Final Class

Hi everyone!

And here we are, on the very last day of ALES204 - I know you'll miss it! :)

REMINDER: Your E-portfolio is due today by 17:00. Please send the link to your blog to your TA. And, don't forget to include the links to your FIVE comments in your final blog post.


I'd like to thank you all for coming to class and participating both in class and through the class blog, your e-portfolios and twitter. I'd also like to wish you all a lovely summer - whether you're back at uni taking more courses, perhaps heading somewhere to start a job or even returning home to relax. It was a pleasure meeting you all and I think you for sharing your thoughts.


On our last day, as mentioned, we will have the exciting Pecha Kucha presentations for the CSL students. They are going to share with us a little bit about what they've been working on this term. Perhaps you'll be so interested, you'll want to enroll in CSL in another term.

After the Pecha Kucha presentations I would like you all to take about 10 minutes to answer a survey I've created. I'm very interested to hear your thoughts on the course, what you learnt and perhaps what you would still like to learn. I'll use this information in my next course design! I appreciate your input and your participation.

You can fill in the form right here (scroll down a bit):


Note, feel free to work with a partner.

Want go to Mexico in May, 2012? Apply now!

Hi everyone,

I've been busily visiting classes to let ALES students know about a new opportunity for you to take your learning into the world.  There is a trip being planned for Mexico from May 1 - 9, 2012 and I'm looking for 10 students to participate.  We will be focussing on learning about urban/rural poverty, ecology, and human rights through volunteer activities and workshops in a small community outside of Mexico City called Cuernevaca.  This is a community service-learning project which means we'll be aiming to make connections between what we're learning in our classes and what is going on in the world.

The application deadline is next week...so if you're interested contact me at shannon.clarke@ales.ualberta.ca.  Each student who participates will get $1000 to off-set the costs of their trip!!!

Check out the details here.

Syllabus & Assignment Due Dates

Here is a link to the current syllabus. Please feel free to print out a copy and keep it in your folders for easy reference.

Also, here is a link to the main assignment due at the end of the term, the e-portfolio. Please see here for the entire assignment.

Note also the CURRENT due dates for the assignments.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions.

Evaluation Due Assignment Throughout the term Participation on class blog and Twitter. Every week, students will be expected to use our class blog to share a core question or thought that emerges from the assigned readings. These questions can be a paragraph or so and informal, but they are intended to help Dr. Laccetti better understand how the students are relating to the class materials and content as well as providing students with an opportunity to reflect and synthesize course content as well as developing an online footprint. Comments should be posted on the Professor’s Module Post. Note: if students are asked to complete a particular assignment (such as the Wordle) that will count towards your participation online. (20%) Friday January 20th, 11:50 Module 2: Write an introductory post (about two paragraphs) about you and your field of study and what role communication plays in your work (dissemination of results, linking with fellow researchers, etc.…) Forms part of the E-Portfolio. (5%) Lab session during Module 5, Week of February 6th Poster Presentation.  An impromptu group presentation of a poster will take place in a lab during the week of Module 5, and will be assessed by the TA. (10%) Friday March,23rd,  17:00 Update Wikipedia Stub Article. Identify a Wikipedia stub entry that is in your field of expertise. This assignment will require you to add content and references. Forms part of the E-Portfolio. (10%) Friday, March 30th, 17:00 Science Article Assignment: Students will be given at least two options for this assignment. Potential options include topics on open access publishing, features of academic journals, comparative analysis of journal articles and a translation of an academic scientific article into a web presentation suitable for a general audience. (20%) Friday, April 13th , 17:00 E-Portfolio: to be published on student’s own blog. Some in class assignments will form part of your E-Portfolio including: §  Module 2: Introductory Blog Post §  Module 3: Embed the Flickr photo of your paper Facebook profile. §  Module 10: Wikipedia stub entry Additional E-Portfolio entries include: §  Embed your Twitter feed in the sidebar of your blog. §Reflective blog post. Total E-Portfolio worth 35%

Evaluation (Community Service-Learning Students) Students participating in the CSL stream will be required to complete all assignments except the Science Article assignment and the Wikipedia Peer Review assignment. NOTE: Assignment due dates are the same but note the weighting. Participation on class blog and Twitter (20%) Lab Attendance and Participation (10%) Module 2: Write an introductory post (about two paragraphs) about you and your field of study and what role communication plays in your work (dissemination of results, linking with fellow researchers, etc.…) Forms part of the E-Portfolio. (5%) Poster Presentation: An impromptu group presentation of a poster will take place in a lab during the week of Module 5, and will be assessed by the TA. (10%) Last Day of Class: Pecha Kucha presentation on your placement and what you learnt (20%) E-Portfolio: to be published on student’s own blog. Some in class assignments will form part of your E-Portfolio including: ●      Module 2: Introductory Blog Post ●      Module 3: Embed the Flickr photo of your Facebook business page ●      Module 10: Topic of Your Choice Additional E-Portfolio entries include: ●      Embed your Twitter feed in the sidebar of your blog. ●      Reflective blog post. Total E-Portfolio worth 35%

Lecture 2: CSL Partner Presentations

All students will be interested to hear what our CSL partners are looking for in terms of placements but especially those of you who have already signed up to participate in CSL this term.

Today we have the pleasure of hearing both from the CSL team at the U of A and the CSL partners themselves.

Here is some more info:

Campus Food Bank:

Ashley: I’ve been with the CFB since September 2006 as a volunteer, TL, AED and now ED. I graduated in 2010 with a BA in Political Science and German Studies. Food insecurity is a major global issue, and it’s very rewarding to effect change on our campus through the CFB. I’d like to go to Grad school next year (the ED position is max. 2 years, so this is my last year with the CFB!). I currently play hockey and hula hoop like a champ. In the warmer months I ride my Kawasaki Ninja. I enjoy going out dancing with my friends, learning languages and traveling. I love listening to rock/dance music. Feel free to bring your iPod on shift (we have speakers) and make the CFB the best place to volunteer on campus!

Jennifer: I am entering my fourth year of my BSc (biological sciences and psychology), and I am excited to spend my last year working here at the CFB! I have been a volunteer and TL since 2008, and every year the number of dedicated and passionate people who join the CFB never ceases to amaze me. I hope to graduate and continue my studies in either public health or law, as I have a broad interest in social justice both globally and locally.  When I’m not busy with school, I enjoy practicing yoga, painting, or exploring the outdoors. I love working with people, which has been a result of being a part of many student groups and organizations in the community, but the CFB is by far my favourite place to be!

Nehal: I'm a newbie to the CFB family and super excited to be here! I'm finishing my last class for my BSc degree this term, but already have a diploma in Public Relations. I'm hoping to go to grad school sometime in the future and I'm taking a few classes this year that relate to the International Affairs program that I'm interested in. Global issues have always been something that I've followed, especially those related to the Middle East, and I'm hoping to eventually work in the field of PR for international non-profit organizations. I'm a huge fan of music, travel and trying new things. Although I haven't been involved much with the CFB before now, I'm looking forward to helping make this year its best yet!

A QUICK GUIDE TO NAVIGATING THE PLACEMENT LISTS

Organization	About the organization	Placement
Community Service-Learning 11039 Saskatchewan Drive www.csl.ualberta.ca Auralia Brooke 780.492.7422 auralia@ualberta.ca Lorraine Woollard (alternate) lmw@ualberta.ca	Imagine volunteering with a community organization as part of a university course - earning course credit by becoming involved in local community issues and initiatives.  Our students are doing it as part of the Community Service-Learning (CSL) Program.	Community Service-Learning (unlimited number of students) CSL integrates volunteer work with classroom studies.  Instructors and community partners work together to design volunteer projects and experiences to meet the needs of community organizations and fulfill the objectives of academic courses. Students, in turn, reflect critically on how their experiences help to develop them as scholars and as citizens. Some clearances required (Police Information Check, Youth Intervention Check).  Make sure to pick a placement that fits with your schedule.

           

                       

Organization	About the organization	Placement
Alberta Caregivers Association www.albertacaregiversassociation.org Fulton Place School 10310 56 Street Anna Mann (main) 780.453.5088 amann@albertacaregivers.org Leah Eliuk leliuk@albertacaregivers.org 780-453-5088	A Caregiver is anyone caring for a family member or friend living with challenges due to disability, illness, or age. The Alberta Caregivers Association makes Caregivers’ lives easier through support, information, education, networking, advocacy, and community development.	Building Online Community (2 students) The ACGA provides online resources and information that assist caregivers during their journey. Students will draw information from one of our Caregiver Community Workshop Workbooks on a topic such as wellness, housing & transportation, financial planning, communication, legal issues and making choices. Students will then conduct a short interview with an appropriate professional related to their chosen topic and caregiving. Students will also synthesize information on their topic from the Workbook and prepare text to complement their interview for the ACGA website. The ACGA will provide training on the technical aspects of recording and editing an interview.
Writers Guild of Alberta 11759 Groat Road NW Edmonton, AB T5M 3K6 www,writersguild.ab.ca Nichole Quiring, Program Coordinator Phone: 780-422-8174 Fax: 780-422-2663 nquiring@writersguild.ab.ca Carol Holmes, Executive Director (Primary Contact) Phone: 780-422-8174 Fax: 780-422-2663 cholmes@writersguild.ab.ca	The Writers Guild of Alberta (WGA) was formed in 1980 to provide a meeting ground and collective voice for all the writers of the province. The WGA helps give Alberta writers a sense of unity and community, and is the largest provincial writers’ organization in Canada. The WGA believes that: 1. The literary arts are essential to the well-being of all individuals, communities and the economy of Alberta; 2. Working in partnership with other organizations contributes to the quality of life in Alberta; 3. Networking and collaboration are beneficial to innovation and the creative process; 4. A free and safe environment is essential for writers to pursue their craft; 5. Knowledge and ongoing development are fundamental to creative growth.	Writers Guild of Alberta Interactive Youth Website/Blog  (2 Students) The Writers Guild of Alberta has a main, informative website for both members and non-members. http://www.writersguild.ab.ca/ We would like to add some sort of extension to this website being an interactive youth site that our younger members can obtain resources and information from and interact. Goals of this site/blog etc are: a)      Blog where Guild staff and camp instructors can post youth event topics for discussion b)      Forums for teens to ask questions pertaining to all things writing and where they can respond to topics/articles/events etc. on the webpage c)      A place for students to post their writing—separate from discussion forums d)      Online Registrations for youth or their parents to register them for Guild events—this could be integrated into the website or what we currently use: Eventbrite. e)      We would also like this page to be a place where we can post: Guild events and youth programs, markets, contests, resources, our youth camp updates—throughout the year, guest posts from YA authors, and or Q & As where kids can send their questions and an author can answer them in the blog post, writing prompts. We are looking for a student to design or help the program and membership coordinators  come up with a design concept for this site.
Campus Food Bank www.campusfoodbank.com 0-40j SUB Ashley Seibert 780.492.8677 cfb.admin@su.ualberta.ca Jennifer Nguyen 780.700.4143 cfb.ad@su.ualberta.ca	The Campus Food Bank is a registered non-profit organization that distributes food items and toiletries to all members of the university community--students, staff, alumni and their children. As such, the CFB is governed by a Board of Directors that represents the members of the University Community.	Food Bank Volunteer (2 or more students) There are two complementary roles for the placement: -Volunteering in our office one hour per week on a designated shift (same time every week) in the Campus Food Bank office to learn about the basics of our service. - Approximately one additional hour per week would be spent assisting with fundraisers/special events/special projects. This involves working with Team Leader (senior volunteers) committees to make up some hours and gain a deeper understanding of our organization. The Team Leaders (senior volunteers) focus on the areas of fundraising, sponsorship, awareness, or statistics. No experience in these areas is required, and you’d be working with your fellow students on campus. Police Information Check is required. A Campus Food Bank Volunteer Contract must be signed (will be provided upon placement and outlines conduct expectations). Hours can be completed between 10:00 – 5:00, Monday – Friday, or on student’s time.
Green Hectares www.greenhectaresonline.com Dana Penrice 780.914.6282 dana@greenhectaresonline.com	Green Hectares was founded by young people with a passion for agriculture. The mandate of Green Hectares is to support the rural way of life in the areas of education, business and culture. Green Hectares was founded in 2007 and operates as a not-for-profit organization. A three-pronged strategy was developed combined combining an online presence, programs and a physical site that will facilitate a practical think tank. While pursing all aspects of this strategy, Green Hectares is currently focused on the online presence and programs. Green Hectares is offering a program to allow for short term, informal mentorship for rural business people and entrepreneurs at agricultural events across Alberta. This program will provide an organized venue at tradeshows and conferences for the exchange of ideas and knowledge. Participants will have access to a panel of top experts and professionals who will share advice, counsel, mentorship and connections. It will provide the opportunity for entrepreneurs and rural businesses to learn things that they had never thought of before and for panel members to gain insights from face-to-face conversations with individuals in the industry.	CSL Communications Project (2-4 Students) Students will work with Green Hectares to develop a “How to pitch your good idea” resource kit for the participants of our program. The goal of this project will be for the student to translate what they are learning in ALES 204 into a practical, easy to comprehend tool for our program participants who will go before the expert panel. The resources’ format will be determined through conversations with the students and Green Hectares to align the student’s interest with an effective tool but it may include handouts, video, infographic, tip sheet etc. or a combination of a few. We will provide support through experts to advise you on these different communications mediums to create a high quality product ready for the industry (ex: videographer/editor, graphic artist, etc.) Your 20 hours of time will be spent: - understanding the target audience demographic - determining the best communication tips to present - producing your resources and working with experts - evaluating the resources Dana Penrice of Green Hectares is available to meet with students for this project whenever it fits with their timetable. (Mondays and Tuesday I will be on campus already.)
University of Alberta Students’ Union 2-900 SUB, 8900 114 Street Nigel Brachi 780.492.4241 nigel.brachi@su.ualberta.ca Marc Dumochel marc@su.ualberta.ca 780.492.4236	The Students’ Union is a student-centric organization that serves as a strong advocate for students at all levels of government and at the university. We provide access to a range of businesses designed to appeal to student needs, and offer a variety of student services to meet the needs of all of our members. We also operate the Students' Union Building. The Students' Union is run by students for students, and prides itself on being a proactive organization that is sensitive to the needs of individual students as well as the student body as a whole. The Students' Union is committed to ensuring that education is affordable and of the highest quality, and that student experiences are very positive.	Communications Assistants (1-4 Students) Students will evaluate existing strategies for promoting involvement by students in University governance (i.e., University committees and councils, faculty associations, and student government).  Based on that review, students will help create a communications and engagement campaign to promote student engagement in governance.
SUSTAIN SU: The Student Sustainability Service 0-30R Students’ Union Building Ian Moore sustain@su.ualberta.ca 780-492-7134 su.ualberta.ca	SUSTAIN SU is a service of the Students’ Union that provides peer-to-peer learning and support for all undergraduate students to incorporate sustainability into every aspect of their university experience. This includes providing sustainability-based services to the entire campus community, as well as opportunities to facilitate change on a larger scale. SUSTAIN SU defines sustainability as a decision-making process and lifestyle that balances economic, social, and environmental responsibility in a just and equitable manner. Over the past two school years, the University of Alberta Students’ Union’s environmental service, the Environmental Coordination Office of Students (ECOS), has been reviewing its operations to determine (a) whether its services were complementing effectively those offered by UAlberta’s new Office of Sustainability and (b) whether its primary focus on environmental sustainability was limiting its effectiveness. In the Winter 2011 term, a proposal was put forward to the SU’s Executive Committee with a new mission statement that would shift the service’s focus towards a more holistic definition of sustainability, as well as clarify the service’s role with respect to the Office of Sustainability. This proposal was approved in March 2011 and the service’s personnel have subsequently begun work on rebranding and reframing each aspect of ECOS’s operations. Most significantly, ECOS has adopted the new name and tagline “SUSTAIN SU: The Student Sustainability Service”, a new logo, and a new strategic plan.	Redevelopment Communications Assistants (3 students) As a CSL student involved with SUSTAIN SU, you will be responsible for helping communicate to the campus community the service’s new name, mandate, values, modifications to its projects, and any other changes SUSTAIN SU’s staff see fit. This will take the form of classroom presentations, social media, innovative sustainable marketing materials, tabling, website content creation, and classroom whiteboard messages. CSL students will have the opportunity to brainstorm with SUSTAIN SU’s staff innovative and effective marketing techniques and materials that align with the service’s new strategic plan (mission statement and values). Consequently, this CSL opportunity offers students with a fair amount of flexibility. As long as the message is consistent and the techniques used align with the service’s strategic plan, SUSTAIN SU’s staff will be happy with the work done.

Lecture 1: Introductions

Module 1 Lecture 1

A bit more about CSL:
Community Service-Learning (CSL) makes learning come alive by linking academic course work to community-based experiences. Active engagement with non-profit organizations allows students to explore relationships between course concepts and ‘real world’ contexts. When enrolled in a CSL class, students participate in a community project that is both relevant to the course content and useful to the partnering organization.

By completing a number of courses with a CSL component, including our CSL-designated courses, students can earn a Certificate in Community Service-Learning upon graduation


CSL Partners for our ALES204 Class:



Alberta Caregivers Association

InfoLink Academic and Information Services

At InfoLink we strive to be a comprehensive student information source for all things university related. We specialize in academic information but are able to assist with any campus related question; if we don’t know the answer, we’ll find someone who does! By exploring this website you’ll be able to access our Tutor Listings,Exam Registry, Volunteer Opportunity Listings, Used Book Listings, Housing Listings and our Rideboard Listings. Students who participate in this term's CSL placement will be able to assist in the promotion of our annual Involvement Week, which is a celebration of volunteering, and the new SU Tutors program, which aims to provide tutors with the skills and resources that they will need to help their fellow students succeed. 

Writers Guild of Alberta

Nichole Quiring, the program coordinator for the Writers Guild of Alberta is looking for a CSL student to assist with a few tasks related to administering Alberta Arts Days events (Sep 30 – Oct. 2). This would include attending the events and helping with hosting and marketing the events through Twitter and Facebook. As well, there are three events coming up in November and December that a CSL student could assist with planning and coming up with a small Social Media marketing plan for each event. Lastly, we could also use a little help in updating the Guild’s media contact list.  

Sustain U

SUSTAIN SU is a service of the Students' Union that provides peer-to-peer learning and support for all undergraduate students to incorporate sustainability into every aspect of their university experience.  This includes providing sustainability-based services to the entire campus community, as well as opportunities to facilitate change on a larger scale.  SUSTAIN SU defines sustainability as a decision-making process and lifestyle that balances economic, social, and environmental responsibility in a just and equitable manner.

As a CSL student with SUSTAIN SU, you will aid in communicating our organization's recent redevelopment from the Environmental Coordination Office of Students (ECOS) to SUSTAIN SU: The Student Sustainability.  You will have much creative control over how you do this, but you will have access to our website and social media sites as possibilities.

Important Tasks and Due Dates for CSL Students:

Homework due before next class (Friday January 13th):

Go to the class blog, find my post for Module One, Lecture One (this one!) and in the comments section write a short blurb introducing yourself and your current use of social media. Include any links to blogs or other online presence that you would like to share.

Join Twitter and follow me: @JessL