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.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
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.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Critical Thinking in News and Politics
Hello Class!
I have gotten a repetitive question regarding the group assignment due on Friday.
Section 2f states: "Finally, each member should write a short paragraph stating whether you agree or disagree with the writer in this argument and why. The paragraphs should be attached to the name of the group member who wrote them."
Please include these paragraphs at the end of the paper and simply put the writer's name above the paragraph. The individual paragraphs are not counted in the total word count of the paper. This means that whoever is the elected person to compile the paper and send it to me should have the paragraphs early so they can format the paragraphs to match the paper, and include them in the final draft to be submitted to me before the 11:59pm deadline.
Let me know if you have more questions about this. :)
I have gotten a repetitive question regarding the group assignment due on Friday.
Section 2f states: "Finally, each member should write a short paragraph stating whether you agree or disagree with the writer in this argument and why. The paragraphs should be attached to the name of the group member who wrote them."
Please include these paragraphs at the end of the paper and simply put the writer's name above the paragraph. The individual paragraphs are not counted in the total word count of the paper. This means that whoever is the elected person to compile the paper and send it to me should have the paragraphs early so they can format the paragraphs to match the paper, and include them in the final draft to be submitted to me before the 11:59pm deadline.
Let me know if you have more questions about this. :)
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Week of February 14 - 20
Here is what's listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages for this week:
Requirements:
*Read Chapter 4 in the Group Communication text - Communication in Organizations
*Read Chapter 11 in the Epstein text - Fallacies: A Summary of Bad Arguments. Remember to read all the way through the chapter and engage in the exercises contained within. This chapter runs from page 199 - 250.
*Participate in this week's discussion. (3 posts to your blog, 150 words each and 3 comments on your colleagues blogs, 100 words each). Make sure your comments are within this week's discussion. Do not comment on past weeks posts.
*Reminder: Assignment #1 - Critical Thinking in News and Politics is due on Friday, February 19th by 11:59pm. Please submit your paper on time. Only one person from your group needs to submit the paper.
Class Discussion: Answer one in each of your three posts at least 12 hours apart:
1). Concerning 221 - 225 Complex Arguments for Analysis: Page 225 contains Exercises on the Structure of Arguments. Please choose one of the 5 exercises and complete the exercise in one post to your blog. After you have completed the exercise, discuss whether or not this exercise was useful.
2). Violating the Principle of Rational Discussion (page 202) and Content Fallacies (page 201). Pick one, explain the fallacy in your own words, then give a real world example that you have heard in the past. (You may need to do additional 'research' for the fallacy that you have chosen if the concept is not clear from the text. You can 'google' the particular fallacy you have chosen for an additional explanation).
3). Pick one concept from either text, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
***Remember to post 3 responses to your colleagues blogs with this week's discussion. Make sure you are not posting a comment on a previous week's questions.
REMINDER: Monday, February 15th is a furlough day so I will not be conducting any university business that day. That means that I will not answer email, hold office hours or be available to students.
Requirements:
*Read Chapter 4 in the Group Communication text - Communication in Organizations
*Read Chapter 11 in the Epstein text - Fallacies: A Summary of Bad Arguments. Remember to read all the way through the chapter and engage in the exercises contained within. This chapter runs from page 199 - 250.
*Participate in this week's discussion. (3 posts to your blog, 150 words each and 3 comments on your colleagues blogs, 100 words each). Make sure your comments are within this week's discussion. Do not comment on past weeks posts.
*Reminder: Assignment #1 - Critical Thinking in News and Politics is due on Friday, February 19th by 11:59pm. Please submit your paper on time. Only one person from your group needs to submit the paper.
Class Discussion: Answer one in each of your three posts at least 12 hours apart:
1). Concerning 221 - 225 Complex Arguments for Analysis: Page 225 contains Exercises on the Structure of Arguments. Please choose one of the 5 exercises and complete the exercise in one post to your blog. After you have completed the exercise, discuss whether or not this exercise was useful.
2). Violating the Principle of Rational Discussion (page 202) and Content Fallacies (page 201). Pick one, explain the fallacy in your own words, then give a real world example that you have heard in the past. (You may need to do additional 'research' for the fallacy that you have chosen if the concept is not clear from the text. You can 'google' the particular fallacy you have chosen for an additional explanation).
3). Pick one concept from either text, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
***Remember to post 3 responses to your colleagues blogs with this week's discussion. Make sure you are not posting a comment on a previous week's questions.
REMINDER: Monday, February 15th is a furlough day so I will not be conducting any university business that day. That means that I will not answer email, hold office hours or be available to students.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
What is an Editorial?
Hello Folks!
I hope you are all diligently working on your first projects, as they are due next Friday, February 19th by 11:59pm. As you know, this first project is a group project. It is required that you work with a group for this project! (See the assignment sheet for more information).
I have been getting a few questions here and there and wanted to clarify something. Here is the definition of an editorial in case there is any ambiguity:
An editorial, also called a leading article, is a piece of writing intended to promote an opinion or perspective. Editorials are featured in many newspapers and magazines, usually written by the senior editorial staff or publisher of the publication. Additionally, most print publications feature an editorial, or letter followed by a Letters to the Editor section.
I hope this helps, and I can't wait to see what your group puts together.
I hope you are all diligently working on your first projects, as they are due next Friday, February 19th by 11:59pm. As you know, this first project is a group project. It is required that you work with a group for this project! (See the assignment sheet for more information).
I have been getting a few questions here and there and wanted to clarify something. Here is the definition of an editorial in case there is any ambiguity:
An editorial, also called a leading article, is a piece of writing intended to promote an opinion or perspective. Editorials are featured in many newspapers and magazines, usually written by the senior editorial staff or publisher of the publication. Additionally, most print publications feature an editorial, or letter followed by a Letters to the Editor section.
I hope this helps, and I can't wait to see what your group puts together.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Week of February 7 - 13
Here is what's listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages for this week:
Requirements:
*Read Chapter 3 in the Group Communication text - Leadership and Decision Making in Groups and Teams
*Read Chapter 3 in the Epstein text - What is a Good Argument?
*Participate in this week's discussion. (3 posts to your blog, 150 words each and 3 comments on your colleagues blogs, 100 words each). Make sure your comments are within this week's discussion. Do not comment on past weeks posts.
*Complete the Library Tutorial: http://tutorials.sjlibrary.org/tutorial/librarybasics/index.htm
Class Discussion: Answer one in each of your three posts at least 12 hours apart:
1). Concerning part "C" in chapter 3 of the Epstein text, The Tests for an Argument to Be Good - there are three tests an argument must pass in order for the argument to be good. There are many examples in the book on pages 42-45. Please come up with an argument just like the examples, and discuss it using the three tests on Page 42. Keep in mind that your test should be different from the examples in the book and that you should discuss the three criteria in detail. This post may be quite a bit more than 150 words. In addition, it is imperative that you understand the concepts contained within the 3 tests for an argument (page 42).
2). Discuss Strong versus Valid Arguments in detail. Give an example of each from everyday life.
3). Pick one concept from either text, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
***Remember to post 3 responses to your colleagues blogs.
***Reminder: Group Assignments (Critical Thinking in News and Politics) are due next Friday, February 19th. Please email me with the date/time your ENTIRE group is meeting. It is required that EVERY person in your group meet in 'real time' at least once.
Requirements:
*Read Chapter 3 in the Group Communication text - Leadership and Decision Making in Groups and Teams
*Read Chapter 3 in the Epstein text - What is a Good Argument?
*Participate in this week's discussion. (3 posts to your blog, 150 words each and 3 comments on your colleagues blogs, 100 words each). Make sure your comments are within this week's discussion. Do not comment on past weeks posts.
*Complete the Library Tutorial: http://tutorials.sjlibrary.org/tutorial/librarybasics/index.htm
Class Discussion: Answer one in each of your three posts at least 12 hours apart:
1). Concerning part "C" in chapter 3 of the Epstein text, The Tests for an Argument to Be Good - there are three tests an argument must pass in order for the argument to be good. There are many examples in the book on pages 42-45. Please come up with an argument just like the examples, and discuss it using the three tests on Page 42. Keep in mind that your test should be different from the examples in the book and that you should discuss the three criteria in detail. This post may be quite a bit more than 150 words. In addition, it is imperative that you understand the concepts contained within the 3 tests for an argument (page 42).
2). Discuss Strong versus Valid Arguments in detail. Give an example of each from everyday life.
3). Pick one concept from either text, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
***Remember to post 3 responses to your colleagues blogs.
***Reminder: Group Assignments (Critical Thinking in News and Politics) are due next Friday, February 19th. Please email me with the date/time your ENTIRE group is meeting. It is required that EVERY person in your group meet in 'real time' at least once.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Reminders
Please complete everything that is due for this week. See the post below titled: Week of January 31 - February 6th for more details about what should be completed by Saturday at 11:59pm.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Contacting Your Instructor
Believe it or not, there's a person at the other end of the computer - that would be me, The Blogging Prof! I know, I know, I'm stating the obvious, right? It's easy to forget that an online instructor is here to help you and converse with you just like an in-person instructor would be. I love love love chatting with students whether that be over the phone, in-person or otherwise. In fact, I often find myself staying after class (my f2f classes) chatting with students for quite a bit of time, sometimes hours. So yeah, you can say I love my students and I love my job!
Going from instructing classes in person to online classes was a bit difficult because it's hard to convey to students over the computer that you are there to answer questions and to help when needed. It is much easier to do that when you are in a classroom setting. But, I'm here to tell you that I'm available if you need to chat about something in class.
I strive to communicate with my students whenever possible and I have already had the pleasure of chatting with a number of you over the phone. I have also chatted with quite a few of you over Yahoo Messenger and through email.
Here is a little reminder about how you can go about contacting me. There are 3 ways:
1). Email. I check my email during the week, M-F numerous times a day. I also check my email periodically on the weekends, but response time may take a little longer than during the week. I am teaching on M&W in person, so my response time may take a little longer as I teach 4 hour classes on those day.
2). Yahoo Messenger. Download Yahoo Messenger if you haven't already and add me as a friend: carolperezcommclass As it states on the "Getting Started" page, I do not use Yahoo Messenger for personal use, so anytime day or night you see me online, feel free to message me. My 'official' office hours are on Tuesday's and Thursday's from 9:00am to 11:00am, but I am online quite a bit more than that. Even if you see me available at 2am and you have a question, feel free to pop in. I normally don't log onto Yahoo Messenger unless I'm ready to chat with students. (I guess I have no life). ;)
3). Phone conversations. I am always available to schedule a phone conversation whenever you'd like. If you have a question you don't think can be solved over email or yahoo messenger, we can certainly chat over the phone. It's just like on campus office hours, but quite a bit more convenient for you since you don't have to come down to campus.
I hope to chat with y'all in the near future.....
Happy Blogging!
Going from instructing classes in person to online classes was a bit difficult because it's hard to convey to students over the computer that you are there to answer questions and to help when needed. It is much easier to do that when you are in a classroom setting. But, I'm here to tell you that I'm available if you need to chat about something in class.
I strive to communicate with my students whenever possible and I have already had the pleasure of chatting with a number of you over the phone. I have also chatted with quite a few of you over Yahoo Messenger and through email.
Here is a little reminder about how you can go about contacting me. There are 3 ways:
1). Email. I check my email during the week, M-F numerous times a day. I also check my email periodically on the weekends, but response time may take a little longer than during the week. I am teaching on M&W in person, so my response time may take a little longer as I teach 4 hour classes on those day.
2). Yahoo Messenger. Download Yahoo Messenger if you haven't already and add me as a friend: carolperezcommclass As it states on the "Getting Started" page, I do not use Yahoo Messenger for personal use, so anytime day or night you see me online, feel free to message me. My 'official' office hours are on Tuesday's and Thursday's from 9:00am to 11:00am, but I am online quite a bit more than that. Even if you see me available at 2am and you have a question, feel free to pop in. I normally don't log onto Yahoo Messenger unless I'm ready to chat with students. (I guess I have no life). ;)
3). Phone conversations. I am always available to schedule a phone conversation whenever you'd like. If you have a question you don't think can be solved over email or yahoo messenger, we can certainly chat over the phone. It's just like on campus office hours, but quite a bit more convenient for you since you don't have to come down to campus.
I hope to chat with y'all in the near future.....
Happy Blogging!
Chapter Exercises and Activities
Hello Class! In case you haven't already noticed, the Handouts Page on Blackboard contains some useful handouts for you.
Some concepts in the book may be a bit difficult to pick up on right off the bat, and since we are not in a traditional classroom setting, I have posted the answers to the exercises in the book.
For example, this week's reading is Chapter 2 in the Epstein text. There are numerous, vast pages of exercises you can complete in order to understand the material a bit better. Completing these exercises will reinforce the ideas in the chapters when a concept or idea may be difficult for you to grasp.
These exercises are not graded, but HIGHLY recommended in order to really grab a hold of the concepts in the book. In short - please complete the exercises in the book when reading the chapters. DO NOT SKIP OVER THE EXERCISES!!!!
Again, since this is an online class, you may need a bit of a boost when it comes to understanding a concept. Even if you feel you understand the concept well, you should still complete the exercises in the book (and compare your answers with what I have posted on the Handouts Page on Blackboard). Those exercises will reinforce your understanding and really solidify it (which you will need for tests and quizzes in this class - especially the FINAL EXAM.
Let me know if any questions arise about what's on the Handouts Page.
Until later........
Some concepts in the book may be a bit difficult to pick up on right off the bat, and since we are not in a traditional classroom setting, I have posted the answers to the exercises in the book.
For example, this week's reading is Chapter 2 in the Epstein text. There are numerous, vast pages of exercises you can complete in order to understand the material a bit better. Completing these exercises will reinforce the ideas in the chapters when a concept or idea may be difficult for you to grasp.
These exercises are not graded, but HIGHLY recommended in order to really grab a hold of the concepts in the book. In short - please complete the exercises in the book when reading the chapters. DO NOT SKIP OVER THE EXERCISES!!!!
Again, since this is an online class, you may need a bit of a boost when it comes to understanding a concept. Even if you feel you understand the concept well, you should still complete the exercises in the book (and compare your answers with what I have posted on the Handouts Page on Blackboard). Those exercises will reinforce your understanding and really solidify it (which you will need for tests and quizzes in this class - especially the FINAL EXAM.
Let me know if any questions arise about what's on the Handouts Page.
Until later........
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
FAQ's
Some of you have emailed me with questions and I thought it would be helpful if the entire class saw the answers. Here you go:
1). Q- Do I have to post on 3 different blogs? Or can I post two or three times on the same blog as long as they are different posts?
A- You should comment on 3 different blogs.
2). Q- How do you keep track of our posts and comments?
A- I keep track of every post and comment on a spreadsheet every week we have a discussion. Each post you make on your blog will have a date and time stamp and I keep track of them to make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. Then, I check all comments made for that week. I will record the location of your comments.
3). Q- If I comment on someones post from last week, will I get credit?
A- No, I only check the blog posts for that week. Make sure you are checking the dates of the posts you are commenting on and of course, the content of the question to make sure it is an appropriate post.
4). Q- Do comments have to be at least 100 words?
A- Yes, while posts require 150 words, comments need to be at least 100 words. I do word counts on all posts and comments to make sure you are reaching the word minimum. Of course you can post more than the minimum amount of words required, but please meet the minimum.
5). Q- Should I keep track of the location of my comments?
A- Yes. Please keep track of comments and locations in case there is a discrepancy in recording or grading.
6). Q- What do I post as a comment?
A- Whatever you'd like as long as it has to do with the content of the post and related to the question I have asked. You can agree, disagree, add to the comment, ask thoughtful questions to the poster,give feedback, etc.... The comment content is up to you as long as it relates to course material, and of course the post itself.
7). Q- If I comment back to someone on my blog, do I get credit for it?
A- In short, no. You will only get credit for your three posts and three comments on other people's blogs. However, when someone asks you a question face to face, do you ignore them or give them the courtesy of an answer?
8). Q- How do you grade posts?
A- Content, answering the question in full, expressed thoughtfulness of course content and of course word count.
9). Q- Can I post to my blog and comment at the same time?
A- Yes. You only need to worry about posting 12 hours apart on YOUR blog. You can comment anytime as long as it is within our discussion week (12:01am on Sunday through 11:59pm on Saturday). You can post to your blog and then comment at the same time.....or you can do all three comments at the same time. As long as the posts on your blog are 12 hours apart, go ahead and make three comments on three different blogs at any point during our discussion week. Make sure you comment on a qualifying post on the other persons blog. This means you must comment on a post that was made during the current discussion week.
1). Q- Do I have to post on 3 different blogs? Or can I post two or three times on the same blog as long as they are different posts?
A- You should comment on 3 different blogs.
2). Q- How do you keep track of our posts and comments?
A- I keep track of every post and comment on a spreadsheet every week we have a discussion. Each post you make on your blog will have a date and time stamp and I keep track of them to make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. Then, I check all comments made for that week. I will record the location of your comments.
3). Q- If I comment on someones post from last week, will I get credit?
A- No, I only check the blog posts for that week. Make sure you are checking the dates of the posts you are commenting on and of course, the content of the question to make sure it is an appropriate post.
4). Q- Do comments have to be at least 100 words?
A- Yes, while posts require 150 words, comments need to be at least 100 words. I do word counts on all posts and comments to make sure you are reaching the word minimum. Of course you can post more than the minimum amount of words required, but please meet the minimum.
5). Q- Should I keep track of the location of my comments?
A- Yes. Please keep track of comments and locations in case there is a discrepancy in recording or grading.
6). Q- What do I post as a comment?
A- Whatever you'd like as long as it has to do with the content of the post and related to the question I have asked. You can agree, disagree, add to the comment, ask thoughtful questions to the poster,give feedback, etc.... The comment content is up to you as long as it relates to course material, and of course the post itself.
7). Q- If I comment back to someone on my blog, do I get credit for it?
A- In short, no. You will only get credit for your three posts and three comments on other people's blogs. However, when someone asks you a question face to face, do you ignore them or give them the courtesy of an answer?
8). Q- How do you grade posts?
A- Content, answering the question in full, expressed thoughtfulness of course content and of course word count.
9). Q- Can I post to my blog and comment at the same time?
A- Yes. You only need to worry about posting 12 hours apart on YOUR blog. You can comment anytime as long as it is within our discussion week (12:01am on Sunday through 11:59pm on Saturday). You can post to your blog and then comment at the same time.....or you can do all three comments at the same time. As long as the posts on your blog are 12 hours apart, go ahead and make three comments on three different blogs at any point during our discussion week. Make sure you comment on a qualifying post on the other persons blog. This means you must comment on a post that was made during the current discussion week.
More about Blogging
Since Sunday morning at 12:01am marked the beginning of our discussion week, I thought I would post a bit more about blogging. You can post anytime during the discussion week as long as it is between Sunday morning 12:01am and Saturday night at 11:59pm. Each post to your blog should be a minimum of 12 hours apart. There is no time restriction when it comes to commenting, meaning you can comment on three blogs at the same time.
To post to your blog, please log into your blog and hit the New Post button. Make sure to publish your post when you are finished typing your post. It is your responsibility to make sure that the posts to your blog are at least 12 hours apart.
After you post, make sure to go back and view your blog. If you can't see your post, neither can I or your classmates. You should check your blog to make sure your post appears, and that it looks the way you want it to look.
Date and Time Stamps: Each post you create on your blog will have a date and time stamp. I record each of these to make sure your posts are at least 12 hours apart (yep, it's a lot of paperwork). Again, once you have posted, go back and check to make sure your posts date and time stamp are at least 12 hours apart. Again, I can only see what is on your blog. If your posts are not at least 12 hours apart, your post will not count and you will not earn points for that post. Also, make sure each post to your blog is at least 150 words minimum.
Commenting: For every discussion week you should comment on at least 3 blogs. It is your responsibility to make sure your comments are within the discussion week. This means that if you post a comment to a blog and that comment was made on the previous week of discussion, you will not earn credit for your comment. Comments need to be 100 words minimum. To comment on another blog, please go to my blog and look at the list located at the lower right hand corner of my blog. Click on the names, read the post, and comment. The 'comment' button will be below the post. Again, I WILL NOT go back and check posts from a past week to see if you mistakenly commented on a post from a previous week.
Keeping track of posts and comments: I keep track of posts to your blog and comments. Because I'm human, sometimes I make mistakes. I HIGHLY recommend that you keep track of your posts and your comments. This should include dates/times/locations of your posts/comments. If you ever have any questions about your points total for a week, or if you think I'm missing a post or comment, YOU will need to provide the dates/times of YOUR POSTS and also the dates/times/locations of your COMMENTS. Please keep a log every week of where and when you posted and commented.
Display Names: If you haven't already, please go back and check your Display Name. There are directions on the "Getting Started" page on Blackboard.
Sunday Morning: I will post to my blog on Sunday morning everything that is due for the coming week. The information I will post to my blog will be the same as what is listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages on Blackboard. To get a head start, check out those pages.
Have a fabulous day!
To post to your blog, please log into your blog and hit the New Post button. Make sure to publish your post when you are finished typing your post. It is your responsibility to make sure that the posts to your blog are at least 12 hours apart.
After you post, make sure to go back and view your blog. If you can't see your post, neither can I or your classmates. You should check your blog to make sure your post appears, and that it looks the way you want it to look.
Date and Time Stamps: Each post you create on your blog will have a date and time stamp. I record each of these to make sure your posts are at least 12 hours apart (yep, it's a lot of paperwork). Again, once you have posted, go back and check to make sure your posts date and time stamp are at least 12 hours apart. Again, I can only see what is on your blog. If your posts are not at least 12 hours apart, your post will not count and you will not earn points for that post. Also, make sure each post to your blog is at least 150 words minimum.
Commenting: For every discussion week you should comment on at least 3 blogs. It is your responsibility to make sure your comments are within the discussion week. This means that if you post a comment to a blog and that comment was made on the previous week of discussion, you will not earn credit for your comment. Comments need to be 100 words minimum. To comment on another blog, please go to my blog and look at the list located at the lower right hand corner of my blog. Click on the names, read the post, and comment. The 'comment' button will be below the post. Again, I WILL NOT go back and check posts from a past week to see if you mistakenly commented on a post from a previous week.
Keeping track of posts and comments: I keep track of posts to your blog and comments. Because I'm human, sometimes I make mistakes. I HIGHLY recommend that you keep track of your posts and your comments. This should include dates/times/locations of your posts/comments. If you ever have any questions about your points total for a week, or if you think I'm missing a post or comment, YOU will need to provide the dates/times of YOUR POSTS and also the dates/times/locations of your COMMENTS. Please keep a log every week of where and when you posted and commented.
Display Names: If you haven't already, please go back and check your Display Name. There are directions on the "Getting Started" page on Blackboard.
Sunday Morning: I will post to my blog on Sunday morning everything that is due for the coming week. The information I will post to my blog will be the same as what is listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages on Blackboard. To get a head start, check out those pages.
Have a fabulous day!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Blogging Questions
I have been receiving some repetitive emails about how a few things in the course work. Please read the blog in its entirety:
Blogging:
Since we will be blogging throughout this course, I thought I would explain how blogging works. There is quite a bit of information located on the "Participation" page about how blogging works. Here is an abbreviated version.
We have all created a blogspot webpage. This is where we will be having discussions rather than on Blackboard. Each week that there is a discussion, you will write 1 new post for each question, every week typically has 3 questions. You should post your first blog, wait AT LEAST 12 hours, then you are able to post another blog. Blogging must be done at least 12 hours apart. For example, you can post on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. As long as the date/time stamp on your blog is 12 hours apart, you should receive at least some credit for your blogs. I record dates and times, and it is your responsibility to make sure they are at least 12 hours apart.
In addition to blogging, you will need to comment on 3 other people's blogs in the course during a discussion week. Log onto my blog and visit some other blogs. There is a list on my blog in the lower right hand corner that contains every one's blog in the class (yours should be there). Click on any of the icons and read the blog then comment on it by clicking on "comment" at the bottom of the post. You need to make sure that when you leave a comment, you see your alias name so I can record that you have actually left a comment. It is your responsibility to make sure your name appears on the other person's blog. It may take a few tries to get it right, but you will soon catch on and become an expert at blogging. You are more than welcome to practice by leaving a comment or two on any of my posts to make sure you are commenting correctly.
As I have noted on the "Participation" page located on Blackboard, each post is worth 6 points (which needs to be done on your blog as a "New Post"), and each comment is worth 4 points (which is where you comment on other people's blogs). There is NO TIME restriction for commenting on other people's blogs. You can comment anytime during the week, and it does not need to be 12 hours apart. Make sure you are commenting on a post from the CURRENT week of discussion.
So to summarize, you will post 3 times in a given discussion week. You will create a new post for each question and make sure your posts are at least 12 hours apart. You will also comment on 3 other blogs during a discussion week. Each post should be 150 words minimum and each comment should be a minimum of 100 words, otherwise there will be a point deduction.
Until later......
Blogging:
Since we will be blogging throughout this course, I thought I would explain how blogging works. There is quite a bit of information located on the "Participation" page about how blogging works. Here is an abbreviated version.
We have all created a blogspot webpage. This is where we will be having discussions rather than on Blackboard. Each week that there is a discussion, you will write 1 new post for each question, every week typically has 3 questions. You should post your first blog, wait AT LEAST 12 hours, then you are able to post another blog. Blogging must be done at least 12 hours apart. For example, you can post on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. As long as the date/time stamp on your blog is 12 hours apart, you should receive at least some credit for your blogs. I record dates and times, and it is your responsibility to make sure they are at least 12 hours apart.
In addition to blogging, you will need to comment on 3 other people's blogs in the course during a discussion week. Log onto my blog and visit some other blogs. There is a list on my blog in the lower right hand corner that contains every one's blog in the class (yours should be there). Click on any of the icons and read the blog then comment on it by clicking on "comment" at the bottom of the post. You need to make sure that when you leave a comment, you see your alias name so I can record that you have actually left a comment. It is your responsibility to make sure your name appears on the other person's blog. It may take a few tries to get it right, but you will soon catch on and become an expert at blogging. You are more than welcome to practice by leaving a comment or two on any of my posts to make sure you are commenting correctly.
As I have noted on the "Participation" page located on Blackboard, each post is worth 6 points (which needs to be done on your blog as a "New Post"), and each comment is worth 4 points (which is where you comment on other people's blogs). There is NO TIME restriction for commenting on other people's blogs. You can comment anytime during the week, and it does not need to be 12 hours apart. Make sure you are commenting on a post from the CURRENT week of discussion.
So to summarize, you will post 3 times in a given discussion week. You will create a new post for each question and make sure your posts are at least 12 hours apart. You will also comment on 3 other blogs during a discussion week. Each post should be 150 words minimum and each comment should be a minimum of 100 words, otherwise there will be a point deduction.
Until later......
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