The educational technology philosophy exercise helped me to realize that I like to have activities that have a real-life purpose. I want to learn things in this class that I can use myself and with my students. I like to look at blogs for entertainment, but they can also be full of information, such as a Texas Librarian blog that I look at. There is a blog we call "the crazy mom blog" that is really full of information yet downright entertaining as well. I think that blogs are definitely an outlet for creative people. Blogs provide a forum for questions, reflection, information, emotions and more. I would like to create my own blog of what I like to read with reviews and maybe my own travels. The philosophy assignment made me realize that as teachers, we have an important role to play in getting these children ready for life with ever-changing technology.
Today I talked to a friend and fellow teacher and mentioned that I needed to work on this blog. She asked how a blog could be important or beneficail to education? I told her that unlike a webpage, it is somewhat interactive in that readers can leave comments or ask questions. Also, a teacher can post assignments or give instructions on a blog. Blogs can be collaborative for students and teachers alike. I told her they have so many uses and some people make money due to the advertising links and such provided if the blog is popular.
Have we seen the potential for blogs outlined in the article by Downes? Yes and no. I think that it can be used more in education. I really like that students seem to be encouraged to write when it is for a blog. They love to be heard. The collaborative aspect of blogs can be seen when used in the classroom and outside the walls of the brick and mortar classroom. I believe the point was made that it is the information that blogs link to that make it relevant to education or whatever. Blogging definitely has not reached its potential. On the other hand, I think in some areas it may have surpassed what the author imagined. Who would have thought that someone's opinions on a subject or products like diapers, could make money?
In the November article, the author makes some good points. I have to agree that to informate is way more important than to automate. I have seen money thrown into technology without clear ideas about what information was needed. Technology for the sake of saying you have it is wasted money. I still think that training on the technology is needed. I think that teachers always have great ideas for lessons and projects. Another good point the author made is to always know who is behind the information on the Internet.
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