Image Source: Langwitchesblog
Why Blog?
Web blogs as a genre are more informal and immediate than most other forms of technical writing. The purpose of this assignment is to use that informality, as well as the capacity for linking to a variety of online media, to think reflectively about current trends and topics being discussed in the broader technical world outside of class. The goal is to engage more thoroughly with your own discipline and the role writing will have in your professional life.This assignment will also help you create a fuller picture of yourself for hiring purposes.
Instructions
Step 1: Choose the type of blog you will write. Remember: choose a topic/type that you can maintain over the course of the semester (at least 5 full entries).
Option #1: Team Project Blog (and Website).
Are you a member of a research team or project that will be working this semester? If you choose this type, you can chronicle the team’s progress, provide information to teammates and/or provide updates for the public. For your final assignment (Redesign: E-Portfolio), you will craft an informational website for the team/project which will include the blog entries you have written.
Option #2: Individual Project Blog (and Website).
Planning to write a thesis or compete in a design or other competition? This blog will provide a reflective space to chronicle your individual progress and keep your public informed. Though your topic will be somewhat personal, your blog will be public and should reflect careful attention to your audience’s information needs and preferences. Your final assignment (Redesign: E-Portfolio) will be a website that details your project and includes your blogs.
Option #3: Personal Interests Blog (and E-Portfolio)
For this blog, you will write about any professional issues/news stories that interest you. Try to identify the most respected journal and news sources in your field (maybe ask your major professors what they read to keep up-to-date with their professions). The goal here is to write on issues that intrigue you with the ultimate goal of presenting a “well-rounded” image of yourself for potential employers. If you choose this option, each blog entry MUST include a link to the news story that you are discussing.
Step 2: Choose a website platform. We will provide instruction for The Blogs At Penn State, but many students prefer WordPress, Weebly, Blogger or some other platform. Tip: Be sure that whatever platform you choose CAN DO all the requirements for the assignment.
Step 3: Write at least 5 blog entries over the course of the semester. Each blog entrymust include an interesting and well-organized discussion (at least 200 words), visuals, links and a catchy title. The purpose here is to make your entry so compelling that others WANT to read it. Increase readability with interesting and relevant headings and short paragraphs.
Step 4: Write at least 5 comments on the blogs written by your fellow classmates. Include additional links and/or visuals to deepen the discussion. Comments should be at least 100 words.
Step 5: Plan carefully! Ten total entries are required (5 blog entries and 5 comments). You will have most of the semester to complete the assignment (see Schedule) BUT I will accept only 2 submissions in any particular week. This means that it will take AT LEAST 5 weeks to complete the assignment – you choose the weeks. If you complete the assignment early, additional submissions will count as extra credit (see below).
See what Jon Stewart has to say about blogs:
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-may-10-2005/blogs-on-tv?xrs=share_copy
How Do I Turn Them In?
The goal here is for me to provide timely (weekly) and confidential feedback on your blog entries and comments. Sites at Penn State make it difficult for me to provide confidential evaluation information to you, so here are the steps you will take:
First, craft and post your blog entries and comments on your e-portfolios/websites.
Then,
For ENTRIES tag each entry in the “Tags” box as tw19. IF YOU DO NOT TAG YOUR ENTRY, I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO READ AND GRADE IT. I will email you your score through Angel email.
For COMMENTS post a link AND copy and paste the text of the comment in the designated Angel Discussion Forum. Posting links of the comments on Angel will enable me to email your score to you directly and privately. I will email your score to you.
Important: Post only two submissions (one entry and one comment) per week – you choose the weeks. I will evaluate the blogs weekly.
Grading
The Professional Blogging Assignment is worth 15 total points. Each blog entry is worth up to 2 points (one for style and one for content). Each comment is worth 1 point.
Blog Entry:
In order to receive a point for style, the blog entry should be written in the “upside down triangle” format, and must include ALL of the following:
–at least one visual,
-at least one link,
-a catchy title, headings,
-no more than two grammar/style errors, and
-at least 200 words.
If any of these elements is missing or there is more than two errors, you will not receive the point for style.
In order to receive a point for content, the entry should demonstrate thoughtful, interesting consideration of the referenced text and/or topic being discussed. Value-added entries will include links to other articles discussing a similar topic.
Comments:
In order to receive the point, comments should be thoughtful, insightful, non- confrontational and at least 100 words. Value-added comments will include links to other articles discussing a similar topic.
Grading Scale:
The final PB grade will be calculated as follows:
14-15 points = A; 12-13 points = B; 10-11 points = C; 8-9 points = D. 7 or fewer = F.
Extra Credit Opportunity: After the entire assignment is completed (5 blog entries and 5 comments), you may write additional postings for extra credit. Any extra credit will be added to your final PB grade.
Correct blog entries are worth an extra .10 each; correct comments, an extra .05 each.
Note: Extra credit entries do not “make up” for low scores on original entries/comments.
Remember: I will accept only two posts (one entry and one comment) per week (even extra credit!).
Links and Resources
Quick Start Guide for sites.psu.edu
Copyblogger: The Art of the Paragraph
Copyblogger: How Twitter Makes You A Better Writer
Sample Blog: Jen Rhodes – Vetrinary and Biomedical Science
Sample Blog: Stephen Hay – Environmental Resource Management
Sample Blog: Garrett Herr – Statistician
Sample Blog: Maria Sabatino – Civil Engineer