Blogs, Wikis chapter 1-3 reflection

I think one of the main things that I got out of reading chapters one through three, in regards to my views on technology and learning, was the whole idea of a flattening world in terms communication of ideas. In that flattening, a world is created where everyone is an author and a critic simultaneously. Blogs, in my mind are kind of a form of peer reviewing. People post ideas and thoughts they have on various things, for example from the book the kid about the kindle, and much liked a peer reviewed article they present evidence for their views by placing links to other information that can be used to back up their claims. It is in way a form of research. I think this in a way could help students learn and develop critical thinking skills and through commenting gain skills in using constructive criticism to improve the quality of their work. Another way that the information has impacted my views on technology and learning is that my eyes were opened that the differing levels and age groups that blogs could be appropriate at. I really hadn’t given much thought to younger students in the elementary age groups using blogs, but I found it interesting how it could be used as a beginning into blogging. One concern that I had thought of before reading these chapters, was the question of student safety on blogs. Knowing already some of the dangers that can be online, it was interesting to see how some of these issues were addressed. I feel that has changed my opinion to leaning towards the thinking that blogs can be safe in a school setting. Lastly the fact that using blogs can open the classroom to input from the outside was a really new idea that I hadn’t thought about previously. Bringing in that outside input from people whether it be parents, professionals, or other students I think could make discussions a whole lot more interesting and relevant to students. I think it could really show students that there is real world applicability to content that is being used in class.

From some of the material in these chapters I could find some real value in terms of what I could do in my own future classroom. Using the blog site as kind of a home base for students is something I would like to do. From my own previous experiences from classes at the college level I have particularly liked having all the class material in a central place for easy access. Additionally, I think with students running some aspects, for example answering and discussing questions with each other could work really well. Another thing I think it would be really good for is for students who maybe don’t like to ask questions in class or face to face but could, without embarrassment ask questions on blog. It would be good as a teacher to get additional feedback to what students were getting out of classes to finds way I could improve upon my own performance.