"Part of the allure of blogs is the easy way they move between the personal and the profound" (Nardi, Schiano, Gumbrecht &Swartz, 2007, p 46).
Creating and sharing knowledge in an up-to-date fashion can give students a learning experience closely resembling the way in which they share and receive information in their daily lives. Along with blogs, teachers can employ wikis, podcasts, web 2.0 software, photo sharing and the endless amounts of educational websites to aid in students becoming active learners, engaged in the best modern technology has to offer. As with any resource, the benefits don't come without aspects to be concerned about. A technology is only as good as your ability to use it. Keeping up to date is essential and knowing how to use a tool doesn't necessarily mean it is being used to assist learning and higher order thinking abilities. This takes time, pre-planning and pre-assessing students. Individualizing the technology used to the students involved will have the best outcome. Safety is an issue as well. Privacy and appropriateness must be addressed. In addition, validity of the information shared can be an issue. Students also need to know there are consequences for misuse or abuse of technology used for learning purposes. Another thing to consider is how technology can assist and accommodate different ability levels and learning styles. All students learn differently and at different rates. Technology can bridge the variations in any given class. Differentiation is essential, but it doesn't mean students have to be isolated. All the more with technology, differentiation can be collaborative and social. Students can learn from each other and work together to achieve understanding and perspective. "In general, students at all levels show more interest in their work, and their ability to locate and reflect upon their work is greatly enhanced, as are the opportunities for collaborative learning" (Richardson, 2010, p28).
Other than using facebook to keep in touch with friends and family, I am new to creating and utilizing digital tools. In many of my college classes I have been exposed to digital tools, but never used the tools to their fullest extent. It is my aspiration that I can take what I have learned and am currently learning to create a positive technology based learning environment for my students. Making real-life connections and making information meaningful is the first step in transforming information into knowledge. Technology is an integral part of most students' lives. Bringing this element into the realm of education allows students to more easily connect with what they are being taught.
Gemma,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog. I like that along with listing the potential benefits you see in using blogs and other Web 2.0 tools in the classroom you are realistic about what it takes to use these tools. I like that you pointed out that using a blog in your classroom means keeping up to date which not only means technologically but also updating the blog. I have been in many classes where the professor says we are going to utilize a class website but then they never update it past the first two classes. It can be difficult to get used to continuously updating your blog or classroom website every day. Even having my own personal blog I find myself posting once every couple of weeks. With a classroom blog, wiki, or website this would be unacceptable, especially if you expect students to truly utilize these sources. I'm glad that you intend to use technology in the classroom because despite the work it might take I think that it can really be a great tool to enhance learning inside and outside of the classroom!
-Jenny-
Hi Gemma,
ReplyDeleteYou point out so many positive aspects of blogging as well as the concerns that may need to be addressed. I think you make a valid point that the technology should be used to support meaningful learning objectives. And as you point out, this takes commitment and planning. I am glad that you have made it your goal to use technology to enhance your teaching and to bring a positive learning experience to your students!
Mary
Hi Gemma,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog today. I too, share some of your same concerns, especially with privacy and managing what does and does not go on when our students are using digital tools. I am also concerned with gaining the support of the school in using these new digital technologies. While there are obviously endless possibilities for students to explore, create, and collaborate I am weary that some school districts will be critical in allowing these tools to be implemented in the classroom. I know there are some school districts that have become very aware of cyberbullying and strictly do not allow blogging to take place as part of the curriculum. At the same time, we are being exposed to the realities of how today's students learn and what their daily environment consists of; and it is heavily based on technology. As a first year teacher, how much input and how persistent should we be in influencing the school to allow us to use web 2.0 software, wikis, and blogs if they are not onboard with this idea? I am not sure of the answer, but I am hopeful that this knowledge of 21st century learners will begin to spread like rapid fire and more school districts will be onboard in the near future!
Christina
Hi Gemma,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog! I think you made so many wonderful points highlighting the benefits of using blogs in today’s classrooms. You stated, “Class discussion and knowledge formation doesn't have to end when the bell rings.” This part of your post really resonated with me because it makes me think of all the great home extensions that are possible when using a blog. During my student teaching, there were many times when my students and I would get really caught up in a debate or classroom discussion that I would have to cut short due to time constraints. It seemed as if there was never enough time in the day! Nevertheless, a blog could help tackle this problem by providing students with a place outside the classroom to continue these meaningful discussions and interact with other students. Fundamentally, blogs give students the chance to participate in asynchronous learning activities. This means that students can participate at different times and locations while still interacting with one another. Ultimately, I think blogs are a great tool!