BP1_2009101_Educational-Uses-Blogs

Education is changing each day, as information is being distributed more easily through technology. In 2006 Candace Lombardi reported that a new blog was being born every half second. Whether a news report by a professional or a personal report by individuals, blogs are being used more and more as a means to communicate information. While reading Web 2.0 New Tools, New Schools, it is clear with new technology our understanding of education has shifted. Effective education that caters to the current generation of 21^st century students takes place in a more communal and participatory setting or learning environment. (2007).

The traditional measure of intelligence, which centered on memory and regurgitation of facts has shifted and is also moving toward the new world of technology. Having easy access, ability, and tools to find and apply information is an area that has grown with technology. Also, Bloom’s Taxonomy, which looked at components of teaching to higher order thinking, has been revised to look more heavily at creative approaches to teaching. The focus is to stimulate students in this technological world to learn by building on prior knowledge, find meaning, evaluate, make judgments, and apply knowledge (p35-36).

The idea of open source tools where students can write documents or do research together is exciting. Reading about the Clip Bandits (p45) who produced music online without even meeting each other just goes to show how technology can be used in collaborative and new ways. Having a platform to put unimaginable numbers of brains together could engage wonderful products, and give a new meaning to the idea of brainstorming. Though Wikipedia does get a bad wrap for not being a verifiable source since it is open to being edited by anyone, the idea of such a forum for shared knowledge is exciting and takes “radical trust”. That is a word I look at optimistically, while some may see it differently.

Whether using a blog or using an audio tool such as a Garageband, technology is an exciting stimulus that captures the interest of today’s students enhancing their ability to reflect and gain meaning in their learning.

Ron Clark, a teacher in Atlanta, has started an Academy that feeds on the excitement the students bring to school. The academy is teaching to the modern student that loves his or her iPod, cell phone, and texting. Clark has tapped into that love inspiring students to learn with that same passion. Ron Clark brings music, art and an energetic atmosphere, and his school even became nationally recognized as sixth and seventh graders created a “you can vote” song on utube. Teachers come from across the country to observe and learn new ways to engage these modern students at the Ron Clark Academy, and for more info check out the following links. http://showhype.com/video/full_interview_with_ron_clark_kids_you_can_vote/

http://www.limaohio.com/articles/lima-40418-area-style.html

references:

Schrum, L. and Solomon, G. (2007). Web 2.0: New Tools, New School.

Washington D.C.: ISTE.

Lombardi, C. (2007). CNet News: There's a Blog Born Every Half Second.

Retrieved October 2, 2009 from: (http://news.cnet.com/2100-1025_3-6102935.html)