Q: What if students said they posted, but it hasn't shown up?

[Tony Deifell]

 

Jonathan had a question:

A couple of my students said they posted their essays as much as a couple weeks ago, but I don't see them.  Even when I find them on the group page, there are no blog posts listed for them.

My reply:

Hi Jonathan, I'm not sure the exact cause, but it's likely from users' actions. These possibilities:

1. The most likely cause: a student has marked their post private, either to be viewed:
   (a) "only by my friends" or
   (b) "only by me."
   
   In they've done this, you won't be able to see it (even if they've uploaded it).
   In case (a) you invite your students to be a friend on the site (see how below), then you'll see it.
   in case (b), the student needs to change the privacy of their post to at least "only by friends."
2. Unlikely cause: a student registered for the site twice by accident, and only one of their profiles is a member of the section group.
3. Another unlikely cause: They posted it somewhere other than a blog (such as a group discussion or wall post or even profile picture). But, a wall post should show up in their profile, as would any discussion they started.
4. Also less likely: the student forgot to hit "Publish post" after they pasted in their text.
5. NOTE: I do have to approve essays and photos. I try to do it quickly. And, on the deadline, I'll try to check every hour. But, if an essay or photo hasn't been approved by me yet, you won't see it yet.

///// 

Here's how to "friend" your students:

If you invite your students to be a friend (rather them inviting you), then when they accept, they are automatically in your friends list.

• Easiest way: go to the main menu bar up top & select "Invite" — then copy the unique URL you see below "Share this invite Link" and email all your students. If they follow it, it will add them as your friend.
• Another easy way, would be to copy the emails from the group membership list, then select the "Invite" next to "Friends" on the right below your name. There is an option to invite friends manually with their emails.
• There is also option to add/invite a member to be a friend just below their name/profile photo on their "My Page."

 

FYI, the search box in the very top, right-hand side or your screen can find any content on the site. It searches both tags, titles, body text & usernames. So, you could search their name to see if there are two profiles.

I've never known the site to misplace or loose content by the way.

[Tony Deifell]

In order to see essays or photos that your students mark private to be viewed "only by my friends," you need to become friends with them on the site.

Here's how: If you invite your students to be a friend (rather them inviting you), then when they accept, they are automatically in your friends list.

• Easiest way: go to top menu bar & select "Invite" — then copy the unique URL below "Share this invite Link" and email your students. If they follow it, it will add them as your friend.
• Another easy way, would be to copy the emails from the group membership list, then select the "Invite" next to "Friends" on the right below your name. There is an option to invite friends manually with their emails.
• There is also option to add/invite a member to be a friend just below their name/profile photo on their "My Page."

[Tony Deifell]

I thought of another cause... if students marked their post a private to be viewed (1) "only by my friends" or (2) "only by me" then you won't be able to see it (even if they've uploaded it). If #1, then add your students as a friend on the site, and you'll see it. But if it's #2, the student needs to change the privacy of their post to at least "only by friends"

[Tony Deifell]

Jonathan wrote:

this is complicated.  it sounds like i should email the class about this again.  should I:

-ask that everyone check their privacy settings, and if they intend it to be private, to choose the "only friends" option, but be sure to add me as a friend?

 or

-make sure that everyone makes theirs public to the whole group?

 

My response:

I don't think we should force people to make it public if they feel strongly about keeping it private. The assignment is to challenge people to decide what they can say publicly, but not force them to do so.

Therefore, what about this solution:

Wait until midnight Monday night to see what you have from your section (that will give them enough of a grace period since I just yesterday specified 9am due time). Then, for the students for whom you don't see an essay, you can message them. If it is just like one or two students as you said, maybe it won't be much effort/time. What do you think?

Sorry for the trouble. I'm trying to keep it as simple as possible for you all.