Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-08-31
- Online course on educational copyright and licensing, from the Peer 2 Peer University http://bit.ly/j7qiG #
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Archive for August, 2009
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I was fortunate to be able to attend a lecture on campus today, given by Manuel Castells, the renowned sociologist and one of the foremost scholars of communication in the information age. His talk was inspirational and quite personal, dealing with his own journey which was a treat, since apparently he rarely talks about much of his personal life.
There were a few ideas he mentioned that really struck me. The first was his comment that ever since he was quite young, he had wanted two main things from the “project” of his life; to be free, and to understand the world better in order to change it. He went on to explain how he reasoned that the breathing room required to achieve these things could be found in academia. He also commented that his students always come first, that they constantly challenge him, and are his sources of inspiration, motivation and interestingly, information. I love those themes; that the freedom to change the world can be found in academia, and that our students are our focus.
He’s recently finished a new book, “Communication power“, which he feels will be even more influential than any of his previous works (although he kind of has to say that if he wants to sell this one).
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In our department, we’re required to present our research proposals for comment before submission to Higher Degrees. This allows the group to give feedback before final corrections in the hope that the proposal is accepted without having to make major revisions.
I’ve just shared my proposal presentation that I gave a few days ago on Slideshare. The feedback I received, although mainly editorial, means that the structure of this presentation is not the same as it will be in the final submission e.g. the Method has received another step in the process.
Would love any feedback.
I just finished putting together a grading rubric for a wiki-based assignment that my fourth year students did earlier this year. After I couldn’t find one that suited my needs, I developed my own and thought I’d post it here (see below without formatting) in the meantime. If you have any suggestions to improve on it, please feel free to comment. You can also download the document here (it’s in the OpenDocument format).
Content (40)
The Introduction is clear and informative, giving the reader a good overview of what is to come. The body of the work is comprehensive and generally covers the main topic. The Conclusion sums up the work concisely.
Organization and presentation (20)
Information is clearly arranged and visually appealing so that it is easily viewed. Headings and other formatting options are used effectively to direct the reader. Graphics are well chosen and placed on the page to enhance the message.
Language (10)
A high level of accuracy of spelling, grammar and punctuality is expected. The content is well-written, clear and concise. Appropriate terminology is used to accurately present the information and demonstrates an understanding of the work.
Collaboration (10)
Has contributed to both the assignment and discussion pages, as shown by the history of the wiki. Has made useful suggestions to other group members, as well as the peer review group. Clearly an active contributor to the assignment. Respectful and polite.
References (10)
Reference material is appropriate and relevant, and the in-text citations are correctly formatted (this has nothing to do with the syntax for creating a Reference list). A Reference list is present, although not necessarily correctly formatted.
Peer review of other groups work (5)
Useful, interesting and / or encouraging comments and suggestions are made to the other group. There is engagement with peers and the content that clearly serves to assist the other group in their work.
Information literacy (5)
A variety of links have been used to direct the reader to additional information about the topic, as well as primary sources of content. All hyperlinks work and are relevant. Good use of embedded images to highlight important points and enhance the readers understanding.
Bonus marks (5)
Use of sound and / or video is used to enhance the message and provide another element of understanding and interest. Use of the wiki syntax and other tools demonstrate a deeper understanding of how the technology can be used to enhance collaboration and provide greater meaning to the work.
Additional comments
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