Blog#5- Evaluation

Blog#5- Blogging Evaluation

1. As compared to other classes were I was required to write traditional assays the blog assignments seem a little out of the norm at first. I wasn’t clear as to what the expectations were in regard to the format or how to produce one. That had direct reflection in my first blog score which was pretty low. As we continued to the second, third and forth blogs I grasped the format and had much better understanding as to the expectations of the arguments I presented and the conclusions I came up with. I also had a clearer vision as to how to present the argument from both sides of the spectrum (for and against) and come up with hyperlinks that flow with the written text. I also had a better idea as to how to supports my arguments with relevant data. It helped me tremendously to be able to convey my thoughts and arguments and, in my opinion, made me definitely a better write that can actually support an argument. I found it to be a tremendously helpful tool to add to y writing ability and my critical thinking skills.

2. The blog assignments and merely the fact that I had to create a blog seemed a little strange at the beginning of the semester. I didn’t see the importance of that particular assignment in relation to the course objectives or outcome. But the further we progressed through the semester the more apparent was the connection between the blog assignments and critical thinking. The purpose of the class was to make us think “outside of the box” sort of speak. We were asked to take a look at the presented subjects in many different ways not only our own, “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes”, and see how they fit. I have to admit that I am not computer savvy and this class really helped me explore some “uncharted waters” that I wouldn’t have otherwise. This class thought me how to present an argument and gave me the tools to support my argument as a critical thinker. Another thing I learned while blogging was how to research a subject and how to determine what is valid information vs. invalid information and that is what critical thinking is all about, isn’t it?

3. I found the non-text elements of the blog program that I have used to be very helpful. I can’t comment on the voice thread since I haven’t used it in any of my blog assignments. However I did use Animoto which I thought was a wonderful tool and I probably will use again in future applications.

In closing, this class was very beneficial to me in many ways. As I mentioned earlier my experience with computers and the internet was very limited before I enrolled in this program, so essentially this program opened a window of opportunity to a world that I knew existed but didn’t have a part in. This class in particular helped me with many aspects of the internet that I never knew existed therefore had no idea how to use.
I was introduced to ways of thinking “outside of the box” and being able to express those thoughts into words. I learned how to bring my point across and build an argument supported by facts and furthermore learned how to present the opposing side and support that side as well. As to research of a subject this class gave me the tools and the how to knowledge. I feel very fortunate to have the chance to participate in this class. Thank You.