Hey Everyone!
Thanks for posting up until this point. Just some quick comments on blogging. First of all, this is the second semester for doing this, so it's still a bit of an experiment. The UI (user interface, what you interact with when you try to post)is in one of its first stages, but it seems that once you get the hang of things, it's okay. Second, this seems to be a more interactive option than WebCT. Besides, it is less effort to simply go to the blog site (especially if you're posting) than log into WebCT (which sometimes isn't up and running), click on Discussion, then click on individual posts. I've tried that option before, and while it's a great option, I decided to try this instead. The blog offers us the opportunity to write shorter posts in a more informal way. All of this is better than static journal entries, as I can keep more tabs on what you're thinking/doing and gear our discussions and lectures to that.
As for the blog entries themselves, you can really write about anything you want (comments on weather or weekends, whatever), but the entries that will be counted towards participation will be restricted to lecture/discussion, your reading, speeches or your own preparation, answers to the thought question, discussion about the scientific/technical controversy URLs in your syllabus, or descriptions/analysis of other speeches you've seen (presidential, professor lectures/presentations--no names, please). The entries can be as little as three sentences or more, if you are feeling inspired. Remember that this is a public blog, and individuals outside of the class will be reading.
On a different note, I really enjoyed all of the speeches given thus far! As you probably noticed, a wide variety of topics fit into the scientific and technical realm. It is difficult delivering off of an outline, but it's SO important once you get into the professional world. Often, you have NO outline whatsoever and are expected to organize what you're saying in your head. It should be easier to get off the outline once we use visuals, but remember not to use your visuals as a crutch. You should be using them to enhance your speech, not carry it.
That's about it--I'm looking forward to the speeches coming up! :) See you next week.
Posted by tsch0070 at February 5, 2005 05:26 PM