Sakai Blog Wow!
In a meta-analysis of 122 studies of computer-supported collaborative learning, Lou, Abrami, and d'Apollonia (2001) found that group performance is not necessarily predictive of individual performance; I agree with this finding. To assess each individual's contribution to the group project, therefore, I require each student to write in the Sakai Blogger at three checkpoints equally spaced throughout the course. Students like being able to see each other's reports, and some of the students turn on the feature that lets classmates comment on each other's blogs.
Questions and Loose Ends
What blogging engine does the Sakai Blog Wow! tool use?
Some blog entries have an ADD COMMENT instead of EDIT button. Why is that different, and what does the difference mean? Other blog entries have neither a comment button or an edit button. Is this maybe a setting that the author of the blog manipulates?
Can the Instructor Delete Blog Messages?
Some students entered TEST or TEST2 blog entries for example. Is there any way for me, as the instructor, to delete those?
Can the Instructor Grade from the Blog?
I evolved a technique for grading blogs whereby I write into a notepad my feedback for each student, then go in the gradebook and paste it in. Can this be further streamlined?
