Most valuable and why:
- Commenting/feedback - The systems allows me to leave commentary in diverse forms, from text to outside links to videos to voice recordings. In an environment where I can not sit down and discuss face to face my commentary about student work, the variety of options gives me the ability to capture the student's attention as well as ensure I can accurately get my points across.
- Rubrics - These ensure the subjectivity is removed from grading so no student or parent can call "favorites". Rubrics allow for an honest assessment of work and set expectations of student work before completion--they know what they have to do to get the A. Additionally, the system allows for me to have the assignment open in one window and the rubric in another making for efficient grading.
- Notification System - Since communication is a key component of the online environment, a notification system is imperative not only for course updates and emergencies but also issues where the system may be offline due to maintenance procedures.
Least valuable and why:
- Blogs - Though the feature is nice to have, it is one rarely used. Most students have a blog that they personally created or one created for another course. I think having a blogging site outside of the system helps teach our students a new skill as well as netiquette on the open internet rather than in a protected area.
- Social Profiles - Though is may help students establish friendships outside of the classroom, I think it provides a distraction and should be kept minimal.
- Self-assessments/surveys - I just honestly do not think most students when required to complete a self-assessment truly reflect and have this momentous introspective moment.
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