Thursday, December 08, 2005

I Wonder

1. Can't remember where I came across this, but the question perfectly asks what I've been wondering for a while: "Is blogging a revolution in discourse, or is it CB radio?" Whaddaya think? (I promise not to quote you 10 years from now. And if you don't know what CB radio is, ask an elder).

2. Something else I've been wondering about as I get ready to move is, "Which books move with me? Which ones get given away? And which ones should go straight to the trash?" (It's like a dagger in the heart to even ask that last question, but I've collected a lot of books over the years and some just have to go). I'd be interested in other alternatives and guidelines from those who've done this recently.

3. I also wonder about how the advent of the web will impact book ownership. So far, it seems to have increased the sale of books.

4. Related to the first question: I know that there are some good examples and write ups out there already, but I'd like to hear your suggestions, ideas, experiences about using a blog in a school course.
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6 comments:

James said...

Well...

1. I'd say blogging is a revolution in free published speech. Anyone can publish, anyone can read it, and there is no guarantee as to quality or format. So that being said, I think it depends on how you are using a blog. Some of the GenNexters are more likely to use it for instantaneous sharing of pictures and status updates. Some people use it as a journal or diary, other use blogs as a means to share ideas, and still others use it as a less complicated form of message board or discussion forum. I wouldn't call it a revolution in discourse because there is no guarantee that anything you write will generate a discussion. However, I would also not call it a CB radio, but perhaps a ham radio.

2. Books are tough, I love my books - even if I've only read them each once. I think the simple answer is, "would I read this book again, or recommend it to friends?" If the answer to that question is yes on both counts, then keep it. If you would only recommend it to others, but probably would not read it again, then give it away to someone. But if you wouldn't read it again, and you wouldn't recommend it, then what is it still doing on your shelf! However, don't throw the books away, do one of two things: see if you can donate them to a charity organization (salvation army, a library, etc), or see if you can find a used books store or thrift shop near you to sell the books. No reason to throw away a perfectly good book.

3. Since the web offers three distinct ways of distributing books - ship them, download ebooks, download audio books - I see the web as providing people an easier way to investigate new books before buying. Some places put excerpts online, you can be recommended new books based on preferences, and any book you find it almost always available and will be in your hands either instantly or within a day or two. I think it brings more exposure for books, but not much else. Audio books are a niche market, I've tried them and I don't like them. Hearing someone read the book, even with different voice actors, just ruins it for me. And as for ebooks, until they come out with digital reader that is durable, lightweight, with long battery life, and has the look of paper (no glare, etc)... I probably won't be buying a lot of them, since I don't like reading long documents on a screen.

4. As for blogs as related to a school course, I think the best use is probably the least invasive. Let's say that each week of the course has a particular theme/subject/idea that is follows. I say use the blog as a way to keep the students locked in to that topic beyond your classroom. At the beginning of the week have some open-ended, no wrong answers, question posted on the blog - and ask that each student (as part of the course) to respond with their thoughts. It would open up the dialog a bit more since people wouldn't be on the spot and could think about it. I would just make it a requirement that everyone put their $0.02 in before the last class of the week (multple posts ok, but no spamming or flaming, and responding to each other encouraged), so you could have maybe a 10 minute wrap-up discussion in class. Don't know if that idea is out there already, but that's how I would use it - makes the course persistent, meaning you'd probably have more students who enjoy the class because of the continual interaction.

8:30 AM
Frank Bellizzi said...

Jamie,

Thanks for the feedback. A clarification. I'm with you on the part about not throwing away decent books. It's just that I have a hard time throwing away even the decrepit ones. It's like the farmer shooting the animal that really needs to go.

The good books that I don't use are the stuff of "Frank's Fabulous Freebies" (book give away at our regional preachers' meetings). The second installment is this month.

8:51 AM
Frank Bellizzi said...

Oh, and Jamie, the ideas under number 4 are great. That's exactly the sort of thing that I would want, i.e., to keep participants thinking about what the course is about. Plus, I think that posting/commenting on a blog would be much like a "get to" than a "have to."

Btw, what is "flaming"?

8:57 AM
James said...

Flaming is where people start attacking each other and get off-topic... essentially. To avoid flaming, you just emphasize that - no one person has a lock on truth or the right to express themselves, and personal attacks or non-constructive criticism is frowned upon.

As for the "have to" vs. "get to" you are right, is really shouldn't be pushed as a requirement, probably just needs a hook to encourage participation -- so the blog aspect doesn't die off. :)

10:10 AM
kendanley said...

On what to do with books, the used ones of mine that sell best on Amazon.com and for the most money are the more obscured ones.

5:42 PM
kendanley said...

My used books that sold the best and for the most on Amazon.com were the most obscure ones.

5:44 PM

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