Getting Students Up & Running

Here is something to assist students at the first of the semester. I got this from Dallas Budden at UAF, and she said she can modify it for your specific UAF campus (maybe any UA campus?). They've been mailing it out to students in CD form, and have had excellent success with students establishing accounts and becoming acquainted with Blackboard and eLive all on their own.

http://www.uaf.edu/crcdhealth/Pub%20Html%203Aug07/index.html

Unanswered Questions

I have lots of new information swirling around in my head. Along with the newly learned info is a swirling question or three, but I can't seem to grab any one in particular. I have questions about doing things with eLive, which will probably be answered today. These questions relate to going beyond just the "chalk and talk" stuff that I am somewhat already familiar with (ie., how to load files and web pages onto the white board, and managing breakout sessions). I am planning to teach 2 Developmental Math classes this fall over eLive, so anything to make these classes more interesting and interactive will be helpful.

Assessment

I have stayed fairly traditional in my assessing of students in developmental math classes. I will most likely continue with this by requiring regular homework, occasional quizzes, 2 or 3 unit tests, along with a final exam. I am however thinking of adding a writing component this fall, in the form of keeping a math journal. Entries might include instances when they have used ideas picked up in class, or perhaps entries about how they are feeling about certain topics covered. My overall goal is to help students develop more confident math attitudes. This additional writing component might be helpful here.

Question or comment on Chris's Talk with PowerPoint

Some mention was made about helping students or teaching students how to wade through all the information out there to get what they want... dealing with information overload. I think that many folks search for info and take just info that comes on the first page or two, getting the most popular information. Isn't this akin to McDonald's 40 gazillion burgers sold? I don't think the quality info is the most popular. People may be getting lots of mediocre information instead of good quality information.

How often do you you refresh the content of my course?

Typically, I do not refresh my content very often. I often do minor adjustments, but the only time I do a major change is when I adopt a new textbook. And, this change is not so much a change in content... it is more a rearrangement of sequence.

What's the most interesting I have learned in the last six weeks?

Until this class, I had no experience with blogs. None. It is interesting to learn something totally new... a bit uncomfortable, but interesting.

If information was food, what would I consider a balanced diet?

A balanced diet would likely consist of a variety of information coming from a variety of mediums. I have been without television since October 1, 2007. As far as print media goes, I occasionally purchase the local town newspaper. I mainly receive my news via audio on National Public Radio. Other information I obtain comes over the internet. I tend to rely on the expertise of trusted sources for information.