Welcome BEN DANGL, Sharing Grassroots Toolbox ideas from the Americas!

Here is some video to watch. Learn more about land occupations in post-coup Honduras.

And two articles to read:

Venezuelan TV for and by the Communities.

Growing Movement of Community Radio in Venezuela.

Week #7-->Blogging THE SHALLOWS, Chapters 6-8

This assignment is due by Monday, March 5 at NOON. No credit will be given for late posts.


Read Nicholas Carr's book THE SHALLOWS, Chapters 6-8.

Then, at our COURSE blog, reflect on the following:

1. Discuss THREE specific observations Carr makes in EACH chapter. Use 2-3 sentences for each observation, and combine his quoted observations with an IYOW analysis.

2. Ask ONE specific question of Carr, after reading all 3 chapters.

Week #6-->Blogging THE SHALLOWS, Chapters 3-5

This assignment is due by Monday, February 27 at NOON. No credit will be given for late posts.


Read Nicholas Carr's book THE SHALLOWS, Prologue, Chapters 3-5.

Then, at our COURSE blog, reflect on the following:

1. Discuss THREE specific observations Carr makes in EACH chapter. Use 2-3 sentences for each observation, and combine his quoted observations with an IYOW analysis.

2. Ask ONE specific question of Carr, after reading all 3 chapters.

PROJECT #2: ORGANIZATION --> Social Media Analysis

Please lay claim to a specific organization that uses social media tools here asap, by posting which organization you would like to observe in a post, below. First come, first served. This assessment is due on Monday, March 26 - but you must "tune in" to the organization by March 1.

The featured image is the Vermont independence flag. Dr. Williams will focus on Vermont Commons: Voices of Independence news journal, as his organization for social media analysis.

PROJECT #2: Select one politically-focused organization that uses a “Social Media Suite of Tools” (at least three – Blogging, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube etc.), and “follow” them online for several weeks.

Then, provide a detailed blog post analysis in which you describe:

1) HOW your organization used each platform.

2) What kinds of information this campaign distributed via SM.

3) How this organization “organized” people around a cause using SM.

4) What kinds of interactions you observed online.

5) How effectively this organization used SM.

6) MOST IMPORTANT - The "mission" of this organization.

Week #5-->Blogging THE SHALLOWS, Prologue, Chapters 1-2

This assignment is due by Monday, February 20 at NOON. No credit will be given for late posts.


Read Nicholas Carr's book THE SHALLOWS, Prologue, Chapters 1 - 2.

Then, at our COURSE blog, reflect on the following:

1. Discuss THREE specific observations Carr makes in EACH chapter (Yes, include the "Prologue" as a chapter). Use 2-3 sentences for each observation, and combine his quoted observations with an IYOW analysis.

2. Ask ONE specific question of Carr, after reading all 3 chapters.

Week #4: Blogging COGNITIVE SURPLUS, Chapters 5-7

This assignment is due by Monday, February 13 at NOON. No exceptions, unless you talk with Dr. Williams.

Please read Clay Shirky's COGNITIVE SURPLUS, Chapters 5-7, and then, IYOW, share THREE specific observations Shirky makes that you find important, and ONE specific question you would ask of him about his conclusions.

Aim for 3-5 sentences for EACH observation, and make your question ONE SENTENCE and VERY precise.

PS - here's an excellent NYTimes article by David Carr on Clay Shirky, bread baking, and the limits of social media.

PROJECT #1: Social Media interview

This assignment is due on Monday, February 13 at your PERSONAL blog. No exceptions, unless you have permission from Dr. W.

Assignment – Find a friend, colleague, community member or professional who is “into” social media (SM) and uses SM for personal AND political purposes, interview them (at least 6 specific questions, please) and transcribe and post your interview onto your blog, with accompanying hyperlinks, photo, and video content.