Fundamentals of IMD

So you don’t consider yourself a writer. Maybe you don’t even care about having a weblog. Myspace or one of the easy to use social software apps is fine for me you say?
Weblogs are a little different, or can be, depending on what a person wants to do. As Stephen Downes suggests in his “How to be heard” article, it is possible to start a blog without a plan, as you did in this class, but your chance of success is much lower than if you plan it.
Weblogs are a product that you need to experience as a web designer. You need to know the technology so that you can design them and add them to future client projects. It is one thing to read others blogs, and quite yet another experience to actually have your own blog, and a purpose.
One purpose I would suggest, is that it gives you a direct experience of having a live web site on the internet. How do you design something you have never used as a participant? It is possible, but not a good idea. Another important reason for planning a blog is that it is a unique opportunity for you to experience learning by having people comment on what you have to say. You participate in reading others blogs and exchange feedback. All this can occur through “comments” in a weblog. There is also a system of “trackback” that allows you to discover who is commenting on your site and who refers others to your site.
So think about what you want to write a blog about. Spend some time on it, using Downes suggestions for noting your interests. Make a plan. Find some important blogs in your area of interest and begin reading anything that is interesting (from you aggregator subscriptions of these sites). Maybe you respond to what someone else has said. Maybe you create some original ideas and see what others think. Whatever your purpose, put it together with a plan, a stategy that will help you become at least a weekly contributor to your blog. Use this opportunity, you will learn something about yourself, about weblogs, and whatever else you are targeting!
Happy blogging!

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As we explore the various issues and experiences of interactive media you will be learning to use a variety of social software applications for communication with class members as well as collaborative efforts with others in the IMD program. You are encouraged to ask questions and contribute suggestions to make your learning experience as personalized and useful to you as possible. The more you explore and seek answers to your questions, the more you will learn and experience in the process. You are not alone in the learning process. Other class members and other IMD students along with the entire IMD faculty are here to work together to make your experiences as successful as possible. I hope you enjoy the experiences you are beginning!