1. Compared to writing traditional essays as you have in other classes, were the expectations of the blog assignment easier, harder or just different? In other words, was it clear to you what the format of a blog was and how to produce one?
I think that blogging can actually be fun, in that it is something totally different, and being different it became interesting. As far as the formatting is concerned, I had trouble visualizing what it looked like; at least until an example was shown then I was able to see it. Blogging also seems easier to me than the traditional essays for some reason. Maybe because it is just different, and when we find a different way of doing something we like to explore that option and in the exploration we find curiosity and that keeps us going, and for me reading other peoples blogs I also learned other ways of using words and styles.
2. Did the blog assignments, and the requirement to create a blog, relate to the class topics and course objectives? Why or why not?
The blog assignments did relate to the class topics as well as the course objectives. The blogs were about what we had done in the pre-class assignments and the in-class discussions. When we talk and read about something the information imprints itself on us, and we include writing about it as well then our understanding of the topic increases. Writing about a topic requires a very thorough understanding. If that understanding is not there then the writing will not be as informative or as enjoyable as it potentially can be. I certainly learned from this class, the topics were things that I haven't really thought of looking for in what I read or hear or see.
3. Did the non-text elements of the blog program contribute to your learning in this class? Did they get in the way? Or did they have no affect at all?
Non-text elements were new for me but I thought they enhanced the blog if used right, meaning they supported the premises and conclusion. My experience is mainly with PowerPoint slides, and that gets old after a while. Animoto and Voice are new presentation devices that could bring new ideas and formats to blogs as well as presentations. These devices also open up the mind to creativity and allow the user to expand their ideas and opinions in different ways. Blogging as well as presentations can be more informative and interesting with Animoto and Voice used in creative ways with the more traditional essays.
