My WDW class is a "go"; anyone willing to help me out?

[DavidandLeahZ]

Hi everyone,

I've been lucky enough to have been approved to teach an entire course about Disney World here at my university in the spring. It's titled "Communication Around the World." Here's the description:

"This course will be an in-depth examination of communication in and about the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL. Specifically, the course will examine nonverbal communication in the theme parks, organizational communication utilized by the company, and computer-mediated-communication revolving around Walt Disney World. Each unit will provide a basic introduction of a communication concept/area which will then be applied using examples from Walt Disney World. The class will meet for the first eight weeks of the semester and over spring break will visit Walt Disney World where they will immerse themselves in the culture of the theme parks and resorts."

Where do you all come in?


Well - the first 8-weeks of next semester, I'm hoping for some of you to interact with my class on the boards. I want them to have the experience of interacting with people in an online community. Then (here's where I'm excited) when my class travels down over spring break, I wanted to set up a meet so the students can interact face-to-face with the same people they were getting to know in a virtual setting.

So - anyone gonna be in the World March 11 - 16th, 2010?

- Dave

[Justin Jett]

This is completely awesome! What school is this?

[safetymom]

I enjoyed the last chats we did with your students. Please let me know where and when and I will be there.

[rocio]

I wonder how I could turn Disney into one of my courses?

[DavidandLeahZ]

This is completely awesome! What school is this?

Western Illinois University

[DavidandLeahZ]

I enjoyed the last chats we did with your students. Please let me know where and when and I will be there.

Great!

We'll also be chatting with my freshman this year in a couple of weeks...just like last semester.

You were a hit Kathy!

[rocio]

Western Illinois University

Small world! I'm in Illinois too and teach at a public university here. :surfweb:

Have you done your ethics training yet ;)

[DavidandLeahZ]

Small world! I'm in Illinois too and teach at a public university here. :surfweb:

Have you done your ethics training yet ;)

My completion certificate is on my wall. :0


Where do you teach?

[Tonya2426]

Sounds like a great class, Dave!!! :cool1::cool1::cool1:

[rocio]

My completion certificate is on my wall. :0


Where do you teach?

I'd tell you, but then I'd have to kill you ;)....I'll PM you.

[Mouse Skywalker]

I'd be happy to help out in chat, but don't think I'll be down in March. Although, I'm excited to lead a group of students down in January for an alternative break trip for GKTW. Need anything Jan 10-16?

[chrisw127]

I'm not going to be there then, but I sure wish this class had been available when I was in college. Great idea!

[maroo]

This is a fantastic idea! What a cool school!

I won't be down that week...I don't think...because I am going for the Princess Half - but who knows!

[ckdsnynt]

May I ask, do you have any problems with Disney in offering such a class, such as copyright difficulties?

[DavidandLeahZ]

May I ask, do you have any problems with Disney in offering such a class, such as copyright difficulties?

No - I'm actually using a couple of their custom tours within the class and am using some official disney publications as texts.

[daneenm]

Wow, where were you when I was in college?!?! I'd be happy to converse on-line with them.

[DavidandLeahZ]

Wow, where were you when I was in college?!?! I'd be happy to converse on-line with them.

Will you be down in March?

[daneenm]

Will you be down in March?

Sadly no. Being from the Left Coast makes my trips to WDW quite infrequent.

[ckdsnynt]

No - I'm actually using a couple of their custom tours within the class and am using some official disney publications as texts.

Thanks!

[Cyrano]

Can't unfortunately participate in the face to face meet :sad1: But if you are keen on having your students interact with posters from other countries I would be in :thumbsup2

[DavidandLeahZ]

Can't unfortunately participate in the face to face meet :sad1: But if you are keen on having your students interact with posters from other countries I would be in :thumbsup2

Last spring I actually had Pete/Alex set up a chat for my students so they could interact with virtual fans. I'll be doing the same on the 20th of November (most likely).

- Dave

[wishspirit]

I won't be around in march, but I would love to talk to your students (being a fellow university student from the UK, it would be nice to have a chat!)

I also studied Disney for one week on my 'America inside out' course for my American Studies elective. I still have all the reading lists if you want any ideas for resources. I also have an essay on 'To what extent is Disney culturally imperialist', which was an interesting angle.

Hope your course goes well! Keep us updated! :goodvibes

[EDuke98080]

We are planning to be there in March and I would be happy to participate. Just let me know what to do....

[wdwfreeksince88]

We can be there in March also just let us know the details.:thumbsup2

[bellaDisneydncr]

This is AWESOME. I wish this was offered at my school!!!

[TXYankee]

What a great class!

I do not think I will be in WDW in March unless sone one would like to sponsor my trip. I would make a great chaperone!

I am willing to help wherever I can. I will be in WDW for DAP in December. If you PM or post a school address, I would love to send a postcard from WDW wishing your students success in their studies. I am sure a few other DIS members would be willing to do the same for you and your students!

[jeanigor]

I would love to participate in the chat, but I don't believe I would be able to swing the live meet portion in March.:guilty:

[disneydreamgirl]

This is my kind of school! :laughing: I love what you're doing and would be willing to chat as well. As for the face-to-face, that'll be tough to swing!

[DavidandLeahZ]

Hi everyone,

It looks like the meet date has been narrowed down to two finalists:

The evening of Saturday, March 13th

or

The evening of Sunday, March 14th

Any preference?

[disneyholic family]

I'd be happy to participate in a chat, like Reid, as someone from another country. Sadly, I won't be there in March (I'll be there in June for a conference.
By the way, what department are you in? Communications? Sociology? Business?
It sounds like a very interesting course!

[chaoscent]

Sounds like a great course. Unfortunately I won't be down in March, but I am available on line for chats. Best of luck with it. Penny

[DavidandLeahZ]

I'd be happy to participate in a chat, like Reid, as someone from another country. Sadly, I won't be there in March (I'll be there in June for a conference.
By the way, what department are you in? Communications? Sociology? Business?
It sounds like a very interesting course!

Communication.

[exwdwcm]

Sounds awesome! I'd love to help too, unfortunately can't be down there in March though. Your students are in for a treat! I can share the secrets of the CM two finger point to communicate - or how I nonverbally communicated with all the non english speaking brazilian tour groups when they came into my cafeteria at Hollywood Studios. LOL :rotfl:;):rotfl2:

[ScubaD]

We would also assist in any chats with your class, if we are not too late. I noticed this thread was started on November 4th. And our family will be in WDW beginning April 4th (DW's spring break) so unable to assist.

She also uses Disney for her class, but a 2nd grade class uses a whole different Disney subject.:goodvibes, and she is trying to get less "communication" between the students:rotfl2:

Dave