New to Technology?
Educators scramble to keep up with students!
I just read 2 articles about blogging and wiki's. One was titled, "Learning with Blogs and Wiki's" and the other was titled, "Brain-Based Blogging". Both have created a desire to learn more about how I can incorporate blogs and wiki's in my classroom.
The 1st article was an eye opener for me when the author wrote, "I have learned more in 20 minutes of blogging than I have in the past 10 years of Professional Development". I believe this is true, NET GEN students have brought the world into the classroom through the use of blogs and wiki's. They have made educators who want to reflect on instruction and how to reach the students in front of them by bringing the outside world into the classroom. They are screaming to get outside the classroom walls and see what the world can offer.
It also discussed how blogs can help us as educators. This is where I found the power of blogs. As a small "singleton" school (2 teachers/grade level) I can now discuss with multiple educators about how my instruction or student learning can improve. I am excited to post thought provoking questions to my blog. What a great resource for Professional Development and personal reflection.
My 2nd article I read was about being a coach in a building and in a meeting they were discussing how blogging could be a hook to engage children in answering questions. She was demonstrating how students were more interactive with the blog and wiki because they felt safe in there "anonymous" posting. No one could make fun of them if they were wrong. It allowed them to get ideas from other students which helped them develop their own reflective responses. Very powerful engagement for all learners. Educators too!
During this meeting the coach was challenged with, "Why do we have students doing all this stuff anyway"? On the blog she received many posts to help her transition her staff. I think this question shows that we as educators are still trying to come to terms with how to integrate technology successfully to impact student learning. Otherwise, why do it!
It actually was a great question to ponder. How will a wiki or blog impact student learning? If it's not a solid impact in the outcome, maybe it is not the right technology tool to be using. In my classroom of 1st graders, I see the blog and wiki being used as 2 separate resources.
1. BLOG: to further my instruction and reflect on how students can become more successful under my watch.
2. WIKI: What a powerful resource to bring parents into the learning environment. Adults have great knowledge that can add to the learning of our children. As children see their parents post to the wiki, I can see them becoming more engaged due to knowing their parents are engaged as well. What a great support for students and communication with parents.
