Author:
Bob Casper, DEVSHIKHA BOSE
Subject:
Communication
Material Type:
Module
Level:
Community College / Lower Division, Graduate / Professional
Tags:
  • Blog
  • Communications
  • Media
  • Web Design
  • License:
    Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike
    Language:
    English
    Media Formats:
    Text/HTML

    Blogs

    Blogs

    Overview

    In this assignment, students create a blog in Wordpress following instructions. Each week, each student will create a blog. Also, each week a couple of student blogs will be demonstrated in class and peer-reviewed using the assessment rubric included. After peer review, the instructor will re-examine the completed peer reviews in an attempt to provide calibration and give additional expert feedback. At this point, the student will receive both peer as well as instructor feedback and have the opportunity to resubmit the work prior to beginning the final project. This provides the opportunity for the student to earn a better grade as well as have a component of the final project prepared.

    Blog Assignment

    Guidance on how to use this assignment: In this assignment students create a blog in Wordpress following instructions. Each week, each student will create a blog. Also, each week a couple of student blogs will be demonstrated in class and peer-reviewed using the assessment rubric included. After peer review, the instructor will re-examine the completed peer reviews in an attempt to provide calibration and give additional expert feedback. At this point, the student will receive both peer as well as instructor feedback and have the opportunity to resubmit the work prior to beginning the final project. This provides the opportunity to the student to earn a better grade as well as have a component of the final project prepared.

    Blog assignment completion instructions:

     

    1. Planning

      1. Storyboard it out

      2. Theme for your blog should be related to web design and specific aspect thereof, as was assigned to you and your team.

      3. Build the first blog and then duplicate the formatting for other entries

    2. Create one blog per week of instruction

      1. Example: Start with Week 3 go until Week 15.

      2. Create links between blogs, even if on the same page.

      3. Should include copyright information for all images, videos, etc.

      4. Cite other quoted sources of information.

      5. Use Creative Commons licensed image, videos, etc. whenever possible

    3. Use openly licensed or your own videos, pictures, sounds and graphic elements for your website that are accessible

        1. Should include many tags such as hr, table, list, video, image, email link, external links and so on

        2. Site should show some awareness of ADA and WCAG 2.0 accessibility standards.

    4. Create a set of instructions for how to get this blog created using Wordpress

      1. You should include screenshots

      2. You may make a short video in lieu of written instructions

    5. Back up your work.

      1. Make a folder (Lastname blog project) in a shared folder (within google drive)

        1. Share with the instructor

        2. Save/download the html files and the other assets to this folder.

      2. Create sub folders: RAW, META, CONTENT, etc. as needed.

    6. Use of images, videos, etc is needed to explain your point

      1. Include your choice of such items in each blog post

      2. Include how you put these items in your blog within your instructions

      3. Check that they are openly licensed

    Turn each week’s blog prior to class time. First Blog due on or before <date>. Email a public link each week and any questions to the Instructor: <instructor email>. Put instructions in a document such as Word, Google Docx, etc and email to Instructor: <instructor email>

     

     

    Rubric for Blog Reviews (Peer/Self Evaluation)

    Date/Week of Class/Blog:

    Rubric for Blog Reviews (Peer/Self Evaluation)The Blog Author’s Name: ____________________________________________    Blog Reviewer’s Name(s): ____________________________________________
    Criteria Preparation & Content  Creativity & Communication Critical Thinking Engagement with Topic Technical Expertise TOTAL
    0     0.50    0.75     1.000     0.50    0.75     1.000     0.50    0.75     1.000     0.50    0.75     1.000 0.50  0.75   1.00 
    0Not SubmittedNot SubmittedNot SubmittedNot SubmittedNot Submitted
    Beginning0.50Insufficiently prepared; content not always relevant to the topic; could have covered relevant issues more effectively; does not use examples; does not establish connections to ideas expressed by others.Poorly coordinated; lacks zest and effort; heavy reliance on script; has minimal eye-contact; muffled/ rushed/ hesitant speech; speech lacks clarity and meaning; frequent stops and pauses.  Cookie cutter, lacks originality.Comments or responds to questions mostly at basic comprehension level; repeats facts without critical input; does not ask important questions; may introduce irrelevant topic or makes an illogical point.Little engagement with and/or interest in topic; limited personal commentary on topic. Not convincing in representing views on the specific topic.Displays unwillingness to participate or lacks technical terminology; lacking in initiative or demonstrates an alternative discussion; includes personal attacks when challenged.
    Intermediate 0.75Well-prepared;  content is interesting and relevant to the topic; presents relevant issues effectively; synthesizes information effectively; uses some examples; establishes some connections to ideas expressed by others.Coordinated; demonstrates tonal variation at times; attempts to maintain eye contact; shows awareness of diction and rhythm; some mispronunciations; occasional slips and pauses; generally clear articulation. attempts to express new ideas.Uses sound reasoning or evidence to justify views;  identifies, constructs and evaluates arguments; understands and communicates logical connections between ideas.Engages with topic; provides personal insights and reflections; quite convincing  in presenting views on specific topic. But, may be taken off topic here and there.Blog/Blogger includes technical language,  asking questions at the appropriate moment that highlights technical knowledge; shows less willingness to accept alternative views or does not respond appropriately when challenged on a technical issue.
    Expert1.00Very well-prepared; content is interesting and relevant to the topic; introduces some fresh ideas and diverse points of view; presents relevant issues excellently; uses several examples; establishes multiple  connections between ideas expressed by self and others.  Coordination is almost flawless; demonstrates tonal range; uses gestures and facial expression; shows confidence; able to speak fluently off the cuff; speech is clear, fluent and forthcoming; good voice projection. Has new ideas and is welcoming of others new ideas.Asks and attempts to answer important questions; challenges and problematizes dominant perceptions about the topic; detects inconsistencies and common mistakes in reasoning; reflects on the justification of one's own beliefs and values.Shows a strong engagement with and interest in the topic; forthcoming with opinions, views and personal reflections; very persuasive and effective in presenting  views.Shows great technical enthusiasm; participates actively; asks stimulating questions; able to move discussion along effectively in a technical manner without dominating the discussion; shows willingness to accept different views and techniques.

     

     

     

    Reviewer notes:

     

     

    Preparation & Content:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Creativity & Communication:

     

     

     

     

     

    Critical Thinking:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Engagement with Topic:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Technical Expertise: