First off, I wanted to make a logistical observation: the tech-support here at GIT is really quite remarkable. I've found the institute-wide entity, OIT, to be an especially responsive, professional group of people. Equally attentive are the internal tech-support teamsters here in LCC--response time and results are more than satisfactory. Of course, I could make the argument that they're on the ball because they have to be, what with the various technical problems I've experienced lately: my failed office ethernet port, not to mention accessing webmail, the Buzzport portal, web-discussion boards.... But I gripe.
Tech apparently has a contract with a web-discussion software vendor called Web Crossing (or webX) that many instructors in LCC end up using. I'm new to it, but I'm using it this semester in my classes. In past courses, I've used such services as Yahoo! Groups or WebCT for online, asynchronous discussion forums; I generally liked those solutions, though Yahoo! was adware and WebCT was a little cluttered for my tastes. WebX is a nice alternative for a number of reasons--it's a flexible, customizable discussion board with a relatively clean interface--but some things about it bug the bejeezus out of me. Namely, overall sluggishness (attributable to an overtaxed server that's since been rebooted), redundant functions (3 delete buttons on one page?!?), a clumsy login/registration protocol (students visiting for the first time must cancel out of the login dialog box in order to register, only it's not obvious; multiple users on the same machine have trouble re-logging in), and a finnicky attitude towards the changes I make configuring my site (it took 3 attempts before I could successfully move a group of posts) are the main reasons behind my developing migraine.
Still, I suppose much of this frustration involves the inevitable learning curve. I find that when learning to use a new piece of software, much of that curve winds around the task of familiarizing myself with the layout of an alien interface--literally, learning what's where, and why.
i've finally found a useful purpose for this blogspace. for the next year, i'll be using this otherwise "bubbling cauldron of rank miscellany" to chronicle my experience as a brittain teaching fellow in georgia tech's school of literature, communication, and culture. the purpose of this position is to encourage the development of what they call "electronic pedagogy," and part of that mission involves some professional development, mentoring, and project-related work over the course of the appointment.
the first week of teaching has gone by rather quickly, and there's not much of substance to speak of as of yet. LCC administers a diagnostic essay to all english 1101 classes in order to evaluate its recently revised curriculum and outcomes, so that's what we've been up to in class, aside from the usual round of introductions and whatnot.
so in the coming weeks, i'll be checking in with any insights, feedback, questions, notes, and blurbs related to this endeavor. my georgia tech website, such as it is, can be found here.