In the section of Coming of Age: An Introduction to the New Worldwide Web entitled Using blogs in school, Terry Freedman reminds us that blogs give students exposure to viewpoints that differ from their own. This could occur between students from the same school, district, or state, but also between students of different nationalities. Blogging about issues such as politics, social justice, the arts, cultures, or religion certainly raise a lot of important implications for how a student develops his own frame of reference for the world around him. Even though this is challenging for students, I think it is better to introduce this wide variety of beliefs at an early level because certainly these differences will be encountered later in life.
I found the definitions at the beginning of the book to be extremely helpful. I was even introduced to several new terms, including "Shibboleth" and Vlog. I'm interested to see an example of a Vlog - this visual way of documentation and communication seems particularly effective and intriguing.
I only recently have become acquainted with RSS feeds, but I find them extremely convenient. I often check websites I like to see if they have this feature so that I can add them to my own blogs (both personal and professional). I'm so excited about the potential resource that teacher blogs will be to me as I continue my graduate education and begin my work as a teacher next year. Never before has there been so much access to the insights and experiences of other people in the field. I'm excited to see how this technology is going to improve the ability of teachers to effectively help their students grow in knowledge and application of that knowledge. this is an exciting time to be a teacher.
So, Emily - It's time to put the 80s and 90s behind you. Welcome to the 21st century - Technology just became your new best friend.
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2 comments:
Emily
I think your point about cross-cultural comparison and interaction is wise. Blogs are a nice way to connect with different communities and learn from them. In social studies, you can also compare political blogs (every candidate has one), current issue blogs, supreme court ruling blogs, and even blogs devoted to historical events! I think you really hit on a smart way to integrate blogs that might really enhance the curriculum in your classroom.
Emily, I'm pleased to read that you're seeing some possibilities for your future use. I think that the potential for expanding the range of perspectives available to your student is a big plus.
Here's a link to one very interesting (and timely) vlog from Iraq:
http://www.aliveinbaghdad.org/
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