I just discovered that people's comments don't stack up in order of receipt, top to bottom, on the main page of the blog. If you reposnd to a blog via the comment button below a posting, the new comments have to be accessed via the same comments button - I couldn't figure out why I could see more references to comments having been posted on my blog dashboard, but I couldn't see them at the top of the home page. In case you are trying to figure out what I am truing to say, clik on the comment button below Sally's instructions (6 comments as of right now) - it is kind of like a sideways step off the ladder as I conceptualize it.
Time is key - I can already see how this is a bit adicting - looking each day for additional comments; taking time to compose my thoughts when responding, adding a post. I actually responded on a Macleans blog today! How brave of me! I still have concerns as to how I can fit this into my classes without bogging me down timewise (or is that "blogging" me down?!)
Question - can people in cyberspace find a blog by using keywords?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
comments on blogging so far
Let me start with a question that I should know the answer to, but don't - how do I make a shortcut on my desktop to this blog site or to blogger.com? HELP!
Affirmed: the book said use & setup were easy - incredibly so, even for a neophyte! Easy to navigate and use (at basic level), and easy to set up my own independent blog ("stellyssis"-you figure it out!). Also, gave me a chance to learn something new >> feeling of challenge & accomplishment.
Something new: besides the technology itself, list of possible uses of blogs by educators (pp 40-42) - some good ideas to explore. Didn't know about incorporating links to facillitate further exploration.
What needed: time!!! time to access, time to experiment; time to effectively evaluate and give consturctive comments. My biggest concern in using blogs in courses is the marking aspect - how much time does this take to make meaningful use and to help students move towards improvement in their written expression & critical thinking skills?
Other concerns: 1) student access to computers in school/at home; 2) claim is made on p 28 that blogging supports different learning styles - ?? - it mainly involves writing. yes, the quiet student does get a chance to comment, as does the person slower to develop their ideas, but for the "non-writers," blogging regularly would be a chore not to be enjoyed I think; 3) claims are made that it encourages critical thinking & "demands clarity & cogency" (p29) - used well I agree, but I am not yet convinced this would be the case with the majority of "non-writers" in our classes. I had a discussion with my AVID 12's before our meeting today to see if they used/liked blogs, and all of them said it is just another form of the hated learning log/journal entries - most said they just fill the space to get it over with. How do we as educators steer them around that by using blogs instead of paper? Ideas please!
Affirmed: the book said use & setup were easy - incredibly so, even for a neophyte! Easy to navigate and use (at basic level), and easy to set up my own independent blog ("stellyssis"-you figure it out!). Also, gave me a chance to learn something new >> feeling of challenge & accomplishment.
Something new: besides the technology itself, list of possible uses of blogs by educators (pp 40-42) - some good ideas to explore. Didn't know about incorporating links to facillitate further exploration.
What needed: time!!! time to access, time to experiment; time to effectively evaluate and give consturctive comments. My biggest concern in using blogs in courses is the marking aspect - how much time does this take to make meaningful use and to help students move towards improvement in their written expression & critical thinking skills?
Other concerns: 1) student access to computers in school/at home; 2) claim is made on p 28 that blogging supports different learning styles - ?? - it mainly involves writing. yes, the quiet student does get a chance to comment, as does the person slower to develop their ideas, but for the "non-writers," blogging regularly would be a chore not to be enjoyed I think; 3) claims are made that it encourages critical thinking & "demands clarity & cogency" (p29) - used well I agree, but I am not yet convinced this would be the case with the majority of "non-writers" in our classes. I had a discussion with my AVID 12's before our meeting today to see if they used/liked blogs, and all of them said it is just another form of the hated learning log/journal entries - most said they just fill the space to get it over with. How do we as educators steer them around that by using blogs instead of paper? Ideas please!
book club feedback
Just a reminder to comment about your thoughts/reflections on this post regarding chapters 1-3 using the following questions: (To do this go to the end of the post and there is a comment button, click on this and add your feedback)
1. Something Affirmed
2. Something New I .....
3. Challenge: Something to try
4. What will I need
1. Something Affirmed
2. Something New I .....
3. Challenge: Something to try
4. What will I need
Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts
I finished reading the first three chapters this morning. One thing that really stood out for me was the following statement: Writing stops; blogging continues. Writing is inside; blogging is outside. Writing is monologue; blogging is conversation. Writing is thesis; blogging is synthesis. Is this not what education is all about? Lifelong learning, connections and community, critically understanding and evaluating information. I heard recently at a workshop that blogging is dead. I don't think blogging is dead as long as we can use this tool to energize teaching and learning. An article that I found on this topic (I haven't had time to read it really closely yet) can be found here.
Some possibilities
I have created a blog for my math class. If you check out my math blog and click on one of the links, see if you can open the little (boring) video
Implications for classroom teachers
I find this an absolutely awesome new educational tool. A presentation about this took place at the Catalyst Science Conference this past spring and I was amazed at a senior science teacher's blog and how it was managed. As classes go to a "paperless" model, I see this as an outstanding way for a teacher to connect with their students. Students can express their views provided clear parameters are understood by all.
Hi There!
I did spend some time looking at this during the summer. Feel free to check my blog at Thoughts on Tech. I look forward to learning from all of you.
Getting Started
Hey there everyone! Looking forward to discussing all this with you. I am glad to be sitting in computer lab with some friendly faces. With all that has been happening in the library, I'm feeling a bit like I am losing my mind. Just like this crazy cat!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Off we go!
To ensure that our bookclub involves more than just reading we are all invited to use this blog to share our views and perspectives on Will Richardson's BLOGS,WIKIS, PODCASTS and other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms.
Should we begin by seeing if we're all connected? Please post a quick hello.
Stephanie
Should we begin by seeing if we're all connected? Please post a quick hello.
Stephanie
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