Throughout the reading, "Educational Blogging," Downes made it clear that learning is no longer determined by textbooks and long lectures. Students of the 21st century are deemed literate through various means, technology of the utmost importance. "Educational Blogging," examines "the emergence of a learning community that goes beyond the school wall;" more specifically, it enters the personal sphere of communication via Internet. Blogging has become a resource of encouragement in the educational world - it is now another universe that students can enter to learn. As a high school English teacher, I find that blogging has provided teachers with another tool to reach students who are continually changing to find themselves in a world which continually changes. In conjunction with the CCSS, students must "learn to read, write, speak, listen, and use language effectively." Clearly, these are all utilized in the classroom, yet extending it to the Internet provides another push towards achieving effectiveness for students in another setting. In order to become successful, students must be able to take what they learn in the classroom and use it in the outside world. Why not practice that as much as possible before high school is over? Allow students another outlet to learn, encourage it. According to the CCSS, "to be a literate person in the 21st century...indeed the skills and understandings students are expected to demonstrate a wide applicability outside the classroom/workplace...texts that build knowledge, enlarge experience, and broaden worldviews." The beauty of blogging is that students can access texts, events, and ideas that come from more than the 20 other students in the classroom. In order to truly envelope worldwide learning, students must be able to access it; blogging allows it, the teacher must encourage it.
Much like another blogger said, students are able to become personally connected to events. They become apart of the event, rather than just an onlooker or listener. In cooperation with the core standards, students can reflect and respond using their own voices to the world, thus recognizing the importance of learning to read, write, speak, listen, and use language effectively. Most importantly, students become independent thinkers, while allowing others to see the intelligence that blooms not only in the classroom, but across the world. Students become an inspiration to other students, which in turn promotes not only the use of blogging, but the importance of learning to the world of 21st century learners.
I definitely agree with you! I feel like the internet will be another place where our students can learn while having fun. A lot of teachers said, that blogging is a little too hard in their classes but I feel like there is always a way to solve your problems. Teachers need to be intentional and try new things so our students can experience different situations and the real world. Like you have mentioned, I believe that students need to use the skills that we are teaching them inside and outside of the classroom. The best way to prove it will be by experimenting and different classrooms will have different outcomes.
ReplyDeleteGuiding our students to experience different point of view from other is learning. By communicating via network students will feel more connected to the class and also to the world. When students share their ideas other can ask more questions and add up more thoughts! I believe that our 21st century classrooms should definitely use technologies as a tool and use it in the right way in order to have the best feedback!
Daniel
With the world changing as rapidly as it does, I think, it's imperative that students are connected to events and the world around them. Closing off the world when they enter the classroom is a huge mistake. Allowing them express their reactions to the changing world is very important; especially during the early times when good practices can be cultivated and nurtured. Seeing others points of view can help spark thought and discussion.
ReplyDeleteThank you both for your comments! It is clear that we are all on the same page in regards to technology in the classroom! I truly believe it will establish a connection that many teachers have yet to breach in their years; let's keep our students connected to the world and our classroom!
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