Thing # 5

Setting up the reader was fairly simple.  I have a RSS feed to my district email, but someone told me what to do and I did not remember the steps.  So, I welcome this training.  Now I am not just remotely completing steps as someone calls them out.

Through setting up the required feeds, I have found that I’m drawn to the Techlearning one.  I have found numerous tidbits of information there.  The only drawback is that it takes about 15 seconds to direct you to the proper page unless you click on the “continue to page” link.  I have "starred" several items that I will go back to later.

I’m experimenting with the search to locate some educational media sites that would be helpful for classroom assignments.   I’m still perusing those sites.  I may be entering the wrong search criteria because I’m not retrieving what I envision. 

Thing # 4

In general, blog writing appears to be an outlet or an outreach to communicate or reflect on specific topics or opinions.  It is a relatively new communication medium to share thoughts and feelings.

A very distinct commonality in blog reading and writing with other reading and writing mediums is that they all contribute to learning.  Blogging and other types of reading and writing are all tools that help facilitate learning.  Blogging is a new way to encourage reading and writing.  It is different because it helps promote the use of technology and offers more connections to knowledge and information that may have been impossible, or were difficult to establish before blogging.

People making comments on blogs are assisting in changing the dynamics and definitions of learning.  Blogging is an innovative way to test ideas.  It allows for “shared” risk taking and reflection on success and items that are not successful.  Students that normally may not contribute in class might be more likely to journal or blog.  “Seeing and reading” different perspectives in a less formal environment could be a way to encourage them to share their thoughts and express their opinions.  Blogging can facilitate learning as being a medium for immediate response and feedback.   The drawback is that every student would need constant access to a computer and internet and that’s not always the case in classrooms.

I really enjoyed reading Patrick’s Update, 5^th grade.   This 5^th grade student shared his thoughts and feelings about not being the “best” student and basically taking flack from a sibling because of it.  Throughout the school year he received encouragement from all over the world and had a successful year.  His learning was definitely facilitated through his blogging.