Communication 180 Redesign

Posted on February 23, 2009 
Filed Under Engagement Initiative

ETS is currently working with Dr. Matt Jackson to redesign components of the Communication 180 course taught at University Park. This course is an introduction to electronic media and telecommunications and their consequences for society and the economy. Until a few years ago, this primarily meant over-the-air television, radio, cable TV, and traditional telephone service. With the rapid advancement of technology, the field now includes a wide variety of broadcast, wire-based and wireless forms of video, data and voice communications, as well as Internet-based media. Since the way that we communicate has changed so radically, our approach to this type of course should change as well. By incorporating new media into the course, we will create a consistency between the content and the mode of discussion.

At the moment, the focus is on the integration of student blogging into the course flow. As we progress, we will examine several core learning activities, integrate digital media, and enhance discussions related to new forms of public media. The exciting thing about this project is that Comm 180 is a large-enrollment course, with about 350 students per section. Our challenge is to integrate blogging and digital media production (via the Digital Commons) while not producing any increased load on Dr. Jackson or his TAs.

As of the Spring 2009 semester, students are required to submit new entries, comments, and/or new resources to the Comm. 180 Class Blog. These posts determine the class participation grade for the semester. Students can also choose to maintain their own blog (with a minimum of one reflective entry per week) for extra credit. By the Fall 2009 semester, Dr. Jackson hopes to do away with the course textbook and rely solely on resources generated by the class and posted to the blogs. This will accomplish his goal to create an “open classroom” for students both inside and outside of Penn State.

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