To blog or not to blog??

One of the reflections that were undertaken during this week was assessing the value of blogs in an educational sense. To compete an effective evaluation of this tool an analytical tools was used - a PMI.

PMI for the use of blogs within school.

Plus                
*   It is a way to share information and ideas with not just the people in our immediate environment but people around the whole world.

·         * There is access to a wider range of knowledge then there would be in just the classroom.

·         * Encourages students to reflect on their learning.

·         * Facilitates the evaluation and analysis of information and opinions.

·        *  Provides a tool for the teacher to witness the thinking that individual students are participating in.

·         * Encourages connectivism which results in students reflecting on their prior knowledge and evolving their understanding on topics.

·         * Provides an authentic context for learning.

·         * COLLABORATION.

·         * Provides a diverse range of teaching.

·         * It is easier for some students to relate to images, videos and pictures which can be added to blogs easily.

 

Minus:
   * Self-conscious students might find it very daunting to post their ideas in an arena where everyone and anyone can read it.

·         * It could potentially take quite a large amount of time to set up and maintain the blog, especially if it is a new medium for the students.

·         * It could result in student arguments as the read each other’s blogs and disagree with the  opinions of others.

·         * Some learners might find the technology requirements too in depth and may freeze.

·         * Students may post inaccurate or inappropriate information.

Interesting:
   * Once students have access to their blog they also have access to the internet and all the other sites that come along with that.

·         * Although this is a tool to combine the views of an entire class it is also an independent task. The amount of work a student puts into their blog will be clearly evident when viewing the blog.

·         * A blog requires students to actively participate continually throughout the course instead of one final assessment at the end of the term.

·        *The teacher can witness the student’s growth and adaption throughout the course.

·         * Resources;

o   Negative: some educational providers would not be able to afford the internet and computers required to participate effectively in this.

o   Positive: it will reduce other non-renewable resources required such as paper, pens, books.

                      

It is my belief that, as outlined in Prensky's article that we need to engage the students that are participating in our classes. A large percentage of children today will be familiar with the term 'blogging'. It is my opinion that, used appropriately and scaffolded well, blogs could be an extremely beneficial teaching tool that will open up the world of teaching and allow not only students, but teachers as well to experience, share and evolve.