I feel a bit behind the times...while I'm open to new forms of technology, this class is the first time that I have began blogging, and now I see it as a great tool to utilize, particularly in the classroom.
One good use of blogging I can envision for my own classes is to carry on discussions and peer reviews because there just never seems to be enough time and/or some students are too timid in class. I currently use the discussion area on Blackboard which allows students to comment to others, and while it's convenient, it's rather dull and limited. By having everyone form their own blog, they would be able to personalize them much more (which I think they would have fun with) while still allowing them the same functionality. Also, contrary to what is currently offered in Blackboard, they would be able to add their own threads of conversation to enable them to continue a topic that was started in class or they were a bit afraid to speak up about rather than having me introduce the thread. This would give the class a chance to formulate thoughts, change their minds, and continue discussions (or offer more responses to peer review sessions) that just can't occur in limited class periods twice a week.
4 comments:
I appreciate the tension you describe in your use of Blackboard, which I think extends to all "canned" communication technology (programs that interfere with content because they control style features). On the positive side, one could argue that these programs make technology more appealing to many. But they remind me of 5-paragraph theme pedagogy--the results or Blackboard/WebCT, etc. can be insightful and fun for many, but they can control language and use with way negative results, such as the limiting of intended meaning, as you mentioned.
Okay, I just published my first Blog comment, and I forgot to use the Preview. So now readers can hunt for the typos . . or Andrea could be generous with me and fix 'em.
I had a tough time deciding on a blog or a discussion board for my class. It was after reading your blog on blogs that I decided to go with a blog (and if it fails I will blame you--kidding).
I checked out a number of discussion boards and I agree with you--they were 'dull and limited'. Basically, I opened a classroom blog and I told my kids to check it out. They don't have to set up a blog or respond to mine, but they can if they choose. I post links to interviews/articles on the authors we are reading. I post thoughts (ramblings) on playwriting. I post theater stuff happening in and out of town. We'll see how it goes (and how good I am at keeping up with posting stuff).
What is this??? Now I'm responsible for fixing Kim's typos and Kristian's potential blog failure with his class?? This doesn't seem quite right:)
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