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 60+ 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!
Hi Michael,
I think this is a great idea! It would absolutely be more manageable to keep up to date with a smaller focus group rather than the enormity of the amount of students. I am all for it! I vote fo the 4 groups of 15 or so.
-Fin Lee
agreed!
Hello!
While I love getting to know my fellow classmates through their blog posts, there are a lot of them and it can be time consuming. I think 4 groups of 15 or so is more manageable. Thanks for asking!
Erin
Love the idea! I think having four smaller groups will allow for closer engagement and higher focus within the groups.
I also think smaller groups would be helpful! Thanks for thinking all of this through!
I love the idea of smaller groups. This would feel more manageable for me.
I agree – four groups sounds better. Thanks.
I believe four smaller groups will be more manageable, as well. Thank you!
I also think four small groups would be the way to go!
Smaller groups definitely seem more manageable. Thanks for asking.
Casting my vote for smaller groups, as well!
I concur with all the other comments, four groups of 15 seems more manageable. While I love reading everyone’s posts, it would feel less overwhelming to focus more deeply within the smaller group of 15.
Yes! I think smaller groups would be great. Allows for more opportunity to really connect with others. Thanks for asking.
I agree with the previous comments – smaller groups! Thanks for asking.
I agree–smaller groups seem more manageable and a good way to go deeper in interacting with our classmate’s blogs.
Placing my vote for smaller groups.
Sounds pretty unanimous so far.. and makes sense.
I will only be repeating what my classmates have already said but… smaller is better.
I’d say 4 groups of 15 students. Thanks for throwing the options!
Hi Michael!
For me, the best option would be 4 groups of about 15 students. Thank you! This is a great idea.
YES AND I SAY YES to 4 groups of 15 or so-
I agree with all of my classmates!
Hi Michael! I agree that more groups with few members is a good plan. As a new MLIS student, it will be easier to focus in and engage with a smaller number of blogs.
Hello! I think there are definite benefits to both styles, though smaller groups would let us focus more attention on the blogs we were in a small group with. Thanks!
It’s always a challenge to learn the new digital ecosystems for online classes. Consensus seems to be that the smaller groups would be most manageable – and I agree!
I agree that the smaller groups would be best. Thanks for asking!
I also vote for the smaller groups of 15. So far everyone has written such thoughtful posts and its frustrating to feel like I’m always playing catch-up trying to read and engage. Thank you for considering our opinions on this one!
Having a smaller more condensed group would probably be better. That way it’s not overloaded with information. I would vote for the smaller group of 15
Small groups. Four groups of 15 or so would be more manageable.
Dear Professor Stephens:
I really appreciate your comment:
“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!”
Yep, ‘fuzzy’ is the word, but I am determined to get up to speed. 🙂 I will definitely look into Feedly. Since I am new to the blogosphere (that’s a thing, right?), I will go along with the above thoughts of my colleagues.
Cheers,
Kristen-Marie
@kristenmarie 🙂
Hi everyone,
I am very happy to learn about the blog post. I am very lucky to have two different blog posts, also two different pictures. Best of luck
Frances Rickard-Morovat
Hi all, smaller groups sounds better!