Ready for Pronto!

Tonight will be the first Pronto session for the class this semester. I hope we have a full classroom and lots of conversation.

One of the disadvantages of an online lit class is the lack of discussion. Discussion board forums are really crucial to exchanging thoughts and feelings about literature; however, often one post can sway people off track, or in the wrong direction, and then they are hesitant to state a viewpoint that may be different than the others in the class. I hope that doesn't happen. I remember teaching Red Badge (and I had for years) when one student popped up with an interpretation that I had never thought of before--and it was great! He was a little afraid to state his opinion because he might be wrong, but it is one interpretation that I remember well and add to my list of meanings when we discuss symbolism in the novel. I hope my students are courageous enough to state their opinions of literature---and be respectful while doing so.

Participating in Pronto discussions is another way to exchange ideas. Often the students think that I will lead them in the direction they should go...but that is not what happens. I might throw out an idea or ask a question, but I like for the students to just 'talk' on the screen. Those are the best discussions. I might have to steer them back to the topic (because it is easy at times to stray into an area non-literature or class related); otherwise, the discussion is usually student driven.

Tonight is the first session. Only ten of the twenty have added Pronto to their Blackboard items. I hope that more names appear. I hope that many of those listed are able to participate. The first session is always interesting. No one knows what to expect, who will attend, and what will happen.

Stop by and see!