Communication
(1) Contribute to the Class Wikis
- Contribute at least one unique item to each of at least 4 (the more the better) class sessions listed in the wiki. Each entry should be about a paragraph in lengths and explain something relevant to the content of the class lecture. Include links to external websites for additional clarification.
(2) Sharing files
Email provides an effective means of sharing many types of files (note required file extension names) with colleagues or students. You may access your CSUN email through any web browser using www.csun.edu/webmail
- Send an email message (with a bcc to yourself) incorporating an (1) active link, (2) embedded graphic, and (3) attached file (lesson plan, handout, etc) relevant to theme of your portfolio. Include a screen shot of the bcc when it arrives.
- Most email services prohibit the sending or receiving of large files. Send large files to a colleague using a file sharing service.
(3) Communicating with groups of colleagues
Teachers must often communicate with groups of individuals (e.g. department, student club, administration, etc.) via email. Using an email address book, you may establish groups for quick addressing and mailing. Each individual can be in be in one or more groups.
- Using your email program's address book, construct two or more groups from the master directory. Provide a screen shot showing the composition of your email groups.
(4) Communicating with students via e-groups asynchronously
Electronic discussion groups offer great opportunities for extended asynchronous dialog between students and teachers. A teacher may start a discussion thread and require students to post their thoughts, as well as comments on the postings of others. Electronic discussion groups should always be moderated by the teacher.
- Develop a discussion group for your class with two or more threaded discussions. Include a link to the discussion group and passcode if necessary. Include a screen capture of your threaded discussion.
- Discuss the potential benefits and concerns of electronic discussion groups in the secondary school environment.
(5) Communicating Synchronously
"Chat rooms" and e-learning systems allow multiple users to communicate at the same time. This can provide teachers with data to make formative assessments. For example, a teacher can pose a question and give students time to form their responses. When given the signal, students enter their comments and instantly the teacher can receive their replies and assess their understanding.
- Log on to the class chat room or e-learning system and respond to questions posed by the instructor. Include a screen capture of an academic question/answer video or text chat session.
- Discuss how an academic chat room or e-learning system can be used to achieve full participation in an interactive class discussion.
(6) Blogging - Feedback on your progress
A blog (weblog) is a personal or group website that facilitates regular entries of commentary, graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.
- Create an account and a profile, with a photograph, in Blogger. The photograph will help identify you when you join other blogs.
- Construct an assignment blog for your website.
- Make an new entry whenever you complete an assignment.
- Subscribe to your editor's blog so that you will know when they complete an assignment.
- Review your editor's website and provide feedback on their progress. It is important that identify any deficiencies so they will be able to correct them before their website is graded.
- Provide a link to your blog from your website
(7) Making a blog for instructional purposes
- Construct an instructional blog and make at least three meaningful entries.
- Provide a link to your blog from your website
(8) Using Social Networking to Create Study Groups
A social network service provides an online environment for people who share interests and/or activities, or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others. Social networking software can be used to develop study groups and other communities of learner
- Develop a Facebook account.
- Join a study "community" for class and participate in the discussion and posts. Include a screen shot of your participation. For Dr. Herr's class click here.
- Describe an an educational applicaiton of social networks relevant to the class you teach.