I have never been a huge fan of blogging and I think that is partly because of lack of understanding. I always saw blogging as an online journal and I'm not a journal person.
Sue's presentation was great in that it gave me a better understanding of what blogging is and how it can be used. I had already gone through all the step by step process in setting up a blog so that area I felt comfortable in except for a few little pieces.
What I like the most about what Sue said was how blogging gave people a voice. I think for where I work this is such a great tool. I am in an alternative setting where a lot of students struggle. They have difficulties with relationships, alcohol/drugs, family disfunction, police, and mental health issues. Blogging gives these students an avenue to express their thoughts, frustrations and feeling in a safe way.
I see blogging in our school at a way for kids to communicate with staff, students and beyond. I also see it as a way for them to show their writing and use it as a hand in tool for some of their writing assignments. It seems that as soon as you change the process of writing from paper and pencil or word to a blog students open of the flood gates.
So onward we go...
Hi Benita
ReplyDeleteAs someone who originally struggled with "Why blog?" I understand why others struggle.
I try to visualize their voice as being whatever works for their learning style and personal preference. What engages us varies considerably. My personal preference is text with visuals. I'm less into video. Whereas you see some students really come alive when they are able to express their stories as videos.
My advice is whatever you choose to do with students expose them to a range of options that include text, images, videos, audio etc
Sue @suewaters