Reflection 3.1

Blogs are an exciting and modern way of engaging students in any learning area using ICT technology.  Children today are more conversed in the online environment than ever before and are fortunate to have grown up with online spaces and content such as websites, blogs, social media and wiki to name a few.  I believe the use of blogs in a classroom environment will become almost second nature to most students. Blogs differ from other forms of online spaces as they act a chronological online journal.


https://inquiryblog.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/edumacation-blog-wordle.png

Students can customise their own blogs to suit their individual personalities such as setting themes e.g. Skateboarding or fashion.  They can also embed articles, media, video and linking websites.

I can use blogs in my own teaching context by presenting real-world problems such as tackling climate change.  I can embed articles, media and video and provide links from relevant sites such as CSIRO and Climate Change Authority.  Students can then be tasked to develop solutions to tackling carbon emissions and submit assignments and commentary on the blog.  I can engage in-class discussions based on the articles and blog commentary with the aim to facilitate collaborate learning and higher order thinking.  I can engage the CSIRO and Climate Change Authority through the blog to provide feedback on what is currently being investigated in Australia and what steps each student can take to reduce their carbon footprint.  For my students with an international background, I can also contact equivalent government departments for feedback to find out what they're country is currently doing to tackle climate change.  I can verify all content before any items are published and ensure that all content meets copyright and legal obligations.  I can also monitor student development through feedback and comments and provide further assistance if required.

                                     
http://www.csiro.au/ 

                            
I believe that not only will the use of blogs in a teaching context further learning outcomes through additional learning channels and further enquiry, but will do so in a way that is transformative and could not be done in a traditional classroom environment.