What firewall?

Last posting to this blog today. Having played with many of the Web 2.0 technologies this last semester, here are some ways to integrate the fun into the learning process - so long as time, space, and access allow! 1) Public Relations Induction I have set up a Public Relations Group on blackboard for all my PR students (a very small course)with the intention that they use it as a course meeting point. The aim is that the L3 students "buddy up" with the L1 students and provide a mentoring service via posting content, use of discussion board or simply making announcements about topics of interest. Their space - will they use it? Level 1 - Personal Development The e-aim here is to introduce the first years to the delights of blogs and wikis. Throughout their first year programme they have to complete a number of group written assignments. Some time needs to be invested in the PC room introducing them to wikis as group authoring software. If access permits they are then able to co-construct group essays from home - regardless of where home is. The last assignment in PD has traditionally been their Skills Portfolio - an on-going reflection of their progress throughout the year. The typical student produces this in the last 3 days before submission following a massive paper-chase to collect all the missing evidence. It might be that blogs captivate their interest sufficiently to actually produce an on-going reflection journal from Day 1. Again this will need time and access to set up effectively. L1 - Customers and Markets A number of intiatives could be taken here with this course of 100 plus first years. 1) I can continue with a webquest to set them up for their first tca. (Done this for years without knowing it was called a webquest) 2) encourage them to use wikis for any group reports 3) develop Photo Story 3 clips to illustrate the Events theme running through the year 4) attempt to set up small discussion groups to encourage collaborative working outside the class L2 - Consumer Buyer Behaviour Already well ahead with this one - an assignment to research and profile users of Social Networking Sites such as My Space, Facebook and Second Life. Courageous students with access (destroy the firewall) will be able to use the SNS themselves to undertake marketing research. Fancy doing a virtual f2f interview in SL? Use groups within Facebook to cascade questionnaires. The world is your oyster! L2 - Marketing Communications These students are going to be required to research the re-branding process of the new bcuc. It may be possible to carry out research with both current students and alumni using Facebook and My Space L3 - PR Work Placement Module This is a WP module NOT a WP year so the students will still be attending clases throughout the week. That said they might benefit from 1) a PR WP Group on Bb to discuss their placement issues, 2) use of a blog to record their experiences and 3) regular email contact with their lecturer Dissertation Three areas to consider here: 1) the use of a blog to assimilate, record and structure raw data during the research process - saves space in bedrooms and carrying heavy ring binders 2) possible dissertation topic - e-marketing research particularly using Social Networking Sites 3) possible dissertation topic - a critial analysis of using Second Life for Corporate Advertising Foundation Route B - Understanding Customers This is the only work-based learning programme that I teach on. It is also delivered by a number of associated colleges, hence the need for effective communication. Extensive use of blackboard is required here to keep in touch with both students and partner college staff. There will be a need to build content within Bb away from just posting lecture handouts, and to encourage full use of discussion board.