Blogs or Wikis in my Classes?

I envision using Blogs in my Web Design courses as a means of increasing communication with students in my courses - outside of Blackboard. I use Blackboard for more formal communication, such as assignments, grades, syllabus, etc. I see the use of a blog as a less formal and more personal communication method that could be used for all of my classes in one place. It could include tips and tricks used in the industry, updates on software, jobs leads, interesting anecdotes, and information about MATC's Web Designer program. I could link to it from Blackboard using announcements or emails sent from Blackboard. I would not use it for personal information. I would most likely setup a blog using a dedicated domain name, such as matcwebdesigner.info, rather than a subdomain at wordpress.com or blogger.com. I could install WordPress or Joomla on a server that I maintain or one used here at MATC in the VICOM department.

CourseCast of the Week

I highly recommend using Course Technology's CourseCast of the Week in your technology-related courses. Ken Baldauf, author and college professor, puts out a weekly podcast with technology news and information geared toward college and career students. They are always up-to-date and relevant. I have students in my Electronic Commerce class subscribe to the weekly podcast. The web site includes transcripts, links to the articles he uses, and resources for instructors. Visit http://coursecasts.course.com/ for more information. Search in iTunes for CourseCast of the Week to subscribe via iTunes.

Jonathan Meersman

Hello World! This is my first post on my blog.