Task 2

Task 2: Let’s Share

Goals

1. Find a blog/website that interests you and follow its updates regularly.
2. Share your findings on your blog.
3. Meet me (Your wonderful English tutor, Andy ;)) in Second Life

Time frame:

• 3 hours individual blog work. Write a blog post about a blog/website you are interested in and comment on another students posts.
• 20 – 30 minute one-to-one session with Andy in Second Life. (at a time which suits you):  An opportunity to ask any questions about the course and receive feedback about last weeks task.

1. Search for blogs/websites which interest you.

• This can be done by typing a subject you are interested in into your search engine (i.e., google, etc.)
• For some examples of popular blogs take a  look at Time magazine’s  list of  top blogs in 2010 here.

2. Choose a blog/website which you will follow regularly.

• Think about what you are interested in and how reading a blog or visiting a website regularly could benefit you.
• If you select the option to subscribe to a blog/website this will allow you to receive regular updates sent directly to your e.mail inbox for convenient reading.

3. In a new post on your blog, share the blog/website you have found and discuss it.

• Write about why you are interested in this blog/website  and how it could benefit you and your readers. (remember to add the URL  to direct your readers)

If you are stuck and would like a few ideas to get you started, take a look at what I have done in my blog.

TERMS you may be unsure about:

URL:  a web address, i.e., http://websitename.com

Post: A new blog entry.

Follow: When you subscribe to a blog/website, read it regularly and write comments.

4. Visit other students’ (on this course) blogs and read what they have shared with you.

Find someone who has chosen a blog/website which  also interests you.  Start or join in on a discussion thread by writing a short message, in the comments box under the post, about the website/blog they have chosen.

e.g. ‘I really like the website you have shared with us.  I especially like the photography.  Are you interested in photography as well? I think your images are stunning!  (asking questions in your comments are really important to keep the flow of the conversation in blogs)

5.  BLOG OF THE WEEK!  (vote for your favourite blog below)

6.  Last but not least! Second Life Meeting:

Below is a short video introducing  you to Second Life (again :)) However, I understand some of you have difficulties viewing You Tube clips, so if you need extra assistance you know I’m here to help you:

Weekly Discussion:

Do you remember your Second Life name?

What do you expect you will do in Second Life?

How do you think Second Life can benefit you?

Please write your answers to the questions in the comments box below this post.  Cheers! (I’m looking forward to your answers) 

Did you successfully complete the induction in Second Life?  If not, don’t worry.  Watch the clip below to refresh your memory;

I will meet you ‘in-world‘ this week instead of Skype.  Also, sign in at least 15 minutes before the arranged time and I will teleport you to where I am.

Second Life can some times be a little slow at starting up, so always sign in at least 15 minutes before any arranged meetings to avoid being late.  It can be frustrating if you have to download a new viewer update before an allocated meeting and it makes you late, especially when you were at your computer on time! Technology isn’t always kind to us complex humans 😀 

TERMS you may not be familiar with:

Teleport or TP –  to move to other locations in Second Life (you will receive a notice from me with directions when you arrive in Second Life so don’t worry :))