First assignment: due 8/28/2009

One of the requirements of this class is creating an e-portfolio to showcase the knowledge and skills you'll be acquiring in this class. There are lots of places where you can create free websites, but personally I recommend http://www.blogger.com/ which is what I'm using because I think it's really easy and fun.

Your first assignment will be to create a blog for this class which will eventually become an e-portfolio for this class (if you can't figure out how to create a blog, email for help. I'll also provide instructions later in the course for how to organize your blog into an e-portfolio). I suggest a website address for your blog something like this "GISportolioNAME.blogspot.com" where NAME is either your last name or initials. If you don't want to use your name or initials for privacy reasons, that's okay, have fun and make up a name (e.g. MapGeek or GIS Goddess). Same goes for the title for your blog: something like this: "GIS portfolio for NAME/NICKNAME". Keep in mind, however, that there could be a professional advantage to using your full name and making your e-portfolio available to prospective employers.

Your first post to your blog or website should be titled "Why I'm interested in GIS". I like to get to know my students by more than just their sleeping positions during my lectures, so here's your chance to introduce yourself. Tell me if you are an undergraduate or grad, your major, your specialization, and of course, why you're interested in GIS - why you are taking this class. If you are only taking it because your advisor told you to, that's okay. Rate yourself as far as GIS experience so far (0 - no experience, 10 - guru) and also rate your general computer skills the same way. And finally, tell me if there is anything specific you'd like to get out of this course (other than some skills that will look darn good on your resume.)

Please email me the address of your blog sometime on Thursday, August 27 so I have some time to get "acquainted" with everyone before the next class. Please remember that your blog will eventually be available to everyone in the class (I'll be linking them all on this blog), but also to the public. So use professional manners and please no inappropriate content. I will not use your blog (or mine) to post any grades or personal information.