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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

First Day of School

Nope, not for my kids but for me. This is the first day of the course that I am teaching.


Yeah, so I am not in the least prepared. 
Oh I have my syllabus written. 
I have at least two lesson plans written. 
I have set up external resources for the students.
I have coordinated with librarians, the alumni association, my staff (who I will shamelessly be using), an anthropology friend to teach ethnographic photography (see how I like to throw those big words around?) and anyone else who could remotely make me seem like less of an idiot.
This is really the first class of its type, digital humanities, here at the university. My hope is that the students will come out of it learning some skills that will allow them to present history/humanities in an engaging and thoughtful manner. 

Oh and to make really cool videos out of old photographs and oral histories. 

But back to me (my blog so it's all about me, right?)
I'm nervous.
I've never really taught a course before and a graduate level one at that.
This is not something I learned in library school.
Sure, it is a subject that I know like the back of my hand but that doesn't seem to be helping with my nervousness.
so wish me luck but more importantly wish my students luck.
I have a funny feeling they are going to need it.

Love,
M

14 comments:

  1. Bet you could spend at least a week talking about metadata and SEO! Sounds like fun. If I were in Houston, I'd enroll!

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  2. I have a feeling you're going to do great and your students are going to love you - how could they not? :) GOOD LUCK! :)

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  3. I'm beyond impressed - teaching a graduate course is SO COOL! You're going to do a marvelous job!

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  4. It sounds like a class I'd love to take. You'll be fine, but here's sending you lots of good thoughts and good luck!

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  5. Thanks everyone. My syllabus reads like every geeks dreams.

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  6. I think you are going to be AMAZING Michelle. I'm with Jan - teaching a graduate course - way cool.

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  7. Those students are LUCKY to have you as a teacher! Or, excuse me, PROFESSOR.
    Maybe you should do one of your famous "caption me" photos as an ice breaker. :-)

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  8. You're going to do great!!! I'm sure of it, and you seem pretty darn prepared to me!

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  9. Good luck! You know this stuff in and out so you have nothing to be nervous about. Easier said than done, I know. You will be great!

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  10. Oh to be a fly on the wall of that classroom! :D

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  11. Wow - what a great new exciting adventure for you. Have fun with it! Wishing you the best!

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  12. Another cool job! I bet you killed 'em.

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