I am just becoming more familiar with these two new technologies. Yes, yes... to be a young person in her mid 30s I realize I am lagging in the technology department. Before March 2, 2009 I had only read other people's blogs and viewed two wikis. I deduced the blog was a type of online diary and today that notion was confirmed. Jacobs and Williams state, "the blogging phenomenon has evolved from its early origin as a medium for the publication of simple, online personal diaries" (2004, p.1). I am just beginning to understand what a wiki is. I have recently begun to use both technologies myself and I must say wow! Both are really user friendly.
Blogging:
Richardson writes "millions of kids are already blogging...very few are using their sites as places of critical thinking and analytical writing" (2009, p. 44). The primary or secondary school subject that might benefit most from using blogs is Language Arts. I see this technology as a reflection tool or as a tool that gives novice writers a place to practice their skills. In order to write an effective blog the authors must have good critical thinking skills which becomes stronger as they search sites for interesting ideas (p. 29). However, with the advantage of hyperlinks to connect common ideas, students must practice caution because some sites may not be appropriate for them to visit. Although many schools across the nation incorporate some kind of filter software to avoid unbecoming material from being viewed.
Wikis:
These collaborative communities are useful in any subject. According to Jacobs and Williams, wikis allow its users to "freely create and edit web content via any browser" (p. 2). They are great forums that allow shy students to express themselves as well as more outgoing students to showcase their knowledge. Wikis are great places for students to learn because they chronicle and store information usually related to one topic within a subject. These communities can be considered as "a digital filing cabinet for students to archive their work, and creates a space for an online portfolio of work" (Richardson, p. 22).
Reference:
Jacobs, J. and Williams, J. (2004). Exploring the use of blogs as learning spaces in higher education sector. Australian Journal of Educational Technology 2004, 20(2), 232-247. Retrieved March 26, 2009 from http://eprints.qut.edu.au/13066/1/13066.pdf
Richardson, W. (2009). Blogs, wikis, podcasts and other powerful web tools for classrooms. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Family photos from Dec 22, 2024
6 days ago
Technology has replaced the strategy games we played in the 80's and early 90's. Even when we played outside at home we learned valuable lessons such as leadership, conflict resolution and teamwork. These lessons are valuable to the mental and emotional growth of a student as well as contributing to a good education. Teachers and parents face the challege of using technology to get the interest of the student while building and developing cognitive and analytical skills. Properly integrating technology into the classroom setting is a key to helping students compete in a global market. Tracee, your students will benefit from your dedication to your craft.
ReplyDeleteHi, Tracee,
ReplyDeleteI think that blogs can have application in more than just language arts. We have been practicing writing across the curriculum in my district, and students are keeping reflective journals in all subjects. Perhaps if they were blogging, they would begin to see the interconnectedness of learning in all subjects as they blogged their reflections.
Dennis,
ReplyDeleteDo I know you? Are you an old high school classmate? Question: What was our mascot?
The idea of a digital filing cabinet is apt. I like to have students across classes and/or grade levels work together to create a repository of knowledge that they can all benefit from.
ReplyDeleteYes. We were the Green and Gold Rams and I was also known as Rolex James. I assure you I'm not a cyber stalker.
ReplyDeleteA digital filing cabinet is a great idea. We often use peer tutoring to reach students. Some teachers using SmartBoards and other technologies have students teach lessons and conduct reviews with each other. Sophmores can share experences with incoming freshman. You could podcast campus tours and or news. And students can see education is not just remembering facts and passing standardized tests.
Hey Rolex! It's great to hear from you. How in the world did you find my blog? Please continue to follow. Your comments are great. ----Peaches Jones
ReplyDeleteHi Tracee. I actually felt I was quite tech savvy until a few quarters ago. I am discovering so much that I was unaware of in the past. I am not a fan of blogs but I see the huge benefits it provides the educational communities. It is a form of expression as well as a networking resource where educators can give their opinion and learn from others. Some times we feel isolated and unable to express our views and opinions about new innovations in education. This forum provides that avenue for sharing and reflecting. On the contrary wikis are more of a collaboration tool. Wikis can benefit all ages from k-12 educational environments to adults. I feel if utilized appropriately, wikis can allow a connection and method of working together that was not possible in the past. Then only downside I personally see is the fact that it is not in real time. Groups have to depend of each other to go online and post, revise, and participate regularly. In my Walden experience, this worked most of the time but not all the time. When one member of a team does not fulfill his or her part, it breaks the chain that links the group with wikis. Just my thoughts.
ReplyDelete-Jolandra