Sayonara Posted April 19, 2004 Posted April 19, 2004 That might be possible, yeah. I know the groups function is in this build but I don't know what functionality there is.
Glider Posted April 19, 2004 Posted April 19, 2004 Some kind of open forum or public discussion software would be the ideal solution. Hey' date=' maybe it could even go on the inter-network![/quote'] Hehehe..yeah, good plan. The problem I see is that, as we often see here, many people have answers to questions that are posted, and suggestions for ways to resolve problems. But often, the answers and suggestions posted are different. So, the thread degenerates into long (and frequently irresolvable) debate. There's no problem with that. That's a part of what SFN is about, but if you stick a student in the middle who is depending on the correct answer for something, or at least some rational guidance, then it just gets messy. I think if SFN is going to offer a mentoring service to students, then SFN will need to accept some responsibility towards those students that choose to take advantage of it. If a student leaves more confused than they arrived, or worse, holding an unjustified belief as knowledge, then who would be accountable?
aommaster Posted April 19, 2004 Posted April 19, 2004 A very good point. But then, the mods could just say that we have to stick to the topic in this case. But its a good question
Dave Posted April 20, 2004 Posted April 20, 2004 I think if SFN is going to offer a mentoring service to students, then SFN will need to accept some responsibility towards those students that choose to take advantage of it. If a student leaves more confused than they arrived, or worse, holding an unjustified belief as knowledge, then who would be accountable? I think it all boils down to the fact that it's not really feasible on the forums to a certain degree. We've got the homework help section, and I think that inevitably this is about as ideal a solution as is feasibly possible.
YT2095 Posted April 20, 2004 Posted April 20, 2004 Perhaps some sort of test (made by someone who basically knows what they're talking about) to check the mentors know what they're talking about in a particular field of study. I agree wholeheartedly, and also with the other comments made after your above post! It would be better if all that pss this test were to be the only ones to comment (as it would just be another forum section otherwise). I`de hazzard to say that I`de be of little no help however, as I`m not an "expert" in any particular feild. I wouldn`t mind standing down in this area and acting as an observer, and maybe PM the mentor if I have something additional to add for their next post, I`de be more than happy to act in this way I`m not sure about the "test" exactly though, our experts are GOOD! and so who would make them or score them? as you can see that could lead to problems! for example, if I was in the feild and incapable of taking care of my medical needs, I`de want Glider on my side, so who`s going to judge his results if takes a "test"? just a few thoughts on the matter
blike Posted April 20, 2004 Posted April 20, 2004 Indeed. I think it is good in concept, but like sayo and glider pointed out, who is responsible for mishaps? When it is in an open forum like this, we have the opportunity to correct each other. But students are generally confused when arguments break out amongst those trying to help. I know the last thing I want when I need help is TA's arguing over who is right (its happened before). ----- Slightly offtopic, but I was considering sort of a newsletter type Q&A for school children where they wouldn't have to be a member of the forum to ask. It could be somewhat of a collective "community service" project for us . It wouldn't be too demanding of our time. I could set up a webpage where they can punch their question in and it would automatically create a post in a specific forum. We could pick the best answers and publish them either on a webpage or in a newsletter, or both. I think there would be a good deal of interest in it, especially among science teachers. The problem is getting the newsletter/webpage recognized. Hopefully some larger institutions already in place would help us out or something. What do you all think?
blike Posted April 20, 2004 Posted April 20, 2004 The main issue is how to get it publicized to the extent where it would be successful.
Ms. DNA Posted April 20, 2004 Posted April 20, 2004 Slightly offtopic' date=' but I was considering sort of a newsletter type Q&A for school children where they wouldn't have to be a member of the forum to ask. It could be somewhat of a collective "community service" project for us . It wouldn't be too demanding of our time. I could set up a webpage where they can punch their question in and it would automatically create a post in a specific forum. We could pick the best answers and publish them either on a webpage or in a newsletter, or both. I think there would be a good deal of interest in it, especially among science teachers. The problem is getting the newsletter/webpage recognized. Hopefully some larger institutions already in place would help us out or something. What do you all think?[/quote'] I think it's a neat idea, though I'm not really sure what would be the benefit of having the children post their questions on a separate webpage instead of directly in this forum. Would this newsletter be meant for children who are too young to register here?
YT2095 Posted April 20, 2004 Posted April 20, 2004 that sounds like the kinda thing I KNOW would have gone down well had we had computers when I was that sort of age! Sweet Idea! and one I might actualy be able to help with in the way of explaination (I can usualy word things to the most simple format). I`de be happy to give that a shot
Dave Posted April 20, 2004 Posted April 20, 2004 I'll help with any math problems (if there are any )
Guest gammagoat Posted April 21, 2004 Posted April 21, 2004 I think this is a great idea. Being only a humble landscaper, I often find it hard to join in on topics in these forums. I,ve been reading from these forums for some time now, and only lack the education to really participate. I can see how this could benfit, not only myself but others as well. I have a interest in the sciences and would like to learn.
Glider Posted April 21, 2004 Posted April 21, 2004 Slightly offtopic... ...We could pick the best answers and publish them either on a webpage or in a newsletter' date=' or both. I think there would be a good deal of interest in it, especially among science teachers. The problem is getting the newsletter/webpage recognized. Hopefully some larger institutions already in place would help us out or something. What do you all think?[/quote'] I think it's a good idea. The best answers get posted, whilst allowing the confusing "I'm right". "No you're not" stuff to happen in the background without confusing anybody. Good plan.
Crash Posted April 21, 2004 Posted April 21, 2004 So when will this be done by then? Seems like it could work very well to me....
blike Posted April 21, 2004 Posted April 21, 2004 Yea. I've got finals coming up this next week, and two tests this week, so I'm stretched for time atm. I have a few weeks break after finals though.
wolfson Posted May 6, 2004 Author Posted May 6, 2004 Well whenever you have time, we could have a trial run.
wolfson Posted May 28, 2004 Author Posted May 28, 2004 Well i think i might have the answer "blackboard" ive written an email to ask for some pricing and if the price is not to over the top i might be able to buy the software. So what do you think? have a look at http://www.blackboard.com and see which package you think "would suit the bill".
aommaster Posted May 28, 2004 Posted May 28, 2004 Good lookup Wolfson! Let's see whether it is possible to implement the system!
wolfson Posted May 28, 2004 Author Posted May 28, 2004 Ty, which package on the website do you think is best MD?
aommaster Posted May 28, 2004 Posted May 28, 2004 Whichever one is really fine with me. But, if you really insist on one, then, I would go for the acedemic suite (besides, people are here to learn) learning portal one!
aommaster Posted May 28, 2004 Posted May 28, 2004 Your welcome! Glad to be of help! But anyways, its up to the admin to decide whether or not the science forums would get that package!
blike Posted May 28, 2004 Posted May 28, 2004 USF (my univ) uses the blackboard learning system for some aspects of the class. I think it's quite expensive.
wolfson Posted May 28, 2004 Author Posted May 28, 2004 Would it be good to use as a online learning system?
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