First of all blogging can be a valuable tool for learning. Students must be motivated to begin assignments and projects–in today’s world just being on the internet seems to captivate people of all ages. Having the ability to post your own ideas for others to see and respond to increases the level of creativity and pride in your work for many students. However, I do understand a bit of hesitancy if one is not confident in their writing ability. I think I fall into that category.
Seeing some of the blog posts certainly encourages thinking as well as a responce. dy/dan’s blog “Why I Don’t Assign Homework” hit some familiar arguments we have had in our faculty meetings. I would have to agree that class time should be well managed and homework should be purposeful, not just busy work. Whatever subject you teach the students should be able to communicate well in written form whether they are expressing their reasoning in math or commenting on literature.
I do agree with V. Madden when she said she believes in ”the motivational power of kids using the real tools of their generation for real work. It just requires a lot of time and planning to figure out the most efficient way for kids to get that publishing experience”
The blogs offer information, opinions, feedback and ideas for us as readers. I suppose there are as many different motives as there are people. We would do well to consider the source and teach our students how to evaluate the material. Some sound quite authoritative and others are just “rantings”. Those who teach must try to be current and relavent with the students being sure to incorporate ethics.
