My Own Weekly Reflection - Week 4

Last week was a great week for blended. Many commented that class went smoothly. Most of those who'd expressed skepticism in the opening weeks found that they enjoyed last week. It seems we're getting into the rhythm of blended learning!

Of course, this week we're thrown off by AP exams and the media center closings due to GRAD test re-takes. Many of you expressed a high level of stress and anxiety regarding AP testing. I understand that these feelings are real, and that they affect your performance in other areas.

I decided to push back the due date for the research letter to 8:30 Monday morning in response to your reflections. Realistically, I wouldn't have had time to read these over the weekend, anyway. I do want you to have time to comment on each other's drafts, however. You'll now have Monday night and Tuesday to accomplish this. The final letters are due on Wednesday evening, 11:59pm. You'll hand in everything via the Google site. This is a paper-free assignment! A first for me!

This week, we'll be playing with Ning instead of our usual Moodle forums. The Ning is a simulation we're using to address the 21st century skills of play, performance, and networking. Engage fully in the simulation! Your final product for this assignment will be a reflection paper to be handed in the week after next.

One of the things I love about blended is the many types of writing that become relevant and possible. I've often felt that we privilege the literary analysis paper in our department, and I love the opportunity this class affords me to teach about and encourage other genres of academic writing.

I think that's it for this week! Thank you so much for your thoughtful participation in this pilot. I'm having such a good and intellectually stimulating time.