Blogging versus Web Page
Aside from first term, I also teach Algebra online. I found that I was sharing a number of concepts over and over, so I created a webpage that contained a number of downloadable "cheat sheets" which has worked well. I am not sure a blog would be advantageous in a math class, as it is important to have all the elements in one place.
I am also unclear as to why we would want to promote students "participating" in a location that will not add to their grade and give us additional work. In my minds eye I could already see students complaining about having to go to a blog when the school requires that they post in the discussion board area. As well, as an adjunct there are already so many expectations of how our time is spent, I am not sure I would have the time to go outside of what I am already doing in my classrooms.
Just my thoughts, what do you all think?
Karen,
You make a great point. I too have learned the hard way that too much technology outside the LMS can really confuse students. There can be a disconnect that becomes a barrier to students. That is why I always look at what the LMS has to provide first. I know there are tutorials for it and it is easily found.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I am not clear what this is in response to, as I can only see this one comment however I teach first term so there is not an expert to look for in this field. As well, it is difficult enough to get the students comfortable with using a computer, in most cases, and getting around the very large online campus as well as the software used in class. Students are already attempting to get their bearings in the classroom, library and resources, taking them to another location may be "the straw that broke the camels back". Thanks for the suggestion though.
Karen,
I know that has to be frustrating. You may want to try to find a Blog they can follow of an expert in your field. That may work.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
As indicated in other responses, the schools I work for do not allow a modification to the syllabus therefore adding a blog would give the students an added ungraded element, which will likely not be done. In one school we have weekly classes that are not graded, but are a fantastic way of getting great insights about the work and assignments for the week, but since there is no grade involved it is rare that I have more than 1 or 2 people show up. :-(
Karen,
You make a great point. If they are required to post in a discussion a blog may not be the best at the time. I wouldn't want students to think of this type of assessment as that. You want to be able to match the assessment to the outcome.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
