WOM101_Sandbox

=Halloween Wiki "Sandbox" for WOM 101=

First, have you finished viewing and reading the activities that introduce you to wikis? **Do nothing else until you've done that.** If you don't, you'll get frustrated and confused.

Wiki users call this kind of preliminary, gettin'-to-know-the-wiki-space playing around a "sandbox." (Nice metaphor, eh?) Let's get you familiar with wikis through this assignment in the sandbox--before you start your semi-major wiki assignment. This is a very simple task designed just to get you familiar with this space. Let's brainstorm an idea I like to visit at midterm //together// and then do something fun, too. Everyone should contribute to the lists below for assignment--no later than Monday, Nov 5, at midnight. (Yes, I'll be able to track what each of you has contributed.) Contribute some initial ideas, and then go back, read what your classmates have written, and contribute some more by adding to their ideas or clarifying/revising their ideas. You have plenty of time for this assignment to do these two "layers" of contribution.

__**1. We've hit a lull in terms of classroom environment, engagement, and sense of shared learning. What can each person in the class do to make the classroom environment more engaged and collaborative and focused on learning //for everyone//?**__

> in front of groups would feel more comfortable doing it. You could also takes notes ahead of time on what you would like to > mention in class.
 * //... there needs to be more discussions and notetaking so that people will feel more confident in what they have read and might join in the conversations better. If they can't do it here then they will have a hard time in their career later.//
 * ... I agree with the more discussions, a few people can not carry the class, even just saying I agree, or how about this, can really get a discussion going.
 * ... I think that since it is midterm, we have all realized how busy our lives have gotten since the beginning of the semester. We need to continue to come to class well prepared. We must also realize how much the classes we are taking will help us in the future to become a well-educated adult (hopefully with a good career!!!! :) ) later in life.
 * .... I think that some people have a difficult time speaking in groups, it is just out of their comfort zone, so everyone should do their best to make everyone else feel comfortable and part of the group.
 * ... I think that feeling out of you comfort zone is a valid reason, however i dont think that it should stop you from speaking in class. We all have a valid points to offer and we all have questions. With a class as nice as ours, you should not feel that you will be looked down on, or feel that we will hate you if you say something. We are all here to learn and we all know people learn at different levels. Speak up, it will make the class go faster, and you will get a better grade. Oh and hey you might learn something! :)
 * I think that one major thing that everyone can do to help discussion is to read the assigned readings and even take notes on it. I think if everyone does this, then we will all have something to bring to the discussion during class.
 * I believe that the most obvious and important thing to do is read the assignments. I do also believe that many people have a hard time discussing in class because we do not know what Dr. Chick is asking for. There are many times in class where it seems as though Nancy is asking for something specific, but we can't figure out what that specific thing is, this seems to create a silence that is very noticable. I agree that at some point in life people will have to speak up for what they believe in, what a more perfect place to start than in a place where the leader allows you to speak your dislikes without judging or condemning you. <---whoever wrote that, I totally agree. Some professors will completely shoot down your opinion and make you look like a fool, Dr. Chick is great at helping you understand and not making you feel out of place. (even if we are fools sometimes ha ha)
 * I believe that in order for there to be a more engaged and collaborative classroom the students have to ask Dr. Chick when they have questions. Some of the times the assigned readings we have are complex but just because someone doesnt understand the reading materials doesnt mean that they do not have anything to say about it, they might just be confused and not want to contribute because their answer or question (they think) are silly. I also highly agree on the last sentence on the above bullet.
 * I think that people in this class have to not be scared to share their ideas. I think a lot of times people have something to say or bring up about a topic, but they don't because it seems like nobody else is talking. The thing to remember is that maybe if you share your idea it will break the ice and everyone can branch of from it and discussion will be much better.
 * I also believe that people are scared to share their ideas. And also that people think their going to be judged from what they say. I know people like my self that don't like to speak in class and I know that it's now affecting my grade so I know I need to do better.
 * A main key point would be to read the articles that are assigned. A few times why I don't talk sometimes is because I didn't really understand one of the articles. Maybe we as a class can go into more detail about what students thought the articles meant and then discus from there. Also I strongly agree that people might be scared and don't want people to judge them by what they say in class.
 * Reading the articles before class is a very important piece of class preparation, but being sure that we have "unpacked" (to the best of our ability) the material before class is an equally important step in preparation. Sometimes it seems like a lot of reading to have completed, especially between Tuesday and Thursday, so maybe even chose one article to take ownership of and make it your area of expertise for the day. Read all the articles, of course, but then when an issue comes up that relates specifically to "your" article--SPEAK UP! I don't think we need to worry about being right or wrong, and if a certain comment is somewhere off in the outfield, Dr. Chick, or a classmate, will grab the ball and throw it toward home. We are a team in this learning process!!!
 * ...I think that if everyone makes sure to read the material ahead of time that even those people who dont particularly like to speak
 * Reading material ahead of time, as mentioned above, is a great way to make a yourself prepared to join in class discussion. Even if you are unsure of some of the material, noting those questions will give you things to discuss in class.
 * People need to realize that we're in college now! Not only are we allowed to have an opinion, but it is important for both our grades and personal growth that we develop them and learn to share them (even though it may seem intimidating at sometimes).
 * Loved the baseball analogy. And I totally agree with it. I'm just kind of repeating now what others wrote, but each person's opinions should be said and heard, because it can stimulate the conversation between everyone and also give COMPLETELY different view points, which is a good thing. Also, just restating, reading the articles is one of the biggest parts in getting ready for class (even though I don't always do it either).
 * I guess we can say that we, as a class, are in agreement that to achieve great class discussions we all need to come prepared. And, it seems that anyone who might have been afraid to talk in class should feel more at ease, now knowing that they will not be judged.


 * __2. What are the best things about Halloween?__**
 * the costumes, the movies
 * The best things about Halloween are seeing how much fun the kids have and the decorations. Yes! You see such a light and happiness in their eyes!!!!!!
 * ... I agree seing those kids with those cute outfits on is the best!!!!
 * The best things about Halloween are carmel apples and carving pumpkins. It's also fun to see all the little kids dressed up in their costumes.
 * I do agree the carmel apples are one of the best things about halloween. I remember when I was younger my family and I would always dip our apples in carmel when we were carving pumpkins in our shop.
 * The best thing about Halloween is telling the kids that they have had enough candy and then when they go to bed, you it until your stomach is aching!!! The second best thing is when your significant other dresses up in a sexy little costume at night!!
 * The best things about Halloween are the adorable little kids in their costumes and how much fun and candy they get to eat. I love how the movies they play. But my favorite is being able to wear a really sexy costume and not having to think twice about it!
 * The best thing about Halloween is seeing not only young kids, but older kids and adults who dress up because it is fun. Also being at an adult party where everybody is dressed up and having fun and the only way you are out of place is if you didn't dress up!
 * The best thing about Halloween is being with family and friends. I love spending time with family and friends because i don't get that a lot not what I an in school. I also love seeing the little kids dressed up so cute and asking for candy. It's a cute holiday!!!
 * The best thing about Halloween to me is the fact of being able to dress up and be someone else or something else for a day.
 * Hands down~"It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!" Then, of course, the candy! And, you know all the nice houses that you've always wondered what they look like on the inside? Well, on Halloween you can catch a tiny glimpse, at least into the entry-way or living room. :)
 * Halloween is fun for alot of reasons...Getting dressed up...carving pumpkins...passing out candy to children dressed up in adorable costumes....and of course the halloween parties!
 * I love going to elementary schools and seeing the kids parade around in their costumes. Super cute!!
 * I like the costumes and candy, but there is also a certain atmosphere of excitement around Halloween time. I think that's what I love the most!
 * I love the skimpy costumes all the girls are wearing!! Little kids and cuteness, bla bla bla I say, I'll do that when I'm a parent. :)
 * Gotta love the honesty!!
 * I love the skimpy costumes all the girls are wearing!! Little kids and cuteness, bla bla bla I say, I'll do that when I'm a parent. :)
 * Gotta love the honesty!!