Blog+Assignment+MGT+251+-+Torts+-+Heidi+Helgren

Course Name: MGT 251 Business Law I Objective: Participate in Blog Activity Heidi Helgren MGT 251: Business Law I

Objective assignment will meet: Enhance student understanding of torts while giving them a "hands-on" experience in developing a blog.

Description of previous assignment: Students have been responsible for Discussion Board postings that answer case questions pertaining to torts.

Rationale for assignment revision: Case questions may not fully develop a complete understanding of torts. Most case questions are designed so students can immediately spot one or two issues, even based on gut reactions of fairness alone.

Technology to be used: Textbook, Blog, Research on the Internet - for Cases/Statutes/Current News

Instructions students will need to use technology: I believe I will set up the Blog, and students will be given instructions on where to access it, and how to add content.

Brief description of content students will need to accomplish assignment (textbook, websites, lectures, videos, resources): Students will read the chapter on Torts, attend my lecture, research the internet for current news, cases, and statutes at the national level and for various states.

Instructions for students to complete assignment: I'm wondering if this can be an entire class assignment, where in a week's time they create an entire Blog that details all of the possible torts. Students will be required to submit the names of torts, their definitions, specifics, technicalities, examples, and current court activity on the tort. Some students will end up submitting original postings, while others will be editing or refining. They will submit case summaries and attach website links.

Grading criteria, rubric, and assessment: Currently the Discussion Board postings are required. If they do not participate they lose 5 points. So I'm deciding whether they receive points for participating, or whether they lose points for not participating. I'm not sure how to make sure the participation is balanced though. I imagine I could have one student who would work quite a bit on this, and other students who would make minor edits. If it's an entire class assignment, I'm not sure I will be able to assess how much each student is getting out of it. I could have them create their own blogs with one tort, but it's important that they understand all of the torts. Creating an individual Blog with all of the torts would be too time consuming for each student.