Looking for a way to engage students right at the beginning of the semester?
Why not throw away this tired, old assignment? "Please post an introduction of yourself to the rest of the class on the discussion board."
These are the types of responses you'll get. (These are actual student posts, although YMMV)
My Name is Kristine B. I am currently working towards my LPN degree. I would like to complete my RN someday too. I stay busy, as I have a husband and a 3 year boy & a 2 year old daughter! I also have 5 horses and 4 dogs. They all keep me very busy, but I love it. We live on a farm in Braham, MN. I am very excited about this course, it should be very interesting!
Hi, I'm Christina I am taking this course for the Dental Hygiene program at LSC. I have all of the pre-reqs completed and Lifespan was added to the list recently. I live in Cook so I'm happy that I won't have to drive to Duluth this semester! I have taken a couple online courses and I prefer them over in class because I work full time for a group home for Residential Services, and not having to worry about my work and school schedule clashing is awesome! I am looking forward to getting to know all of you over the next 6 weeks!! Good luck to all of you!!
Hello my name is Joe. I believe this is my 4th or 5th online course. They arent getting any easier thats for sure. Dont have a Major nor am I sure what I want to do in my career. I am a member of the Duluth Air National Guard. Taking the class because I took regular Psych and was really interested on learning more and it clears up some of my generals. I love guitar, sports, my fiance and my dogs not necessarily in that order.
Musical Introductions
Change the assignment. Tell students to use a free music service such as iMeem to create a 3-song playlist that tells you a little something about them. You might ask them to write why these songs speak to them or what these songs say about who they are as a person.
Change the assignment. Tell them to go to Toondoo.com and create a comic strip that tells a little something about them. Pretty much open ended - you never know what you're going to get!
These are just two examples of how you can use free web-based tools (Web 2.0, if you will) to spice up an otherwise boring assignment. These tools are easy for students to learn, totally free to use, and fun. Nothing wrong with having a little fun while you learn.
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