Journal 1: NETS I - V

Light, D. (2011). Do web 2.0 right. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/Leading_and_Learning_Docs/February-2011-Do-Web-20-Right.sflb.ashx

Summary:

This article discuss how to use technology to engage students in their writing using tools such as blogs and wikis. David Light and his colleagues traveled throughout the country interviewing teachers about their success in incorporating these tools into their classrooms. Wikis were not found to be a common tool in classrooms. Blogs, on the other hand, served as a useful way for teachers to create discussion forums that facilitated conversations with their students and parents. The research on blogs argues that daily use of these sites were more effective in learning than for just special projects. Light wrote that both individual and classroom blogs are a good way for teachers to have conversations outside of class with their students and allow kids to post and reflect on their thoughts and computer findings. The classroom blog seemed to generate more interest in that it created discussions between students, as well as teachers. Both, however, highlighted certain students insecurities about sharing their work. Light went on to discuss the nature of this fear and suggested that teachers carefully consider the audience by limiting the viewer access to students, teachers and parents alone. The last part of the article talked about teacher responsibility in enforcing appropriate behavior on these sites. I was somewhat disheartened after reading this because none of Light’s solutions to the student’s insecurities seemed to address the problems fully.

Question 1: How could I prevent cyber-bullying or other peer-related issues from arising if a classroom blog is used?

If I used a class related blog in my class, I could post a list of requirements for student comments to help student generate constructive responses. I could also inform students that both their parents and I would be reading all of their comments and taking any necessary actions to prevent misuse. One option could be suggesting that students post a compliment about their peer’s post as well as something constructive.

Question 2: How could I encourage shy children to share their thoughts?

I could try to create a comfortable virtual atmosphere by avoiding topics that could create personal issues. I could also have the kids work together in creating the blog or have the class as a whole determine how the blogs should work so that every child has ownership of it.