Introduction

It seems that we measure everything, don’t we?

From mile markers on the side of the road to wedding anniversaries, it seems that our species has a penchant for taking aim, shooting, and then determining, documenting, and communicating the level of performance or progress toward the goal. Maybe we are inherently competitive, insecure and in need of validation, or shrewd managers of effort bent on investing our scarce resources only in those opportunities that bear the best odds of returning a handsome profit for our labors.

For the balance of this introduction, read the full post here.

List and Short Description of Forthcoming Deliverables

Assignment: Web Portfolio, 10% (June 18)

I have designed and published this online portfolio that contains all work I've completed for this course.  I chose to use WordPress on my personal blog, because I am very familiar and comfortable with this technology. The initial submission was shared in class on June 15, along with a request for other students to provide the same, so we might set up a collaborative portal.  Dr. Lang has created such a portal site that links to our various online portfolios (online at ).  The initial content of this blog was completed on June 17, and has been subsequently updated to contain the following: brief introduction, brief biography, list and short description of each forthcoming deliverable, and your contact information. The introduction was approximately 250-words and describes my interests and goals in relation to assessment and the course.

As I complete major course assignments, I will post a link and abstract for each assignment. The portfolio will be available online for the duration of the course.

Discussion Board Postings, 20% (due Weekly)

This element has plagued me.  First, I received the syllabus after class had already begun.  Second, one of the textbooks was on backorder from the publisher; the used copy I purchased was oversold and the order cancelled.  Currently, the third purchase of my Huot text has been shipped (expedited) with an expected maximum delivery date is still July 2.

As if all of that weren’t enough, the web board decided that my log in credentials weren’t valid.  I have contacted the administrator and continued each day to attempt to log in to the web board, each time a successful login simply returns me back to the login screen.  I assumed (incorrectly) that the system was down for maintenance (like others in the english.ttu.edu domain) and that Dr. Lang would be working on it following the completion of her grant application.  After receiving an email from the professor inquiring about my postings, I redoubled my efforts to access the WebBoard.  In the end, I found an obscure post that offhandedly mentioned browser incompatibility issues between a WebBoard system and the Safari browser that I use to complete my personal work.  Now, using Firefox, I am able to complete the discussion postings for which I have read the (available) texts.

So the job is now to play catch-up.  My plan is to get the text, write the postings, and submit them at my earliest opportunity.  If this will be enough to satisfy the requirements of the class, then I will pass.  If not, then I will fail.  Either way, it will have been a good experience. Copies of my discussion postings will be added as regular blog entries on this site.

For each question, I will post a 1-2 paragraph response at http://wb.engl.ttu.edu/lang/~5365, prior to the due date each week of Thursday, 5pm (Central time).

Short Paper, 15% (June 30)

I have written a 1500-2000 word paper which attempted to extend the discussion of a specific topic or methodology (self-assessment) beyond the scope of class discussions and readings. In addition to including sources from class readings, this paper incorporated additional research (at least 3-5 new sources) to develop its thesis.

A functional link to this assignment is posted here as part of my online course portfolio.  The link was published by the due date along with a short abstract.

Final Project Proposal, 15% (July 12)

I will develop a 1000-1200 word project proposal that explains the rationale for my project and outlines its major components. This will include a task-based timeline, including any RFD (jargon?) if required. A functional link to this assignment will be posted to this online portfolio by the due date along with a short abstract.

A functional link to this assignment is posted here as part of my online course portfolio.  The link was published by the due date along with a short abstract.

Final Project, 30% (August 7)

This project will demonstrate my ability to design and conduct an assessment project. The written portion will be approximately 15 - 20 pages in length, exclusive of appendices, visuals, etc. As a final component of this assignment, I will give a 10-minute presentation of my project on the final day of class. A functional link to this assignment will be posted on the online portfolio by the due date along with a short abstract.

Participation, 10% (due Weekly)

My participation grade will be based on:

1. active and quality participation in class discussions, including completion of all class readings; and
2. maintenance of the online portfolio over the course of the semester.

Biography & Contact Information

Get Joshua's detailed bio & contact info at his page on Retaggr.com.

Joshua Ryan Barron | Associate Director Advising Center | Texas Tech University 79 Holden Hall | Box 41038 Lubbock, TX  79409-1038 Tel: 806-742-2189 www.advising.ttu.edu | joshua.barron@ttu.edu