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Friday, 29 February 2008

How to become a Webhead (for the first time)

As I announced rather loudly in my previous post, I have become a Webhead. I have attended two wonderful, but rather demanding six-week workshops - Becoming a Webhead (BaW) and Blogging4Educators. Since this was my first time and I was a total beginner, the mere fact that I got to the end makes me very proud of myself.

So, how did I do it? I developed a number of survival techniques that I would like to share with you.

Here is the tutorial:

How to become a Webhead
Difficulty: very difficult
What you'll need:
- a computer (make sure it's in working condition - it might not be by the end of the session)
- Internet (preferably a fast connection)
- lots of coffee
What else might help:
- insomnia (If you already suffer from it, cherish it. It is your best friend now.)
- flu (Getting ill is very useful, as it will keep you inside. You will get bored and do every weekly assignment in your wiki just to amuse yourself. Be careful not to get high fever, though, as that will keep you in bed. We don't want you in bed, we want you in front of your computer.)

Survival tip 1: Everything you need is in your wiki (thanks Carla Arena for this tip). Look at your weekly assignment. Concentrate on doing it. Forget everything else that's going on.
Survival tip 2: Don't read the daily digests. They will only confuse you. Check the messages directly from the forum - it is much easier to see what the message is about, and decide whether you are going to read it now or later. Also, saves you from scrolling down the daily digest and reading the same messages over and over again. Or you can wait for the week to be over and read the weekly threads. Just be careful not to miss a message addressed directly to you.
Survival tip 3: Don't just read about it, do it. Start a blog and write in it. Make a wiki. Do whatever is your official homework that week.
Survival tip 4: If you have missed something, leave it until after the end of the workshop. I was away during week 4 and when I got back I continued with week 5. I haven't touched week 4 yet, but hope I'll do it by next January.
Survival tip 5: Don't take it too seriously. Socialise. Make new friends. Enjoy it all.

You might also like:
I have graduated as a Webhead
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5 comments:

  1. thanks that was very helpful. I was already getting lost in the digest on the yahoo group so this will help.

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  2. I am glad it helped. It took me three weeks to work it out, but that's the way I do it now.

    Natasa

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  3. I like your survival tips... very helpful. I just finished up 2 EVO workshops, one on lesson planning + Blogging for Educators. I got a bit behind but am continuing the journey! I've found several groups and am lurking... no doubt we'll cross paths along the way--great blog btw!
    Gina
    http://webgina.edublogs.org/

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  4. HELLO!!! I WOULD LIKE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION. MY FAVOURITE SORT OF COFFEE IS NESS WITH MILK. I REALLY LIKE YOUR BLOG. LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ON THURSDAY!!! MILICA JEREMIC

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  5. Hello Milice,

    Welcome to my blog. You are the first student here. You deserve a medal.
    See you tomorrow.

    Natasa

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