The link above will lead you to the prototype of my project. I eventually hope to supply a voice recording explaining this project to sync with the show, but for now I will give a brief explanation here:
Why:
When creating word webs for a definition paper, I realized my students were having a hard time making connections between the concepts they wanted to explore in their papers, and even more difficulty developing those concepts beyond the initial layer of engagement. While they had very little trouble generating ideas, they could not categorize these ideas into primary and secondary arguments, and could not focus in on one central idea to base their thesis on. So my initial idea was to create a program that would help my students visualize their process by being able to zoom out and see the larger picture and make clear connections between concepts, but also to zoom in and focus on one topic. Once I embarked on this creation, I realized that this was not only applicable to organizing a paper, but a wonderful way to visualize my composition course. Based on the principle of “small-parts-loosely-joined” as heralded by Jim Groom, Matthew Gold, Boone Gorges and others (I wrote my ITP Core I final on this) versus the CMS/LMSs (course management/learning management systems) such as Blackboard, I developed a prototype for a VLE (virtual learning environment) for my composition course. The current CMS/LMSs hide information behind virtual walls the student cannot penetrate. Once a document is uploaded, or an assignment is completed, it is hidden away and forgotten. Only the teacher/administrator can assess most of the functions to build and manipulate the site. My hope is that the VLE will allow students to see and create connections between each assignment and the course material. Furthermore, it is my hope that the students will control the majority of the content by adding multimedia resources (including articles/videos/images/ links to their blogs/social media accounts/ etc) to share with the class.
Who:
I envision composition teachers and first-year writing students to be my initial audience. I have specific personae in mind for each of these based on real people I have worked with this year.
Although I know this is veering toward scope creep, I truly believe this would be helpful in any writing based course at any level of education.
Where:
The software I am basing my program on (and will borrow heavily from) is available for use on PCs, Macs and mobile devices (including the iPad). Most of my students do work on their phones, but most professors work from personal computers, so I want to accommodate both groups. Currently I think this would work best as a widget for Moodle or WordPress.
When:
NOW. But I need help with the programming, and therefore will need volunteers and funding.
Ok, that is enough for now. I have a lot more research to share, but we have more time!
Why
Your basic idea, to create a VLE where students can see and create connections between assignments and course concepts sound great. That you’re tying it initially to your specific courses while allowing for the possibility of broader applications is also a good way to go about it.
What
So far you’ve mentioned that it’s a VLE, and also that that you’re following the principle of “small parts loosely joined” and that it might be an add-on to Moodle or WordPress. While the general idea is there I’d like to see a bit more about what specifically the students will see and what connections they will be able to create.
Who
Even more narrow than first year writing teachers and students you might narrow the who to some specific classes. Once you get it right there then you can broaden it. If it works I would think that it would apply much more broadly than writing courses. After all pretty much all teachers want their students to be able to see and make the kind of connections you’re going for.
Where
I agree that it’s smart to start this as a piece of a larger puzzle that is already solved. The choice between Moodle and WordPress probably has to do with both whether you want more traditional CMS functions in addition to your project and also, since you are looking for developers, where their skillsets lie.
How
As was mentioned in your presentation last semester, this is the hard part. With a little more clarity on the what and if you narrow down a supporting framework such as Moodle or WordPress, it may be easier to talk specifics here. I do want to give you a couple of links I happend upon recently that may be along the lines of what you’re looking for.
http://neyric.github.com/wireit/
This is a javascript libarary that allows you to make connections between shapes.
http://www.talk-map.com/
This project uses that library to make visual maps of discussion topics. here is an example of a well formed one
http://www.talk-map.com/topics/36-mac-vs-pc/map