Update Thurs Jan 19

  • Gradebook in D2L has been updated for unit one.  We all look in good shape now.
  • FYI:  If you ever want to quickly make sure you’re seeing all my posts, which could be a problem if you’ve been gone a few days and lots of others have posted, you can use the little drop-down menu on your right (just below the login) and filter all posts to show only “jimluke”.
  • In unit 2 we’re going to start engaging some outside readings and viewings.  The first reading/viewing is posted having to do “Gapminder” – a tremendous data source. I encourage you to explore that site and even play with the data tools. It’s actually pretty fun.
  • I’ll have another reading or two for unit 2 posted by Saturday.
  • Some questions have arisen about the student blogs where you’ll do your long-form stuff later this semester.  They aren’t ready yet. Expect to get access late next week.  I will post here and send you login information about them.
  • A note on grading of posts for each week’s unit.  There’s 5 points for each unit.  I intentionally haven’t created some quantitative rubric like “to get 5 pts create 1 post and 2 replies”.  Basically, what I’m going to do is ask myself “did the student make an effort to engage the readings and the discussion?”.  Your posts are the evidence I look at.  My assumption is that you will and so I assume you’re getting 5 points. You can do one substantial post or several short ones and still get 5 points.  I’ll only knock off a point or two if you it appears you’re really “mailing it in” such as just putting a few replies that say “yeah, me too”.  Likewise, I’m not grading grammar or spelling per se, but folks, we need to be able to read and understand you. If the typos and erros get in the way of that, then some points off.  Basically, I’m saying don’t sweat the grade. Have fun, explore, discuss, and learn.