mapping student blog posts with scapple

Mapping

Meredith A. BakFilm & Media Studies

Blogging assignment parameters

• Each week: 1 post, 2 comments

• Posts 500-600 words

• Posts and comments due before class

Goals

• For students: Respond to readings, screenings, and each other before class.

• For instructor: Organize class discussion.

Assessment

Common Pitfalls

• Difficulties bringing blog content into class discussion

• Student participation is perfunctory

Is there a way to present a snapshot of the week’s blog activity?

What should the map accomplish?

• Show blog content as a network

• Concentrate on connections, interactions

Scapple

Sample Data

• Brian Croxall’s ENG181: Literature and Technology (Emory University).

http://www.briancroxall.net/lit-tech/

• Topic: Experiencing the Frankenstein iPad app (a selection of 10 posts, 12 commenters).

Some ways to use the map

Identify and assess main conversation points

Organize class discussion

• Determine where to start, who to call on

• Manage time according to main points of interest

• Set priorities for discussion

Map can be annotated as “cheat sheet” or roadmap for instructor

A way of dividing small groups for discussion

A way of dividing small groups for discussion

Conclusion/Hopes:• Helpful way to incorporate out-of-class

conversation.

• Map data "speaks for itself,” so discussion is student-driven or at least inspired by student participation/input.

• Mapping is an informal way of asking students "let's see what you did this week."