Content:
CD 315 is a computer course where students and their instructor can communicate via the Internet and use the latest technology to complete a course in cyberspace. I participated in this course at Marshall University in the fall of 2002. Several assignments were given weekly throughout the year and a one-week grace period was given to complete that particular weeks assignments. There was always a journal entry requirement every week and this is where we would share our feelings and thoughts about the course for that week. At the beginning of the course we had several homework assignments in which we had to read a prompt and respond to it. I felt these prompts were somewhat personal, however, it helped me to truly think about my learning and prepare me for the future assignments and their importance. The main focus of CD 315 was the Multgenre Research Project (MRP). In this project I had to specifically think about a question that would be interesting to me and enable me to retrieve valuable information that would be helpful in the field of speech-language pathology for my peers, as well as, myself. My classmates and I formulated multiple genres, or writings and pieced them together enabling us to arrive at a finished product of a complete MRP. The genres submitted were written in different voices such as: client, clinician, client’s family, and client’s educator. The reasoning behind writing in different voices is to evaluate a situation through different points of view, giving one a better understanding of all feelings involved. I had to think about how I would feel if I was the client, client’s family, educator, or clinician. I think this was a big eye opener to us, students, to remind us that sometimes we must think out of the box and not always in clinician mode. Some genres included hyperlinks in them, which required an HTML code. The HTML code assisted us in constructing our own weblogs and allowed us to more easily navigate our blogs.

Process:
When we began this project I tried to formulate an essential question that was interesting to me and would still be helpful for others in my field of study to learn about. I chose phonological awareness and reading because I read with young children and I think the use of phonological awareness does make a difference in a child’s early reading abilities. After choosing a topic we began to formulate questions to answer throughout our research, helping us arrive to the conclusion of our original question. The answer to the essential question didn’t arrive overnight; actually it was a project we worked on for the entire semester. The MRP was a gradual process; each week we would submit a new genre to our blogs for our peers to review. Since the new assignments were posted each week on the class homepage I would usually read them online, print them out to put in my 3 ring binder, and finally check and date each assignment with a red ink pen indicating that I was finished with that particular assignment. This process seemed to work well for me; I was able to have a visual of what assignments I needed to do and what I had already done. Many of the assignments consisted of writing and eventually posting it on our blog or emailing it to the class list, so I usually typed my work on Microsoft word first and then pasted it to my blog or email. By doing this I was able to use the spell and grammar check before posting my work. Each week we were require to write a journal entry and I wrote things regarding the course and what I liked/disliked or thought was particularly easy/difficult. The journals helped me have closure from the week’s assignments.

Premise:

By completing this course, I feel I can take a topic and organize an essential question about it. I also feel more confident in using technology to conduct research as well as present ideas. Before taking this class, I think a part of me was afraid to mess with the unknown but I have learned that someone knows the answer and is probably more than happy to help you with it. The professional mailing lists were a good way to display this, it demonstrates how technology can be used to create a since of community and bring people around the world closer together by sharing their ideas. This course has also definitely taught me the importance of being a lifelong learner. Being a lifelong learner will enable me to the best at what I do and also expand my thinking. Overall, this course has taught me the importance of learning and a lot of learning takes place when you initiate it yourself.

Plans:
Academically, I feel I will be able to more adequately research topics and present my work through power point presentations. I can use my researching skills that I have learned in CD 315 to surf the net and pick out the valid sites for. I feel I can navigate myself through the web and organize sites in my favorites list to refer to at a later date.

Professionally, I feel CD 315 has given me the skill and confidence to be a life-long learner, allowing me to grow professionally. While practicing my field of study I will come across some questions that I may not know the answer to, if this happens, I could subscribe to a mailing list to interact with other professionals. Who knows, maybe I could help them answer a question or two.

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Tiffany

Mystical, genuine, gentle, and understanding.

Who is the Big Sister of two younger siblings her brother Brandon and sister Lindsey.

Who loves exotic foods, traveling with family and friends, teaching children, and being creative.

Who fears the aging process, experiencing poor health, losing a loved one, and being unsuccessful.

Who gives unconditional love and attention to her family and friends, thanks to God for all of the wonderful things in life, and realistic advice.

Who would like to see her graduation, wedding day, an end to war, and her grandfather.

One who resides in a world of faith, altruism, happiness, and excitement.

Gentry

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First, I would like to acknowledge Marshall University for the technology that is available for its students. The communication disorders department should be applauded for having a computer course as distinct as this one. Also, I would like to thank Ms. McComas for her great organization and teaching of the class. Most of all, I feel my classmates should be recognized for all of their hard work and sharing of ideas.

Without the work of the researchers I would not have been able to complete this project. By using the information I found in my research I was able to construct valid, meaningful genres.

Beginning a new project may be exciting yet difficult and stressful at times. Throughout my MRP I experienced many different emotions toward my work. I would like to thank my family and friends for the patience, love, and support they have given me. A special thanks goes to my mother who always enstilled in me by saying, "You can do anything you choose, it just depends on how much you want it."

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