So, I’ve gratefully accepted an invitation to speak at WordCamp Ed DC 2008 on “Teaching Undergraduates with Blogs” at GMU’s Center for History and New Media on Saturday, November 22. If you’re in the area, come check it out. [Heck, it’s free!]
I’m planning on talking about my uses of WordPress (MU) blogs in various classes. So, WordPress as: CMS-alternative, research log, reading reaction journal, individual project site, “permanent” group project site, and potential e-portfolio. Then I’ll discuss how students have responded to the process, maybe show a few good examples of students taking it to the next level.
Any suggestions for my talk? Issues to raise? Points to ponder?
Jeff,
I would be interested in hearing how you think about this space as an alternative to CMSs. And not so much in terms of something like WPMu doing everything an LMS can, but how WordPress might have provided a moment to re-imagine the impact of having students share and think out loud, online in the wide open web.
It would be interesting to hear some “I wish I would have known” or “I wish I would have” in relation to how you and students react to using these tools, maybe for the first time.
There’s so much to cover… well, if last month’s Educause conference can be considered a general source, consider FERPA, for one. As jim says, LMS comparisons.
Pedagogical uses are often need – show some different modes.
A few things I’ve dealt with and would love to hear your opinions on:
1) Student work in public versus private blogs.
2) Getting students to read and comment on other students posts; how students can write constructive comments.
Congrats on the invitation, and break a leg!
I should have the audio up this week from the presentation Jim and I did at EDUCAUSE in Orlando. Some of the Q&A may be of interest to you–heck, maybe even the presentation.
@Jim — Will do….
@Jerry — Part of the plan
@Bryan — FERPA always livens up a talk. 🙂 But, yes, it’s something I’ve considered and can discuss.
@Jeremy — I’ll try, but I’m not sure my answers will be any better than yours on those issues.
@Gardner — I’m really just subbing for you since you left the East Coast. 🙂