Well, it is week 3 and a very busy time for me (and all of us I am sure). One of my favorite places to hike is Torrey Pines Beach (see picture below). It is a wonderful retreat from the busy moment to moment lifestyle. On, to my official blog… The reading this week was packed with information. I like how it brings us “back to the basics,” reminding us to remember our course objectives when designing assignments. For my classes, I come up with assignments to address the course objectives, but haven’t done the exercise they suggest, putting it all into a chart. The chart currently exists in my head :). I like the idea of putting it all into a chart, because then I will be able to see if I am giving more assignments for certain objectives.
In looking at the sample classes, I thought there were a lot of great ideas. I like how Pilar has her course set to open to the page that offers help on getting your own computer set up and also includes tips on how to work in Blackboard. See Pilar’s online class tour http://www.screencast.com/t/VAxAGd8Dq0. In my Human Development class, I have them use links in Blackboard to access outside resources. One of the articles I have students read is about The Bucharest Early Intervention Project of 2001, a startling example of how humans need social interaction and comfort to grow and develop http://americanradioworks.publicradio.org/features/romania/a1.html. The picture of what looks like 5 or 6 year old boys sitting at a table, is actually teenage boys who did not grow as a result of the environmental and social deprivation they endured in the orphanage.
Low Tide at the Beach