This has been my first opportunity to blog. I have never blogged for fun or for school. As a teaching tool it feels to me like a hybrid of a journal and a class discussion. I think some positive aspects of blogging is that it allows for a deeper and longer discussion of topics without taking lecture time. People who feel uncomfortable speaking up in class have an outlet to share their ideas without the anxiety. I think some drawl backs of blogging is that a lot gets lost in translation. When I try to read someone's blog and then the comments people make about the blog and then the comments people make about the comments other people made about the blog I am often confused! I think sometimes blog discussions turn into group monologues, where everyone is just speaking and no one really listening.
In Richard E. Ferdig and Kaye D. Trammells' article entitled, "Content Delivery in the 'Blogosphere', the authors state that blogs are a great tool for social learning, as taught by Vygotsky. I can see their point. Blogs do provide students an opportunity to solidify their knowledge through social interaction. But I think blogs/discussion boards are only affective if they are well organized and the learner can see a coherent stream of discussion and ideas.
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You're right, blogs can be a bit confusing at times. Honestly, I think most blogs started out as a way for people to keep people up to date in their personal lives. This is how I've always used my personal blog. I post videos, pictures and stories about events in my life and my family and friends comment when necessary, but mostly it keeps people up to date and not have to wonder if "I'm still alive".
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, since people do comment on blogs, they often into discussion/debate boards. I frequent a lot of blogs that are meant to be discussion type boards. To me, those are the ones that get confusing but it really depends on the format of the blog itself. Some blogs are easy to follow and others are not. These blogs by Blogger are probably my favorite - mainly because I'm more used to them. The blogs that are up on WebCT are a different story. They seem boring to me and that's when I lose interest. Just another element of design and paying attention to people :)
I am having a hard time posting to blogs. It seems I have much to learn.
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