As mentioned, I started a class blog. I started it later in the semester than I initially had considered, but in my department, TAs don't get fully autonomy over a course. We usually either act as graders or lead discussion sections.
This semester, I'm working in a very small class (15 students) that doesn't have a *formal* discussion section, although every Friday is treated like a discussion section. I lead that class and the professor just does the lectures the other two days. I mention this because I think this different relationship - IE, having to navigate technology usage because you need to consider the professor's course plans/format, etc. - creates a unique dynamic. Some professors may allow a TA full leverage over technology use; others might be strict about what they want.
Anyway, I began a blog. In the future, I'd like to have a blog that acts more as a discussion forum and would allow students to post, but this class's blog is strictly for information presentation. Each week I post discussion questions and the goal for the discussion section. I've also posted links to an online document they have to read, as well as the professor's lecture notes from earlier this week (which the professor requested I do because she didn't get around to that part of the lecture).
I've welcomed students to use the comments section to post questions they'd like to see raised. No one has yet - and I actually don't expect they will - but at least I've got the opportunity to dabble with blog usage this semester. I'm refining the approach I hope to have next semester, no matter what class I end up with.
If you're interested in the blog, you can see it at http://history3752.blogspot.com/. Please don't comment on there, though. :)
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1 comment:
I like your blog. It's very clean. You note that you don't expect students to comment--which is a pretty realistic mind-set. My students mostly comment on the shared course blog (or their own private research blog) when I require them to do so.
You might consider using the (anonymous) voting poll feature in Blogger to glean information about their usage. How often do you visit this blog (once a week, just before class, etc)?
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