This chapter was full of creative ways to use a weblog in the classroom. The possibilities seem to be endless. In my opinion, three of the most beneficial attributes of blogging found in this chapter are creating collaborative conversations, the development of higher-order thinking skills, and connecting learners around the world.
First, blogging allows the facilitation of collaborative conversations. This aspect is beneficial for all students because it allows them to think about content at their own pace. For the timid learner, blogging allows a safe space where she/he can participate in a conversation without the pressures of time or looking "cool" to peers.
Blogging also allows the development of higher-order thinking skills, such as critical thinking and analysis, that are so vital to the success of our students (and are stressed in the Iowa Core Curriculum). Bloggers can read what others have to say about a topic, take time to think about it, and respond analytically to posts in a professional manner.
Another aspect of blogging that is particularly exciting is the capability to connect to bloggers around the world. In our increasingly global world, it is important that all students recognize the interdependence of our world and learn to appreciate a global society. Blogging at this level allows for many diverse perspectives to be shared, analyzed, and appreciated.
There are a couple areas of concern that arise with blogging. First the fact that it could increase the digital divide between those of our students who have the Internet easily accessible and those who do not. Of course, this could be avoided if all blogging was done in school where all students had access. Then again, this takes away many of the benefits of blogging argued by Richardson, such as parental contact and student access to class documents.
A second area of concern is that many blog sites are blocked. Many teachers at my high school would like to start a blog for the classroom, but all free blog sites are blocked. This is extremely detrimental to the technological advancement of the students and staff of a school.
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I had to have my blog "whitelisted" in a couple of the 42 districts that I work with. That is a challenging issue. Perhaps, as a leader, you can share ideas for using weblogs as well as modeling their use. That will be one less school that blogs the access!
ReplyDeleteAs I read your reasons above - all of them speak to the 21st century learner in school. I agree with your point. We cannot help them prepare for the future, if we don't allow it in our buildings. Thanks for your post!