How to comment effectively in the blogs

1) If you are the first person to leave a comment in the blog, it is important that you respond to something specific that the author wrote, and not wander all over the place (irse por las ramas). You get to set the tone as the first commenter...so be sure you are encouraging and respectful...even if you TOTALLY disagree with what the author says. Possible questions to ask: what did you (the reader) find effective about the post? useful? Interesting? Ridiculous? What questions do you have for the author? Think about this as way of starting a conversation....

2) If you are in agreement with what the author wrote, let it be known. but remember your job as a commenter is to "estimular" the author to think more, dig deeper, etc. In sum: Provide positive feedback, but probe and ask questions!

3) If you are the second or third or fourth person to leave a comment, make sure you read the previous commenters' messages and try to add something of your own. Again, your job is to keep the conversation going, adding your own perspective but always going back and focusing on the author's original ideas, throughts

4) As the author of the post, YOUR job is to go back and check in with your commenters. If you think they have it all wrong, then tell them that. If you have more to say, please do so.

5) Remember: this is a form of conversation. It is asynchronous, which gives you a chance to form your thoughts and respond carefully. You are welcome to extend these conversations into the classroom...in fact, I hope you do just that!

How to comment to podcasts

All of the above suggestions apply to podcasts as well. You can reply via text message in the comment box... but you can also.....

LEAVE A VOICE COMMENT: Record your own voice (via the iTalk/iPod combo or in the language lab). Move the file to the desktop of a machine. Rename file. Upload file and copy the html. Paste html into the comment box of the podcast you are commenting upon.