I all ready did my blog for this week, but today's discussion lead me to thinking about enough that I decided there was one more good ramble in me this week.
Let me start with a bit of background in my interest on this topic. My first year of teaching and, to an extent still to this day, www.webenglishteacher.com was my best friend. For someone just starting up in the world of teaching English, be it literature or composition -- this website was a godsend. It has lesson plans, unit plans, examples, citation how-tos, and links to author bios and university writing centers. But, best of all was its wide array of samples papers and projects.
I think that a similar site on a more local level for MSU would be fantastic! Regardless of whether a prof or a GTA is new to teaching itself, taking on a new class or position can be daunting. To be able to point a student (or myself) to a model position paper could save a lot of time and confusion. This is not to say that the website would replace teaching, but it would be an un-valuable resource.
As for how to do this....does it have to be large and complicated? Today, Dr.Cadle mentioned that it's easier to get grant money if the grant-givers see that something is all ready being done. Now, before I make my suggestions...let me give the disclaimer that I am not especially internet saavy. I can point and click and use it for research, but my only web design experience is two painfully set up semester long websites for literature classes as an undergrad. ANd I used geocities web-builder for those.
But my question/suggestion is: why not set up a website, using Dreamweaver or whatever the preferred webdesigner is, and put together a basic site. Have a section for models of the various types of 110 (and/or 210, etc) papers, a section assignment sheet models, unit plan ideas, etc...?
I understand that this would take time and effort in the gathering of said models and web designing, but I see more merit in starting a separate basic site than trying to somehow incorporate this level of accessibility and communication on Blackboard. I DO use Blackboard with my classes, but only for the Gradebook (as I find it easier than constantly having students email and question me on what their grade is) and to post copies of assignment sheets so that students will be accountable for that.
I will continue to ponder on this, but these are my thoughts so far.
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2 comments:
I only had one student ever ask me her grade in the class, and that was to have me sign some thing at midterm.
I know, probably the least important part of your post...
I have not heard of that website (but I plan on a visit in about 2 minutes).
I do agree that some type of model of the papers for 110 would be incredibly valuable. My concern is that different instructors value different areas. I am working toward more of a process model of teaching. I also want to further investigate a system style of teaching.
I do use Blackboard for grades as well. I love it. No student has asked me about grades. I have informed them of items on it and suggested they check it often enough to be useful.
Namaste.
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