jobid (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} jobid) wrote,@ 2004-09-13 21:02:00 |
|
Journal #1
Blog? Blogging? Blogosphere?
These are terms that I had never heard of before entering this class. At first I was definitely confused but as I read the weekly readings I began to understand what these terms meant. The readings not only explained what weblogs were but they also discussed both the pros and cons associated with using weblogs.
There are three key points that really stood out for me while I was reading.
The first is regarding the term authentic activities. As a future educator I strongly believe that activities should be authentic and that students should have ownership over their own tasks. Weblogs clearly foster this approach; the collaborative web publishing supports the idea of authenticity. Students not only produce original work but they also have the opportunity to get feedback and give feedback to their peers. I believe that this type of feedback is crucial to both a students’ educational and social development.
The second point that stood out was the issue of the teacher’s involvement. I fully agree with Alexander Halavais when he stresses the need for the teacher to be well educated with the system. If the teacher is unaware of how to use the system and does not have the enthusiasm for it, the students can not be expected to fully engage in the process. The teacher also has the responsibility of making the students aware of the dangers of weblogs. The very public manner of weblogs causes concern especially when younger students are involved. Extra care needs to be taken.
Finally, one of the most interesting points is that weblogs can be a very powerful cultural tool. In terms of the media we all know that it is clearly filled with misconceptions, by having weblogs people are able to articulate their views, opinions and for the majority of the time, the truth. Although, like the media we have to be cautious of what we read and absorb from peoples weblogs.
Needless to say, weblogs have become very interesting to me over the past couple of days. Although I am nervous about being able to use the system properly, I am also very excited about becoming a weblog expert.
Blog? Blogging? Blogosphere?
These are terms that I had never heard of before entering this class. At first I was definitely confused but as I read the weekly readings I began to understand what these terms meant. The readings not only explained what weblogs were but they also discussed both the pros and cons associated with using weblogs.
There are three key points that really stood out for me while I was reading.
The first is regarding the term authentic activities. As a future educator I strongly believe that activities should be authentic and that students should have ownership over their own tasks. Weblogs clearly foster this approach; the collaborative web publishing supports the idea of authenticity. Students not only produce original work but they also have the opportunity to get feedback and give feedback to their peers. I believe that this type of feedback is crucial to both a students’ educational and social development.
The second point that stood out was the issue of the teacher’s involvement. I fully agree with Alexander Halavais when he stresses the need for the teacher to be well educated with the system. If the teacher is unaware of how to use the system and does not have the enthusiasm for it, the students can not be expected to fully engage in the process. The teacher also has the responsibility of making the students aware of the dangers of weblogs. The very public manner of weblogs causes concern especially when younger students are involved. Extra care needs to be taken.
Finally, one of the most interesting points is that weblogs can be a very powerful cultural tool. In terms of the media we all know that it is clearly filled with misconceptions, by having weblogs people are able to articulate their views, opinions and for the majority of the time, the truth. Although, like the media we have to be cautious of what we read and absorb from peoples weblogs.
Needless to say, weblogs have become very interesting to me over the past couple of days. Although I am nervous about being able to use the system properly, I am also very excited about becoming a weblog expert.
