Podcasts that keep me sane

ksmash — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 20:18:24 +0000

Karen had asked about our favorite podcasts. I haven’t used these with my students yet…but I’m happy to share some of my faves:

This American Life

All Songs Considered

From Our Own Correspondent

JapanesePod101.com

Week 2: Observation & Comments

ksmash — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 20:10:52 +0000

I’m still trying to get used to using WordPress. After being a bloggerhead for so long it’s taking time for me to get used to this particular platform. I think it worthwhile to be conversant across platforms, though. There are so many options to consider when trying to think about what open platforms I might be able to introduce my students to. I’ve decided not to let my particular context box in my ideas. Kosovo has its own limitations: not all of my students have access to internet and the constant (yet inconsistent) power outtages make planning and maintaining deadlines difficult. However, these constraints shouldn’t mean that I can’t promote some type of open environments for my students to participate in, right? I just need to think this through and be able to offer opportunities for participation to students who don’t have internet access.

I’m currently in the process of planning my classes for next semester: Academic Skills, Academic Writing, and Advanced Written & Oral Skills. My students have no textbooks, there is no curriculum to follow, and I have only a vague idea of what I want my students to learn. Hmmm….this situation should be ripe for the use of social media, especially the Academic Writing and Advanced Written & Oral Skills courses, eh?

INITIAL THOUGHTS

Academic Skills: some kind of wiki-based course….students create and contribute content….

Academic Writing: How can I mediate a blog with 36 students (or 36 individual blogs) and provide consistent feedback?

Advanced Oral & Written Skills: Perhaps I can find a platform that allows students to do online presentations. This may be a good idea due to the random power outtages.

How can I balance an online requirement with classroom work? I can’t access the internet with students in class. The university doesn’t have the facilities. I want to make the in-class time I have with students productive. On the same token, I need to maintain a manageable workload and not be spending heaps of time outside of class trying to manage or keep up with what’s going on online. This requires more thought.

Week 1: Observation Task

ksmash — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:50:42 +0000

1. Signing up for Community Walk, Voice Thread, and dotSUB was great. I didn’t have to give up much personal info. I nearly did not sign up for Twitter because I had to give up my email password. I don’t like the idea of sharing email contacts between programs. I don’t want to give up my contacts info.

3. My definition of “social media” is something along the lines of using media (print/virtual) for purposes of networking/community building. I’ve used blogger, blog, and flickr previously.

Smash

Podcasts that keep me sane

Week 2: Observation & Comments

Week 1: Observation Task