Tyris Dowell
Using Blogs is something that could be useful if it is done in the right way, but it could also be very damaging to people if they are used incorrectly. Blogs could be useful in education if the teachers are able to maintain tight control and the students do not post things they should not. I could see blogs being a good way for students to keep learning journals. Again if they use them correctly it could help them study for tests, keep track of important events and assignments, and it could help shy students get to know their classmates. If someone asked me if it would be a waste of a student’s time, I would have to say it would depend on the student. The blog would be a tool, just like a notebook or calculator, and if a student used it correctly it could be an asset, but used incorrectly it could just be a high tech way to side-step doing work.
Being a student majoring in kinesiology and planning to teach physical education, I don’t see a lot of use for technology. If a school district had the money I think it would be great to have some interactive games that the students could use such as the Wii Fit system. It would be a fun activity for the students to use sometime. But as I said the school would have to have enough systems so that the kids wouldn’t waste most of the period waiting to have a turn on the Wii. I could see blogs being helpful in academic classes to post and keep notes and journals. But, I also see this as a pitfall for poor students. Unless a school has the means to issue each child a computer and internet access, many children would not get to do the things on the computer outside of school like the more privileged students. That being said I guess it would all depend upon the school district, because some have the money to provide these things while others do not.
Tyris I agree with you on the blog thing it really does depend on the student and what his intentions are. Like you said the could use blog to benefit them in school or they could use it to side-step doing work. I love your idea about using the Wii to get students involved in some kind of physical exercise. Being the most kids these days are obis and don't really get much exercise. This could be one way for them at least get involved in something that will benefit them physically.
ReplyDeleteVery valid point regarding the potential abuse of students..i.e.cheating, etc. Also, blogging is indeed limited to certain areas of study. English, History, Science could potentially all benefit.You are correct in stating that blogs would be counterproductive in the gym or on field.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy learning new technology and I think it is important for students to have the same opportunity. However, you mentioned it being beneficial to shy students, but I would think this would hurt them in the future. The shy students will hide behind the computer and won't face their fears of public communication and participation and will in the end be at a disadvantage. Technology is important but so are some traditional teaching methods. Also, I really liked your idea of using the Wii Fit system, what an exciting and fun treat for your kids!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Tyris, students need to be monitored when using blogs. Some students could use blogs for for cyber bullying, spreading rumors and etc. As educators we need to monitor and teach students the right way to use blogs. Blogs are a way of letting someone have a voice and talk about the things that interest them, and students need to realize the importance of blogs. I think using blogs as journals is a great idea.
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