I actually have pretty mixed feelings about publishing homework publicly and look forward to seeing what everyone else thinks here. On the one hand, I agree with the notion that an open audience being able to view what you write adds incentive to present yourself well. The thought of colleagues and employers (in addition to instructors and classmates) being able to see your homework is just intimidating enough to really push me to do my best. However, I think that consciousness of the audience must also stifle conversation a bit. Controversial topics cannot be fully explored within the usual protection of classroom silence.
And though some choice in the public arena is offered in the syllabus, I think there are probably some who need to take the class that don’t really feel they have an option. That is a little concerning. I must admit that I feel like the size of the internet in itself offers the feeling of anonymity and I haven’t been overly concerned. But if we were discussing more politically charged and sensitive areas? I am not sure I would feel comfortable fully contributing an unpopular opinion. And if no one is really expressing honest opinions, is there still a purpose to the conversation?
So, I guess my final opinion on the matter is…it depends. It depends on the subject matter, the perception of availability of the opt out, and the position of the person taking the class.
Great synthesis Kim! You wrote “I must admit that I feel like the size of the internet in itself offers the feeling of anonymity and I haven’t been overly concerned”. I sort of have the opposite feeling about this. If I’m posting my work exclusively for instructor, peers, and even other students/professionals in the field, there is a certain vetting to the responses I get due to the nature of the audience. I have greater confidence that feedback is sincere, aimed at helping to educate, and coming from reputable sources. When work is posted on the open Internet, how do I assume the same. Read any comments following any news article and it won’t take long to find a troll just trying to stir things up. The issue, I guess, comes down to the credibility and intentions of the person responding to the work. I agree that there is value in all opinions, but with the sheer size of the Web, are we really to wade through rivers on nonsense to find a nugget of truth? If there was a way to limit the reach of submissions to a target audience, I would be a lot more inclined to get on board. This would be especially true if we get into the more sensitive topics you eluded to.
Hi Craig,
So, when you say, “If I’m posting my work exclusively for instructor, peers, and even other students/professionals in the field, there is a certain vetting to the responses I get due to the nature of the audience,” are you saying that you’d feel more confident about the quality of your feedback if it was coming in Blackboard?
The feedback I get from this class is great, I have no issues with that. I do like to know my audience, however. I think I’m far more likely to take risks in articulating my developing positions when I feel secure those listening have honest intentions. I’m not claiming to be an expert and don’t want to deal with the judgement and scrutiny of someone on the greater Web who interprets my opinions as claiming to be an expert. The feedback I get from instructor/peers assumes my learning curve and responds accordingly.
Oh, I understand now. For instance, if someone were to happen by our site and see your review of an article or your response to one of the prompts and cite you as gospel on the subject?
That makes sense to me.
Once upon a time, all of the higher learning that occurred on earth happened in a relatively few hallowed halls. In order to witness that process or even be really aware of the conversations, you had to be able to be physically present and to pay the price of admission. I always wonder what changes may occur when these barriers are broken down. For me, this is one of the central issues in open education. What kinds of changes might occur if we increase our cultural awareness of the learning process?
“Controversial topics cannot be fully explored within the usual protection of classroom silence”
I wish there was some way to anonymize class posts amongst peers while still allowing instructors to see who was posting (for credit). That seems like it would halt that problem, right? Students would be able to discuss openly and critically without fear or persecution from classmates. They could go through controversial topics or not have to worry about being nervous. The teacher’s presence would act as a controlling force so that the conversation didn’t get too out of hand. Usernames or student ID #s sort of correct for this but then it becomes fairly easy to single people out. Some way to randomize this while still keeping the same student name for the teacher would be useful, but I can’t help but think the system would still find a way to be abused.