IPFW's Writing Program Blog

The second module on the WebCT Virtual Classroom Introduction was the Library Module. As a distance student for the last several years I was unable to visit the library on campus as much as I needed to. Once I began attending classes more on campus I was amazed at the resources I was missing out on and was not aware were even there. This module addresses students like me who unless it is pointed out would likely miss it.

The set up on the videos is easy and smooth to watch. It is simple and easily relatable to student needs both on and off campus. Addressing issues that distance students may have but aren't sure where to direct their questions too. It doesn't consume a lot of time and took about 25 minutes to watch the videos. I skipped the quizzes so time needs to be added for those.

It also introduces students who aren't on campus to using the library resources that are right at their fingertips as they browse their virtual classrooms. I think, however, that this website needs to be marketed a bit. I knew it existed but I didn't realize all its possibilities until I actually viewed this portion. A simple and easy way to accomplish this would be this route and for Profs to direct their students to the website and all of its assets.

I am really amazed at just how virtual this campus has gotten since 2002 when I began. Since that time WebCT has changed a zillion times, profs change their teaching techniques to accomodate the technology available through the web and the university. Students who aren't taking advantage of these things are placing themselves at a disadvantage in the classroom.

This module is another way for students within the writing program to use technology in a positive manner to increase their understanding and writing skills.

Posted by Blog Admin. at 8:30 PM | Permalink | Comments

Tonight I made my way around module 1 of the WebCT introduction set up by Prof. Worth Weller. The concept is a wonderful one and one I think should be required for all students taking distance education to complete before the semester is underway. It always seems like the first two to three weeks of any distance education course is spent working out the kinks and getting others who haven't used the software or are technologically challenged up to how it works.

Last semester I took Prof. Adam Dirckson's Intercultural Communications Class and before the semester even got into swinging we were required to take a quiz and pass with 100% on the formalities of using WebCT and understanding his syllabus. Though it was a pain (mostly a pain because it took me 6 tries to get 100%), it was a pain in the good way because it forces the student to be responsible and know how WebCT and the virtual classroom works.

Though each prof I have noticed in the last four years has different techniques and ideas of the virtual classroom. Some are easy and some are hard but the common misconception always is that an internet class is easier. I loved that immediately that myth was addressed. I say myth because much of my education has been through this distance program and internet classes are much harder and require more dedication to studies than any classroom class.

Having this sort of thing for distance students to understand how it works is important. It will take time but I went through each section and maneuvered the module and it only took about 20-30 minutes. I took a few of the quizzes and stopped so some time will need to be added.

There was, however, one portion that I struggled with a bit in sections 2.1 & 2.2. The file came up as a windows media file and the screen that was shared was extremely blurry and hard to follow. It was unreadable. However, if you listened to instructions that were given she easily captured what was required to get Java and to clear toolbars.

All other portions within the modules moved smoothly and were easy to understand.

Posted by Blog Admin. at 8:07 PM | Permalink | Comments

Presented by Shannon E.

On July 22, 2006

IPFW’s Writing Program Blog

Using this Weblog & It’s Purpose

Abstract

Several students of Indiana University Purdue University of Fort Wayne have come in contact with, at one time or another, the use of WebCT for a class within the Writing Program. Some feel immediately lost at the idea of having an online classroom and others excel immediately at it and understand its place within the classroom.

The purpose of this blog is to try and unite both sides in a common area (the blog) to discuss ways that will make it an easier transition to those students who aren't familiar or comfortable with an online classroom. It will also serve as a meeting place for students who enjoy adding the technological element to their writing. It will contain information on how to get the unfamiliar student more acclimated to use of campus technology. Also providing an outlet not previously explored in using other students via the web to work through technical issues with other students instead of their Profs or the help desk.

This site will have its own domain name which will also be linked with the Writing Program, the Department of English and Linguistics and other appropriate sites as the web owner sees fit. It will be posted on directly by students containing discussion and feedback of the Writing Program Student. That does not discount that professors or universities will as well be reading. The opinions stated on the site, however, are not representative of the views of the University or its staff.

Table of Contents
Presentation Page		1
Abstract		2
Table of Contents		3
Introduction		4
Audience		5
-Definition of
Website		6
-Benefits & Goals
-Marketing Plan
Resources		7
-Affiliated Links & Blogs
Weblog Host		8
Administration Change		9
Ideas & Issues		10
Conclusion		11

Introduction

This paper is being presented by Shannon R. Eichenauer, a senior IPFW English Major Student in hopes to help make her audience understand the purpose of the IPFW Writing Program Blog. This paper is intended make a statement about the administrators marketing plan, audience and purpose of starting a blog of this nature and plans for its longevity. Within this paper you will be presented with Shannon’s ideas of all the important characteristics that go into making and maintaining a successful blog.

Audience

The intended audience for a blog of this nature is the average college student who both excels and struggles with the idea of the virtual classroom. With the help of this blog it is intended to connect the two different sides and allow them to help one another making a line of communication that has not been previously explored within the Writing Program. As well it is hoped that this blog will provide the opportunity for writers within the Writing Program can not only connect in interest but in sharing resources of their knowledge with one another and with those who may want the help of a peer. It is also understood that this site might be looked up by professor to ease and address issues within classrooms and to aid them with the problems that may need to be addressed in other areas.

This is with audience being defined by the blogs administration as the participants both readers and contributors to the blog itself.

Website

Benefits & Goals

The benefits and the goals of this blog are very similar and are to provide an easily accessible connection for students in a multimedia environment that utilizes and highlights their skills with online education and to help those who struggle a bit more. With the same ideals of a classroom group project, it will create a virtual community where students feel more comfortable asking for help from their peers versus their professors or the help desk. It will possibly ease some confusion to the first time virtual student as well with the idea of a running FAQ (frequently asked questions) of which common questions will be highlighted and discussed among its readers.

It will also as serve as a meeting ground for writers who like to incorporate technology and use it in multiple literacies to enhance student learning and writing to the benefit of themselves and others. Campus Resources will be pointed out and encouraged giving students the opportunity to become more involved in the university experience. The benefits as well can be seen from a Professors point of view both in the classroom and possibly freeing up time that they might not have had.

Marketing Plan

In order for this to become the blog that is being presented here; the marketing needs to be addressed to students and let them know such a blog exists. This can be done via posters, emails, Professors, advisors, hypertext links from other blogs, sites etc., bulletin boards and most importantly word of mouth.

Resources

Affiliated Links & Blogs

This blog hopes to both provide and receive links from blogs that would be affiliated via the University, the Writing Program, the Department of English and Linguistics.

The blog will have a running FAQ, as stated above, of which it will highlight in the side bar common concerns or questions that students may have. If their questions are not immediately answered a question could be addressed as quickly as possible providing direction via campus resources or internet resources such as Purdue’s OWL website or MLA’s website. These sorts of resources will be fluid and ever changing and the plan is to keep them activated with fresh links as much as possible.

Also this blog can provide links to other University blogs that exist as well building a virtual campus community and a shared audience.

Weblog Host

Currently the blog is being hosted by Blogger which is a blogging software company that is owned and operated by Google, the internet search engine. Blogger is user friendly free software that requires little maintenance by the administrator. The posts are easy to create and require little time or effort and generally easy to load on most internet web browsers. A link to blog will be provided on the Department of English and Linguistics Home Page that features Campus Blogs.

Administration Change

At the point when the internship has been successfully fulfilled Shannon E. will step down as blog administrator after fully training a successor and making sure the blog is running smoothly by changing all appropriate coding and duties to the intended.

Issues and Concerns

Issues and concerns need to be address through the blog administrator. The purpose of this blog is to provide a candid place for IPFW students to meet and create a community where they can freely discuss issues, concerns or ideas as they are relevant to the Writing Program at IPFW. It is imperative for this blog to be successful that IPFW students provide feedback, communication and interactivity among the audience and administrators. This has to be done in an appropriate manner to ensure that the blog maintains its credibility and integrity.

Conclusion

We hope that this presentation helps others to understand the importance and far reaching ability of a project like this and can support its efforts. Providing to students who write a community to share, excel and develop their knowledge and create the college experience at a virtual level that universities are only now beginning to explore.

Posted by Blog Admin. at 7:31 PM | Permalink | Comments

The policies and procedures can be found here and I will publish below as well.

IPFW'’s Writing Program Blogging Guidelines and Policies

Several students of Indiana University Purdue University come in contact with, at one time or another, the use of WebCT for a class within the Writing Program. Some feel immediately lost at the idea of having an online classroom and others excel immediately at it and understand its place within the classroom.

The purpose of this blog is to try and unite both sides in a common area (the blog) to discuss ways that will make it an easier transition to those students who aren't familiar or comfortable with an online classroom. It will also serve as a meeting place for students who enjoy adding the technological element to their writing. It will also contain information on how to get the unfamiliar student more acclimated to use of campus technology. Providing also an outlet not previously explored in using other students via the web to work through technical issues with other students instead of their profs or the help desk.

This site will have its own domain name which will also be linked with the Writing Program, the Department of English and Linguistics and other appropriate sites as the web owner sees fit. It will be posted on directly by students containing discussion and feedback of the Writing Program Student. That does not discount that professors or universities will as well be reading. The opinions stated on the site, however, are not representative of the views of the University or its staff.

Guidelines for IPFW'’s Writing Program Bloggers

1. Though we encourage "“no holds barred"” discussion we like to remind posters that you are personally responsible for what you post and the post is public.
2. Make sure you pronounce your views as your own and not that of the University or its staff.
3. Be respectful to views different than your own.
4. Flaming, disrespect, obscenity will not be tolerated and should be deleted.
5. Encourage differences of opinions to show the many different views and be the leader of the discussion, showing it can be done in a thoughtful manner.
6. Respect fair view and copyright laws.

Guidelines for IPFW'’s Writing Program Bloggers: Detailed Discussions

1. We encourage discussion on a responsible level, opposite arguments are only valuable if they are validated. To be validated it is important the whole point is made and not just standard accusations that something is right or wrong. What is important is why it is right or right.

2. Take personal responsibility for what you write. How you do that is provide links, other opinions and maybe even an opposing opinion. Also by taking responsibility you acknowledge what you are writing is public and will easily be accessible for public viewing.

3. Make it your own. That means respecting copyright and fair use laws, using your own words and stating your own opinion and not that of anyone else or any company or business.

4. Respect your readers, they are your audience and essentially what makes your blog work and be of use. You never know who is on the other side of the computer so be respectful of all ethnic, racial, financial, educational backgrounds. You can also do this by getting to know those who visit your site and use it and post on it as well.

5. Use your best judgment. You make a mistake, admit it. When you write think thoroughly through what you are writing and understand someone may not always agree with what you are saying. If you feel uncomfortable writing it than it is likely someone will be uncomfortable reading it. That doesn't mean all "“hot topics"” are to be avoided. It just means approach them with your best judgment in full use and be prepared for what may come.

6. Keep in mind the blog is not your life. It is easy to get caught up in a blog but it should not come before studies, family or your job.

Posted by Blog Admin. at 6:15 PM | Permalink | Comments