Use/value of using blogs in teaching/learning SS
First and foremost, blogs are the ‘in-thing’ now, especially among teenagers. We have to be mindful that we are working with the IT-natives here. Thus, as a platform that is familiar and of interest to them, I believe there is some practical value in using blogs to teach SS. We need to make them interested in something first before we can engage them in it.
Next, blogs allow the 'publishing' and sharing of ideas. It thus encourages student-centred learning. Students interact with their peers, negotiate issues and so, they collaborate together to construct their own unique understanding.
Further, because blogs are open to be viewed by others, students will have to bear the responsibility of any consequences that may be brought about by their entries. In the process, we engage them in personal development.
The way students interact in their blogs can also serve as a source to be examined. It tells about the relationship between people in our society, how language is used, the issues that they are concerned with etc.
Next, blogs allow the 'publishing' and sharing of ideas. It thus encourages student-centred learning. Students interact with their peers, negotiate issues and so, they collaborate together to construct their own unique understanding.
Further, because blogs are open to be viewed by others, students will have to bear the responsibility of any consequences that may be brought about by their entries. In the process, we engage them in personal development.
The way students interact in their blogs can also serve as a source to be examined. It tells about the relationship between people in our society, how language is used, the issues that they are concerned with etc.
Actually, wouldn't an online forum be better for interaction, negotiation and collaboration? Personally, I would set up an online forum instead of using blogs. Not that there is no value in using blogs but that I feel an online forum is more conducive and better organized.
As a side-note on bearing responsibility, people learn about that only after they suffer some consequences. I'm sure Wee Shu Min knows about responsibility for her posts now. Heh. =p
Posted by
Junhao |
April 16, 2007 at 12:34 AM
I sure agree that discussion forums will be more organized. However, I feel that blogs are closer to their hearts and so it will be a more light-hearted platform for communication. I guess once students are comfortable sharing ideas, we can then bring them on to more structured discussion on forums.
Posted by
Ms Toh |
April 16, 2007 at 12:54 PM
Students like to 'blog-surf'. So I would say they might like the idea of surfing to this blog and checking out, rather than participate in a forum.
But yes I agree that forum would have a neater structure.
Posted by
Regent NE Team |
April 16, 2007 at 6:40 PM
I think getting students to write in blogs will allow them to practice for the exams too...
For example, say a teacher post a topic or issue and students are supposed to comment on them...
Then the teacher can emphasize that they post 'good entries'... What I mean by 'good entries' are postings that have relevant points and are well- supported. Eg. Students can use the P E E format...
P - state their Point
E - provide Examples
E - substantiate further with Elaboration
This will be a more interesting practice then answering and writing on paper...
Hmmm...But will this stifle or deter them from posting? Becoz they might find it too troublesome or restrictive...
Posted by
Anonymous |
April 22, 2007 at 9:40 PM
hmm i was just wondering how much time a SS teacher would need to monitor say 3 classes of 40 students' blogs. Make that 120 blogs! *gasp* I think for practicality sake, 1 blog for 1 class or sub group first so that teachers have the time to read entries, make comments, act as gatekeepers if necessary...
Posted by
Mich |
April 22, 2007 at 11:29 PM