I am writing a few times a month for www.equality101.net. Please check it out. The blog, founded by the fabulous, AS, focuses on education. The posts vary from writers speaking to their experiences as high school teachers to college instructors doing the same thing. Today there is a great post about mentoring and another (by me) about student disabilities and my need to accommodate.

Have a great day!

Another term is ending and I tried a few different things this term. I stepped up the student use of blog and vlogs in Gender and Politics. And, also offered Twitter as an optional place to add to the discussion or to share information.

Much like last term, the blogs varied from good to great. And, the vlogs were not only fun to watch, but I could see the students' attempt at articulating their points verbally. For some of the students the vlog is their strong suit--talking about the materials and responding to it. Yes, some had a script that they were referring to, but that was OK. For those that used these various options, hopefully they can add a line to their resume: familiar with blogs/vlogs. These Web 2.0 platforms are not going away.

In American Politics, I used podcasts more. These included mini-pods where I spent time explaining an assignment. This explanation or a similar one took place in lecture and the assignment's information is also included in the syllabus. Most of the podcasts, though, were mini-lectures. These pods focused on certain aspects of the chapters or lectures.

This last school year I also am now uploading my PPT slides on to Moodle for the students' review. I haven't done this previously and while it does add more work, I think it's worth it. The students are satisfied and maybe a little spoiled!

I am now a guest writer on Equality 101. My first post was about office hours: http://equality101.net/?p=1174#more-1174

Office hours are such an integral part of a course experience for a student. The above link will take you to some of my thoughts about office hours.

The other day I let one of my classes leave about 20 minutes early than they were slated to do so. Why? About four to five students were texting, as I was talking about their paper assignment. I found that I kept on looking at the students' hands and phones and was distracted.

I then made a judgment call and let them go. They looked surprised. Hey, if you're sitting in the first row and sitting within a few feet of the podium--not best to text during lecture. I think from here on out, I will now have to add something to my syllabus about this. It really is distracting to me.