In order for students to really learn, they must become involved and interested in the learning process. In order for students to become interested in the learning process, they must take interest in the subject matter. So far, this is a "no duh" thought. Here's my point, does blogging do that? Blogging is merely another form of communication, like lecturing, discussing, chat rooms, or discussion boards. There is nothing inherent to blogging that makes students want to learn. It may entertain them more while they are learning, but if they are blogging about a subject they care nothing about, they are not really learning. I was reflecting on the problems Starlyn was having with her students and their blogs when the thought struck me. So . . . why blog? What is our real purpose for blogging as educators? If it doesn't seem to promote real learning, why do it? (I may or may not believe the point I'm making, but it's worth discussing)
11 comments:
I think your question is a valid one that needs to be well thought out by that teacher. If you are using blogs in class, is it because you can or because you see its validity? As of now, I don't see where it offers me an advantage over other ways to teach. And to answer your post question, no I don't think students are learning when they blog (my view may change later).
I have thought about that as well. It is really no different than just writing a reflection or opinion on something. or as my kids told me 'a dumb 3rd grade type assignment.' Just with a bit of a twist because they can easily access and interact with their classmates. So I guess the 'why are we doing this?' is still a question. hmmmmmm....
Matt, when you say you don't think your students learn when they blog. What do you mean? We always learn something when using a tool, but what . . . that is the question.
Starlyn, I've been thinking about your dilemma. Why did you have those kids (and I mean that in the immature sense of the word, given their writing) use blogs?
Great questions Scott. I think for some students the novelty of it will be the most interesting factor. However once the novelty wears off if the subject is not interesting then what's the point?
I think many professions - politicians, educators, etc...choose to use blogs as a way to get their ideas across and share and debate differences of opinion. It gives anyone the opportunity to share what they are feeling.
I guess I feel this can be a great learning tool - it just needs to be used in the right context with students. Students need to take ownership of the blog they create and feel strongly about what they are writing and commenting about. If they don't get the purpose, then they will it as an irrelevant, boring assignment.
Just my 2 cents.
Beryl, those are great thoughts. I personally think blogs, as a tool, can contribute largely to student learning (despite my "devil's advocate" role in the post). It all depends on how it's used, which leads to another question. How then do we structure the use of blogs so real learning does take place?
This is a good question, Scott, and one that reflects an enduring quesiton in education. Librarians constantly debate a version of this - If they're reading junky stuff (comics, "graphic novels", Sweet Valley High) are kids really getting any benefit? My personal view is "Sure they do!" I shared an anecdote reflecting this in my blog. Students were on a Blackboard Discussion Board (as close as I care to get to a "real" blogging opportunity) with an online discussion about their Digital Stories. At the end of the allotted time, one of the most reluctant writers pushed back his chair and said "Man, I could write like this all day!". Ok - the discussion board comments weren't the most reflective, in-depth thinking, but everyone was actively engaged and followed up by posting on their own after school hours. I think that any vehicle that encourages builds and enthusiasm for writing is worth pursuing.
I'm not so sure about what it contributes to learning except taking more time to critique your written words, but it seems to me it's an effective way to expand the walls of the classroom. Snow days such as today could become obsolete.
Great points Tori and Peg, and what a great story Tori. I agree that reading in and of itself is a great acheivement. A thought came to mind as I read your comments. We have been examining blogs as a tool to be used by a teacher and students. What about viewing blogs as a form of discourse? If blogs are a new discourse, what does that mean for us and for the students? Addtionally, what are they a discourse of? hmmmmm.
Many of you have pointed out that we need to avoid using technology as a "gimmick"....avoiding the technology trap that schools often find themselves in when the higher-ups hand down initiatives to use a particular technology...but then don't move fast enough in getting teachers educated on the tool.
Remember Larry Cuban?
I think that in using blogs as with any technology tool, if the teacher designs a good lesson which integrates blogs, i.e. follows ACTS, then student learning can take place.
I see no difference than if you asked the same question about the Internet. It is not really whether students are really learning by using blogs, it is are teachers using blogs to support learning.
Now I can go on about Smart Boards and the gimmick trap that schools have fallen into....but this is a blog about blogs and I'll stop there :)
Blogs are like any other tool, tech-tool and all, it is more important how you use it. Lots of times the outcome is so unpredictable but can give us new ideas. Thank You Tori and Starlyn for sharing your experiences. I have a couple teachers who are asking about using blogs that are part of our web site and I am trying to figure out how to steer them in the right direction.
Post a Comment