Sunday, August 30, 2015

New blog entries

Dear Students,

I am really happy that you have shown such a positive attitude towards our blogging challenge. You are probably aware of the fact that writing at least one text per week will contribute greatly to improving your English. Besides, it will help you prepare better for the written exam in English. The more you get into the habit of writing, the easier and more proficient your English will be! 

As you already know, each week you are expected to submit at least one entry. One of these four entries must be related to the topics we discuss in the classroom. The other entries can discuss a variety of things you find interesting or entertaining. They do not need to be personal, but if you want to share what is going on in your life, you may do so. You are a blogger and you can decide what topics you are interested in and what you want to write about.  If you feel like delivering more entries, you are welcome to do so. The deadline for every new entry is Friday.

Happy blogging!


Regards,

Barbara

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

20 Reasons You Should Blog

1.Juice up your writing skills/sharpen your writing skills/become a better writer
2.Become global collaborators.
3.Become global citizens.
4.Reflect on your past.
5.Network with other students and teachers.
6.Track your writing progress.
7.Find authentic audience.
8.Increase your motivation for writing.
9.Develop mutual learning.
10.Participate in professional development.
11.Increase your validation skills.
12.Encourage ICT literacy.
13.Have fun.
14.Share your work/passions with other students/teachers.
15.Expand your vocabulary.
16.Prepare for digital citizenship.
17.Inspire others.
18.Become more confident.
19.Give your voice to your interests/passions/hobbies/interests.
20.Experiment with different media formats.


Blog Post Ideas

Week 35-Standard vs.Non-Standard English ( at least 150 words)
Week 36-Your own blog entry ( at least 150 words)
Week 37-Your own blog entry ( at least 150 words)
Week 38-Your own blog entry ( at least 150 words)

Week 39-International Work and Education ( at least 300 words)
Week 40-Your own blog entry  ( at least 300 words/not mandatory)
Week 41-Your own blog entry ( at least 300 words)
Weel 42-Your own blog entry ( at least 300 words)

If you feel stuck, I suggest that you look at Molly Greene's blog topic ideas!
Her list is extensive and everyone will be able to find something.
http://www.molly-greene.com/101-blog-topic-ideas/

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Blogging Assignment-Introduction

Blogging Assignment



1. You are to create a BLOG using BLOGGER. Why Blogger? Firstly, it is free. Secondly, it is easy and user-friendly. 

2. Blogger is found at http://www.blogger.com and it is pretty much straightforward. You may also use www.wordpress.com or http://edublogs.org/#join-network

3.The expectation is that, during each 30 or 31-day period, you will post at least 4 entries.  Of these 4 entries, one topic will be assigned and required, and the others will be left up to you.  Optional topics, for those who choose to use them, will be posted on ITSL.  The required topic for each period will be posted on ITSL.

4.The requirements for your entries are as follows:
·      Each entry must be at least 150 words in length.
·      Each entry must exhibit understanding of proper English language conventions (however, you are welcome to use informal language, slang, and / or foreign language words, provided that these appear to be used intentionally).
·      Each entry must address a specific topic, specified at the beginning of the entry or in its title.

In addition to the above requirements, the following strong recommendations will
improve your score for blogging:

·      Include at least one image in each entry
·      Post at least 5 comments on your classmates’ blogs each month.
·      Make an effort to respond / react to your readers’ comments on your blog (as much as is reasonable).


In class each week ( usually on Tuesdays), you will have 20 minutes to compose and edit
your entries and / or browse your classmates’ blogs.  However, in order to meet the above
requirements, you will need to dedicate some time outside of class to your blog as well.  

Please greet this assignment as a means of honing your writing and creating an interesting,
creative product – you may even find that you enjoy it.  If you find it difficult to meet the
requirements or come up with interesting things to say on your blog, please see me for 
suggestions and guidance.  

Please see the attached blogging rubric for detailed information on what you will be
assessed for when I grade your blogs.



GUIDELINES


Obviously, we’re going to need some guidelines in terms of what is acceptable in these posts and the comment threads.  


  • No cursing, vulgarity, crass jokes.
  • No using the comments threads to spam or promote sites not related to coursework.
  • You should be civil, respectful, and conscientious of others AT ALL TIMES.
  • Avoid posting or linking to articles or pictures with overt sexual or violent content.
  • While you can encourage others outside of the class to read and comment, no person who is not currently enrolled in International English Course can post on your blog.
  • Use good common sense when posting and commenting.
  • You cannot post someone else's words. Plagiarism means remark on "Skole Arena".
  • Give the reference as soon as you have mentioned someone else's ideas. All the sources must be cited in the APA citation style. 
  • You are responsible for what you write; therefore, I’d suggest proofreading your posts before they go live. 
  • You cannot use your full name when posting. You should either use your first name only, or your initials. 
  • This task is mandatory!

BLOGGING RUBRIC


Blogging is an act of reflecting and posting one's thoughts on a given subject or topic. It should be reflective in nature, and make a personal connection to your learning and/or your classroom. Blogging also includes taking part in the community by leaving comments on others blog posts. Thirdly, blogs can be used as digital portfolios that showcase your skills and improvements in different aspects of learning. We will use blogs throughout the course to achieve both goals.  The following rubric will be used for blogging activities.  Note that not all categories will be scored for every assignment.

Score
1
2
3
4
Idea & Content
These simple entries lack insight, depth or are superficial. The entries are short and are frequently irrelevant to the events. They do not express opinion clearly and show little understanding.
The posts show some insight, depth & are connected with events, topic, or activity. Posts are typically short and may contain some irrelevant material. There are some personal comments or opinions which may be on task. Posts show some understanding of the topic.
Posts show insight & depth. The content of posts are connected with events, topic or activity. Posts may contain some irrelevant material but are for the most part, on task. Personal opinions are expressed in an appropriate style. Posts show a good depth of understanding.
Posts show insight, depth & understanding. They are connected with events, topic or activity. Entries are relevant with links to supporting materials. Personal opinions are expressed in an appropriate style & are clearly related to the topic, activity or process. Posts and opinions show a high level of understanding and they relate  events, learning activities and processes to the purpose of the activity and outcomes.
Post Frequency
Posts are irregular. Events are not recorded as they occur.
Posts have some timeliness with most key events. Some comments are replied to.
Most events are recorded as they happen. Most comments are replied to in a timely manner. The reply shows understanding.
All events are recorded in a regular and timely manner. Comments are replied to in a timely manner. Replies show a dept of understanding and relates to the comments.
Quality
Posts are of very poor quality. There is little to no evidence of reading other information in order to form new meaning of the topics at-hand.
Posts show a below average, overly casual writing with a lack of attention to style.
Students pay little attention to other reading and mostly regurgitates previous views.
Posts show above average writing style. The content
demonstrates that the student reads moderately, and attempts to build information to form new meaning.
Posts are well-written, and are characterized by elements of a strong writing style. The content demonstrates that the student is well read, synthesizes
learned content and constructs new meaning.
Voice
Student voice for the assignment isn’t appropriate and does not meet the assignment goals.
Student voice is marginally developed, but still inappropriate for the audience. The tone is appropriate for some of the outcomes of the assignment.
Student voice fits the purpose and outcomes of the assignment, but still contains some inconsistencies and flaws that take away from demonstrating understanding.
Student voice is appropriate for the assignment and meets the objectives of the writing piece.  The student is meaningful and deliberate in their writing to convey their understanding in a holistic way.




Use of Enhancements
The student did nothing to enhance or personalize the
weblog space.
There is very little evidence of multimedia enhancement and the student blog is primarily text-based.
The student enhanced their
weblog to some extent using video, audio, images or other add-ons.
The student greatly enhanced their weblog space using video, audio,
images or other add-ons.


Adapted with permission from Jeff Utecht and Kim Cofino, COETAIL, http://www.coetail.asia/ [8 August 2011].
Adapted with permission from Andrew Churches, educational origami, http://edorigami.wikispaces.com/ [18 February 2011].
Adapted with permission from Ryan Bretag, Ecmp355, http://www.ryanbretag.com/blog/?p=462 [January 2009]