There are not that many big issues with Blackboard, but there are problems with the site nonetheless. The e-mail through Blackboard is not very reliable at all, many time I have sent e-mails through Blackboard and they have not gone through to the recipient. Some teachers post things on Blackboard, telling them about the next homework assignment or paper, etc, but many students do not check Blackboard everyday because other teachers just send e-mails, I think that it would be helpful if a e-mail was automatically sent out when a new notification or post has been put up by the teacher, if that were possible. There have been times when I could not access Blackboard for hours at a time, which is inconvenient because some of the material held on Blackboard is vital for classes, like homework, readings, videos, etc. Besides the issues listed above, I personally, have not had any other issues that I can think of with Blackboard.
About the course:
I think the class is very well proportioned between video clips, discussions about the worksheets and political issues themselves, and questions asked. Sometimes if a student begins to talk and the beginning of their argument is not exactly what is wanted to be heard or off topic a little but, they are cut off completely and not given a chance to talk at all. I know there are other things to talk about in class that need to be gotten to, but I think there is enough time within the class for us to get a little off subject, which happens, and if a student wants to say something, they should be given the chance to do so. Of course, if their argument does not hold up or if they are COMPLETELY off topic, go to the next, but every student should be given the same privileges of speech. The political and film issues that we discuss in class are right on target with what they should be about with each movie, in my opinion. I also think the new rules for this part of the term will do good to those who are not timely with turning things in, it will give fairness to other students as well.
Kristin, Thanks for the blog. You are doing very well in the course, but I would like you to participate more in class discussion. I am sorry if I have cut people off in discussion. I shall be more careful in future.
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