Welcome! The following is my response to Blogging in Education. This topic got me thinking, and I hope it does the same for you so please feel free to share your comments.
Since the very first post on the web in the early 90’s, blogging has come a long way. From environmental blogs to fashion blogs, there is something out there for almost everyone. Why wouldn’t educators use blogs as a tool for learning? As we continue to grow within our global community, we learn to fully utilize the tools we have access to. Blogs have now become a solid platform to communicate and collaborate, not only across the world but also right here in our classrooms. Blogging provides students and teachers with: built-in organization using archives and categories, increased efficiency in assessment, one location for all course documents, a blogroll to keep track of each blog, technical skills, paperless assignments... the benefits are numerous.
But is it safe? Can blogging be another venue for bullying? If anyone can access blogs, then what about privacy and personal safety? As discussed in Student Blogging Guidelines by Kim Cofino, collaborative efforts are encouraged when creating outlines and addressing concerns for student blogging. A well-researched guideline should be implemented and easily accessible, providing a foundation for student blogging so that it can be used as a positive education tool.
As a future art teacher, blogging would be a unique platform to hold critiques. Students could learn how to provide quality assessment for themselves and peers as well as experience the benefits blogs can offer in showcasing artwork. A great example of a collective art blog is the deviantART portfolio blog. Blogging is a tool I would definitely consider implementing in my future classes, so long as all concerns are addressed and proper guidelines are implemented and communicated. What are your thoughts on blogging in the classroom? Please comment and vote on the poll below!
- Jen Marie
Since the very first post on the web in the early 90’s, blogging has come a long way. From environmental blogs to fashion blogs, there is something out there for almost everyone. Why wouldn’t educators use blogs as a tool for learning? As we continue to grow within our global community, we learn to fully utilize the tools we have access to. Blogs have now become a solid platform to communicate and collaborate, not only across the world but also right here in our classrooms. Blogging provides students and teachers with: built-in organization using archives and categories, increased efficiency in assessment, one location for all course documents, a blogroll to keep track of each blog, technical skills, paperless assignments... the benefits are numerous.
But is it safe? Can blogging be another venue for bullying? If anyone can access blogs, then what about privacy and personal safety? As discussed in Student Blogging Guidelines by Kim Cofino, collaborative efforts are encouraged when creating outlines and addressing concerns for student blogging. A well-researched guideline should be implemented and easily accessible, providing a foundation for student blogging so that it can be used as a positive education tool.
As a future art teacher, blogging would be a unique platform to hold critiques. Students could learn how to provide quality assessment for themselves and peers as well as experience the benefits blogs can offer in showcasing artwork. A great example of a collective art blog is the deviantART portfolio blog. Blogging is a tool I would definitely consider implementing in my future classes, so long as all concerns are addressed and proper guidelines are implemented and communicated. What are your thoughts on blogging in the classroom? Please comment and vote on the poll below!
- Jen Marie