Critique 2: Lost in the Blogging World!

“Lost In The Blogging World”

Before starting this subject, e-learning, I must admit I did not know a lot about blogging and was totally and utterly lost in the blogging world.  Not once had it ever crossed my mind that I would someday even think of incorporating blogs into my teaching.  However after a few classes and after having read the article below, I came to realise how useful and effective they could be in integrating technology into teaching and the classroom.   

“Educational Blogging” – By Stephen Downes

“I think it’s the most beautiful tool of the world and it allows us the most magic thing…” - F. Dassylva-Simard, 5th grade student.

The quote above can be found at the start of the article and I believe that if the reader remembers that quote alone, the article has fulfilled its purpose.  The quote, being from a child’s perceptive, is very important as it has been proven that if children are interested and engaged in their work they are more likely to take on board what they are learning and therefore the quality of the learning experience is enhanced. 

The article goes on to talk about blogging in one school in particular, not only discussing student’s points of view but also giving us an idea of how teachers can benefit from blogging.  Within the article many benefits of blogging affecting students are listed, here are a few:

·  Blogs give students a chance to communicate between their peers,  

·  Blogging is an opportunity to exchange ideas and points of view with people other than within their immediate environment,  

·  Education has no limit, children can access blogs any time,  

·  Blogs can also be used for children to express their opinions and ideas on units of work,  

·  Blogging can also lead to motivation, participation and creativity in students towards their work and learning.  

Overall I can now see that blogs can be greatly effective within the classroom environment if used correctly.  I also feel it is the sole responsibility of the teacher in staying up to date with new aspects of this technology and also incorporating it into their lesson plans as best as they can.