Blogging is a tremendous resource for educators and students alike. However, it has taken some time for educators to embrace it as an educational medium. Personally I admit, I had a difficult time sitting down and attempting my first Blog. It reminded me of sitting in from of a blank piece of paper with pencil in hand. You have a general idea of the purpose of your writing, but not where to begin and whether you should write at all. Although I had diaries and journals throughout my life, I never imagined sharing my thoughts on such a grand scale. For teachers, it can be a bit frightening.
Teens and younger adults don't seem to be as inhibited with posting their thoughts and feelings for the world to see. I can't help but think that it is a reflection of the gap between the Digital Natives and the Digital Immigrants. The Natives have grown up with communication methods that are fast, yet more tangible then the generations before. The Immigrant generation communicated as well, but their communications were not generally in permanent form. For instance, Immigrants primarily communicated their thoughts or feelings to one another through vocalizations. When Immigrants were together they would talk, when apart, they would use the phone for more verbal communication. Verbal communication is generally not recorded, or made permanent. Communication between Digital Natives however, has developed through verbal, but also through text messaging. Whether IMs on the computer, or texts on the phone, the Natives have been putting there thoughts into a more permanent form for most of their lives. Blogging is then just the next step in the progression.
While we as Immigrants are leery of putting out our thoughts for all to see, the Natives do not think twice about it. As discussed in a previous blog, this can be a safety issue as well as a character issue. Posts and comments, seen or misunderstood by unintended audiences can affect outcomes later on. Natives, as the term applies are familiar and comfortable in their environment. Interaction and maneuvering through the Cyber landscape is a natural function. It is a comfort zone. When you are in a comfort zone, defenses are down. As Immigrants, you are aware of all around you as you try to navigate through the environment. You are also more keenly aware of dangers and the possibility of taking the wrong turn. The uncomfortable state heightens your senses to dangers, making you cautious.
Is it any wonder that we as Digital Immigrants have such a difficult time using and embarrassing this form of communication?
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Blogging for Teens
I just finished reading a book titled, "Blogging for Teens" by John W. Gosney. I found the book very interested and I would recommend it for any teacher that is thinking about using Blogging in their curriculum with some modifications in delivery.
Written for the teen age blogger, the book explains what blogging as a way of finding your voice and establishing a personal style. The writer draws a connection he calls the, "Blog-to-Bedroom-Wall Connection". He draws that analogy that blogging is a way to create and share personal identity. In much the same way as teenagers decorate their bedroom walls with posters and things that speak to their uniqueness, so to the Blog becomes an expression of the teens uniqueness.
The writer goes on to make suggestions as to how to find your own voice and uniqueness and how to consider your audience. There are chapters devoted to the actual creation and hosting process of Blogging as the "Care and Feeding"of your blog.
The book is written for the teen and the author does a good job speaking to his intended audience, however, as an adult reader, a mom and a technology expert, there were some aspects that were not covered as well as I would have liked. The main issue that was skirted was Internet SAFETY! Throughout the book there are examples of a fictitious teenager's blog. Even within the example blog, there were many references to information that could have been used to find the writer. Although the writer does discuss safety issues it does not occur in earnest until the middle of the book and then it is skimmed over.
Back to my recommendation, I still believe that with guided reading, the material in this book could be used to introduce Blogging to teens, however, I strongly recommend that a class in Internet safety be addressed first. Let's help them find their voices in a safe way!
Written for the teen age blogger, the book explains what blogging as a way of finding your voice and establishing a personal style. The writer draws a connection he calls the, "Blog-to-Bedroom-Wall Connection". He draws that analogy that blogging is a way to create and share personal identity. In much the same way as teenagers decorate their bedroom walls with posters and things that speak to their uniqueness, so to the Blog becomes an expression of the teens uniqueness.
The writer goes on to make suggestions as to how to find your own voice and uniqueness and how to consider your audience. There are chapters devoted to the actual creation and hosting process of Blogging as the "Care and Feeding"of your blog.
The book is written for the teen and the author does a good job speaking to his intended audience, however, as an adult reader, a mom and a technology expert, there were some aspects that were not covered as well as I would have liked. The main issue that was skirted was Internet SAFETY! Throughout the book there are examples of a fictitious teenager's blog. Even within the example blog, there were many references to information that could have been used to find the writer. Although the writer does discuss safety issues it does not occur in earnest until the middle of the book and then it is skimmed over.
Back to my recommendation, I still believe that with guided reading, the material in this book could be used to introduce Blogging to teens, however, I strongly recommend that a class in Internet safety be addressed first. Let's help them find their voices in a safe way!
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