Chapter 2
Weblogs Pedagogy and Practice
Reflection: Random thoughts the author has inspired…
The author feels a true sense of power through weblogs, this sense of power is due to the fact that his original ideas and thoughts can be evaluated in an instant through this medium. I can see how one may have their ego’s puffed up as complete stranger pat them on the back for a job well done. What would happen if there were many negative comments about one’s blog?
As an educator, I can understand the importance and value for my students to experience the process of being able to publish their original creative writing pieces but, I still have reservations for their fragile egos. Feedback could be dangerous and squelch their enthusiasm and motivation to become a writer. Also more importantly, the teacher can create a venue, for setting the stage so that students are able to participate in book talk discussions; through this medium, which allows for everyone to have a voice. All members of the student body can become an active participant. That really opens the walls to the classroom; I for one concur with the author on that point. How frequently as educators are we faced with students that are silent in class and have no voice? Finally, they will have an opportunity to share their timid voice through the blogs and the World Wide Web.
As far as for educators to collaborate that sounds like a great place for us to share and utilize a plethora of ideas. The web-site ideasandthought.org doesn’t appear to be functioning but I then goggled Dean Shareski’s blog which is filled with many different features that I wouldn’t bother to wastes my time viewing.
I then ponder to “Meredith’s Page!” which is her personal reflections on her own journey through class work, which to me would be boring and a waste of my time.
Does blogs have a place within the confines of the classroom? Yes, I do believe that the major role for students and adults is to participate cautiously in this newly developing genre in which both parties engage in the “Process of Thinking” can become essential as we embark into this new technological learning shift.
The idea of having a class portal where students and parents can access course curriculum, syllabus, classroom/school rules, homework assignments, rubrics, handouts, and presentations makes the Weblog an invaluable management tool. This concept I whole-heartily agree with Will Richardson, it enables student to become empowered. Thus, these empowerments assist with development of an independent learner.
The author mentions a unique, on line filing cabinet, which to me is an invaluable way for students to archive their work. Thus this system also allows parents, teachers, and students, the ability to view their progress over their entire, academic school years. As stated by the author, “What they could have at the end would be a comprehensive history of their work and learning that was searchable and shareable, one that would provide a great resource for reflection or future study.” I am enthusiastic of a system on line filing cabinet, where the teacher would be able to view and observe the progress in purposeful way other than having a pile of bulky, incomplete RED folders of which no one has probably ever perused. In reality, the RED folders sole purpose is to take up valuable space and collect dust for a year in their student’s classroom. Another complimentary aspect of course would be to add an E-portfolio which would encompass videos, podcasts, and presentations by the student.
The Pedagogy of Possibilities are to expand the individual so that they can experience and participate with professionals such as scientist, researchers, Pulitzer –prize winning journalist, and individuals that live on the other side of the globe. These individuals can share their writing, video clips, pictures, and life experiences. The most fascinating aspect of the Read/Write Web is that the classroom door is expensive, work can be archived in an organized fashion, and everyone has a voice, even the shyest of student will be heard. According to Will Richardson, “In fact, research on the effects of Weblogs on K-12 students is still in its infancy. But the anecdotal results reported by many of the educator bloggers discussed here give broad outlines to a picture that will no doubt soon come into focus.” Although, I may have some reservations I am willing to jump on “blogoshere” with all the young energetic educators in hopes that students will in fact learn something….Signing off…Till next time…The survey is still a work in progress…Maybe next time…
Cathy, I could see using a Weblog in my classroom. I think the first time would be difficult but the more the teacher and the students use the Weblog, the easier it would get. As a teacher, I need to be current in my technology. I feel so far behind my students in this area.
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ReplyDeleteGreat blog entry! I agree that all of this technology is a great way to engage all students in lessons. I think what Keri showed us tonight (todaysmeet.com) would be an excellent way to have all students actively participate in lessons. Now we just need to get computers for all students so we can use this in the classroom!
Cathie, you wrote quite the term paper, and I just wrote a really long post and it disappeared when I was proof-reading it and changed windows.
ReplyDeleteI saw your comment about the red folders... I know of ONE 5th grade teacher who reads them cover to cover. It makes much more sense to have that information online.
It is very important that we teach students about how to give feedback, so that is a very valid concern. How to give feedback is a great lesson for students. I used to have students give feedback on each others ELA presentations. I would instruct them on how to give positive comments first, and then how to word their constructive criticism after the positive comments. I always modeled this for them, and they caught on quickly many sounding like teachers themselves! With an open blog, we would have to have a conversation with them about feedback from strangers. That is a also a great life lesson.
ELA is the perfect place for a blog since journaling (although the reading said a blog is NOT a journal- I still think it is like one) is done often in the English classroom. I would love to have students blog about a book we were reading in class. That would motivate students who do not do their work, and get the shy ones to participate. The ones who do not do their readings will at least be exposed to all of the conversations and still get something out of it if they still don't do their work. The shy ones who are not confident will be able to think about and proof read their thoughts before publishing and participate more than they would face to face.
Cathie, I would enetertain the use of a blog in the classroom once the permission issue is sorted out. It could be a great way to comment in Spanish on a piece of writing, poetry etc. I think the students would enjoy it as an alternative homework assignment.
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