My initial response to the article was excitement. Although I have never blooged before I can see the implications immediately. What a great way to access kids literacy and to use something like the internet and a computer. Plus, how brilliant would it be to be able to use a blog in bilingual classrooms as a way to connect to other countries in their native langauges or other schools trying to learn English.
However, the one negative I see is the need for access to computers. The article talks about how much more energy and little satisfaction came from having only a few computers. It is frustrating that access to technology is another way that the haves get ahead and the have nots get behind!
I’m excited about learning how to blog, because I have never done it… but I also want to be realistic… will the schools I work in have access to the computers needed to be able to utilize this amazing tool? If not will I be able to still make the lesson meaningful in it's own way by using journals or letters?
I really like your thinking and idea pressing the envelop of where online writing can go. I would love to have an interactive chat with students from various countries so why not blog with them too! Great idea!
ReplyDeleteSome innovative teachers are finding ways to use smart phones as a way around the expensive hardware--it just requires a change in policiy as children already bring phones to school!
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point about he potential for blogs to connect people in general and students in particular who are interested in language exchange. This medium also facilitates inter-cultural exchanges which can help children recognize diversity and develope their world view.
ReplyDeleteAmy on the access to technology, I completely agree. There is a little hope, though. In our local district more resources are allocated to schools with lower incomes (measured by free/reduced lunch applications). So those schools get more of everything in the hope that it's enough. It never will be, but it's better than nothing.
ReplyDeleteThe best teacher my own kids have had so far elected to take the computers out of her room. Not because she didn't want them to use computers, but because they were a distraction and they took up a lot of space in a small room with too many bodies. When they needed computers they just scheduled extra time at the media center.
The international question is a good one. It seems part of the appeal of the article is helping American children find a "voice" -- as many of them have hours of screen time a day, the computer seems like a logical forum.
ReplyDeleteThe hard question for the international teacher will be asking: what is the most valued method of communication for this culture and how can I help children find their voices within it? I certainly wouldn't want to push screen time on a culture that is producing excellent communication and/or storytelling without it.