Blog+Assignment+for+SOC+242-Chris+Eckerle

Course name: SOC 242 –Nanotechnology: Content and Context

Objective assignment will meet: This is a survey course that introduces the disruptive forces nanotechnology is introducing into our society. We look at not only the actual science behind it but also exam the societal issues such as improvements in health care, consumer products, the effects of exponential change on individuals and even the economics of nanotechnology.
 * Explain the societal issues associated with emergent technology

Description of previous assignment: Class discussion has always been a part of the student’s grade but it has been in a F2F setting. Students are supposed to read various original sources and then comment on them.

Rationale for assignment revision: Some students participate enthusiastically but about 50% tend to hold back and add little to the conversation. Many students may not feel comfortable talking about some of the issues such as the environmental or economic impacts of a disruptive technology. They may not even see them so adding a discussion component that gets them asking questions should help expand their vision. The methods for this discussion need to encourage the student to propose a view or ask a question that encourages critical thinking.

Technology to be used: I would like to use a blog function but I need to become more comfortable with the technology. Which ever technology is used for this assignment, it must allow the student to quickly feel comfortable with it. The technology can’t be a barrier to the student’s ability to express their ideas. Also, student will need to be able to use the technology no matter which connections speeds they have on their computers.

Instructions students will need to use technology: A guide to using the technology will need to be designed with the beginner in mind. I did this for my students when we switched to Educator to Blackboard and it worked well.

Brief description of content students will need to accomplish assignment (textbook, websites, lectures, videos, resources): Students will use their textbook, articles and lecture notes to form opinions and voice their comments or questions. This should be an ongoing discussion as students learn about how an emergent technology changes society. I see this blog as continuing for the whole term.

Instructions for students to complete assignment: Students will go to the blog’s tutorial and learn how to post during the second class period. They will then write in the blog each week. More definite instructions would be based on the specific software used.

Grading criteria, rubric, and assessment: There would be a rubric created to list the criteria for posting to the blog. A percentage of the final grade would be based on the student’s participation in this blog.