Each assignment will be posted here as they are given out

 

Blogging Assignment Reading for Blogging Wiki assignment Social networking assignment Podcasting assignment The focus of this assignment is to create a Radio Show with at least four elements. Choose your own task.

 

Blogging Assignment

Each week, every student will be expected to make at least one entry in their own blog and write a helpful comment in another students blog.

 

In your own blog you can use the following questions as a guide:

 

• What I did I do today/this week?
• What areas did I find difficult?
• What did I learn?
• What do I need to know?
• Where am I going to find the information?

 

Every time a major assessment piece is marked, your blog will be included in the assessment. I will use the following Rubric to help me mark it.

 

BLOG ASSIGNMENT RUBRIC

OUTCOME ASSESSED	Beginning	Satisfactory	Competent	Outstanding	WEIGHT
	0-2	3-4	5-6	7-8
Overall Use of Blogs	Blog entries are few and generally simple retellings of personal events. No comments are made on blogs of others.	Almost all required blog entries and comments have been completed.	Blogs are completed each week submitted, and all questions addressed and student has made appropriate comments in other blogs.	Blogs are all submitted, all of which are substantial. The reflections are comprehensive and appropriate. Comments on the blogs of others are helpful and appropriate.	40%
Intellectual Engagement with Key Concepts	Blog entries make no reference to issues raised through readings and/or class activities	Blog entries make some reference to issues raised through readings and/or class activities	Blog entries demonstrate awareness of most of the key issues raised through readings and/or class activities	Blog entries demonstrate engagement with the important issues raised through readings and/or class activities	25%
Personal Response to Key Concepts	Blog entries show no personal response is made to the issues/concepts raised in the readings/activities	Blog entries convey little evidence of a personal response to the issues/concepts raised in the readings/activities	Blog entries convey evidence of a personal response to the issues raised in the readings/ activities, and demonstrate that the author is capable of reflecting on learning, technology, and society.	Blog entries convey extensive evidence of a personal response to the issues raised in the readings/ activities, and demonstrate the author's growth through reflection on learning, technology and society.	25%
Engaged Writing	Blog entries use incorrect grammar and syntax consistently, making it difficult for others to follow. No links are included connecting your thoughts to those of others.	Blog entries demonstrate some evidence of correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc. Audience will have little trouble reading your blog. An occasional link, image or video is included.	Blog entries show a good command of Standard English. They are easy to read. Many blog entries include images or videos as well as appropriate links to websites.	Blog entries show a very good command of Standard English and have some flair and originality. Blog entries may contain multiple links.	10%

 

Note: you will be expected to make at least one entry per week at a minimum. Entries will be used in all the assessment tasks and will make up at least 10% of the mark.

 

Reading for Blogging

Use these sites to get information about some of the issues assoicated with Blogging:

 

 

• "Local Authorities are becoming concerned over teen blogging" from the Sikeston, MO Standard Democrat
• "Safety R Us" from Weblogg-ed.com
• Student created Blog policies
• Sample Online Blogging Policies mostly from companies around the world.
• "Student Blogging Handbook" from Bud The Teacher's Wiki

 

Wiki assignment

Every student will be expected to make at least one entry into each section and subsection of the class wiki (ie this web site).

For example, you will be expected to make an entry on the section on "podcasts: copyright issues".

Use the rubric below to decide what is required for each section. In summary what I am looking for is:

 

• mulitiple entries into each sub-section of the wiki. These entries will show your understanding of how a wiki could be used to work with others.
• an understanding of the issues raised in each area - but particularly the blogging and wiki sections (since we will have covered those two by then). If you want to explore the other areas (Podcasts and Social Networking) - that will be even more impressive!
• you need to maintain your blogs even though we have moved onto this new section.  Blogs are important evidence of your willingness to think about what you are learning and so I want to see more reflections on your understanding of wikis as we go through them.
• correct English spelling and grammar being used throughout. Use the web to check for spelling and make sure you edit your own work and ask others to help you!

 

Every time a major assessment piece is marked, your blog will be included in the assessment (see Personal Response section below)

 

WIKI ASSIGNMENT RUBRIC

OUTCOME ASSESSED	Beginning	Satisfactory	Competent	Outstanding	WEIGHT
	0-2	3-4	5-6	7-8
Overall Use of Wiki	Wiki entries are few and generally are simple corrections of the entries of others. No comments are made on entries of others.	An entry has been made in each section and sub-sections of the wiki.	At least one entry has been made in each section and sub-sections of the wiki. Students have made comments on other entries that are thoughtful and relevant.	Multiple entries have been made right throughout the wiki which demonstrates a thorough understanding of how a wiki can be used to enhance understanding and work with others	40%
Intellectual Engagement with Key Concepts	Wiki entries are simple, rushed and ill-considered. No reference is made to the material discussed in class.	Wiki entries make some reference to issues raised through readings and/or class activities. Relevant material has been added to the wiki.	Wiki entries demonstrate awareness of most of the key issues raised through readings and/or class activities. Useful material has been added to the wiki.	Wiki entries demonstrate engagement with the important issues raised through readings and/or class activities. Insightful material has been added to the wiki.	25%
Personal Response to Key Concepts (from the Blog)	Blog entries show no personal response is made to the issues/concepts raised in the readings/activities to do with wikis.	Blog entries convey little evidence of a personal response to the issues/concepts raised in the readings/activities to do with wikis.	Blog entries convey evidence of a personal response to the issues raised in the readings/ activities, and demonstrate that the author is capable of reflecting on the new method of learning and the collaborative nature of wikis.	Blog entries convey extensive evidence of a personal response to the issues raised in the readings/ activities, and demonstrate the author's growth through reflection on the new method of learning and the collaborative nature of wikis.	25%
Engaged Writing	Wiki entries use incorrect grammar and syntax consistently, making it difficult for others to follow. No links are included connecting your thoughts to those of others or links that are irrelevent or inappropriate are included.	Wiki entries demonstrate some evidence of correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc. Audience will have little trouble reading your wiki entry. An occasional link, image or video is included.	Wiki entries show a good command of Standard English. They are easy to read. Many wiki entries include images or videos as well as appropriate links to websites. Comments on the entry of others show are helpful and useful.	Wiki entries show an excellent command of Standard English and have some flair and originality. Wiki entries may contain multiple links. Comments on the entry of others show empathy and insightful thinking.	10%

 

Social networking assignment

Don't forget: there is additional information on social networking here.

 

The focus of this assignment is: Should social networking be banned in schools?

 

You need to cover the following areas in the presentation you are going to create about this issue.

• What are the features of social networking?  Why is it different to a blog, a wiki, to email and to personal messaging such as MSN?
• Why might this be useful in schools?
• Why might this be a problem?
• Do you think that schools should allow students to use social networks like My Space and FaceBook? Give reasons.

It needs to be at least 5 screens in size (note: this is a minimum) and should contain a minimum of words. If you want to explain something, add it to the Add Notes section of PowerPoint.

Use the following rubric as a guide:

 

SOCIAL NETWORKING ASSIGNMENT RUBRIC

OUTCOME ASSESSED	Beginning	Satisfactory	Competent	Outstanding	Marks
	0-2	3-4	5-6	7-8
Research skills	Unable to find appropriate resources without significant help. Unable to differentiate appropriate and inappropriate sources. Unable to come up with alternative resources if needed.	Can find basic resources and information after much direction and discussion. A few non-internet resources used.	Can find basic resources for the assignment using the internet with occasional help. Able to use non-internet resources.	Is able to identify many appropriate resources including web-based, literature and human with a minimum amount of help. If help is sought, the focus is on looking at possible alternative sources of information	5
Note taking (note: use your blog!)	Tends to copy straight from the original document. Unable to paraphrase key ideas or find relevant examples to backup information. Uses complex words they do not understand.	Attempts to write information in their own words but needed help. Can find one example to backup information. Occasionally uses words they do not understand.	Able to write reasonably coherent dot points using information from at least two resources.  The dot points required editing but are in their own words.	Is able to gather information from many different resources and synthesise (in their own words) the main points that are relevant to the topic.	10
Personal Response to Key Concepts (from the Blog)	Blog entries show no personal response is made to the issues/concepts raised in the readings/activities to do with wikis.	Blog entries convey little evidence of a personal response to the issues/concepts raised in the readings/activities to do with wikis.	Blog entries convey evidence of a personal response to the issues raised in the issues/concepts, and demonstrate that the author is capable of reflecting on the new method of learning and the collaborative nature of wikis.	Blog entries convey extensive evidence of a personal response to the issues raised in the readings/ activities, and demonstrate the author's growth through reflection on the new method of learning and the collaborative nature of wikis.	5
Content of the presentation	Information presented is not relevent, is incomplete or in accurate.	Most information is relevent to the questions. Some information is irrelevent, incomplete or inaccurate.	All information is relevant, complete and accurate.	All information is relevant, complete and accurate and The presentation shows an ability to analyse information.	10
Presentation	Too many words. No images. Images are irrelevent. Presentation is less that five slides in length	Too many words on some pages but mostly images. Images are mostly relevent. Presentation is five slides in length.	Very few words on all pages. Images are helpful and relevent and are animated in a useful way. At least one video and original image included. Presentation is more than five slides in length.	All words on pages are essential in conveying the meaning of each page. Images and vidoes are important in conveying the meaning - they include  an umber of original diagrams. Presentation is as long as is needed to present the information required to succinctly answer the question.	5
Total					35

 

Podcasting assignment

Don't forget: there is additional information on Podcasting here.

 

The focus of this assignment is to create a Radio Show with at least four elements.

They would include:

• An introduction including a theme for the show (e.g. cricket show, music reviews, food) and a "signature tune" which represents you and your taste in music. Keep it short, no more than 10 seconds.
• A news item
• An interview
• An entertainment item (ie a joke, poem, "advertisement")

We will be using Audacity to start with but there are a number of pieces of software you could use. If you are feeling game, you could make a screencast (ie stuff on the screen with you talking over the top) or a vodcast (video podcast).

The show needs to be no more than five minutes long (and at least two minutes in length).

 

PODCAST ASSESSMENT RUBRIC

OUTCOME ASSESSED	Beginning	Satisfactory	Competent	Outstanding	Marks
Research skills	Unable to find appropriate resources without significant help. Unable to differentiate appropriate and inappropriate sources. Unable to come up with alternative resources if needed.	Can find basic resources and information after much direction and discussion.	Can find basic resources for the assignment using the internet with occasional help.	Is able to identify many appropriate resources including web-based, literature and human with a minimum amount of help. If help is sought, the focus is on looking at possible alternative sources of information.	5
Script	Not done or rushed without details. No structure evident or irrelevant material added.	Script created with clear, numbered steps. Some irrelevant or unclear material added.	Clear and useful script created. Each element (music, sound effects, verbal input) are noted and an attempt has been made to time each element. All material is relevant to the show.	Script is imaginative and shows a broad range of elements. Another person could easily follow the script and create the radio play. All elements are relevant and interesting.	5
Personal Response (from the Blog)	Blog entries show no personal response is made to the issues/concepts raised in the readings/activities to do with podcasting.	Blog entries convey some evidence of a personal response to the issues/concepts raised in the readings/activities to do with podcasting. They are more than a simple a recall of activities attempted durnig the week. All elements are completed.	Blog entries convey much evidence of a personal response to the issues raised in the issues/concepts, and demonstrate that the author is capable of reflecting on the new method of learning and the creative nature of podcasting. All elements are completed.	Blog entries convey extensive evidence of a personal response to the issues/concepts raised in the production of podcasts, and demonstrate the author's growth through reflection on the new method of learning and the creative nature of podcasting. All elements are completed.	5
Content of the podcast.	Information presented is not relevant, is incomplete or in accurate.	Most information is relevent to the theme of the show. Some information is irrelevent, incomplete or inaccurate.	All information is relevant to the theme of the show, is complete and is accurate.	All information is relevent to the theme of the show, complete and accurate. The podcast shows an ability to creatively present audio information.	5
Podcast	All material is simply read out from the script. No pre-records, no sound effects and no music.	The script is read out and some attempted has been made to edit in some examples of pre-records or sound effects or music.	The script is followed for the podcast and the result is an interesting combination of verbal input, pre-records, sound effects and music.	The podcast is a creative example of what the best podcasts can do. All material is use selectively and appropriately. It is structured logically and has meaning. It is worth listening to.	5
Total					30

 

Choose your own task.

The task will be to develop one of the aspects of Web 2.0 we have explored so far (blogging, wikis, social networking or podcasts) and develop your skills in it.  This means going further that the rest of the class did and adding features which show your skill development.  The aspect can be negotiated e.g. screencasting, developing a wiki for your sporting club, using Flikr for photos.

Part of your assessment will be obtaining feedback from at least three other people not in the class (ie other teachers, parents, friends) and showing an improvement as a result of the feedback - hence you will need to complete the task early (at least a week before the due date) so that you can obtain the feedback.

 

 CHOOSE YOUR OWN ASSIGNMENT ASSESSMENT RUBRIC (Not yet complete)

 

OUTCOME ASSESSED	Beginning	Satisfactory	Competent	Outstanding	Marks	Actual Mark
Research skills	Unable to find appropriate resources without significant help. Unable to differentiate appropriate and inappropriate sources. Unable to come up with alternative resources if needed.	Can find basic resources and information after much direction and discussion.	Can find basic resources for the assignment using the internet with occasional help.	Is able to identify many appropriate resources including web-based, literature and human with a minimum amount of help. If help is sought, the focus is on looking at possible alternative sources of information.	5
Organisation	Not done or rushed and without details. No structure evident. Easily distracted from the task - no clear goal.	Generally the structure of the activity is clear. Some elements were confusing.  Activity was rushed but completed on time. Some distractions occured.	Clear and useful structure. Activity was worked on in a  consistent and efficient manner.  Was minimally distracted.	Structure is imaginative and shows a broad range of elements and was well-organised.	5
Personal Response (from the Blog)	Blog entries show no personal response is made to the issues/concepts raised in the readings/activities to do with the activity.	Blog entries convey some evidence of a personal response to the issues/concepts raised in the readings/activities to do with the activity. They are more than a simple a recall of activities attempted during the week. All elements are completed.	Blog entries convey much evidence of a personal response to the issues raised in the issues/concepts, and demonstrate that the author is capable of reflecting on the new method of learning and the creative nature of the activity. All elements are completed.	Blog entries convey extensive evidence of a personal response to the issues/concepts raised in the production of podcasts, and demonstrate the author's growth through reflection on the new method of learning and the creative nature of the activity. All elements are completed.	10
Content of the activity.	Information presented is not relevant, is incomplete or in accurate.	Most information is relevent to the activity. Some information is irrelevant, incomplete or inaccurate.	All information is relevant to the theme of the activity, is complete and is accurate.	All information is relevant to the activity, complete and accurate. The activity shows a growth and development of computing skills.	10
Feedback	No feedback obtained.  Feedback made up or obtained from a member of the class.	The feedback has been completed by all three people.  Some attempt made to change the content of the activity as a result of the feedback.	The feedback has been completed by all three people.  All useful feedback has been acted upon.	The feedback has been completed by all three people.  The feedback has been critically assessed by the student and useful changes have been made which positively enhance the activity. Other feedback which was been rejected was done so for adequate reasons.	5
Total					35