Blog Assignment 5- Course Development

Weekly Summary

Over a couple weeks, we have been creating a course development assignment through CourseSites.  I am realizing the best way to complete this is to experiment with all the different tools, links, and aspects of the site in order to create a great design.  I feel like a great design and easy accessible class is the best way to keep students on track and not frustrated.  Most students, myself included, get uneasy or upset when they can't figure out where or how to get to something on Blackboard.  I'm going to do my best in creating this course development assignment so that it is easy to access and students aren't having to look everywhere to find things.

Item of Interest

Since my class has several art projects, I wanted to create a place for the students to submit them so others in the class could see them and not just be sent to me.  It was hard for me to decide how to accomplish this task without students criticizing each other and making them seem like the course was too overwhelming.  I also have them complete a blog posting and respond to two peers.  I decided to have them share their artwork on the discussion board and if they reply to two peers they can get one extra point toward their final grade.  This gives them the opportunity to gain extra points, if they want to, and collaborate with other students in the class. 

Problem or Concern

My concern with this is that some students will not complete this and then at the end of the semester want extra points or to complete late, when they see their final grade.  After having this option in one of my classes this semester, I will stress the importance of completing these easy extra point posts just in case they need them in the end and making sure they are aware of the due dates.  I believe this is an easy way to earn points and be able to interact with students in your class.