and let me know if you have any questions.
As always, grades in this class should be fairly clear. Remember, clarity starts with the student. If I am not aware that you are unclear about a grade, how I can clarify it for you?
All parameters for discussion are listed on Blackboard, and of course, I'm more than happy to chat with folks about their grade in case something is unclear. I'm available during office hours on Tues-Thurs. from 9:00am to 11:00am. We can also chat through email, and of course over the phone. Again, I love chatting with students - y'all should know that by now. I must add, I have had a great time chatting with my students this semester. :)
I hope you all have a wonderful evening.
I have posted discussion grades for the week of 2/14 to 2/20. Please look over your grade and let me know if you have any questions.
As always, grades in this class should be fairly clear. Remember, clarity starts with the student. If I am not aware that you are unclear about a grade, how I can clarify it for you?
All parameters for discussion are listed on Blackboard, and of course, I'm more than happy to chat with folks about their grade in case something is unclear. I'm available during office hours on Tues-Thurs. from 9:00am to 11:00am. We can also chat through email, and of course over the phone. Again, I love chatting with students - y'all should know that by now. I must add, I have had a great time chatting with my students this semester. :)
I hope you all have a wonderful evening.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Week of Feb. 28 - March 6
Here is what's listed on the Schedule Page from Blackboard:
1). Read Chapter 4 - Repairing Arguments
2). Read Chapter 5 - Is that true?
3). Quiz/Test - There is a Quiz/Test on Blackboard this week. It will be available from today and will end on Saturday. You must log onto Blackboard, click on "Assessments" on the left hand side of the page and click Test #2. There are 25 questions on the test, each question is worth 2 points. The quiz/test is on chapters 1-5, 9 & 11. You will have 35 minutes to complete the quiz/test. It is an open book/open notes quiz. DO NOT SHARE ANSWERS WITH ANYONE FROM THIS CLASS OR ANOTHER Comm 41 CLASS. Please review the Academic Integrity Policy on the Quizzes/Tests Page on Blackboard.
4). Start working with your group on Assignment #2 - Critical Evaluation of a Social Organization. It is quite a bit more involved than Assignment #1, so please start early. I will need notification of when your group meets for this assignment as well, so please set up a meeting and email me ASAP with your meeting date and time.
5). Participate in Week 6 Discussion.
Answer one in each of your three posts, at least 12 hours apart:
*In our last discussion week we talked about Violating the Principle of Rational Discussion (page 202) and Content Fallacies (page 201). This week I would like you to discuss the idea of repairing arguments. For this question, please come up with an argument that needs to be repaired. Look over the examples on pages 63-67. Come up with your own example and 'discuss' it as they do in the text. To accomplish this, you should understand the Principle of Rational Discussion and the concept of Repairing Arguments.
*Concerning Section C in Chapter 5, Advertising on the Internet. Please find a piece of advertising on the internet, provide a link on your blog, a screenshot, or include the advertisement in your post so the class can see what you are discussing. You should then relate the piece of advertising back to the concepts in Sections A & B in chapter 5 and discuss.
*Pick one concept from the assigned reading, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
Reminder: Please post three responses to your colleagues blogs within this weeks time frame.
1). Read Chapter 4 - Repairing Arguments
2). Read Chapter 5 - Is that true?
3). Quiz/Test - There is a Quiz/Test on Blackboard this week. It will be available from today and will end on Saturday. You must log onto Blackboard, click on "Assessments" on the left hand side of the page and click Test #2. There are 25 questions on the test, each question is worth 2 points. The quiz/test is on chapters 1-5, 9 & 11. You will have 35 minutes to complete the quiz/test. It is an open book/open notes quiz. DO NOT SHARE ANSWERS WITH ANYONE FROM THIS CLASS OR ANOTHER Comm 41 CLASS. Please review the Academic Integrity Policy on the Quizzes/Tests Page on Blackboard.
4). Start working with your group on Assignment #2 - Critical Evaluation of a Social Organization. It is quite a bit more involved than Assignment #1, so please start early. I will need notification of when your group meets for this assignment as well, so please set up a meeting and email me ASAP with your meeting date and time.
5). Participate in Week 6 Discussion.
Answer one in each of your three posts, at least 12 hours apart:
*In our last discussion week we talked about Violating the Principle of Rational Discussion (page 202) and Content Fallacies (page 201). This week I would like you to discuss the idea of repairing arguments. For this question, please come up with an argument that needs to be repaired. Look over the examples on pages 63-67. Come up with your own example and 'discuss' it as they do in the text. To accomplish this, you should understand the Principle of Rational Discussion and the concept of Repairing Arguments.
*Concerning Section C in Chapter 5, Advertising on the Internet. Please find a piece of advertising on the internet, provide a link on your blog, a screenshot, or include the advertisement in your post so the class can see what you are discussing. You should then relate the piece of advertising back to the concepts in Sections A & B in chapter 5 and discuss.
*Pick one concept from the assigned reading, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
Reminder: Please post three responses to your colleagues blogs within this weeks time frame.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Group Assignment #2 Follow Up (Results from vote)
Hello Class,
Over the last few days I have heard from 16 folks in the class. An overwhelming 14 people said that they wanted to stay in the same group. The other two votes were undecided (but ok with staying with the same group) and switch groups (only because they wanted to meet other folks in the class, not because they didn't like their original group).
I must say, I'm a little stunned, but VERY pleased that you want to work with the same group of folks again. I'm also glad that most folks responded to my email in a timely manner. Ultimately, this is YOUR class and I want you to have some say in the course.
For the next assignment you will work with the same group you worked with for the first assignment. I will email out Assignment #2 either tonight or tomorrow morning so you can get a start on it.
Again, it makes me very happy that you all (for the most part) really liked the groups I originally put you in.
:)
The Blogging Prof
Over the last few days I have heard from 16 folks in the class. An overwhelming 14 people said that they wanted to stay in the same group. The other two votes were undecided (but ok with staying with the same group) and switch groups (only because they wanted to meet other folks in the class, not because they didn't like their original group).
I must say, I'm a little stunned, but VERY pleased that you want to work with the same group of folks again. I'm also glad that most folks responded to my email in a timely manner. Ultimately, this is YOUR class and I want you to have some say in the course.
For the next assignment you will work with the same group you worked with for the first assignment. I will email out Assignment #2 either tonight or tomorrow morning so you can get a start on it.
Again, it makes me very happy that you all (for the most part) really liked the groups I originally put you in.
:)
The Blogging Prof
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Week of February 21 - 27
Here is what's listed on the Schedule Page from Blackboard:
1). Read Chapter 9 - Concealed Claims
2). Contact your group and start working on Assignment #2 - Critical Evaluation of a Social Organization
3). Reply to email from instructor regarding groups. See your email.
There is no discussion this week. Please get started right away on assignment #2.
I will email out group assignments once I have heard from a majority of the class. I will also post the second assignment to Blackboard and email it out to the class early this week.
FURLOUGH DAY: Friday, Feb. 26th is a furlough day.
1). Read Chapter 9 - Concealed Claims
2). Contact your group and start working on Assignment #2 - Critical Evaluation of a Social Organization
3). Reply to email from instructor regarding groups. See your email.
There is no discussion this week. Please get started right away on assignment #2.
I will email out group assignments once I have heard from a majority of the class. I will also post the second assignment to Blackboard and email it out to the class early this week.
FURLOUGH DAY: Friday, Feb. 26th is a furlough day.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Grades posted for 2/7-2/13
I posted grades for the week of 2/7-2/13. Please take a look at your grade and let me know if you have any questions. If you do have questions about your grade, when you email me, please include the following:
1). Time/date/word counts of the posts to your blog
2). Locations/date/word counts of the comments to other people's blogs
NOTE: The first few weeks of discussion have gone really well. One thing that is common across both Comm 41 sections that I am instructing is the clarity that the posts bring to the concepts. It would be fairly simple for me to reiterate the concepts in the book on my blog, however, I feel that the clarity the community we have created here helps a bit more in this area. I have noticed comments such as "the concept was a bit hard for me to understand, but after reading your blog I understand it now". This is exciting because our blog posts and comments are creating community. If one persons blog post and examples do not clarify a concept, another persons blog post will. Each person in the class is contributing to a larger community, even though it may not 'feel' like it because this is an online class. However, each persons contributions are really expanding the understanding of the concepts we cover and helps other students really grad a hold of ambiguous ideas.
The book does a decent job of explaining concepts. However, the textbook, as with any textbook, can be a bit unclear at times. This is where building a diverse community here in blog world really helps. I hope you can see the richness and value in blogging and commenting.
Lookout for another post tomorrow morning with what is due for the coming week.
1). Time/date/word counts of the posts to your blog
2). Locations/date/word counts of the comments to other people's blogs
NOTE: The first few weeks of discussion have gone really well. One thing that is common across both Comm 41 sections that I am instructing is the clarity that the posts bring to the concepts. It would be fairly simple for me to reiterate the concepts in the book on my blog, however, I feel that the clarity the community we have created here helps a bit more in this area. I have noticed comments such as "the concept was a bit hard for me to understand, but after reading your blog I understand it now". This is exciting because our blog posts and comments are creating community. If one persons blog post and examples do not clarify a concept, another persons blog post will. Each person in the class is contributing to a larger community, even though it may not 'feel' like it because this is an online class. However, each persons contributions are really expanding the understanding of the concepts we cover and helps other students really grad a hold of ambiguous ideas.
The book does a decent job of explaining concepts. However, the textbook, as with any textbook, can be a bit unclear at times. This is where building a diverse community here in blog world really helps. I hope you can see the richness and value in blogging and commenting.
Lookout for another post tomorrow morning with what is due for the coming week.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Just finished.....
I just finished grading all blog posts and comments from the week of February 7th - 13th. I will post the grades to Blackboard at some point by the end of the day. Look out for those grades and another post here on my blog a bit later.
Until then.......
Until then.......
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Grading
Hello Again!
Since I have started to post your grades to Blackboard, I thought I would give you some additional information about grading in this class so there is no question about how I grade blogs every week.
A bit about grading: If you ever feel any ambiguity in the evaluation process in this course, please email me. My goal for this course is total transparency for each student. However, since this is an online course, transparency begins with you as the student. I can only address issues if I know they exist. If this were a face to face class I would be able to easily explain how grading works, chat with you before/after class about your grades, etc... Online classes face many challenges and some of you are aware of these challenges due taking repetitive online courses. Others may have expectations that are not being met. I have mentioned a few times so far that I'm always available to chat through email, Yahoo Messenger and over the phone in case there are every any questions.
How I evaluate your blog posts and comments: As stated on the Participation Page, I look for a few things:
*Have you complied with the guidelines listed on the Participation Page?
*Does the content of your post/comment relate to our reading this week?
*Have you address the question in its entirety on your post?
*Have your given thought to the post you have commented on?
*Have you included the minimum number of words required in each post/comment?
*Is your post/comment within our discussion week?
If all of these questions have a 'yes' answer, there should be no reason why you earn anything less than full credit.
I hope this helps to clear up any ambiguity as it relates to the evaluation of your posts.
Have a wonderfully fabulous (and communication filled) day!!!
Since I have started to post your grades to Blackboard, I thought I would give you some additional information about grading in this class so there is no question about how I grade blogs every week.
A bit about grading: If you ever feel any ambiguity in the evaluation process in this course, please email me. My goal for this course is total transparency for each student. However, since this is an online course, transparency begins with you as the student. I can only address issues if I know they exist. If this were a face to face class I would be able to easily explain how grading works, chat with you before/after class about your grades, etc... Online classes face many challenges and some of you are aware of these challenges due taking repetitive online courses. Others may have expectations that are not being met. I have mentioned a few times so far that I'm always available to chat through email, Yahoo Messenger and over the phone in case there are every any questions.
How I evaluate your blog posts and comments: As stated on the Participation Page, I look for a few things:
*Have you complied with the guidelines listed on the Participation Page?
*Does the content of your post/comment relate to our reading this week?
*Have you address the question in its entirety on your post?
*Have your given thought to the post you have commented on?
*Have you included the minimum number of words required in each post/comment?
*Is your post/comment within our discussion week?
If all of these questions have a 'yes' answer, there should be no reason why you earn anything less than full credit.
I hope this helps to clear up any ambiguity as it relates to the evaluation of your posts.
Have a wonderfully fabulous (and communication filled) day!!!
Grades Posted and Blog Reminders
Hello Class! I just updated grades to Blackboard for the first discussion week and some other things. Please look over your grade and let me know if you have any questions.
Here are some reminders about blogging and commenting (just to reinforce the parameters):
1). There are 3 questions per discussion week. Please answer those questions in 1 post each on your blog. Make sure your posts are at least 12 hours apart. Pay attention to your date and time stamp. Each post should be 150 words minimum - there is no maximum.
2). Comments should be on 3 different blogs. Each comment should be a minimum of 100 words each. There is no time restriction for comments, and can all be done at the same time. Make sure you are logged into your blogger account when leaving comments so your alias/display name appears.
3). I check the word count for all blog posts and comments. It is your responsibility to make sure your posts and comments meet the minimum requirement.
4). Your posts and comments need to be within a given discussion week. This means that if our week runs from 2/7 to 2/13, and you comment on a post that is not within that date range, you will not receive credit for that comment. I only check the posts and comments for that week. I do not go back and re-check past posts to see if someone has mistakenly commented on a past post.
5). It is recommended that you keep track of all dates/times/locations/word counts of your posts and comments. If you would like to email me about a grade, please include the following information in your email:
*Time and date of your posts including word counts
*Time and date of your comments including word counts
The information I have included here is located on the Participation Page on Blackboard. It is your responsibility to know everything that is on Blackboard and what is posted to my blog.
As a reminder, check my blog frequently for updates.
As always, I am available for questions through email, over Yahoo Messenger and of course to schedule a phone conversation at any time.
Here are some reminders about blogging and commenting (just to reinforce the parameters):
1). There are 3 questions per discussion week. Please answer those questions in 1 post each on your blog. Make sure your posts are at least 12 hours apart. Pay attention to your date and time stamp. Each post should be 150 words minimum - there is no maximum.
2). Comments should be on 3 different blogs. Each comment should be a minimum of 100 words each. There is no time restriction for comments, and can all be done at the same time. Make sure you are logged into your blogger account when leaving comments so your alias/display name appears.
3). I check the word count for all blog posts and comments. It is your responsibility to make sure your posts and comments meet the minimum requirement.
4). Your posts and comments need to be within a given discussion week. This means that if our week runs from 2/7 to 2/13, and you comment on a post that is not within that date range, you will not receive credit for that comment. I only check the posts and comments for that week. I do not go back and re-check past posts to see if someone has mistakenly commented on a past post.
5). It is recommended that you keep track of all dates/times/locations/word counts of your posts and comments. If you would like to email me about a grade, please include the following information in your email:
*Time and date of your posts including word counts
*Time and date of your comments including word counts
The information I have included here is located on the Participation Page on Blackboard. It is your responsibility to know everything that is on Blackboard and what is posted to my blog.
As a reminder, check my blog frequently for updates.
As always, I am available for questions through email, over Yahoo Messenger and of course to schedule a phone conversation at any time.
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