Self and society in virtual contexts/Announcements

Pre-Course - 1 week before start
Hi Everyone,

A warm welcome to you! We will be meeting in person for the first time, on Thursday, September 6 from 1:10 pm - 2:30 pm in the SCI building, Room 201.

My name is Professor Randy Fisher, and I’ll be your instructor this term. (Feel free to learn about me on my LinkedIn Profile.) https://www.linkedin.com/in/randyfisher/ (My Email Address is: XXXXX. scarletmail.rutgers.edu)

I am looking forward to this class, as we explore identity in a digital context, and use Instagram and Storify to share knowledge, develop understanding of ourselves and others, and work on 21st century, digitally-relevant projects.Of course, laptops, tablets and phones are welcome in the class.

'''There are NO TEXTBOOKS TO BUY in this class. Instead, you will be reading an e-version of the Networked Self by Dr. Mary Chayko. This is provided on CANVAS.'''

This course is a hybrid course and follows the following format:

Week 1 - Thursday, Sept. 6 - is an in-person class


 * All other weeks BEGIN with online, digital classwork and the week’s readings, and END with the in-class session. The in-class session ENDS every “week,” (i.e., on Thursdays) and then, the next week begins.

If you have the time, please review the course syllabus and explore Canvas. It will give you and understanding of the topics, learning and work required during the term.

Please Note - for Thanksgiving Week -


 * Our Thursday, November 23 class will be moved to EARLIER in the week - Tuesday, November 21, same time, same room.
 * Tuesday, November 21 will also be the date for the Test covering Units 8-11.

Make sure you adjust your settings in Canvas to receive regular emails / text updates for the course.

Finally, I want to draw your attention to the importance of developing your Digital Project (using the Storify platform). No need to stress about this - only just to be aware that your work during the class contributes to the development of your portfolio.

Your work in this class will contribute to your portfolio, which is of considerable value and interest to employers. Please keep track of your links and posts - and we will discuss this in class, answer your questions and direct you to examples of digital portfolios.

Have a great end to the summer - and look forward to seeing everyone next week!

- Randy

PS: Please add your photo / headshot to the Canvas platform - it will help me get to know you more quickly.

Setting Up Notifications in Canvas (YouTube Video)
Hi Everyone,

I created a short YouTube Video showing you HOW and WHERE to set up Notifications in Canvas. It really helps you stay on top of the info, announcements and updates in this course.

Apologies for the low voice starting out - it gets better!

https://youtu.be/OzC91Fztlww (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

Course Text: A Networked Self (on Canvas)
Hi Everyone,

Just a few short days until we meet! Enjoy today's rays!

The book for the course, "A Networked Self" (2.1 MB, PDF)Preview the documentView in a new window, is available in the Files. The location is: Files --> Course Files --> Readings --> A Networked Self Identity.

(On my computer, I see the locations for the readings as: https://rutgers.instructure.com/courses/4116/files/folder/Readings)

In the course, you can read the book online or download it to your device for easy reference.

Have a great day!

- Prof. Randy

Digital Projects (Portfolio) / Capstone Course
Hi Everyone,

Having a digital portfolio is pretty essential these days - employers and others want to know what you've done and by extension, "what you can do for them" (i.e., WIFM - what's in it for me?).

Check out the examples of these Digital Portfolios / Capstone websites - and make sure that you collect and organize the links to your projects and artifacts.

....read on....

Digital Projects / Capstone Course Students - please retain the link(s) to any digital projects you do in my course for inclusion on future professional websites / capstone courses. This can serve as part of your portfolio for this course (and other digital projects) that will be extremely impressive to employers and can showcase what you've done. Examples of Strong Capstone Websites (DCIM)

Here are some examples of strong DCIM Capstone websites (the students have agreed that theu may be shared). They will give you a sense of what lies ahead, and as part of your discussion as to what DCIM is all about:

https://trvilla.wordpress.com/Links to an external site. https://noelchao.wordpress.com/Links to an external site. https://ramyachiti.wordpress.com/Links to an external site. https://cdelro105.wixsite.com/carldelrosarioLinks to an external site. https://awernick510.wixsite.com/mysiteLinks to an external site. https://ferrettimorgan.wixsite.com/morgandanaferrettiLinks to an external site. - Prof. Randy

Welcome to New Students, Class Members
A warm welcome - we are delighted that you are joining us!

If you are new to this course, then do the following to get caught up:


 * Log into Canvas & Select our Course - Self & Society in Virtual Contexts
 * Read all of the Announcements
 * Read the Syllabus - "It's In the Syllabus" - It is a VERY comprehensive document!
 * Take note of the Grading, Assignments and Due Dates
 * Sign into the Email Address & Phone Number Google Doc to provide your email address (Rutgers and Personal), and Preferred Way to Reach You (Phone Number).
 * After this is done, complete a "Mini-Bio" (a Google Doc). Make a Copy of It with Your First Name and Last Name, and when it is completed, then Share it with me (Prof. Fisher) at: sf623@scarletmail.rutgers.edu I will review it so that I can get to know you better, and more quickly.
 * When you are in-class, introduce yourself to the class, and individually, by sharing your name, field of study / major and what you did during the summer. (Your peers will welcome the opportunity to connect with you!)


 * Electronic Devices ARE NOT PERMITTED IN CLASS.

Our Class: A Warm, Welcoming Space

 * When you see someone new, welcome them!
 * They'll appreciate it!

Electronic Devices NOT ALLOWED IN CLASS; Notetaking by Pen & Paper

 * Electronic Devices & COMPUTERS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN CLASS
 * Notes are taken by pen and paper.
 * You can take a picture of your notes by camera.
 * We do not use phones or tablets in class
 * No texting / surfing / emailing / posting unless directed by instructor to do so.