January 10

Today, we covered the course objectives and policies as well as the sequence of assignments.  We also talked about how to read the daily calendar as follows:

• The "In Class" column explains what will be covered in class that day.
• The "Homework for Tonight" column explains the homework that will be due the next class.  For example, the homework in the row of January 10 (today) will be due on Tuesday.
• Anything in italics signifies things what needs to be brought to class that have not been upload to Blackboard
• Anything in small caps signifies something that is due on Blackboard.

We also talked about important things of which to be aware on Blackboard.

• In the "Course Info" tab, you will find the syllabus and the daily calendar.
• In the "Discussion" tab, you will find forums to which you will post your blog link and drafts of papers that will receive commentary from Megan.
• In the "Course Work" tab, you will find all the readings and handouts you will need to bring to class and/or complete for homework.  This tab is organized by folders labeled for each day we meet.  
• Any title in blue means you need to print it out and bring it to class on the day listed on the folder.  For example, the folder labeled "January 15" has two blue titles, which means you need to bring those two documents on January 15.
• Any title in red signifies the homework for the day listed on the folder.  The homework will be do the following class period.  For example, if you have a red title in "January 10," it will be due on January 15.

We also responded to quotes about school.  We talked about how students are more excited about school when they are younger because they have more imagination, more excitement about things and are more likely to live in the moment.  However, as students get older,  they start to think about school as "academia," get wrapped up in their responsibilities and focus more on their end goals rather than the moment they are currently living.  They also look at school as a way to gain information and start to experience more difficult subjects, which may make them less interested in school.  We also talked about how knowledge is gained both in and out of school.  Often, what one learns outside of school can weigh more on one's life because one is able to learn street smarts and gain social skills outside of school.  

Homework: Create a blogger account and post the hyperlink to Blackboard.  The subject should be your name.  In the message, you only need to include your link.