Day 4 post

It was interesting to see the many ways that we use maps and how information can be skewed.  Its really one of those things that isn't thought about much but can play a major role in the way we view situations or information.  I think the map site we looked at (can't remember the name off the top of my head) is really a great resource to show a more true perspective about information around the world.

Day 3/4 post

Today was an interesting look into the way media chooses to portray information.  I have always known that different media outlets pick and chooses information in a way that fits an agenda.  However I think it is important to realize that other people don't go into situations with the same amount of cynicism that I do on a regular basis.  I actually discuss issues of media bias in my chemistry class when it come to some of the big issue in science and I think the topics in this class can help reinforce some of those ideas.

CSE 612 Day 1

Day 1 of class was a little bit of an eye opener for me.  I had no idea that so few companies ran so many media outlets.  I have always known that the large companies associated with TV generally merge, somewhat naturally, with multiple cable channels, movies, and even radio.  I had no idea that they are also involved in everything from publishing to appliances to sports teams.  I can say that I am cynical by nature and tend to listen to ads with a skeptical ear, but with so many ways to get to me...how can I say what the influence really is?  I can say for certain that I am intrigued.

Welcome CSE 612

Here is my blog...hope you like the setup.  I will be happy to help out anyone who needs it.  I look forward to working with you all.

Ronnie

CSE 694

Just wanted to say thank you to all of you that helped me out along the way.  While I rarely commented, I read a lot of interesting things and I saw a lot more.  I loved being able to look at the different blogs within the class and use them as a preview of what I might be able to create myself.

Thanks all!

What I have learned about blogging

In all of the craziness of my life I have learned that blogging is much more time consuming that I had realized.  The time commitment needed for blogging is probably considerably more than my initial expectation and I would likely need some sort of professional development in order to truly master it.  I have been able to use many of the features with relative ease but there is still much to learn.

By looking at the research I found that there are teachers out there that are using blogs in the classroom to make classes, including science more interesting. I love the idea but I don’t know how practical it is for me being that I currently have around 200 students.  I actually hadn’t thought about the sheer volume until a few of my classmates brought it up.

Al in all I feel like I have learned a lot about the work and effort needed to keep a blog running and relevant.  The tools and gadgets are great but it is the blogger…me in this case…that is the key to success in blogging.

Promoting my Blog:

After having read several ideas on blogging and promoting my blog I came up with some things that I think are good for me and for my classroom.  I think that adding information to the syllabus is important in order to inform students of the benefits of the blog.  I like the idea of using the social networking sites as a tool for promotion.  I know my students are all on them and it would be very easy to have them add the blog as a favorite site for following.  I also think that keeping the blog updated with new information is important.  Keeping the blog relevant is crucial if you want students to continue looking at it.  I agree with many of the other students that I would not want to promote my blog beyond the classroom so I would limit it to that audience.