Hey all! I am pondering how to best create the OPML file for our course.
So here is the question for all of you. We are at 70 students across my two combined sections of 200. I DO NOT expect any of you to read every single blog post from your classmates but I would like to make it more manageable for you to engage with each other on the Community Site. One thought I had beyond creating two 30+ feed OPMLs files is to divide the group into perhaps four “Learner’s Groups.” This would be done randomly so we have people with diverse interests in each group instead of people grouping by LIS interest etc.
What the OPML does is auto-populates a feed reader (such as Feedly) with the feeds of individual blogs. It makes it very easy to monitor what people are writing and when new posts go up. So my question to you all is – what would be more useful for you — two 30+ feed OPMLs by section or four groups of 15 or so? Of course, you can comment on any of the 200 blogs across the Community Site as well! Please weigh in below.
NOTE: If this all seems a little fuzzy, that’s fine. In the first weeks of any program you have a lot come at you, for an online program, that’s tripled – especially with technology. I think once you try a Feedly account it will make a lot of sense and become a tool you may use for years to come. This is safe place for everyone but I want you to be exploring, learning and trying new things!
I think I like the idea of four groups of 15 or so best.
I like the idea of four groups of 15.
Agreeing with Bekah and Melissa. Keeping the grouping smaller may help with readability and retention too. But, looking forward to the flexibility of checking out any of the other student blogs across groups to the extent that is possible.
Aaron
I also think smaller groups would make things more manageable.
I like the idea of smaller groups.
I would prefer the smaller groups.
Yes, I also would find it easier to participate in smaller groups.
I also like the idea of smaller groups!
I would also prefer smaller groups.
I agree with those above. Smaller groups sounds great.
I’m with the majority on this one! The 4 groups of 15 or so sounds more manageable.
Another vote for smaller, more manageable groups. Great idea.
Smaller groups sounds good!
Smaller groups of 15 sounds more manageable!
Groups of 15 sounds like a manageable number.
I agree with groups of 15 should be more manageable.
With everything is SO big at the moment, smaller is better. I’d prefer the groups of 15.
Smaller would be great!
Thank you for offering the two options. I agree with those before me that the smaller group would be more manageable.
I like the groups of 15 idea.
I think a smaller group of 15 would definitely work better for me.
I, like most above me, prefer a smaller group. I also wonder if there would be a way for us to intentionally (perhaps via an assignment) interact with another group? So maybe we have Groups A, B, C, D… and at some point members of group B will have to check out the posts by memers in Group D. Or something like that.
I think I am indifferent, so I will go with the flow and whatever you decide (though it seems like small groups is taking a commanding lead!)
I would agree with groups of 15
I am for Learner’s Groups, as well.
4 groups of 15. Let’s do it!
4 groups of 15
Learner’s Groups! I like that I’ll be able to get to know a small group of classmates. Plus, it makes the feed more manageable.
@michael Is the idea that we should be commenting weekly on the blogs in our group? Or do we just read the ones in our group more carefully and then comment on anyone’s blog?
@librarysparkle You may comment on anyone’s blog. The groups were intended to make things more manageable for those who would like to work that way. Students should make at least 6 comments for the semester. More here:
https://infocom.hyperlib.sjsu.edu/commenting-engagement-and-participation/