Saturday, September 18, 2010
Why could blogging change, or not change, the traditional classroom?
I strongly agree that blogging can change the traditional classroom. The traditional classroom only offers books and the teachers’ presentation as a learning tool. In the 21st century classroom, I believe that technology can and should be used to improve the learning process. Technology is one of the most useful and versatile tools that a teacher can manipulate easily to help their students learn in the way that is best for them. The reason why I think blogging can change the traditional classroom is because it offers an opportunity for connectivity. It gives a student the chance to interact with their peers, inside and outside of the classroom. A lot of time, students don’t have a chance to get to know all their classmates. A blog is a great place to get to know each other and learn at the same time. Connecting with other students or even people around the world opens students up to sharing ideas and point of views which helps you experience the real world and also learn from experience. When people are connected as a network, we tend to share our ideas and others reply to our comments giving us their insight. I feel like that’s one of the greatest ways to reflect on your work, or an idea with the rest of the world. Another great reason to use blogging is because teachers can save a lot of time during class. A lot of teachers post assignments and projects on the classroom blog. This allows students to have access anytime even though they are absent. A lot of students hate to write in general. This is a great way to make our students read and write more. Students hate the fact that they have to write something with pen and paper. But on the other hand, students love technology because that’s their generation. This alone can encourage even the shyest students to participate because in the blogging world there is no pressure. If students can learn while using technology and have fun, what more can you offer as an intentional teacher. In summary, I believe that blogging will change the traditional classroom into an enjoyable experience and give students an equal opportunity to learn. As a good teacher I believe that our job is to guide students to learn and help them experience learning by themselves inside and outside of the classroom.
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I agree that blogging will change the traditional classroom (is if hasn't already). Intergrating mainstream technology like blogging will not only interest students but prepare them for our 21st century world.
ReplyDeleteDaniel, I agree with you in that through technology, students that don't have an opportunity to know certain things about one another, get the opportunity to share and lend information outside of their inside circle. In the classroom many times students pair up with another person or a certain group and learn little else about their other classmates. Technology has definitely connected them to a broader world.
ReplyDeleteI like your point that even if students are absent, they can still keep up with the coursework. I meant to include that in my blog post but forgot. The only thing we need to remember is that if a student is authentically sick, they will have to use their home time to rest.
ReplyDeleteI think it's great though for those families that like to go on vacation during times that school is in session. No more excuses for missing classwork!
I agree when you say that blogging can encourage even the shyest person to participate because there is no pressure. I think that as long as teachers monitor the blogs to make sure that students are being respectful and appropriate blogging could be a zone where students feel comfortable to reflect on whatever the task at hand is. Also, I think that we can help teach our young students about appropriate tone when "speaking" to others online. How often do you get an email from someone and it comes across wrong? Or a text? I once had a parent write to me in all caps-lock...talk about setting a bad tone!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I just felt like our job is to teach every student in our classroom. No child should be left behind and we need to try different ways in order to make students more interactive. The reason why I like so much about blogging is because you can have access anywhere as long as you have internet connect and a computer or even smart phones. Students can have access and share ideas whenever they want and as an intentional teachers that’s the way we can guide our students to success inside and outside of the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. In the 21st Century classroom teachers create learning that motivates and engages students. The classroom is a safe and comfortable place for all students. This classroom will have a variety of tools to help students with or without disabilities. 21st Century Classrooms engage students in learning that is natural and makes sense to them, and they experience success regularly. Students build learning skills using Web 2.0, applications, technology tools and research-based instructional strategies. Knowing how a technology tool works is only the beginning. Teachers need to understand how to use technology tools in a thoughtful and well-planned way that impacts learning and increases student achievement.
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