Pattyjane’s Weblog

The article I read, “Blog On” coincided nicely with chapter 2 in this week’s text reading in Web 2.0. Both the article and chapter 2 make the point that our students are advanced in their understandings of how to use technology, that technology engages students, and as a result can promote learning. Why? My asumption, based on our readings and my experience is that it’s because it gives students some ownership of their writing and an audience both of which are motivating. Everyone likes to be heard and have choices and control.

Some interesting facts are outlined in the text that support the notion that our students are active computer users, such as, 65% of 6-12 grade students use email or IM everyday. Many of my 5th grade students play video or educational games on their home computer. When I looked over the reasons why people use the internet, I realized that I’ve looked for information in those areas (checking news, weather, etc.). I email all the time for personal and work related use and have found this kind of communication is so much easier and logistically convenient than memos, phone calls, or visits.

I like the idea that students are strong believers in the power of technology to enrich the learning experiences. This was explicitly stated in our text and was the main theme in the article I read. “Blog On” focused on how blogging can support learning. I was intrigued by some of the examples that were shared, such as, augmenting the reading response journal to blogging about a classroom literature book. Students also blogged giving advice on how to decode words. I especially liked the idea where students shared their opinions on award winning books they read. They were weighing in on which books they liked best from a set of nominated books. When students can share their ideas, not just put things down on paper for the teacher, their motivation to write something reflective about literature increases. The article claims that deep thought and dialogue are engendered by blogging. I can see where this would be the case. Right now I’m teaching US government with a focus on the executive branch. It’s tempting to set up a blog so that students can share their opinions about the powers of the presidency and/or what’s going on in the primaries. I also liked the idea of collaborative blogging with other classes or with experts in their field. I could see doing this with another 5th grade teacher’s class that we are doing environmental education with. Right now, our computer system is not set up to allow students to blog and I am not yet that adept to teach these skills to others or set it up.

I discovered this when our computer tech person came in to help me update my lap top, (which up to now I haven’t really used). He helped me navigate my way through some of my homework, such as, changing my presentation and editing my profile. I realized that I didn’t really know how to go in and make those changes. In the future, I may have to come to class early to ask questions and get a tutorial, or higher a tutor to walk me through how to do some of our assignments. I need hands on learning just like my students. But for classroom blogging, I plan to see if I can work something out with the technology staff so I can start experiementing. I suspect that students will be excited to share their ideas through the venue of blogging.
One of my favorite parts of the readings this week in our text was, “Understanding Learning.” I studied Bloom’s taxonomy in college and I was impressed with the changes made by the cognitive psychologists to update Bloom’s with revisons that reflect students as active users of technology. I especially appreciated how differentiated learning, constructivist learning, and project based learning was connected to students using technology. I also appreciated that the authors articulated one of my biggest concerns in education which is we have moved from a constructivist pedagogy to standards based educational focus. I am forced everyday to coordinate a constant emphasis on working toward high test scores with engaging, indepth learning. Technology may be one link in being able to keep learning engaging.

Finally, the piece by David Jakes on “Digital Storytelling” was interesting because it involved so many aspects of captivating technology–the narrative itself, video, music, images, and author’s voice. It definately takes storytelling or journalling to a whole other level. Outside of some videos on myspace and youtube, I haven’t seen a true digital story. But I would like to, as well, make one myself and perhaps have my students make one. I like how students would continue to use the writing process which allows them to build their literacy skills, but also by integrating aspects of technology, it allows them to be creative. Also the notion of sharing is still there, just not on the traditional bulletin board.