This is a non-negotiable component of the CA, at least as far
as the electronic format is concerned. This is an important component of the CA. Students cannot substitute this component
of the CA with writing a short essay, for example. I have noticed that students
who do well for this component of the CA usually do well for the module as a
whole.
This component of the CA carries 10% of the total marks for the module. The time period for
contributions for this component of the CA is from the 14th of August to the
14th of November, which practically covers the whole taught period for this
module. No late contributions will be considered.
For this component of the CA, students are expected to make a contribution in
at least one, or possibly more of the following:
IVLE forum
IVLE chat
Contributions on your blogs or web pages
1. IVLE forum
This is the mainstay of this component of the CA. Here are some points to be
noted in relation to the IVLE forum for this module
Topics are usually
generated by students themselves, although there may be one or more topics
initiated by me.
One good contribution may suffice, but it is best that you
contribute more frequently, as quantity, especially if the contributions include
a number of very good postings or responses, will help you get better marks.
Points are awarded not only for initiating topics, but replies are also
important. Depending on their quality, some replies may actually score better than
some topics.
In order to get good marks, evidence of
critical thinking must be shown.
Entries which express students' fears about the module or enquire about
certain ideas or approaches may not get good marks. However, entries which
evaluate the significance of certain ideas or approaches, or interrogate the
bases and limits of their applicability are welcome.
Reviews of films, whether new or old, are welcome, but the reviews must
go beyond some very brief basic reactions: eg. ‘good’, ‘bad’, ‘wow!’, or ‘my
girlfriend enjoyed it, but I didn’t’. The films must be critically analysed,
and the points of relevance to the module must be mentioned, if they are not
explicit.
Students who make a great number of good contributions may be awarded bonus
marks, as these contributions show that they have, on their own accord,
diligently thought through a good number of topics or issues discussed in the
module.
IM-lingo or chatese should be avoided when using the forum,
or used sparingly
(but they can of course be used when using the chatroom: see below).
This is usually a less popular choice than the forum. But it does carry marks
if you contribute to it. So if you feel uncomfortable with contributing to the
forum, you may consider this option. Online chatting has the advantage of
real-time discussion, where responses are immediate, unlike the use of the
forum above. Here are some points to note in relation to the use of the IVLE
chatroom for this module.
You
need at least two persons, preferably more, chatting about a topic or issue at
the same time. You may have to arrange
the time with other students to meet and discuss the topics or issues.
The topic for the chat is usually student-initiated, but if time
permits, I may organise one or more chat sessions.
Chatting is of
course a possible avenue for discussion of your projects, or possibly, your
essays.
To a certain extent, IM-lingo or chateseshould
be used when you chat, as this is a synchronous mode of communication
where typing speed and the ability to use the shortcuts or shorthand of chatese
are helpful in keeping the conversation going. I won't penalise you if you do not have even a minimal
knowledge of chatese, but I have to say that it is really awkward and SLOW to discuss
anything in this format with someone who does not know how to use it at all!
Moreover, as a teacher of language, I have to remind students that the use of certain varieties of English is appropriate on certain occasions or
contexts, even if they are to be avoided outside these occasions or
contexts. Of course, you must bear in mind that not everyone is familiar with
every
abbreviation or
smiley
that can be found in chatese, so do it in a balanced way that will enhance, and
not impede communication.
3. Blog or other web contributions
Yes, you may use your own blog or web page to make a contribution or
discussion for this component of the CA. The contributions should be within the
time period for this component of the CA, and should be relevant to the module.