OU_WebStudy AUGUST 1998 Group Outline

WebStudy Group / Committee Outlines

The need for group assignments and activities have been long debated. I find working in groups provides unique experiences that closely relates to what has been termed "the real world." As you can imagine teaching "in groups" can be a teaching / administrative nightmare. It has been my experience the educational benefit far outweighs the immediate "problems."

There will be 3 groups. The starting titles of these groups (committees) are:

The Image (and Images) group.
The Organization / Rules group.
The Technology, both standard and "cutting edge" group.

Hopefully you will be joined with a group that closely matches you desires / abilities. You should know, there is value in cooperating in a group where you are possibly mis-matched (trust me). Don't worry if your a techno-geek and you are assigned to the Rules committee. None of the groups are especially more "powerful" than another, and it is my expectation that each of the three groups will communicate and cooperate to maximize our chances of producing a successful (group) project. Yes, you can work (on a voluntary basis) on any or all groups. Group activities account for 30% of my evaluation your performance. Working and playing well with others is the key.

The point here is to accomplish "as much as" the group can do..., not as little!

The groups first order of business is to get connected (e-mail via Internet), then determine the Group Organization (Group President, VP etc). When you are ready please publish your group Title, Members, their Group "position" and E-mail addresses (each member) to the WebStudy list-server.

Group Name and Work Topic decisions are due (posted to the WebStudy list-server) by noon, Monday, August 3rd, 1998.

The first week (suggested) group activities.

Perhaps the most difficult part of working in groups is determining a "time" to meet. Using Internet tools the necessity of an absolute meeting time can be avoided. The next most difficult/important issues Groups face are "who are we" and "what will we do." Make it your responsibility to participate in these decisions within the group.

Here is an outline that may guide your discussions:

Group Name and Topic decisions are due (posted to the WebStudy list-server) by noon Monday, August 3rd.

The Image (and Images) group.

Create a new AUG98 WebStudy Banner
Create example animated GIF's and show everyone how to do it.
Create some Image map examples and show everyone how.
Use a large image and cut it into pieces using tables. (more interesting visually).
Determine the group interests, create web pages based on that interest, and make those pages available to the entire WebStudy Class.

The Organization / Rules group.

Approves individual and group proposals.
Proofs all final submissions.
Offers suggestions for improving the body of work.
Get the class "body of work" on at least one search engine. (Demonstrate how to do it).
Determine the class "awards" categories and announce outstanding class members (list-server).
Determine the group interests, create web pages based on that interest, and make those pages available to the entire WebStudy Class.

The Technology, both standard and "cutting edge" group.

Teach everyone in the class to use the "chat" line, or Netscape Conference (p. 203), or other TBA. Experiment within your Group, then share with the entire class.
Download a Netscape "plug-in" (Ref: p. 86). Pick something of value to your group members. Share how to do it with the entire class.
Determine the group interests, create web pages based on that interest, and make those pages available to the entire WebStudy Class.

The first week of class..., All Groups Outline (action summary)

Tuesday, July 28th

Meet your Group Members. (get acquainted)
Individual Group Members exchange e-mail addresses.
Each member will send "every other" member at least one e-mail (before dark today)

Wednesday, July 29th

Groups meet via Internet. Continue to develop communications skills among members. Be certain that you can communicate with all the members of your group. (Groups were assigned the first day of class).

Thursday, July 30th

Groups meet via e-mail to discuss the mailing list exchange (Assignment is outlined below). Individual groups should determine the "best way" before exchanging the mail lists. Also, groups should discuss the necessity for the (optional) Friday "face" meeting. If all business can be accomplished remotely there is no need to meet face to face. (The meeting is a "safety net" if the group communication breaks down totally).

Friday, July 31th

Groups meet for lunch (if necessary). I would prefer you work out your schedules and discuss your goals and objective remotely by Internet, but if all else fails meet face to face.

It is my expectation that by Friday the 31st, you will be communicating using the list-server within your 3 groups, and using Netscape Messenger Mail Filters (p. 192) to place the mass list-server information into appropriate categories. Remember, the key to mail filter success is appropriate "Subject" lines / messages that allow appropriate filtering.

Let me know if you need more information regarding mail filters..., (or anything)?

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