Is learning enhanced by guided BLOG threads? A plan for exploring a theory that collaborative blogging encourages critical thinking on solutions to a SMART approach.

A presentation that lays out a plan for conducting research for on-site or on-line undergraduate courses to leverage discussion questions in a BlackBoard environment into a rich interactive experience for peer-to-peer open dialog. For the learning experience during January 2017, ten students actively participated in blog style writing to define a strategy for accomplishing a case study team project on a complex topic.

The presenter’s previous use of the smart approach enables undergrad students to explore complex problem(s) which are better understood when defined as specific, measurable, action-oriented, relevant and timely. The presenter will provide links to SlideShare lessons to introduce SMART, to guide in-class live discussion, selected examples of Blog prompts to include in Blackboard to encourage finding and citing ideas that align with the assigned case study.

The “smart approach” is based on ideas expressed in 2003 by P.J. Meyer, “What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? Creating S.M.A.R.T. Goals”. Attitude Is Everything: If You Want to Succeed Above and Beyond.